Reflexology in Bexhill

Not quite. Both involve working on the feet, but reflexology follows a particular system of reflex areas. The traditional theory behind reflexology is that different points on the feet correspond with different areas of the body.

Your therapist works methodically across these areas using finger and thumb pressure alongside massage techniques.

We do think it's important to distinguish the traditional theory from what science has actually established. Reflexology shouldn't be used to diagnose illness or treated as a proven way of changing the function of a particular organ simply by pressing a corresponding point on the foot.

You don't have to believe any extraordinary claims to enjoy the treatment. For many people, the appeal is much simpler: 45 minutes of focused touch, stillness and relaxation.

Reflexology should not be an endurance test.

Pressure is applied across different areas of the feet and you may find that some points feel more sensitive than others. That doesn't mean you need to tolerate uncomfortable pressure, and we won't interpret tenderness as proof that something is medically wrong elsewhere in your body.

We'll check that the pressure feels right and can adjust it at any point. If something feels uncomfortable, tell us.

Relaxation works considerably better when you're not lying there gritting your teeth.

No. One of the reasons reflexology appeals to some people is that you remain clothed during the treatment.

You'll need to remove your shoes and socks so your therapist can work on your feet, but otherwise you can simply wear comfortable clothing and settle onto the treatment bed.

We'll make sure you're warm and comfortable before we begin. There's no special outfit and no need to arrive knowing what you're supposed to do.

Quite possibly.

Reflexology uses purposeful pressure rather than the very light, feathery touch that tends to make people feel ticklish, so being ticklish doesn't automatically mean you won't enjoy it.

But everyone is different. Tell your therapist before the treatment and we can begin carefully, see how you find it and adjust the pressure if needed.

And if your feet turn out to be spectacularly ticklish, don't worry. You won't be the first person who's warned us.

We wouldn't use it that way.

Traditional reflexology maps different areas of the feet to different parts of the body, and your therapist may notice that some areas feel different or are more sensitive than others.

But a reflexology treatment isn't a medical examination and we don't use your feet to diagnose health conditions.

If you have symptoms you're concerned about, unexplained pain or changes to your health, those should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.

People often choose reflexology because they find the experience calming and relaxing and enjoy having dedicated time to themselves.

You'll also see reflexology promoted online for everything from headaches and digestion to fertility, hormonal problems and numerous medical conditions. The scientific evidence isn't strong enough for us to promise that reflexology will treat those conditions.

That doesn't make the treatment pointless. Relaxation, human touch and taking time out of a busy week can be valuable in their own right.

We don't need to promise that reflexology can cure something in order to believe it's worth having.

Everybody responds differently.

You may leave feeling deeply relaxed, sleepy or simply as though you've had 45 minutes where life went pleasantly quiet for a while. Other people don't experience anything dramatic at all — and that's completely fine too.

There's no particular sensation you need to experience for your reflexology treatment to have been 'successful'. Take your time getting up afterwards, have some water if you'd like it, and carry on with your day at whatever pace your day allows.

Not always, which is why we'll ask about your health before treatment.

There may be circumstances where treatment needs to be adapted or postponed — for example, certain foot injuries or infections, recent procedures, circulatory concerns or other health conditions.

Please tell us about relevant medical conditions, medication, injuries, recent changes to your health or anything you're concerned about.

If we're unsure whether reflexology is appropriate for you, we may recommend seeking advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before treatment.

We'd always rather ask an extra question than make an assumption about your health.

Pregnancy needs some additional consideration, so please tell us if you're pregnant when booking.

Whether reflexology is appropriate can depend on your stage of pregnancy, your individual health, the therapist's pregnancy-specific reflexology training and professional or insurance requirements.

Rather than treating pregnancy as a footnote in a general FAQ, we'd rather check your circumstances properly and make sure the treatment we're offering is appropriate for you.

Please contact us before booking if you're pregnant and unsure.