HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER REFLEXOLOGY?

After reflexology most people feel wonderfully calm and relaxed, so it’s highly likely that you will too. After a few regular treatments you might feel an improved sense of wellbeing, especially if you combine reflexology with other healthy lifestyle choices and activities.

Occasionally you might have some temporary unpleasant symptoms within 24-48 hours after reflexology (e.g., thirstiness, tiredness, headache, migraine, feeling cold/hot, nausea, dizziness). These symptoms usually go away quickly and aren’t anything to worry about.

In very rare cases people might have a ‘healing reaction.’ This is when you feel much worse for more than 48 hours. It’s more likely to happen if you’ve been very ill or if you’ve been going through an emotional time.

Reflexologists believe that any reactions to treatments happen because it’s what your body and mind needs to feel better and rebalance. However, if you have any concerns about your health before or after reflexology, consult your GP or healthcare professional.

HOW CAN I LOOK AFTER MYSELF FOLLOWING REFLEXOLOGY?

• Rest as much as possible in the first 24 hours after reflexology to help promote self-healing.
• Drink plenty of water in the first 24 hours after reflexology to help detoxify your body.
• Avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee, and alcohol in the first 24 hours after reflexology as these can hinder your body’s self-healing processes.

HOW OFTEN CAN I HAVE REFLEXOLOGY?

It’s completely up to you. Realistically it’ll depend on your budget and the time you have available. However, you’ll benefit most from reflexology if you have regular treatments (e.g., monthly, fortnightly, weekly) alongside other healthy lifestyle choices and activities. Consistency and regularity are key to helping you achieve your overall health and wellbeing goals.

HOW CAN I GET THE MOST FROM REFLEXOLOGY?

To get the most from reflexology, consider having regular treatments, and think of it as one way in which you’ve successfully chosen to support your wellness and happiness. You’re more likely to feel the benefits of reflexology when you combine it with other healthy lifestyle choices and activities.

Remember, you have the power to truly improve your health and wellbeing; reflexology just helps to support you along the way. So, feel proud that you’ve already taken a positive first step forward to becoming a healthier and happier you.

Top tip: Think about why you chose to have reflexology in the first place. What did you hope to get from reflexology? What are your health and wellbeing goals? What lifestyle changes could you make alongside reflexology to help you achieve your goals?

Depending on what your goals are, consider combining your reflexology treatments with some of these general positive lifestyle suggestions:

• Establish a good sleep routine
• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Exercise and move your body every day
• Find new ways to connect with other people
• Spend time helping other people
• Do more of the activities that you like
• Have regular ‘me time’
• Challenge yourself to learn new skills
• Be mindful and pay attention to the present moment
• Be grateful and try to look for the positives in every situation
• Try to accept things that are outside of your control
• Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings
• Meditate
• Reduce screen time
• Try other complementary health therapies
• Avoid or reduce unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking and drinking too much alcohol)
• Get support from friends, family, or professionals when you need to
• Get medical advice if you feel unwell or have any concerns about your health and wellbeing.

WHEN IS REFLEXOLOGY NOT SUITABLE?

There are times when it isn’t safe to have reflexology. For example, if you have any of the following:

• First trimester of pregnancy*
• Athlete’s foot
• Cellulitis
• Contagious illness
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Fungal nail infection
• Gangrene
• High fever
• Pulmonary embolism.

There are also times when extra checks need to happen to make sure it’s safe to have reflexology. For example, if you have any of the following:

• Acute undiagnosed pain (if so, you should contact your GP immediately)
• Allergies
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• High blood pressure
• Low blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Phlebitis
• Varicose veins
• Verrucae.

A NOTE ABOUT PREGNANCY

*Whilst reflexology is considered safe in all stages of pregnancy, and there is no evidence to suggest that reflexology can cause a miscarriage, we’re not currently offering reflexology to women in their first trimester of pregnancy.