Reflexology is an ancient science which works on the premise that there are reflexes on the feet which are energetically connected to the organs and various body systems.
With this in mind I travelled to Ackermans Health and Beauty Centre, located behind Ackermans Pharmacy, in Rietfontein Road, for a reflexology appointment with Hariclia Tsousalas.
Hariclia has been involved in reflexology for the past 20 years.
“I have been working full time for just over a month, working my passion,” she explained after a warm greeting.
The death of a beloved uncle sparked Hariclia’s interest in complementary therapies.
“When my uncle was diagnosed with cancer he was told how long he had before he died.
“He started going to a complementary therapist for treatments, and it gave him hope and helped prolong his life.
“I didn’t know what reflexology was at the time, but I knew it made my uncle feel better and that was enough,” she said.
Hariclia explained that the positive feedback she receives from her clients is the best part of what she does.
I was asked to sit on the bed in an upright, but comfortable position, before Hariclia explained a bit more about the origin of the treatment I was about to receive.
The treatment focuses on the ancient Chinese meridian theory combined with the five elements.
The meridians are a network of energy channels or electrical pathways covering the body, that are similar to the zones that are traditionally know in reflexology.
There are 12 major meridians, each passing through the one side of the body with a mirror image on the other side of the body.
Reflexology therapists will work on a client’s feet, hands and, as an addition, ears.
The auricular therapy however, is only offered as an additional treatment on top of a manual treatment.
The treatment involves small magnets being placed on areas of the ear that focus on areas that the therapist and/or client feel needs more attention. An example of this is dealing with extreme stress.
The first treatment with Hariclia will be a manual exercise, giving her an opportunity to get to know the client and assess the clients over all condition.
During my manual treatment Hariclia identified a number of problems with which I was suffering, without prior knowledge of my medical history.
This included picking up on a kidney infection I had suffered only a few weeks earlier.
Next I was treated to a boot treatment, which is given in conjunction with a cupping treatment.
The Vacuflex Reflexology System is used to create a suction in these treatments.
The boots are left on the client’s feet for five minute, with the therapist adjusting the pressure slowly throughout the treatment.
When the boots are removed from the feet they will display four primary colours for between 30 – 40 seconds, which indicates the thermal energy in the body.
The therapist will use this information in a manual treatment.
There are four different size cups which are used to stimulate the reflexes in the body; the cups are used in a sequence over the body.
Your first visit to a reflexology therapist can last up to an hour, with follow-ups ranging between 30 to 40 minutes.
Hariclia recommends monthly appointments for maintenance.
“We are always surrounded by electro magnetics, so the body will always be trying to balance itself,” she explained.
When leaving the treatment clients can expect a number of different reactions, which could include yawning, sweating, a restless night’s sleep or a deep sleep; these vary from person to person.
Hariclia is a qualified reflexology therapist which means she is registered with the Allied Health Professions of South Africa. She has studied and met all the criteria set out for her.
Therapist are expected to have a valid and/or up to date first aid certificate, as well as reaching a set number of continuous professional development (CPD) points.
I left my appointment feeling light and relaxed and look forward to returning in the future, to find out more about this ancient practice.
