European Style Foot Reflexology or FootZone Therapy

By Tonya Gamman

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our stress-filled lives in the metropolis of Seattle is a pocket of relief, peace and pleastreatmen

Many Eastside residents take a break from the rat race to relax and restore with a reflexology.

History

Variations of the modern practice of reflexology have existed in many of the ancient healing cultures including India, Egypt, China and Native American cultures.  Now widely practiced across the world, variations of the reflexology techniques are known in other countries as Pressure Point Massage, Compression Massage, Pointed Pressure Massage, Vita-Flex, ZoneTherapy, Reflex Zone Therapy or Reflexotherapy.

Firmly established in Issaquah for years, but just becoming more 'trendy' recently, Eastside residents turn to reflexology for a multitude of physical complaints and its ability to relieve stress and relax the body and mind.

Typical Reflexology Treatment

A typical reflexology session begins by cleansing the feet with a warm bath or with a steaming towel. After the feet are clean and warmed the treatment begins. You can tell truly experienced reflexologists by the calluses on the knuckles of their thumb and fingers! At the outset, the reflexologist will ask you if you want the pressure to be applied soft, medium, or hard. They will also ask you if you have any particular physical complaints, so they can focus on the reflex points that will alleviate these complaints. The exact methods of the reflexology treatment depend on the training and skill of the reflexologist.

The Treatment

Basically, reflex zones (nerve endings) in the feet are massaged or stimulated in order to encourage blood circulation and normalize the function of the body's internal organs to aid the body's own healing processes. A complete session focuses on the hundreds of reflex points on the feet, each of which corresponds to a particular gland, organ or body part.  Pressure is applied with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques to the reflex points. As the reflexologist applies pressure to the various points, let her know if the pressure is too hard or too soft. Feel free to ask which part of the body a particular reflex point is effecting, especially if you feel pain there!

Pain

 It is normal to feel some pain during a reflexology session, especially in early treatments. Pain levels will differ according to your physical health, tolerance to pain and the intensity of the treatment. Reflexology treatments have been referred to as a kind of exquisite torture. Torture when the practitioner hits a spot that is especially sensitive and exquisite because of the relief and feeling of  wellbeing you experience after treatments .When you see a reflexologist on a regular basis, she can keep track of your progress and will keep a record of your visits. While a responsible reflexologist will not claim to be able to cure your physical symptoms, they can offer treatments that will lead to alleviation of symptoms. Just as with other natural therapies, reflexology focuses on the body's own healing processes, using its own recuperative resources to heal and restore.

Contraindications

 Reflexology treatments should not be given to pregnant women, and those with serious heart conditions. A responsible practitioner will also tell you that treatments can not help people with certain extreme conditions: those who have damaged nerve endings through drug overdoses or sports injuries or those with advanced malignant tumors or those who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Benefits

Benefits of Reflexology: Some people may think that foot reflexology is just a fancy foot massage. However, while goal of massage is to simply to relax muscles and relieve pain, a reflexology treatment focuses on the nerve endings, which are found in and around muscles and bones in the feet. The goal is not relaxation alone, but the healing and preventative powers which affect the whole body, not just the feet.

Practitioners tout reflexology as a natural healing method, relieving many physical conditions without drugs and with no negative side effects! In fact, reflexology relaxation effects are so strong that recipients may fall to sleep at the end of an effective treatment. Many find that a good treatment in peaceful surroundings leads to a deep relaxation of the body and mind and a fantastic night's sleep later that night.

Treatment Times

Without a doubt, the most relaxing and mind-altering experience is Tonya’s deluxe treatment. Tonya focuses on the quality of the overall relaxation experience for her customers, with an effort to please all the senses. The ambience of a soothing décor, soft indirect lighting, comfortable chairs, private rooms, and soothing music add to Tonya’s treatments to create an Oasis of relaxation for your enjoyment. Tonya’s treatments last 90-40 minutes – 10 minutes for the hot rock reiki , 70 minutes for the initial foot reflexology, aromatherapy, with custom essential oils. The foot reflexology is followed by a 10-minute auricular therapy (ear acupressure points), which is guaranteed to bring tingles up your spine! This treatment allows busy mothers and overworked professionals to experience a quick escape from their daily activities. Tonya says, “It's my goal that my clients feel totally relaxed and rejuvenated after a visit so that they can get back to their activities more effectively." So, if you're looking for a healthy way to relax and a natural high, or just a great self-pampering session, try a Reflexology treatments for yourself see how reflexology treatments can lead to enhanced health, profound relaxation and pleasure, and a rejuvenation of the spirit!