The way Reflexology works is by stimulating reflex areas in the feet, hands, or ears, working on pressure points that correspond to each and every gland, organ and part of the body. Each foot has over 7000 nerve endings, 26 bones, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles.

It is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet and its simple, non-invasive method helps to balance the body therapy in which employs techniques similar to acupressure. Reflexology is also used, but not as often, on the hands. One of the great things about hand and foot reflexology is that it is simple, effective and safe.

Reflexology is one of the most powerful natural healing techniques available, sometimes known as Zone Therapy as the body is divided into different zones represented by a point in the foot or hand. A gentle therapy with no known side effects, Reflexology is where the practitioner sees the patient as a whole.

Foot Reflexology is perhaps the most well-known form of the therapy practised in Europe. It’s a form of natural healing which has been practiced for countless centuries but not all reflexology is the same and unfortunately foot reflexology is considered by many to be just about a foot massage. Research indicates there are reflex zones in the feet that affect the levels of stress, wellness and energy in our bodies. It is one of the very best non-drug, non-invasive ways to increase circulation throughout the body and in the feet themselves.

During the 1930s, therapist Eunice Ingham further refined the zone therapy into what we now refer to as foot reflexology which uses the concept that all nerves begin in the foot. The feet are considered channels too many vital organs, with over 60 acupuncture points on the soles of our feet alone.

Reflexology is a gentle holistic therapy with many health benefits and becoming more and more relevant for today's increasingly stressful lifestyle and without doubt, the complementary therapy of reflexology is worth investigating. During a one week intensive course, for example, you can learn the techniques of foot reflexology and the healing benefits of this rejuvenating therapy.

Receiving reflexology is like getting an internal massage and is being used in an ever increasing number of working situations and environments and because it is a natural therapy it can be used for pain relief in addition to relaxation. It is also very effective in the labour room and as well as having physical benefits, reflexology is also believed to help clients on an emotional and spiritual level and is an excellent complement to traditional medical care.

Because of this reflexology is the fastest-growing requested bodywork and is now used in some NHS cancer wards and hospices in the UK.