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Reflexology is not supposed to be painful!

26th July 2018
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During my time as a specialist in reflexology therapy and as someone who has demonstrated my therapy at national and local events and on TV and radio, I have from time to time heard stories of people who had a negative experience of reflexology.

After hearing their story and asking a few additional questions I usually surmise that they have not received reflexology from a therapist who is specialised in reflexology. While some massage therapies follow the philosophy and practice of ‘digging out’ knots in the muscles this method is not the approach taught in the line of reflexology that stems from the Eunice Ingham lineage and teaching practice.

"Reflexology is not supposed to be painful!"

Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific points on the feet (known as reflexes) which correspond to body organs and systems. Reflexology has been shown to improve circulation, relieve tension and bring balance to body and mind.

There are many applications of reflexology, it can be very gentle and energy based or depending on the client’s state of well-being the pressure used can be more firm. Pressure is applied using only the hands, relaxation is the aim (not pain) and the clients hands can be treated as an alternative to the feet. I am also an attuned reiki master and very much aware of the spiritual aspects of therapy.

In some exceptional cases a client may experience what therapists refer to as a ‘healing crisis’. This may result when the client is quite out of balance with regards to their physical and emotional wellbeing and so the ‘healing crisis’ is akin to the results of a sudden ‘detoxification’. The client may experience a release of emotions, body wastes or feel very tired for a short period of time. These can all be indications of the strain the person has been ‘unwittingly’ putting on themselves over a long period of time. The holistic therapy received is a way of restoring balance and renewing each persons ability to heal themselves.

A thorough consultation forms part of your very first reflexology treatment. This informs your therapist about your current lifestyle and state of well-being, especially with regards to any existing illnesses or use of medication.

As a reflexology specialist, I always tailor my treatments to my client’s current state of well-being.

Reflexology is also being developed for the treatment of pain. In 2017, I had the opportunity to train with Dr. Carol Samuel who specialises in such treatment. Dr. Samuel is involved in research surrounding the use of reflexology to relieve body pain. This is also known as ‘Nerve Reflexology’. During this type of treatment a client may experience momentary discomfort. However, under the guidance of a trained therapist this discomfort (more like a sharp pressure) is for the purpose of relieving the existing pain that the client has presented with and the client and therapist communicate throughout the treatment so there are no unpleasant surprises.

Always inform your therapist about how you are feeling throughout your reflexology treatment, this way your therapist gets to know exactly how to provide you with the best treatment for you.  Similarly, you should ask questions about the treatment process if you are unclear. Remember, reflexology is not supposed to be painful!

I provide a bespoke reflexology wellness service for clients in Carlow, Dublin and some parts of the south-east of Ireland. You can find out more about reflexology and my treatment plans in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Caroline Cunningham

I love reflexology, it has served me well in my path of transformation to becoming much healthier and happier. I specialise in helping clients who want to succeed with their personal and business goals. I do this by providing reflexology therapy and personalised support and strategies for managing stress and achieving balance. My therapy services are available in Carlow and Dublin and nearby counties in Ireland. Through my blogs I hope more people will be inspired to take steps to improve their wellbeing. Read more about my educational background and expertise here.

Testimonials

See what people say about our company.
  • Calming & Super Knowledgeable

    My reflexology treatment was very relaxing and calming. Caroline’s observations encouraged me to make small changes in my day to day living. Caroline is very friendly and super knowledgeable. I highly recommend her wellbeing services.

    Katie Dunne, Tullow, Co. Carlow

    Incredibly Relaxing Home Treatment Cancer Care

    I found Caroline’s reflexology treatments incredibly relaxing and I really looked forward to her visits while undergoing chemotherapy. Caroline has a lovely friendly personality and the option of home visits was fantastic.

    Claire, Dublin

            Motivation & Focus        

    The reflexology treatment was wonderful! It was just what I needed. I started running again which I always enjoy but I had lost my motivation for a very long time. So, the next day knowing I had two hours free I just started jogging all along the west-peer and surroundings. Felt great and focused afterwards.

    Maria Muffat, Dublin

  • Energised & Fewer Headaches

    I have been feeling really good since my reflexology treatment, more energised and motivated. My tummy seems to have settled and I have fewer headaches.

