Evastar
Inactive User
History of Reflexology
Although the true origins of reflexology are obscured by the mists of time, what is obvious is that as a therapy it has existed for at least six thousand years, if not more, and continues to grow in popularity world wide.
Modern History
The rediscovery of a system of foot treatment is accredited to Dr. William H. Fitzgerald (1872 – 1942), an ear, nose and throat specialist from Connecticut, New England, USA. Dr. Fitzgerald also worked in London and Vienna.
Dr. Fitzgerald discovered that applying pressure to a point on the hand or foot that corresponded to an area elsewhere on the body could provide pain relief. He divided the body up into ten longitudinal zones, or channels. He called his system Zone Therapy.
In 1915 Dr. Edwin Bowers, one of Fitzgerald’s medical colleagues wrote a newspaper article about Zone Therapy called ‘to stop that toothache, squeeze your toe’. In 1917 Dr. Fitzgerald and Dr. Bowers co-authored a book entitled ‘Zone Therapy’.
Despite being ridiculed by most of his medical colleagues, one of them showed a keen interest and Fitzgerald went on to teach Zone Therapy to him - Dr. Joseph Shelby Riley.
Dr. Riley learned the Zone Therapy techniques from Dr. Fitzgerald and subsequently wrote a number of books on the subject.
Dr. Riley taught Zone Therapy to his wife Elizabeth, and to a young massage student called Eunice Ingham.
Elizabeth Riley and Eunice Ingham both became fascinated by the subject and by the 1930’s had gradually developed their own theories and pressure point systems. Eunice Ingham pioneered the use of reflex pressure techniques on the feet and hands. She called her system ‘Compression Massage’, a name she later changed to ‘Reflexology’.
Elizabeth Riley stayed working in her husband’s chiropractic practice, while Eunice Ingham began to travel the length and breadth of the USA, bringing Reflexology to the general public.
In 1938 Eunice published her first book ‘Stories the Feet Can Tell’. This was followed in 1945 by her second book ‘Stories the Feet Have Told’.
Eunice Ingham is regarded as the creator and founder of Reflexology and carried on treating people until the late 1960’s. She died in 1974.
The reflexology charts Eunice Ingham developed are now the standard used by reflexologists worldwide. Her work has been carried on since her death by her nephew, Dwight Byers.
Doreen Bayly studied with Eunice Ingham in the US; and in the 1960’s brought Reflexology to Britain. Doreen published a book called Reflexology Today. She set up The Bayly School of Reflexology in England, where she taught until her death in 1976. The Bayly School is currently being run by Nicola Hall.
Definition of Reflexology
Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet which mirror and correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body.
The fingers and thumbs use specific pressure and techniques to work on these reflex points, which help to release blocked energy.
This in turn promotes improved circulation, releases stress, revitalizes energy and aids in the removal of toxins, bringing the body back to a state of homeostasis, i.e. bringing balance back to the systems of the body.
What Does Reflexology Do?
Reflexology is a holistic therapy, which means it works on the mind, body and spirit, not just on a physical level. It is non-invasive and completely natural.
Reflexology is not used to diagnose, or cure illness; but works with the body to promote and encourage self-healing.
Reflexology encourages relaxation and relieves stress.
In these busy modern times, stress is known to cause 75% of all illness and disease.
Longitudinal Zones
There are ten longitudinal zones running through the body, 5 on each foot. The big toe on each foot is zone one, running up the entire length of the body, and the little toe is zone five, with the other toes in between corresponding to zones two, three and four respectively.
Working on a point in a longitudinal zone stimulates the energy flow in that entire zone and can clear energy blockages from any point in the zone.
Transverse Zones
The foot can be further divided by the following transverse lines:
The Shoulder Line is an imaginary horizontal line across the sole of the foot, just below the base of the toes. All points above the Shoulder Line refer to the head and neck areas and their corresponding organs and glands e.g. eyes, ears, sinuses, pituitary gland etc.
The Diaphragm Line runs across the sole of the foot, just under the ball of the foot. All points in the area between the Shoulder Line and the Diaphragm Line refer to the organs and glands found in the chest area of the body e.g. lungs, heart, thyroid gland etc.
The Waist Line is found slightly below the centre of the sole of the foot. Everything between the Diaphragm Line and the Waist Line corresponds to what is found between the diaphragm and the waist on the torso, e.g. liver, kidneys, stomach, spleen, adrenal glands etc.
