Sedona Reflexology a website about the work of Thomas Brennan

Reflexology is a wonderful tool to use for greater health. In most cases “reflexology” means “foot reflexology”, which is very much like a foot massage. The difference is that the reflexologist is trained to recognize that there are specific points and areas on the feet (or hands) that correspond with each other body part. The reflexologist is also trained in specific techniques for working on those points and areas. Many of us have tender areas on our feet. The reflexologist is trained to recognize these and to touch them without hurting you.

            Reflexology was originally developed in a medical context at the beginning of the twentieth century. In many parts of the world, including the developed countries, reflexology is still included in the mainstream health care systems and a person might receive reflexology in a reflexologist’s private setting or in a modern medical facility.  In the United States reflexologists are independently certified by The American Reflexology Certification Board and only very recently have again begun to be associated in some cases with medical situations.

Although many people have specific health concerns and can be helped by reflexology, the reflexologist does not treat specific conditions. What the reflexologist does is work through the feet (or hands) to support those natural processes within the person which can contribute to that person’s health.

There are at least twenty-six different theories as to how reflexology works. The original theory, postulated by Eunice Ingam, the creator of modern reflexology, was that reflexology works by removing minute deposits from the nerve endings in the feet.  Within that theory it is thought that the nerves in the feet are connected to other body parts which will then function more as they were meant to as those deposits are cleared away. Subsequently other practitioners have proposed the theory that reflexology works because if you are nice to some one and rub their feet, they will get better.  Still other reflexologists believe that reflexology works through the points and channels used in acupuncture.  My belief is that amazing benefits can be had through reflexology and that probably all twenty-six theories are true at least some of the time.  My preferred theory is that most of us live, often for years, with tension that is almost always there. Reflexology can be profoundly relaxing, more so than many of us ever experience in any other way and often in a very short time.  I feel that there is no need to suffer from this sort of prolonged discomfort and the many secondary effects that prolonged tension can produce. When that tension goes and the life forces begin to flow, as they were meant to, it seems inevitable that everything will move toward greater health and well-being. Among my clients are people who have reported profound relief from neck and shoulder tension along with improved sleep and relief from irritability. Others have reported relief from foot pain, hip pain, and back tension. I have also found that reflexology can be very helpful with the normal discomforts of pregnancy. You may find more information about pregnancy and reflexology at www.maternity-reflexology.net.

How does one go about receiving reflexology? The first step is to find a compatible situation with a certified reflexologist.  When, after you have made an appointment, you arrive at your reflexologist’s office, you will in most cases be seated in a reclining chair (or lying on a massage table).  You may be asked to fill out some informational paper forms.  Then you reflexologist will begin to work on your bare feet (or hands). Within a very few minutes you may experience profound relaxation, which may last for several days afterward. Sessions at my office are normally an hour in length. Other reflexologists may have other preferences about session length.

Thomas Brennan is a reflexologist working in Sedona, AZ. Thomas has been active in reflexology and other types of body work for well over thirty years. He is certified by The American Reflexology Certification Board. Thomas has been teaching reflexology, including advanced training since early 2004. You can most easily reach him with question or for an appointment by e-mail at thomas@sedona-reflexology.com