R E F L E X O L O G Y Maintaining the Health and Well-Being of School Staff

Aim of talk To offer insights into the ways in which reflexology can aid general health and well being of all, highlighting the key issues for all school staff

Origins & History Physician’s Tomb William Fitzgerald Saqqara, Egypt 2330BC “Don’t hurt me!” …. "I shall act so that you praise me.” William Fitzgerald modern-day pioneer early 20th century ‘zone analgesia’ Eunice Ingham Zone therapy 1930’s ‘Stories that Feet Can Tell’; ‘Stories that Feet have Told’ discovered that applying pressure to tops fingers with metal clamps + winding tight elastic bands around mid-section of finger created anaesthetic effect on face >>> able to perform simple ENT surgery without anaesthetic

What is reflexology? a Complementary Therapy that works on the feet or hands enabling the body to heal itself a form of massage which applies pressure to certain parts of the feet in order to promote relaxation and healing elsewhere in the body can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing

Eunice Ingham: reflexes on feet – mirror image of all organs, glands & parts belonging to body when body part experiences problem, corresponding reflexes in feet will reveal sensitivity when pressure is applied by applying a deep, alternating pressure, stimulating effect occurs >> distributed to the ‘zones’ of the body

What happens during a treatment? You remain fully dressed, being required to remove only your footwear (and socks/stockings, if worn). The treatment lasts between 45 minutes and one hour, although the first session is longer because your medical case history is taken before any treatment can begin. The treatment takes place in a quiet, calm atmosphere – a time for you to relax and unwind.

for each person the application and the effect of the therapy is unique sensitive, trained hands detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet >> by working on these points, the reflexologist releases blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body tensions are eased + circulation and elimination is improved this gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse 

It is believed that reflexology can: encourage your body’s natural healing ability ~ there are many benefits to be gained from experiencing this gentle therapy aid relaxation ~ by helping to reduce stress in your body and release negative tension. When you relax, you function better, which means you have more energy the next day. You feel good and this helps you complete daily tasks with enthusiasm and enjoyment improve body functions ~ a treatment on both feet or both hands helps your body to release natural toxins relieve pain/discomfort ~ when your feet or hands are massaged, your body produces its own natural painkillers which help relieve pain/discomfort

How can reflexology help in daily life? Reflexology can be used to help restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium. This gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance. …………… Reflexology has been shown to be effective for: Back Pain ~ Migraine ~ Fertility ~ Arthritis Sleep disorders ~ Sports Injuries Hormonal Imbalances ~ Digestive disorders Stress-related condition Reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.

Benefiting from reflexology “Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions … many people find it beneficial to maintain health and well-being. Whilst many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress, at the same time many doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognize reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy.

With ever increasing levels of stress, it is important for people take more responsibility for their own health care needs. Reflexology helps us to cope on a physical mental and emotional level thereby encouraging us to heal and maintain in all area of our lives.”

How can reflexology benefit school staff? decrease personal stress / tension improve general health help to improve sense of inner pleasure for work / daily life reduce absentee-ism create time for self