The Pelvic Line runs across the sole of the foot, where the heel pad meets the softer flesh. All points found between the Waist Line and Pelvic Line correspond to the organs found in the abdomen e.g. large and small intestines, bladder etc.
Below the Pelvic Line the points correspond to the sciatic nerve and pelvic area.
Referral Zones
In Reflexology, the foot and leg are considered to be mirrored by the hand and arm: therefore if the foot cannot be treated for any reason, the corresponding hand can be treated instead.
Hip ↔ Shoulder
Thigh ↔ Upper Arm
Knee ↔ Elbow
Calf ↔ Forearm
Ankle ↔ Wrist
Foot ↔ Hand
Fingers ↔ Toes
Thumb ↔ Big Toe
The hand is usually not used during a Reflexology treatment, partly because the hand is not as sensitive as the foot, as it is exposed to the elements continually, and also because the reflexes tend to be deeper.
However, the hand is very useful for performing ‘self-help’ techniques e.g. to help with a headache, and some simple techniques can easily be shown to clients to enable them to work on themselves.
Anatomy of the Feet and Hands
Anatomy of the Feet
There are 26 bones in each foot: 14 phalanges (3 in each toe except the big toe which has two), 5 metatarsals and 7 tarsals (ankle bones): the calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid and three cuneiform.
Each foot has three main arches, the Medial Longitudinal Arch, which is the highest arch in the foot, the Lateral Longitudinal Arch and the Transverse Arch.
The feet bear the weight of the entire body. Wearing high heels and bad posture can affect the feet, and if not corrected can lead to long term damage.
Diseases and Disorders of the Feet
Because the feet spend a lot of time covered up and enclosed in shoes, they are susceptible to a number of problems, like fungal infections e.g. tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) and bunions and hammer toes, which are caused by ill fitting foot wear.
While disorders like bunions, corns, hammer toes and diseases like gout and arthritis are painful, the foot can still be treated with reflexology; whereas a contagious disease like athlete’s foot, verrucas and fungal infections of the nails are total contraindications and may not be treated.
Anatomy of the Hands
There are 27 bones in each hand: 14 phalanges (3 in each finger and two in each thumb), 5 metacarpals and eight carpals (wrist bones): scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezoid, trapezium, capitiate and hamate.
The hand is very similar in structure to the foot, and can be used for reflexology when the foot cannot be used and for self-help techniques.
Diseases and Disorders of the Hands
The hands spend most of their time exposed to the elements and often harsh chemicals e.g. detergents. They are therefore more susceptible to diseases like eczema and contact dermatitis. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Strain Injury also affect the wrists and hands.
People can get warts on their hands and fungal infections e.g. tinea ungium (ringworm) under their nails. Fungal infections are highly contagious and very difficult to treat.
Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology has helped many thousands of people worldwide. Its main benefits include:
* Reduction of tension and stress. Stress is a factor in an estimated 75% of all illness. Reflexology has been proven to reduce stress, thereby reducing the incidence of illness.
* Promotes relaxation. Reflexology promotes a sense of relaxation, aiding deeper and more restful sleep.
* Aids circulation. Reflexology stimulates the circulatory systems, thereby increasing blood flow and the removal of toxins.
* Increases elimination. Reflexology speeds up the process of
elimination from the body, via the urinary and digestive systems.
* Reflexology helps the body to heal itself, by activating the body’s
self-healing abilities.
* Stimulates nerve endings, thereby increasing the efficiency of the
nervous system.
* Reflexology helps the body to achieve homeostasis, a state of
balance.
Types of Reflexology Treatments
There are two main types of Reflexology Treatment, the Symptomatic Approach and the Casual Approach. The Casual Treatment (or Holistic Treatment) is the more commonly used.
The Symptomatic Approach
The Symptomatic Approach just treats the symptoms of an illness. If a client comes for treatment of kidney disorders for example, only the reflex points for the urinary system and lumbar spine will be treated.
This is a shorter treatment, and may be used when clients return after an initial full treatment; or as a quick fix on a once off basis.
The Casual Approach (Holistic Approach)
The Casual Treatment is used when the underlying cause of a problem is being looked for. The entire foot is given a full treatment to bring the whole system back to homeostasis (a state of balance).
