As I set off for my first ever reflexology treatment, a few questions sprung to mind. Such as how can someone rubbing my feet cure my period pains and
make an otherwise stressed-out person feel a sense of calm? For my treatment
I booked an hour’s reflexology at the Orchard in Horsforth which is a centre
offering counselling and complementary therapy to treat a wide variety of medical
conditions. The main waiting area has a very calm atmosphere with the addition
of a soothing water feature and soft lighting. I immediately felt more relaxed. My
treatment was with a qualified reflexologist called Rob Levine. Before the treatment
began he made me feel totally at ease and explained everything I wanted to now
about the art of reflexology. This healing technique originates from 4000BC,
around the same time as acupuncture, and works by applying pressure on parts
of the feet and hands, channelling the body’s own natural healing powers. This
helps to correct any imbalance in the body, remove harmful toxins, improve nerve
function and blood supply, increase energy levels and leave the body feeling relaxed
refreshed and revitalised. The thousands of nerve endings that are in each foot are
stimulated by the reflexologist enabling the nerval pathways to open and clear, helping
the body achieve a state of balance. I mentioned to Rob that I had a few minor health
problems I hoped he might be able to help me with, and then I lay back and relaxed.
Firstly Rob warmed my feet and boosted my circulation by massaging both feet in
fast movements. He then worked on each foot individually, taking time to assess
each part of the foot and relating them to parts of my body. Rob was able to pin
point any blocked channels in my body as he focused on the nerve channels to my
brain, arms and shoulders. This was particularly interesting as I have recently started
exercise classes that have put a lot of strain on my upper body. As I lay back and
relaxed I began to feel a sense of warmth. The music that Rob played throughout the
treatment was my own choice — I opted for panpipes but patients can listen to
whatever they like. As my treatment came to an end I could quite easily have drifted
off to sleep. Rob explained to me that he was now going to pass energy through the
channels in my body by holding both feet at certain pressure points and then allowing
the energy to flow through my body. This was an amazing sensation as I immediately
felt uplifted and energised; so much so in fact that I found myself grinning like a
Cheshire cat. Everybody reacts differently to the treatment in terms of how they feel
afterwards. Some people feel sleepy, others feel a sense of harmony, destressed
or, like me, uplifted and ready to face anything! My first experience of reflexology was
definitely an interesting one, particularly as at first I didn’t understand how it worked.
“Many people who are new to reflexology are interested to see how it can work for
them,” explained Rob. “It is certainly worth trying, as it is not only extremely effective
at treating stress, depression, tension and tiredness but is a wonderful alternative
treatment for pain relief and so many other ailments. What I say to people is that
reflexology really does work and I have had many clients who have seen very positive
results.”
To book a consultation and treatment with Rob call The Orchard,
on 0113 281 9493. Rob charges £35.00 for a 1 hour treatment.