Reflexology and Massage

About Alternative Horizons LLC Reflexology Sessions

· I offer reflexology in the Twin Cities as a personal, caring, and general health service.

· I graduated from Sister Rosalind Gefre’s School of massage in May 2001 with a Certificate in Reflexology. I am a certified member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals and I work within their code of ethics.

I concentrate upon the feet. Clients are simply asked to remove their shoes and socks. In accordance with The American Reflexology Certification Board, I do not use oils or lotions during the actual reflexology session although at the very end I do finish my work with a brief massage using a light foot lotion.

I believe that it is important to work on both feet for an equal amount of time and to cover all the reflexes. Ideally, I like to work for 60 minutes but I do offer a 30-minute service as well as extended sessions, which includes body massage.

Generally clients find their reflexology session extremely relaxing. Clients are able to lie down on my massage table with comfortable pillows and covering, while soothing music plays.

Prospective new clients who are pregnant or are being treated for a medical condition (and/or) take prescribed medication or have undergone surgery in the previous six months, need to inform their physician that they are considering reflexology. Please follow your physician’s advice. I do require your physician to sign a consent form. Please call my office and I will send you the necessary documentation.

New prospective clients should note that there are certain conditions that are contra-indicated for foot reflexology these include:

· A current fracture or recent surgery of the foot.
· A contagious or infectious skin problem on the foot.
· A large area on the foot of broken damaged skin. Lacerations, ulcers and open wounds.
· Substantial edema of the ankles or feet.
· Varicose veins in the feet, which are dilated, knotty and irregular shaped veins with incompetent valves.
· After an organ transplant until a release is obtained from the physician.

New prospective clients should also note that I am not a medical doctor and I do not diagnose. I cannot treat for a specific condition or illness. I cannot predict the future health of a client based on any symptoms that may be presenting themselves on the feet.

Reflexology Fees
Session Type	Fee
30 Minute	N/A
60 Minute	N/A

Payment is required at the time of service either in cash or by check made payable to: “Alternative Horizons LLC.”

I am unable to process medical insurance at this time.

Cancellation Policy.

If a client is unable to keep a scheduled appointment I require 24 hours notice of cancellation.

A client will be billed the full amount of a scheduled session if an appointment is missed without 24 hours prior notice unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Frequently asked questions about reflexology.

When was reflexology developed?

No one knows for certain but the earliest evidence can be traced back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. An original tomb carving has been discovered. It is thought to date back over five thousand years. In the East, the history of reflexology can be traced to India, to China and then to Japan. In more modern times the American Physician William Fitzgerald is credited with being the father of zone therapy. He developed this idea in the early twentieth century. His work was continued and developed by Dr.Joseph Riley and his assistant Eunice Ingham.

What can reflexology do for me?

Briefly, it helps you to relax, it helps to eliminate stress from your body and to enable your body to begin to balance and normalize itself. We all suffer from stress at one time or another, and aches and pains are a part of daily life. Reflexology has a long history of promoting relaxation and healing.

Foot and hand reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands, which correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction, which causes a physiological change in the body.

Reflexology, therefore, is the application of specific pressures to reflex points in the hands and the feet and it works through the nervous system.

It is believed that energy flows through vertical zones, which run from the feet to the head and down each arm to the hands. Any dysfunction within a zone creates an imbalance in that zone. This results in accumulations of waste matter from the organ around the corresponding reflex points on the feet, hands and ears. Firm finger pressure is used to break up the deposits, flush away toxins and restore normal energy flow.

How does reflexology differ from massage?

In contrast, therapeutic massage is the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, and as a result metabolic imbalance is restored within the soft tissues. Massage works through the musculature.

What are the primary benefits of reflexology?

· Reflexology promotes balance and normalization within the client’s body.
· Reflexology reduces stress and causes the client to relax.
· Reflexology improves circulation and lymphatic flow, oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the body’s cells and nerve impulse pathways are unblocked.

What are some specific conditions where reflexology might be helpful?

· Headaches, including migraines
· Arthritis
· High blood pressure
· Backache and sciatica
· Stress
· Allergies and sinus problems
· Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
· Constipation
· Insomnia
· Pre-menstrual syndrome
· Menstrual cramps

Have any scientific studies been conducted using reflexology?

Yes. Scientific studies in the U.S.A, Australia and Denmark have proved the effectiveness of reflexology.

The Australian Nurses Journal of July 1992 describes how reflexology has been used in the field of nursing. Nurses trained to use reflexology have had the opportunity to use it instead of sedatives, could cut down on anesthetic use and could use reflexology to enhance lymphatic drainage.

Obstetrics and Gynecology, December, 1993, published a randomized controlled study of premenstrual Symptoms treated with ear, hand and foot reflexology conducted by Terry Oleson and William Flocco. It was a scientifically valid study, which followed research protocol.

Thirty-five women participated in the study. There was a true reflexology group, a placebo group, and a 12-person control group. The true reflexology group received pressure to points considered to be appropriate for the treatment of PMS, while the placebo group received treatment to points not considered to be appropriate. The results were as follows:

· Total PMS symptoms showed a 46% reduction for the true reflexology group and a 19% reduction for the placebo group.

· Physical symptoms showed a 43% reduction for the true reflexology group and a 17% reduction for the placebo group.

· Mental and emotional symptoms showed a 50% reduction for the true reflexology group and a 22% reduction for the placebo group.

Can you work on children and the elderly?

Yes, however it is best to limit sessions to 30 minutes and I use light pressure.

My feet are generally sensitive will my reflexology session hurt?

There are many reasons why a client may experience tenderness.
· General tension and stress of everyday living. · Trauma such as surgery or injury, either to the foot or to some part of the body. · Specific foot disorders such as bunions, corns, bone spurs etc
· Low pain tolerance.
· Drugs.
· Illness anywhere in the body.
· Lymph congestion around an organ or throughout the body.
· Certain diseases such as diabetes.

I am sensitive to my client’s needs and ask that they communicate any discomfort. If a client is experiencing tenderness I adjust my pressure. I can use extremely light pressure and the session will be just as effective. In the 1930’s Dr.Edgar Adrian discovered that the electrical intensity of the nerve impulse depended on the size of the nerve rather than upon the strength of the stimulus. This means that applying light pressure can be just as effective as heavy pressure.

I aim to make my client’s session as relaxing and as pain free as possible. This is the client’s time to truly relax and escape from the pressures of everyday living.

How will I feel after my reflexology session?

Generally clients feel relaxed and less stressed. It is a good idea to drink plenty of water following any bodywork session due to the amount of toxins that are released into the circulatory system. Water aids the body in waste elimination.

Some clients may experience more tiredness than usual this is often because the parasympathetic nervous system has become more dominant in the body. The body responds by needing more rest and sleep so that it can repair itself. Some clients may feel energized and experience more vitality than usual. Sometimes there is a change in urination, bowel movements, discharges, or the return of old symptoms. These reactions last a few days and are a sign that the body is returning to a state of balance.

I would like to learn more. Can you recommend any good books?

Crane, Beryl. Reflexology A Basic Guide. Element 1998.
Byers, Dwight. Better Health With Foot Reflexology. Ingham Publishing INC. Revised Edition 2001.
Issel, Christine. Reflexology: Art, Science and History. New Frontier Publishing, 1990.

 

About Alternative Horizons LLC Massage Sessions
 

I am a graduate of Sister Rosalind Gefre's School of Professional Massage. I have also passed the The National Board Certification Examination for massage and bodywork. I am a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Practitioners.

 

Massage  Fees
Session Type	Fee
30 Minute	N/A
60 Minute	N/A

 

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