If there is an energy blockage in one area of the body it can be felt either by the therapist as a crystal, or the client as an area of sensitivity. Crystals are formed of waste deposits of uric acid and calcium. They signify blockage in a zone.
Areas of sensitivity and crystals are given special attention by the therapist during the treatment time. By treating the entire foot the body will be returned to homeostasis and all the systems will work in harmony.
Contra Indications to Reflexology
Reflexology may not be performed under certain conditions. Sometimes if a client has a medical condition their doctor’s consent is required before treatment.
There are three different types of contra indications to Reflexology:
Total Contra-Indications
In certain circumstances reflexology should not be performed. These include:
Infectious and contagious diseases e.g. athletes foot, verrucas
Leukaemia
Gangrene
Heart disease that is not under control
Low blood pressure
Acute undiagnosed pain
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Psychosis
First Trimester of Pregnancy
DVT
Cellulitis
Contra Indications to Reflexology
Medical Approval (Cautions)
If a client is attending a doctor or hospital for any condition, it is wise to get their doctor’s written permission before treating them. These conditions may include:
Diabetes (only to treat if under control and lighter pressure to be used)
Aids
Cancer
Depression
Epilepsy
Asthma
Surgery (recent or pending)
Medication
Local Contra-Indications
Cuts
Bruises
Swelling
General Reactions to Reflexology
As everyone is an individual, no two people will have the exact same reactions to a reflexology session. Indeed, the same individual may react totally differently after each session they receive. In general, the normal reactions that can be expected to a reflexology session are as follows:
General Reactions
Feeling cold
Sweating
More frequent urination
More frequent bowel movements
A runny nose or a cough
Headaches
Tiredness or more energy
Symptoms of an existing condition may get worse
Client may experience a sense of well-being or euphoria
Client may feel emotional or cry
Thirst
Change in sleeping patterns
Nausea
Some of these reactions may occur while the client is still on the couch e.g. feeling cold, sweating or emotional while others will occur in the day or two after the treatment. All these reactions are perfectly normal and signify an energy shift.
Occasionally the client suffers severe reactions after a reflexology treatment. This is referred to as the healing crisis.
The healing crisis consists of the following flu-like symptoms:
Cold Sweat
Nausea
Vomiting
Hysteria
Crying
It can occur while the client is still on the couch, or within the 24 hour period following treatment. While the healing crisis is rare, it usually occurs because of one of the following:
Overtreating: Spending too much time
Pressure: Using too much pressure
Toxin Overload: Releasing a lot of toxins into the circulatory systems.
If a client has a lot of blockages i.e. crystals and sensitivity showing up during touch testing, spending too much time working on the blockages would release too many toxins into their systems, thus precipitating a healing crisis. It is better to recommend a full course of treatment, perhaps one full holistic and one symptomatic session per week for a number of weeks, to help clear the blockages gradually.
If a client has a healing crisis after their first session and the time and pressure are reduced for the following session and they still have another healing crisis, perhaps reflexology isn’t a suitable therapy for them at this stage in their life. The practitioner should recommend another therapy for them, perhaps Reiki, Aromatherapy Massage etc.
General Aftercare Advice
The following is a list of the general recommendations made to clients for the 24 hours after a reflexology treatment.
Take note of any reactions that occur
Drink lots of water
Do not drink alcohol
Take off shoes and walk around barefoot if possible
Relax and avoid doing anything stressful for the rest of the day
Do not eat a large meal for at least an hour after treatment
Avoid caffeine and cigarettes
Spend some time outdoors in the fresh air if possible
Have a relaxing footbath with sea salt, ginger or peppermint to perk up your feet
General Homecare Advice
• Drink 2 litres of still water daily.
• Drink herbal teas instead of tea and coffee.
• Have sea salt baths at least once a week. Tidmans Sea Salt Crystals (1kg) may be purchased from health stores for €2.99
• Avoid wearing ill fitting shoes or too high heels.
• Wear only natural material e.g. cotton socks.
• Walk outdoors daily.
• Get a rock crystal lamp, as they release negative ions.
• Make smoothies, or juice to make sure you get at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
• Stop smoking.
• Cut down on alcohol consumption.
• Eat more fresh fish.
• Talk to your chemist about taking a vitamin/mineral supplement.
• Meditate or practice yoga or tai chi.
• Have regular bodywork sessions e.g. massage, reiki, reflexology.
• Do something for yourself every day.
