Reflexology - The Alternative Approach
Duncan Whitney-Groom
There is little understanding of Reflexology and the benefits the treatment offers and many people believe it to be something entirely different. In today's World, it is fast becoming a complimentary form of therapy providing pain relief, emotional release, reducing stress and promoting relaxation and improved sleep.
Reflexology is an effective form of therapeutic foot massage and is a natural form of healing which uses the feet to treat the entire body. It is classified as a holistic therapy - the term 'holistic' derived from the Greek word holos, meaning 'whole' - and as such aims to treat the individual as an entity, incorporating body, mind and spirit.
The Reflexology treatment is a method of activating the healing powers of the body and is a completely natural way of increasing circulation to the internal organs through the feet, working to restore function of the body to normal.
The technique of Reflexology involves a specialised form of compression massage, applied to the feet with the fingers and thumbs. Every part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet. By working over the reflex areas of the feet, imbalances in the energy pathways may be detected and the build up of toxins or areas of congestion can be cleared.
Negative thoughts and emotions restrict the free flow of energy throughout our bodies, causing congestions that ultimately manifest as disease if not corrected. It is now accepted that a positive attitude is a major step toward creating a healthy body. Negative attitudes will never facilitate a cure, but a positive attitude goes a long way toward attaining and sustaining a healthy body and mind. The negative effects of emotions, attitudes, stress, lifestyle and diet can throw the body out of synchronisation causing malfunction. If one part ceases to function correctly, the whole suffers.
There are no boundaries or limitations with Reflexology. People of any age or sex, the elderly, women, men, teenagers, children and babies - can all benefit positively. Elderly people with no specific complaint will benefit from a couple of courses of treatment a year to keep bodily functions toned. Results are also good with children and babies because they are more relaxed and supple and their bodies are highly receptive to therapeutic stimulation.
People disillusioned with modern medicine are demanding a safer, more natural form of therapy. Both orthodox and alternative practices have their place in health care and should ideally work together, since no one therapy can claim to be able to deal with every disease.
The main object of holistic healing is to help correct the life condition that predisposes a person to disease.
People whom have taken a course of Reflexology have found great benefit from the treatment and have acknowledged a feeling of relaxation, improved sleep patterns, emotional and pain relief along with increased energy levels.
Duncan trained in Reflexology at the Holistic Training Centre and qualified through the
International Institute of Health and Holistic therapies.
His intention on leaving school was to go to University and train as a physiotherapist but his love of horses took over and he became a Dressage and Event rider. Although Duncan still loves to ride, he discovered alternative therapies and the benefits gained from them and his interest in Reflexology took over.
For information, or an appointment please contact The Natural Practice, 106 Stockbridge Road, Winchester. Tel 01962 856310 www.thenaturalpractice.com. |