Frequently asked questions Does reflexology hurt, will it tickle? It needn’t hurt, but there may be tender spots indicating that the corresponding area of the body is out of balance. Professor Hang, chairman of The China Reflexology Association in Beijing told me that I should be working up to the pain threshold and not beyond it otherwise unwanted tension may impede free flow of energy For those of you with ticklish feet, I use a firmer pressure and slow movements. It only takes a minute or so to get used to it. Is it safe to have reflexology in pregnancy? The Association of Reflexologists recommends that we do not start a new patient in the first trimester of pregnancy. Some 98% of miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities, leaving a rogue 2% of unknown cause. My clients who have had reflexology regularly preconceptually generally choose to continue through their first trimester. Interestingly, in Australia reflexology is recommended from the moment a mother-to-be finds out she is pregnant; it helps prevent niggling pregnancy problems from the start. Those of you who have been having Chinese reflexology with me will be switched to western reflexology as my Chinese colleagues have not put reflexology in pregnancy through their rigorous clinical trials. We should remember that pregnancy is a condition, not an illness. Does reflexology spread cancer? There is no proof that reflexology spreads cancer. Chinese clinical trials have shown reflexology to ‘have good effect’ throughout treatment for cancer: side effects of chemotherapy reduced, immunity strengthened, wound healing promoted and physical strength recovered more quickly pre and post surgery and during chemotherapy. A breast cancer client reported that her daily self-administered ear point reflexology reduced nausea throughout chemotherapy by 90% allowing her to get on with her life more easily Does reflexology spread cancer? There is no proof that reflexology spreads cancer. Chinese clinical trials have shown reflexology to ‘have good effect’ throughout treatment for cancer: side effects of chemotherapy reduced, immunity strengthened, wound healing promoted and physical strength recovered more quickly pre and post surgery and during chemotherapy. A breast cancer client reported that her daily self-administered ear point reflexology reduced nausea throughout chemotherapy by 90% allowing her to get on with her life more easily How might I feel after a treatment? People respond very differently to reflexology although most feel very relaxed, sleep well and feel centred the next day. Many have an increase in energy levels. Some clients have reported a headache after their first session, backache and rarely nausea. When they occur, these affects are only after the first treatment. It is best to plan a quiet evening, where possible, to allow the effects to settle in to your system. Reflexology works by sorting out minor problems at their source rather than sticking a plaster over the symptoms How many treatments will I need? This will depend on your specific health needs and your desired outcome. Ideally we should work regularly, weekly for a few weeks and then reduce to a maintenance programme. In China, reflexology is given as a course of ten consecutive daily sessions; clearly this is not possible for most people but practise has shown that the more frequently it can be given, the faster the results. Reflexology is part of ‘traditional’ medicine in China, many people rely on it for their health maintenance as western medicine is not available to so many. In Beijing children from the age of 5 go to school early before their lessons start to work on each others’ feet; it is about staying well rather than repairing a broken part! Are there any conditions which are not suitable for treatment? The importance of a full medical history! The Association of Reflexologists recommends that we do not work with the following: A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Anything that increases the circulation may move a blood clot, e.g. a hot bath, running for a bus and as reflexology helps the circulation, it too may shift a clot. It is best not to take the risk a history of unstable pregnancies. This is one of those situations where the Association of Reflexologists has recommended we don’t work in the event that a pregnancy spontaneously miscarries. Many of my clients come regularly for reflexology to balance their bodies in preparation for a healthy pregnancy. See the section above on reflexology in pregnancy Working with the terminally ill Many terminally ill patients report that they find the treatments relaxing both physically and emotionally. It is a time when they can talk things through with someone who is neither a member of their family, nor wearing a white coat What about reflexology for children and babies? Children respond well to reflexology and many of them love it; my youngest client was 6 weeks old with colic! I can teach the Mother where to work on their feet for minor ailments or sleep problems. Sessions are shorter but no less effective. The Association of Reflexologists recommends that I obtain a signed consent form if I am to work with children under the age of 18. Those with parental responsibility can sign this, either mother or father if they are married. Unmarried fathers will need to obtain written consent from the mother or the court. To put your mind at rest, I hold a CRB certificate If you have a specific question, please make contact, I hope I will be able to answer it!