• Practice breathing exercises.
Although the true origins of reflexology are obscured by the mists of time, what is obvious is that as a therapy it has existed for at least six thousand years, if not more, and continues to grow in popularity world wide.
Modern History
The rediscovery of a system of foot treatment is accredited to Dr. William H. Fitzgerald (1872 – 1942), an ear, nose and throat specialist from Connecticut, New England, USA. Dr. Fitzgerald also worked in London and Vienna.
Dr. Fitzgerald discovered that applying pressure to a point on the hand or foot that corresponded to an area elsewhere on the body could provide pain relief. He divided the body up into ten longitudinal zones, or channels. He called his system Zone Therapy.
In 1915 Dr. Edwin Bowers, one of Fitzgerald’s medical colleagues wrote a newspaper article about Zone Therapy called ‘to stop that toothache, squeeze your toe’. In 1917 Dr. Fitzgerald and Dr. Bowers co-authored a book entitled ‘Zone Therapy’.
Despite being ridiculed by most of his medical colleagues, one of them showed a keen interest and Fitzgerald went on to teach Zone Therapy to him - Dr. Joseph Shelby Riley.
Dr. Riley learned the Zone Therapy techniques from Dr. Fitzgerald and subsequently wrote a number of books on the subject.
Dr. Riley taught Zone Therapy to his wife Elizabeth, and to a young massage student called Eunice Ingham.
Elizabeth Riley and Eunice Ingham both became fascinated by the subject and by the 1930’s had gradually developed their own theories and pressure point systems. Eunice Ingham pioneered the use of reflex pressure techniques on the feet and hands. She called her system ‘Compression Massage’, a name she later changed to ‘Reflexology’.
Elizabeth Riley stayed working in her husband’s chiropractic practice, while Eunice Ingham began to travel the length and breadth of the USA, bringing Reflexology to the general public.
In 1938 Eunice published her first book ‘Stories the Feet Can Tell’. This was followed in 1945 by her second book ‘Stories the Feet Have Told’.
Eunice Ingham is regarded as the creator and founder of Reflexology and carried on treating people until the late 1960’s. She died in 1974.
The reflexology charts Eunice Ingham developed are now the standard used by reflexologists worldwide. Her work has been carried on since her death by her nephew, Dwight Byers.
Doreen Bayly studied with Eunice Ingham in the US; and in the 1960’s brought Reflexology to Britain. Doreen published a book called Reflexology Today. She set up The Bayly School of Reflexology in England, where she taught until her death in 1976. The Bayly School is currently being run by Nicola Hall.
Definition of Reflexology
Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet which mirror and correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body.
The fingers and thumbs use specific pressure and techniques to work on these reflex points, which help to release blocked energy.
This in turn promotes improved circulation, releases stress, revitalizes energy and aids in the removal of toxins, bringing the body back to a state of homeostasis, i.e. bringing balance back to the systems of the body.
What Does Reflexology Do?
Reflexology is a holistic therapy, which means it works on the mind, body and spirit, not just on a physical level. It is non-invasive and completely natural.
Reflexology is not used to diagnose, or cure illness; but works with the body to promote and encourage self-healing.
Reflexology encourages relaxation and relieves stress.
In these busy modern times, stress is known to cause 75% of all illness and disease.
Longitudinal Zones
There are ten longitudinal zones running through the body, 5 on each foot. The big toe on each foot is zone one, running up the entire length of the body, and the little toe is zone five, with the other toes in between corresponding to zones two, three and four respectively.
Working on a point in a longitudinal zone stimulates the energy flow in that entire zone and can clear energy blockages from any point in the zone.
Transverse Zones
The foot can be further divided by the following transverse lines:
The Shoulder Line is an imaginary horizontal line across the sole of the foot, just below the base of the toes. All points above the Shoulder Line refer to the head and neck areas and their corresponding organs and glands e.g. eyes, ears, sinuses, pituitary gland etc.
The Diaphragm Line runs across the sole of the foot, just under the ball of the foot. All points in the area between the Shoulder Line and the Diaphragm Line refer to the organs and glands found in the chest area of the body e.g. lungs, heart, thyroid gland etc.
The Waist Line is found slightly below the centre of the sole of the foot. Everything between the Diaphragm Line and the Waist Line corresponds to what is found between the diaphragm and the waist on the torso, e.g. liver, kidneys, stomach, spleen, adrenal glands etc.