    S. Lynch, Dublin

    Helpful physically & emotionally

    The reflexology treatments were helpful both physically and emotionally. Caroline is an experienced therapist with a friendly attitude and good advice, I highly recommend her as a therapist.

    Hazel, Dublin

                Feeling at Ease            

    Caroline is very approachable and knowledgeable. I found the reflexology good for overall health and feeling at ease within myself. I felt more focused, energised and motivated as a result of a course of treatments.

    Melanie, Dublin

  •           Stress-free Zone           

    Caroline is an excellent therapist with extraordinary skills. The healing element is vital but she manages to put her clients in a total stress free zone. I adored the chimes as the music played by some therapists can be so very distracting. Caroline has healing hands and I felt excellent afterwards

    Colette Coughlan, Dublin

                Walking on Air            

    Thank you so much for reflexology! Before treatment I was tired and my feet hurt from walking around. Afterward, I felt so much more energetic, I felt like I was walking on air and the swelling had gone down in my broken arm.

    Read more...

    The next day, I had a 10 hour flight. I was anticipating a lot of discomfort with my arm. To my delight, I was nearly pain free throughout my travels. Reflexology really works!

    I highly recommend Caroline for Reflexology. She is gentle, but she works miracles!

    Anna is the Author of Amazon Best Seller “Black Belt Selling: Closing with confidence

    Anna Scheller U.S.A

    Tummies settled & sleeping better

    I brought my two little boys to Caroline and she was fantastic with them and with me. Caroline showed me how to do some home treatment with my boys and it has helped a lot as they sleep better and their tummies have settled.

    A. O’Shea, Carlow

  • Calming & Super Knowledgeable

    My reflexology treatment was very relaxing and calming. Caroline’s observations encouraged me to make small changes in my day to day living. Caroline is very friendly and super knowledgeable. I highly recommend her wellbeing services.

    Katie Dunne, Tullow, Co. Carlow

  • Incredibly Relaxing Home Treatment Cancer Care

    I found Caroline’s reflexology treatments incredibly relaxing and I really looked forward to her visits while undergoing chemotherapy. Caroline has a lovely friendly personality and the option of home visits was fantastic.

    Claire, Dublin

  • Motivation & Focus

    The reflexology treatment was wonderful! It was just what I needed. I started running again which I always enjoy but I had lost my motivation for a very long time. So, the next day knowing I had two hours free I just started jogging all along the west-peer and surroundings. Felt great and focused afterwards.

    Maria Muffat, Dublin

  • Energised & Fewer Headaches

    I have been feeling really good since my reflexology treatment, more energised and motivated. My tummy seems to have settled and I have fewer headaches.

    S. Lynch, Dublin

  • Helpful physically & emotionally

    The reflexology treatments were helpful both physically and emotionally. Caroline is an experienced therapist with a friendly attitude and good advice, I highly recommend her as a therapist.

    Hazel, Dublin

  • Feeling at Ease

    Caroline is very approachable and knowledgeable. I found the reflexology good for overall health and feeling at ease within myself. I felt more focused, energised and motivated as a result of a course of treatments.

    Melanie, Dublin

  • Stress-free Zone

    Caroline is an excellent therapist with extraordinary skills. The healing element is vital but she manages to put her clients in a total stress free zone. I adored the chimes as the music played by some therapists can be so very distracting. Caroline has healing hands and I felt excellent afterwards

    Colette Coughlan, Dublin

  • Walking on Air

    Thank you so much for reflexology! Before treatment I was tired and my feet hurt from walking around. Afterward, I felt so much more energetic, I felt like I was walking on air and the swelling had gone down in my broken arm.

    Read more...

    The next day, I had a 10 hour flight. I was anticipating a lot of discomfort with my arm. To my delight, I was nearly pain free throughout my travels. Reflexology really works!
    I highly recommend Caroline for Reflexology. She is gentle, but she works miracles!
    Anna is the Author of Amazon Best Seller “Black Belt Selling: Closing with confidence

    Anna Scheller U.S.A

  • Tummies settled & sleeping better

    I brought my two little boys to Caroline and she was fantastic with them and with me. Caroline showed me how to do some home treatment with my boys and it has helped a lot as they sleep better and their tummies have settled.

    A. O’Shea, Carlow

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