Reflexology - anyone tried it?

[Mopsy]

Thinking about seeing a reflexologist but not sure what to expect (apart from getting my shoes off of course!)

Feel a bit anxious because I've heard it can be quite painful....has anyone tried this? Mxx

[SueDonim]

I had a course, Mopsy, for migraine. It's incredibly relaxing and not as painful as the acupuncture I'd had previously! It can become more painful as they work the ?crystals through your feet but I was so relaxed that it wasn't any big deal and was only a fleeting nip. Good luck!

[batey]

I had it too for sickness in pregnancy, it dosn't hurt, it's more like a firm massage. Have to say it didn't help. I threw up during it in fact!! But then nothing helped, except delivery!

[winnie1]

Mopsy, I have been having reflexology for the best part of 20 years (which is very alarming!). It is wonderful, it can be relatively pinful. It has been successful in treating a whole manner of different conditions in myself and the children. It stabilised my blood pressure in pregnancy and overdue started my labour off (I believe)... Go for it and enjoy

[Enid]

I had reflexology for various ailments, it was very relaxing but didn't help me as much as acupuncture did. I would say if your problem is a 'bone, joint or muscle' one like mine were (bad back, bad neck, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome) try acupuncture. I would think reflexology is very good for emotional stress and inability to relax. Its good for settling tummies too.

[WideWebWitch]

Mopsy, I had reflexology once a week for about 6 months after I had ds. I had pnd at the time and it definitely helped, although that may have been the having someone to talk to as much as the actual treatment.

I did get a bit panicked when she said things like "your lungs are showing stress" as I automatically assumed it meant I was really ill (but that was part of the depression, my morbidity). I found it really relaxing and wonderful. Another reflexologist I saw a couple of years later reassured me about the above by telling me that it is not meant to be a diagnostic tool, which made me feel better!

Weirdly, I felt sensations (not unpleasant) in parts of my body when she was working on the corresponding part of my foot - I was amazed having been a bit sceptical about whether it actually worked. Let us know how you get on.

[SofiaAmes]

I've had reflexology in china...lots of fun. I also had it in london when I was pregnant with my son. Frankly I thought it was a bit boring and didn't make me feel any less pregnant. The chinese ones were not gentle, but not really painful. The english ones were wimpy and defintely not painful. I prefer a good massage anyday for general good feeling. If you are trying to treat something specific, acupuncture may be more effective.

[Mopsy]

Wow so many replies. Many thanks for telling me about your experiences, I'll definitely be giving it a go.

I'm embarking on a "programme" of "getting myself together"....ha ha ha. Does that make me sound like the organised and disciplined person I'm not but would like to be?

Along with going for a serious swim 3x week, eating much more healthily, getting a radical haircut/colour, new clothes, facial and massage I thought a reflexology session or short course might be a good addition to help me feel healthier and more energised. I'm going to book a session for when I'm back from holiday later in August and will report back....
M xx

[ionesmum]

I've had reflexology, too. It's v. relaxing but be warned, it made me pee for England!

[robinw]

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