The Pelvic Line runs across the sole of the foot, where the heel pad meets the softer flesh. All points found between the Waist Line and Pelvic Line correspond to the organs found in the abdomen e.g. large and small intestines, bladder etc.
Below the Pelvic Line the points correspond to the sciatic nerve and pelvic area.
Referral Zones
In Reflexology, the foot and leg are considered to be mirrored by the hand and arm: therefore if the foot cannot be treated for any reason, the corresponding hand can be treated instead.
Hip ↔ Shoulder
Thigh ↔ Upper Arm
Knee ↔ Elbow
Calf ↔ Forearm
Ankle ↔ Wrist
Foot ↔ Hand
Fingers ↔ Toes
Thumb ↔ Big Toe
The hand is usually not used during a Reflexology treatment, partly because the hand is not as sensitive as the foot, as it is exposed to the elements continually, and also because the reflexes tend to be deeper.
However, the hand is very useful for performing ‘self-help’ techniques e.g. to help with a headache, and some simple techniques can easily be shown to clients to enable them to work on themselves.
Anatomy of the Feet and Hands
Anatomy of the Feet
There are 26 bones in each foot: 14 phalanges (3 in each toe except the big toe which has two), 5 metatarsals and 7 tarsals (ankle bones): the calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid and three cuneiform.
Each foot has three main arches, the Medial Longitudinal Arch, which is the highest arch in the foot, the Lateral Longitudinal Arch and the Transverse Arch.
The feet bear the weight of the entire body. Wearing high heels and bad posture can affect the feet, and if not corrected can lead to long term damage.
Diseases and Disorders of the Feet
Because the feet spend a lot of time covered up and enclosed in shoes, they are susceptible to a number of problems, like fungal infections e.g. tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) and bunions and hammer toes, which are caused by ill fitting foot wear.
While disorders like bunions, corns, hammer toes and diseases like gout and arthritis are painful, the foot can still be treated with reflexology; whereas a contagious disease like athlete’s foot, verrucas and fungal infections of the nails are total contraindications and may not be treated.
Anatomy of the Hands
There are 27 bones in each hand: 14 phalanges (3 in each finger and two in each thumb), 5 metacarpals and eight carpals (wrist bones): scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezoid, trapezium, capitiate and hamate.
The hand is very similar in structure to the foot, and can be used for reflexology when the foot cannot be used and for self-help techniques.
Diseases and Disorders of the Hands
The hands spend most of their time exposed to the elements and often harsh chemicals e.g. detergents. They are therefore more susceptible to diseases like eczema and contact dermatitis. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Strain Injury also affect the wrists and hands.
People can get warts on their hands and fungal infections e.g. tinea ungium (ringworm) under their nails. Fungal infections are highly contagious and very difficult to treat.
Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology has helped many thousands of people worldwide. Its main benefits include:
* Reduction of tension and stress. Stress is a factor in an estimated 75% of all illness. Reflexology has been proven to reduce stress, thereby reducing the incidence of illness.
* Promotes relaxation. Reflexology promotes a sense of relaxation, aiding deeper and more restful sleep.
* Aids circulation. Reflexology stimulates the circulatory systems, thereby increasing blood flow and the removal of toxins.
* Increases elimination. Reflexology speeds up the process of
elimination from the body, via the urinary and digestive systems.
* Reflexology helps the body to heal itself, by activating the body’s
self-healing abilities.
* Stimulates nerve endings, thereby increasing the efficiency of the
nervous system.
* Reflexology helps the body to achieve homeostasis, a state of
balance.
Types of Reflexology Treatments
There are two main types of Reflexology Treatment, the Symptomatic Approach and the Casual Approach. The Casual Treatment (or Holistic Treatment) is the more commonly used.
The Symptomatic Approach
The Symptomatic Approach just treats the symptoms of an illness. If a client comes for treatment of kidney disorders for example, only the reflex points for the urinary system and lumbar spine will be treated.
This is a shorter treatment, and may be used when clients return after an initial full treatment; or as a quick fix on a once off basis.
The Casual Approach (Holistic Approach)
The Casual Treatment is used when the underlying cause of a problem is being looked for. The entire foot is given a full treatment to bring the whole system back to homeostasis (a state of balance).
