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The history of reflexology
Modern reflexology is based on an ancient form of therapy. There is evidence of some form of foot and hand therapy being practiced in China as long ago as 4,000 B.C. and also at the same time in Egypt, as depicted in the tomb of Ankmahor. The North American tribes of Indians are known to have practiced a form of foot therapy for hundreds of years. Reflexology as we know it today is attributed to the work of Eunice Ingham, an American Therapist.

How does it work?

It is based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to every organ, gland and part of the body. For example, the toes represent the head and the ball of the foot represents the chest and lung region.

By applying pressure to the reflex points on the hands and/or feet, the blood circulation is improved, the body relaxes and organs and glands become balanced, digestion is improved. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology is fantastic for relaxing and clearing these blockages. The person receiving reflexology benefits relaxation and increased circulation. Moreover, reflexology is very helpful in releasing toxins from organs, it also promotes the clearing of negative emotions.

Reflexology is not a beauty therapy or a foot massage; it is a clinical treatment with proven results. It is totally safe for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Care should be taken when treating women in first trimester pregnancy and patients with diabetes I and cancer.

The reflexology given at Harmony is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. It believes that every living thing is possessed of a living energy - a life force - that they call 'Chi'. Chi flows through energy channels in the body known as meridians, and while the life energy is flowing freely the body and mind are at ease, in balance and therefore healthy. A blockage or disruption to the flow, however, can result in 'dis-ease', imbalance and illness. The human body has a wondrous innate ability to heal itself but sometimes it needs a helping hand.

Who can benefit from reflexology?

Since reflexology will balance and energize the whole body, there are very few conditions that cannot benefit from the treatment. Some conditions respond better than others to the therapy and, likewise, some clients respond better than others. Relief and benefits may be experienced on many different levels:

Stress-busting, deep relaxation
Mild or moderate pain relief
Detoxification
Improved digestion and circulation
improved mobility
Significant improvements in deep-rooted illnesses and conditions
and much more!

The crucial point to note is that Reflexology as a therapy attends to the 'Cause' rather than just the 'Symptom' and will stimulate the body to heal itself.

The reflexology session:

The reflexologist will begin a foot reflexology treatment by undertaking a thorough health, diet and lifestyle consultation. Following this, they will examine your feet and may ask further questions. The treatment will then begin with some general relaxation techniques, followed by a precise thumb and finger walking technique aimed at applying pressure to every reflex area on the top and bottom of the foot.
The reflexologist will always work both feet as part of a full treatment. The left foot represents the left side of the body and the right foot represents the right side of the body.

Reflexology is not ticklish as a firm pressure is used. If a particular part of the body is out of balance, the corresponding reflex may feel tender or sore during the treatment. It is important that you let the practitioner know so that steps may be taken to rectify this discomfort. Generally people describe any areas of tenderness as a ‘sweet pain’ which is both bearable and beneficial. If you have never experienced reflexology before, you may be a little nervous prior to attending your first appointment. A professional Reflexologist will soon put you at your ease and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. You will never be asked to undress for reflexology. The only clothing to be removed is socks or tights and your shoes. It is best to wear lose comfortable clothing so that you feel relaxed.

At the start of your first session, a professional practitioner will conduct a thorough health, diet and lifestyle consultation. This will involve finding out about any medication that you take, recent operations and illnesses and your reasons for trying reflexology. Do ensure that you tell the Reflexologist everything, no matter how minor a symptom may seem. Having built up a picture of your current state of health, the practitioner will explain how reflexology works and will then examine your feet and/or hands.

The treatment will begin with some gentle relaxation techniques followed by applying pressure to each of the reflex points. You may wish to close your eyes and relax or you might prefer to chat during your session, this is entirely up to you. Your Reflexologist may apply a small amount of cream or powder to help them to work their fingers and thumbs across the reflex points on your feet. They usually work on one foot at a time. The pressure should be firm but not painful.

Different reflexes spark different sensations, some might feel like a sharp pin sticking into the foot – this is not the Practitioner’s nails, but crystal deposits under the skin where an area is imbalanced.

During the first treatment, it is quite common not to feel anything, although the Reflexology will still be effective. Often it takes a couple of treatments to ‘awaken’ the reflexes. You may find that during subsequent treatments your feet will become more sensitive. Be aware that certain medication, serious illnesses or nerve damage can dull the sensations but not the effectiveness.

Do tell your reflexologist if and when you feel anything that is sore, tender or sharp, as they will be able to work this area in many different ways to help rectify any problems. The reflexologist will work both hands and/or feet during the course of a full treatment and may revisit certain areas repeatedly to help balance particular reflexes. Your practitioner will make notes following your session so that improvements can be noted at future appointments. All information recorded will remain totally confidential.

A typical foot reflexology treatment lasts 60 minutes and it is generally recommended that a course of 4-6 weekly treatments depending on your state of health and long term objectives.

After your treatment, you will be advised to drink plenty of fresh water (ideally at least 8 glasses in 24 hours), to help flush toxins from your body. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol and eat only light meals.

Pice: $55 per one hour session - Buy five sessions and get the sixth one Free.

Wednesdays between 10am and 7:30pm, by appointment.
Fridays: between 3 and 6:30pm, by appointment.

Your Reflexologist Turid Tarabay

Sessions are given by Turid Tarabay from Norway, certified reflexologist from the Institute of Holistic Medicine in Oslo, Norway, including anatomy, physiology and pathology on the level of nurse education.

In addition she received training in auricular acupuncture with pulse diagnosis and gestalt therapy. She also has a diploma of Joint Acupuncture and first level Bach Flower Therapy. Turid operated from her own clinic for five years in Oslo, then for two years in Spain, before moving to Lebanon since four year ago to resume her practice.

Harmony - Estral Center, Hamra, Beirut
Phone: 03-938554 , 01-755667 - Email: harmonybeirut@gmail.com