I often get asked if there is an age limit for Reflexology- the answer is no, there’s no age restriction on feeling good!
It’s funny though, we often presume that holistic therapies are the preserve of a certain type of person, someone who has developed a keen level of self-awareness. Well, I want to tell you I have clients of all ages some of whom on their first visit hadn’t even heard of Reflexology but just thought they would give it a go because it worked for a friend… it takes all sorts of people to colour my week and bring new ideas into my life and I love that.
But back to the age limit question. Reflexology is suitable for anyone at any age. In fact it’s a wonderful therapy for Expectant Mothers. Just imagine being a baby, floating around in your Mummy’s womb, Mummy is feeling, relaxed and soothed during her Reflexology session and you’re receiving all that reassuring energy too and then when you are born, Mummy cuddles you and strokes your little feet and you feel all that wonderful, soothing energy again – immediately you understand that although you are out in the world now, your Mummy’s touch has the power to cocoon you in warm, loving energy.
So to all expectant Mum’s – try Reflexology to help you prepare for your labour, connect with your body and relax your mind and then when baby is born, gently stroke their little feet and return to this often when they need reassurance or are feeling unwell.
As a child grows so does the way they receive Reflexology. At first it’s short, gentle strokes but after a time it can be more targeted and intended to ease childhood ailments. Your Reflexologist will have all sorts of imaginative ideas for keeping your little one engaged for just long enough so that she/he can work on their feet.
Some common childhood ailments that benefit from Reflexology:
- Teething
- Infections
- Croup
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Colds
- Poor sleep
Remember also that children need emotional support, they often carry a lot of worries on their shoulders and sometimes find it difficult to express these anxieties. Reflexology is a non-verbal therapy and as such it is great for easing young minds. If your child has ASD or a condition which you feel might rule out Reflexology then it’s important to remember the Reflexology is for everyone idea – a conversation with your Therapist will result in strategies for introducing your child to Reflexology.
Reflexology can be the physical and emotional First Aid Kit which you turn to throughout your whole life – teens into adulthood, menopause into older age – Reflexology will help you navigate all these transitions in a healthy, positive way. If you have had Reflexology as a child you will naturally seek the therapy out whenever you feel, physically, emotionally or spiritually low. If you come to it later in life then you will have a whole new approach to self-care opened up to you.
It’s important to say also that there’s no such thing as being ‘too old’ for Reflexology. An older body contains many years of wisdom and because of this an older person often intuitively knows a lot about healing and dealing with life’s ups and downs. Therapists can learn a lot from listening to their older clients. And what we can do in return is remind them of their value and inner power – it takes a lot of strength to walk many miles. A Reflexologist doesn’t see ageing as an illness, it’s just one of life’s many processes. It is in fact a perfect fit for someone who might need reminded that they are still a vital, important force.
Some common ailments often associated with getting older and which can be helped by Reflexology include:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Digestive Problems
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bladder weakness
- Low mood.
The healing power of a kind touch is something that is often removed from older peoples lives. Reflexology carried out with warmth and care is one of the most reassuring and restorative therapies you can have. If you are someone who doesn’t receive that many cuddles then the most powerful part of Reflexology is quite simply a kind and reassuring touch.
So, no matter what stage you are at in your life, Reflexology is the natural fit. If in reading this you have any thoughts or questions then please do contact me. If you generally like reading my Blog then you can subscribe to receive notifications for each new post.