Which treatment?

Many people new to massage and reflexology may feel confused where to start or what would be best to try first in order to understand the therapy and chose what is beneficial for their body and well being.

My recommendation to a person who never had a professional massage before is to start with a face massage. The reasons for this are:

• it is the most relaxing massage and people new to massages relax much better starting with a face massage rather than a back massage
• if feeling conscious of removing ones clothes which obviously is not needed during a face massage, apart from a small part of the chest and shoulders
• it works so to speak “directly on the brain” meaning the manipulation of face muscles has a general effect on the entire body
• the treatment includes scalp massage that increases the blood flow, stimulates the brain and can work really well for the tension in the temples and jaw area
• can really bring a feeling of confidence and awareness of one’s face as many ladies would literally be amazed of how much tension they can carry in their facial muscles and the results of glowing skin, relaxed and peaceful appearance really makes a difference

A face massage also includes chest massage, shoulders and neck and the last 10min will be spend on the scalp.

However, if the client would prefer a body treatment, I always recommend the 45min back massage to start with. It is enough to give you a sense about the technique, whether you feel comfortable with the therapist and to ensure the pressure is suitable.

Regarding reflexology it can be done on the feet, hands and face. Most people are familiar with foot reflexology and recently face reflexology was introduced in the UK by Lone Sorensen. There is a bit of misinformation about foot reflexology which many people think is very painful as they had their first session probably in countries like China or Thailand where the focus is on very strong pressure in order to get good results. However, in UK the technique many therapists use including myself is “thumb walking” or “caterpillar walk”. This is more gentle and the pressure can be adjusted to clients’ needs. A strong healing reaction can be avoided by increasing the pressure throughout the treatments instead of doing that from the very beginning.

Both foot and face reflexology last an hour per session and it depends on the person’s preferences to start with foot reflexology or face reflexology. Both have powerful beneficial results and are very relaxing treatments.

One particular caution which someone has to consider when coming for either massage or reflexology is not to consume alcohol before the session; this is simply because through the treatments the alcohol consumed will get even quicker into the bloodstream. In other words, your therapist can refuse to give you a treatment if you have consumed alcoholic drinks before your session.

Hope this was helpful and if you have any question please contact iuliana@homereflexology.co.uk