If there is an energy blockage in one area of the body it can be felt either by the therapist as a crystal, or the client as an area of sensitivity. Crystals are formed of waste deposits of uric acid and calcium. They signify blockage in a zone.
Areas of sensitivity and crystals are given special attention by the therapist during the treatment time. By treating the entire foot the body will be returned to homeostasis and all the systems will work in harmony.
Contra Indications to Reflexology
Reflexology may not be performed under certain conditions. Sometimes if a client has a medical condition their doctor’s consent is required before treatment.
There are three different types of contra indications to Reflexology:
Total Contra-Indications
In certain circumstances reflexology should not be performed. These include:
Infectious and contagious diseases e.g. athletes foot, verrucas
Leukaemia
Gangrene
Heart disease that is not under control
Low blood pressure
Acute undiagnosed pain
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Psychosis
First Trimester of Pregnancy
DVT
Cellulitis
Contra Indications to Reflexology
Medical Approval (Cautions)
If a client is attending a doctor or hospital for any condition, it is wise to get their doctor’s written permission before treating them. These conditions may include:
Diabetes (only to treat if under control and lighter pressure to be used)
Aids
Cancer
Depression
Epilepsy
Asthma
Surgery (recent or pending)
Medication
Local Contra-Indications
Cuts
Bruises
Swelling
General Reactions to Reflexology
As everyone is an individual, no two people will have the exact same reactions to a reflexology session. Indeed, the same individual may react totally differently after each session they receive. In general, the normal reactions that can be expected to a reflexology session are as follows:
General Reactions
Feeling cold
Sweating
More frequent urination
More frequent bowel movements
A runny nose or a cough
Headaches
Tiredness or more energy
Symptoms of an existing condition may get worse
Client may experience a sense of well-being or euphoria
Client may feel emotional or cry
Thirst
Change in sleeping patterns
Nausea
Some of these reactions may occur while the client is still on the couch e.g. feeling cold, sweating or emotional while others will occur in the day or two after the treatment. All these reactions are perfectly normal and signify an energy shift.
Occasionally the client suffers severe reactions after a reflexology treatment. This is referred to as the healing crisis.
The healing crisis consists of the following flu-like symptoms:
Cold Sweat
Nausea
Vomiting
Hysteria
Crying
It can occur while the client is still on the couch, or within the 24 hour period following treatment. While the healing crisis is rare, it usually occurs because of one of the following:
Overtreating: Spending too much time
Pressure: Using too much pressure
Toxin Overload: Releasing a lot of toxins into the circulatory systems.
If a client has a lot of blockages i.e. crystals and sensitivity showing up during touch testing, spending too much time working on the blockages would release too many toxins into their systems, thus precipitating a healing crisis. It is better to recommend a full course of treatment, perhaps one full holistic and one symptomatic session per week for a number of weeks, to help clear the blockages gradually.
If a client has a healing crisis after their first session and the time and pressure are reduced for the following session and they still have another healing crisis, perhaps reflexology isn’t a suitable therapy for them at this stage in their life. The practitioner should recommend another therapy for them, perhaps Reiki, Aromatherapy Massage etc.
General Aftercare Advice
The following is a list of the general recommendations made to clients for the 24 hours after a reflexology treatment.
Take note of any reactions that occur
Drink lots of water
Do not drink alcohol
Take off shoes and walk around barefoot if possible
Relax and avoid doing anything stressful for the rest of the day
Do not eat a large meal for at least an hour after treatment
Avoid caffeine and cigarettes
Spend some time outdoors in the fresh air if possible
Have a relaxing footbath with sea salt, ginger or peppermint to perk up your feet
General Homecare Advice
• Drink 2 litres of still water daily.
• Drink herbal teas instead of tea and coffee.
• Have sea salt baths at least once a week. Tidmans Sea Salt Crystals (1kg) may be purchased from health stores for €2.99
• Avoid wearing ill fitting shoes or too high heels.
• Wear only natural material e.g. cotton socks.
• Walk outdoors daily.
• Get a rock crystal lamp, as they release negative ions.
• Make smoothies, or juice to make sure you get at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
• Stop smoking.
• Cut down on alcohol consumption.
• Eat more fresh fish.
• Talk to your chemist about taking a vitamin/mineral supplement.
• Meditate or practice yoga or tai chi.
• Have regular bodywork sessions e.g. massage, reiki, reflexology.
• Do something for yourself every day.
• Practice breathing exercises.
Last edited:
