Frequently Asked Questions

If you have never attended a reflexology session, or seen a therapist of a kind, a reflexology treatment may seem like a daunting idea!  Wondering what to wear?  The short answer is: loose, comfortable clothing.  You’ll want to feel relaxed and unrestricted during the session.  Think soft t-shirts, sweatpants or loungewear and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen (to help regulate your body temperature).  Though not essential, slip-on shoes such as sandals or flip-flops will make it easy to remove footwear with minimal fuss, as well as put it on again afterwards.  You may like to bring warm socks (optional) if your feet get cold easily to wear after the session.  Just remember to avoid accessories like tight belts, big or weighty jewellery, or anything that might dig in or disturb you.  

Before the treatment can commence a few details about your health will be taken.  If it’s your first visit, it's a good idea to bring health info such as a list of medications or any relevant medical history.  You may like to bring your own water bottle to help flush out toxins after treatment, although water will be on hand of course.

You’ll only need to remove your shoes and socks for the treatment, so you won't need to worry about changing into anything.  The aim is to feel as relaxed as possible - as though you’re stepping into a mini retreat.

A light-filled space can be an excellent environment for reflexology.  Natural light contributes to a sense of openness, calm, and wellbeing - qualities that enhance the overall therapeutic experience.  Here's why it works so well:

🌿 Mood Enhancement: Sunlight helps boost serotonin levels, which can elevate mood and promote relaxation - perfect for reflexology sessions.

🌿 Connection to Nature: A bright room with views of greenery or gardens can deepen the sense of tranquillity and grounding, aligning beautifully with the holistic nature of reflexology.

🌿 Visual Comfort: Soft, natural light is easier on the eyes than artificial lighting, helping you to feel more at ease and present during your treatment.

On your arrival your therapist will explain what will happen before, during and after the treatment and ask a few essential questions.  Then your treatment will begin.  Is it a good idea to talk or laugh during the treatment?  Or should you try to close your eyes while you have a few rare minutes to sit peacefully and soak up the enchanting surroundings?  Talking versus silence: what’s best?  

The answer is: you absolutely can talk during a reflexology treatment.  Whether you do or not depends entirely on your comfort and preference.  If you're new to reflexology, talking can help you feel more at ease.  People often find that being quiet and still allows them to unwind, to tune into their body and surroundings, and to enjoy the meditative rhythm of reflexology.  Of course silence can deepen relaxation.  Whatever you choose, your therapist will be guided by you and is trained to adapt to your vibe.  If you’re talkative, they’ll engage.  If you’re quiet, they’ll try to respect that space.  If you fall asleep during the treatment it's still possible for your therapist to work on any reflex points that have been identified during a treatment and for your feet to feed back information to your therapist.

There's no set way to each session.  The ideal approach would be to begin with a brief conversation and share any concerns or preferences.  If at any time you would like your therapist to adjust the pressure, or if something feels uncomfortable, then speak up.  Then, allow yourself drift.  If you feel yourself relaxing into a comfortable silence, that’s perfectly natural.  Ultimately, this is your treatment and your time.  Whether you want to chat, consider the big or small stuff in life, or zone out, the treatment will support you.

Indeed it can be beneficial to combine reflexology with other therapies such as massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy and yoga.  They can help to amplify the benefits of relaxation and stress relief.  Complimentary therapies can support recovery and well-being.  

It's important to however remember that reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment or advice.  Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning a therapy especially if you have chronic conditions or are undergoing treatment.  In some cases, it's essential to complete a course of conventional treatment before starting a complementary therapy because some complementary therapies can interfere with conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.  Your medical practitioner may recommend you complete the primary treatment first to ensure the best possible outcome before introducing a complimentary therapy.  Always discuss with your doctor in the first instance and let your therapist know about all treatments and medication you are on.

Whether or not you have tried reflexology before, you may be wondering if it will live up to any expectations, or how you may get the most out of the session(s).  You may also be wondering whether reflexology could be your preferable complimentary therapy going forward.  

It's your treatment.  So let your therapist know what expectations, thoughts or concerns you have, so that they can discuss this, work through any issues with you and take everything into consideration.  Your therapist will consider which parts of your feet to work on based on the initial consultation which includes your health history, any changes to your health between treatment sessions, and anything that may present during the course of a treatment. Your therapist will always keep in mind what you have told them and note any discoveries, for instance, sensitivity.  They may spend more time on a particular reflex area as a result of their findings.  You can feedback to your therapist both during and after the treatment; just whenever it is best for you.

The main effects of reflexology are reputed to be:

• Deep relaxation

• Increased circulation

• Increased oxygen levels within the blood stream, and

• Help with the removal of toxins.

As we know, a large proportion of disease is stress related.  Stress is one of the most commonly used words in today’s society and it is not new thing.  

Did you know that the word “stress” is derived from the Latin word “stringere” which means ‘to draw tight’ (or 'uptight’)?  

Certain demands of modern everyday living can take their toll, however there are things we can do to ease our response to it and lessen our exposure in turn.  

Enter reflexology.  Reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation making it a great contribution to the health of our mind, body and emotions.  As treatments continue over time the state of relaxation we experience becomes deeper and more established.  The mind, body and emotions are not separate: what affects one, affects all. 

The zero-gravity chair has been designed keeping in mind the exact concept of zero gravity position.  In this position our whole body weight is equally lifted so that tension in your body drops and stress simply melts away.  

Did you know that the 127° position of the reflexology chair (like that at Stocks Green Reflexology) is the one that NASA astronauts use during ignition and take-off to give them immediate relaxation and stress reduction?  

In this reclined position, where the heart, back and legs are aligned, your body is free from its own weight.  This means:

• breathing is easier, because angle between the torso and the thighs allows for improved oxygenation;

• there is reduced muscular tension in the lumbar region;

• circulation is improved in the lower limbs; and 

• the effort required from the heart is lessened.  

All this from the inclination of a chair!

We know that footwear choices can result in a tight feeling of the feet (as can other factors) and that you can feel tightness in your feet despite them not being swollen.  If you can, set your feet free of shoes, socks even!  A lot of people will wear shoes when they’re not in the comfort of their own homes. There are however situations where it might be appropriate to go barefoot.

Your feet are highly rich in sensory and can sense pain, temperature and touch, or pressure.  Then there's proprioception which refers to receptors in your joints, muscles, and the tendons of your foot and the way they feedback to your brain about the position and movement of your foot.  What a remarkable and complex structure the foot is.   

Some simple Do’s and Don’ts:

DO

Remove hard skin with a foot file;

Keep the skin on your feet soft and hydrated with moisturiser;

Wear footwear that suits your foot shape;

Improve circulation and keep joints moving by walking (even if it’s just round the house).

DON'T

Reduce circulation by sitting with your legs crossed;

Use corn plasters/paste as they contain acids that can break the skin down which may lead to infection;

Pick corns or calluses as this can lead to infection;

Apply moisturising cream to corns between toes.

Please note:

Applying cream in between your toes can cause the delicate skin to break down.  

Foot balms are best used after a foot file.  

Balms and salves work best at night time as this allows them to soak in better.  They are slow to soak in so wear clean socks (preferably cotton) over your feet after application to avoid slipping.