Therapeutic Reflexology
Therapeutic Reflexology became a recognized health profession under the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, allowing Therapeutic Reflexologists who have complied to apply for AHPCSA registration.
Therapeutic Reflexology is based on the principle that reflexes, or areas, on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears and other parts of the body relate to the internal organs and other structures of the body.
Therapeutic Reflexology is a non-invasive and truly holistic therapy. While the patient is treated the practitioner keeps in mind that focus should not only be on the symptoms as the body is an integration of many systems and structures and does not function separately.
By stimulating relevant reflex areas using pressure and specific techniques; balance is achieved and function of internal organs and systems normalized.
Therapeutic Reflexology treatment further the optimal functioning of the circulatory system; that results in nutrients being taken to all the relevant areas efficiently as the blood flow is improved through nerve stimulation.
Therapeutic Reflexology also improves blood and nerve supply to muscles; therefore, assisting in the relaxation of muscle spasm and tension. It promotes a more active peripheral vascular return. By using nerve stimulation Therapeutic Reflexology also promotes proper muscle tone.
Therapeutic Reflexology benefits and relieve pain in various nervous and autoimmune disorders; as it can be both stimulating and sedative to the nervous system. Regular therapeutic treatments will benefit the process of elimination as it will regulate the system more efficiently.
Stimulation of the lymphatic system assists the immune system; which is of utmost importance for the functioning of a healthy defence system against pathogens.
There are numerous other benefits experienced by using Therapeutic Reflexology as the stimulation assists the body’s healing processes and promote emotional and physiological well-being.
Therapeutic Reflexology treatment
The first Therapeutic Reflexology appointment will normally take half an hour longer as the following information is gathered and discussed; personal information such as individual and familial history of illnesses, allergies or intolerances, medical operations and relevant diagnosis, chronic and OTC medication used, sleep patterns, energy levels, relaxation, exercise regimen and nutrition. Information gathered will be used in order to allow for a lifestyle assessment.
Important: You will be advised that should you be under any doctor’s treatment at present, that you will proceed as prescribed.
Therapeutic Reflexology treatments thereafter generally takes about 60 minutes to complete all depending various other individual factors.
The question most patients ask is will a Therapeutic Reflexology treatment hurt? When there is sensitivity or tenderness in a specific area, it could be for various reasons. It could just be a commonly sensitive reflex area such as the pituitary reflex, the liver reflex, etc.
As the therapist work on the area the sensitivity will be brief and only lasts as long as the pressure is applied but it is always kept at bearable levels for the patient as the therapist will adjust pressure accordingly.
Another frequent question asked is how long it will take for Therapeutic Reflexology to bring about change to the condition. The number of treatments will vary according to the patient and condition. Well-established conditions will take longer to treat, but generally a change could be noticed after about 4 treatments for short term conditions. The efficacy of the treatments is influenced by the frequency and the ability of the patient to implement and adhere to lifestyle changes which are recommended by the therapist. Generally, treatments are given once or twice a week and as soon as there is improvement the treatments are spaced out fortnightly and then to monthly treatments for maintenance.
The public needs to note that Therapeutic Reflexologists are required to be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.
www.ahpcsa.co.za
