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

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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