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Reflexology is a wonderful relaxing complementary therapy

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It involves applying pressure to specific areas on the feet or hands. The theory behind reflexology is that these areas, known as reflex points or zones, correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. By applying pressure to these points, a reflexologist aims to promote relaxation, improve overall well-being, and alleviate various health issues.

Who is it for?

Reflexology is like a specialised foot or hand massage, but it's more than just relaxation. By working on specific points on the feet or hands, therapists can indirectly influence the health of other parts of the body. It's based on the idea that there are energy pathways in the body, and manipulating these pathways can have positive effects on your health.

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People often seek reflexology for relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, and to help with specific conditions like headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain. During a reflexology session, you typically sit or lie down, and the reflexologist applies pressure to certain points while using various techniques to promote relaxation and balance in the body. 

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Reflexology can be a gentle and relaxing complementary therapy used during pregnancy to promote overall well-being and alleviate some common discomforts associated with pregnancy. Here's how reflexology is used during pregnancy:

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  1. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and reflexology can help pregnant women relax. By stimulating specific reflex points on the feet or hands, reflexologists aim to induce relaxation and reduce stress, which can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby.

  2. Alleviating Pregnancy Discomforts: Reflexology might be used to help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, swollen ankles, nausea, and headaches. By working on specific reflex points associated with these areas, reflexologists aim to provide relief.

  3. Balancing Hormones: Hormonal imbalances are common during pregnancy and can lead to mood swings and emotional stress. Reflexology is believed to help balance hormones, promoting emotional well-being.

  4. Promoting Better Sleep: Many pregnant women struggle with sleep, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Reflexology sessions may promote relaxation, making it easier for pregnant women to fall asleep and stay asleep.

  5. Preparing for Labour: Some women use reflexology in the later stages of pregnancy to prepare their bodies for labour. Practitioners may focus on specific reflex points associated with the reproductive system to help support a smoother labour process.

  6. Encouraging Natural Induction: There is a belief in some cultures that specific reflex points on the feet can encourage labour to start naturally. 

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It's important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before starting any complementary therapy, including reflexology. 

Contraindications: 

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A contra-indication is a reason or situation that either prevents treatment being carried out or that the treatment needs to be adjusted to suit the client’s specific need.

 

Reflexology is non-invasive, relaxing, and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people. However, there are two points to consider regarding contra-indications:

• For some contraindications (see below) GP permission (or a signed indemnity form) is required.

• There are some contra-indications that restrict treatment (either totally or locally - see below))

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Reflexology is restricted if you:

  • have a fever (>37.8°c).

  • are feeling nauseous or experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea.  

  • have an infectious disease.

  • are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

  • are under the influence of alcohol and recreational drugs.

  • have had an accident, injury or surgery within the last 3 months (6 months if major).

  • have localised swelling or inflammation (in the treatment area)

  • have an acute infectious & contagious disease, examples include: Scabies, Impetigo, Ringworm, Shingles, Measles, Pediculosis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Influenza.

  • have meningitis 

  • have Recent sprains, fractures, or muscle strains in the treatment area. Injury must be allowed to heal before treatment in the affected area can take place. Fractures – allow a minimum of 3 months before treatment on the area.

  • have disorders affecting the treatment area, for example: severe eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergy reactions, active alopecia, acne vulgaris, acne rosacea

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Conditions which require GP permission (or a signed indemnity form):

  • Angina Pectoral

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis

  • Arrhythmia

  • Arteriosclerosis

  • Asthma

  • Bell’s palsy

  • Cancer

  • Carotid Bruit

  • Cervical Spondylitis

  • Diabetes

  • Epilepsy

  • Haematoma

  • Haemophilia

  • Hereditary spastic paraplegia

  • HIV

  • Hypertension

  • Hypotension

  • Kidney infections / disorders Including cystitis  

  • Migraine

  • Motor neurone disease

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Muscular spasticity (thus conditions which cause this e.g., cerebral palsy)

  • Neuritis

  • Oedema

  • Osteoporosis

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Phlebitis

  • Prolapsed or herniated disc

  • Psychosis

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Sciatica

  • Spondylosis

  • Thrombosis

  • Undiagnosed pain

  • Varicose veins and varicose ulcers

  • Whiplash injury

Enso and logo

© 2025 by Lucy Zurich

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