What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers to stimulate more than seven thousand two hundred nerve endings in each foot. These nerve endings correspond to all parts of the body, including organs and glands. Some reflexologists also work with the hands and the ears.

Stimulating the appropriate region is intended to eliminate energy blockages thought to produce pain or disease in the related areas.

Reflexology is used to prevent, rather than cure, and is used to relieve a wide variety of ailments.

Origins Of Reflexology

Dr. William Fitzgerald, in his book Zone Therapy, states that “a form of treatment by means of pressure points was known in India and China five thousand years ago. This knowledge, however, appears to be lost or forgotten. Perhaps it was set aside in favor of acupuncture, which emerged as the stronger
growth from the same root.” There also appears to be evidence of reflexology being used in Egyptian art around 2330 B.C.E.

What Does Reflexology Do?

Reflexology can relieve stress and tension within the body. It improves circulation and lymphatic flow and works to unblock nerve impulse pathways. These benefits all work toward helping the body to heal itself by restoring balance to the vital energies.

According to Shelly Hess, author of The Professional’s Reflexology Handbook,“Reflexology works to discover how the soft tissue organs and the entire skeletal system are functioning. Through trained fingers, the reflexologist can detect early warning signs that the body is struggling and can then help restore the internal system to better balance.”

In reflexology, there are three areas—both in the evaluation and the treatment—that your reflexologist will concentrate on: feet, hands, and ears.

How Much Time Should I Allow?

You should allow thirty to sixty minutes for the reflexologist to work. The client may be treated in a reclining reflexology chair or on a massage table.

Who Can Benefit From Reflexology?

People of all ages can benefit from reflexology treatments. We all suffer from stress at one time or another, and aches and pains are a part of daily life.

Reflexology has a long history of promoting relaxation and healing.

What Are Some Specific Conditions Where Reflexology Might Be Helpful?

• Allergies and sinus problems
• Arthritis
• Backache and sciatica
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Constipation
• Headaches, including migraines
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Menstrual cramps
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Stress

How Frequently Should I Have A Reflexology Treatment?

Once a week is normal; an extreme case would be twice a week. The body needs time to normalize between treatments. Reflexology also works wonderfully in conjunction with other body therapies. Again, you should wait about a week between therapies to avoid overloading the body.

Accepted Methods of Payment

Cash, Local Checks and all major credit cards are acceptable for payment.  We stopped accepting goats when the cleanup costs grew unwieldy.

Packages & Special Offers

Come back package: Buy three sessions of any duration and get a fourth session free. You can use this offer for gift certificates too.

New Clients: Take $10 off your initial visit.

BROKEN APPOINTMENT POLICY: At least 24 hour notice is required to change or cancel an appointment. If you fail to do this you are obligated to pay for the session in full.

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It uses a firm but gentle pressue to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.
Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the receiver with a feeling of replenished energy. It can also shorten recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes, curtailing recovery time from injuries like muscle sprains.

At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

What Is Thai Massage?

Developed more than 2,000 years ago in Thailand, Thai massage remains a popular technique that incorporates aspects of yoga, acupressure, energy balancing, and massage. Considered one of the ancient healing arts of traditional Thai medicine (which historically also included herbal practice, nutrition, and spiritual meditation), Thai massage was originally passed from teacher to teacher within the Buddhist temples, while Thai families used it as a healing folk art.

Unfortunately, much of the history of Thai massage was lost during the Burmese invasion of Thailand in 1767. Today, Thai massage continues to be a mainstay in Thai medicine, while quickly gaining a new audience in the Western world.

Also known as yoga massage, assisted yoga, or ancient massage, Thai massage respects the body’s limits, while encouraging clients to reach their edge of
flexibility—but never beyond. Thai massage uses acupressure, massage, and passiveassisted stretching, where therapists help clients move into their stretch. The work is purposely slow as the therapist guide clients through the movements, being ever mindful of their physical limitations. Some say the combination of movements and focused awareness during a Thai massage session creates a slow, flowing dance between practitioner and client.

The Yoga Component

Recipients of Thai massage can also capture the well-established benefits of yoga without actually doing yoga. As the practitioner gently moves clients into yogalike poses, tight joints are opened, energy flows freely, and breathing is enhanced. A meditative state becomes part of the process, as both client and practitioner focus on breath and intention. Through the assisted stretches, clients’ muscles become less prone to injury, their joints have a greater range of motion, and their whole body enjoys greater flexibility. Many yoga enthusiasts are finding Thai massage adds a whole new dimension to their practice.

Communication Is Key

As with any form of massage or bodywork, it’s paramount that Thai massage clients communicate with their therapists throughout the session. Is the massage pressure too deep? Does the stretch no longer feel good? Is the room too hot? Be sure to let the therapist know if something is not quite right so he or she can deliver the best, most therapeutic work possible and you can experience the full benefits of your Thai massage session.

How Is It Administered?

Thai massage is performed on a soft floor mat, with clients fully clothed in loose, comfortable attire suitable for the deep
stretching that will be part of the session. Pillows and bolsters may be used for better client support. This interactive form of
bodywork can utilize tai chi, rocking and rhythmic motion, massage, and assisted stretching. Practitioners may use their
hands, feet, knees, elbows, and legs to facilitate the process. No oil is used during these sessions.

Benefits Of Thai Massage

The benefits of Thai massage largely mimic those of traditional massage:

• Deep relaxation and quieting of the mind.
• Heightened energy levels.
• Improved body-mind connection.
• Improved circulation and lymphatic flow.
• Improved range of motion.
• Increased flexibility.
• Rejuvenated body and mind.
• Relief for pain and muscle tension.

Experts say there is an interesting dichotomy with Thai massage, as it both relaxes and rejuvenates. After the session, some clients report feeling awakened
and energized, while also feeling deeply grounded and at peace.

The Energy Component

Thai massage is based on an energetic paradigm of the human body and mind. In this tradition, energy is thought to travel on pathways, called sen, throughout the body. Through the movement and massage components, the goal in Thai massage is to ensure energy is flowing freely along these pathways as a means for wellness.

More: Thai Massage & Thai vs Sports Massage

There are many similarities between Sports massage and Thai massage, and many obvious differences, though many practitioners feel they are extremely compatible and combine the two to great effect.

Many of the techniques of sports and Thai massage are very similar, such as the compressions and stretches, and Sports massage can and will often be applied over clothing or towels. Some practitioners have studied both and will combine them for very effective results.

Contrary to what some may have heard, good, skillfully applied Sports or Thai massage will not cause you traumatizing pain or leave you bruised and aching for days. You may experience some therapeutic ‘good pain’ that affects an immediate feeling of relief, but no more.

A sports massage therapy session is usually more intense than a general full-body relaxation massage. In most cases, the therapist will focus on the particular muscles most stressed by your activity, the legs of a runner for instance. After a strenuous workout, your muscles are fatigued, stiff and sore. Sports massage helps to stretch the shortened muscles. It increases circulation to the tissues, thereby removing metabolic waste products and bringing in needed oxygen and other nutrients to renourish and repair the sore muscles. You can resume normal functioning much sooner. And if you are recovering faster, that means that you can do more quality workouts per given period of time. By receiving massage, you are facilitating the rebuilding phase of conditioning.

More: Sports Massage, Kinesiotape

Most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day can impede blood and lymph flow. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Chair massage counters the circulatory problems inherent with office work–and provide a appreciated break for employees. Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes usually glued to a computer monitor.

A wellness program, including chair massage, can be brought into your office at no cost to your employer.  Ask us how: info@fox-massage.com

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