It’s funny – when you are learning a new skill there are usually several different ways of performing the various tasks or techniques. Inevitably what happens is you find some ways that are comfortable  and work for you and ‘forget’ the rest. This is the reason why continuous personal development is so important. It’s as important to refresh as it is to learn new techniques.  I have just read an article about effleurage,  a technique I was taught during my training and was encouraged to use at the start or end of a treatment (or both). It involves stroking the skin (in foot reflexology, the lower legs), prior to, during or at the end of a treatment.

The rate of ‘stroking’ affects different receptors. Slow gentle stroking stimulates the release of oxytocin which can help to modulate pain, reduce heart rate, lower stress hormones, facilitate sleep and learning, promote calm (particularly for children). A  slower rate of stroking will stimulate c-tactile afferents. The activation of these nerves has a calming effect and can reduce anxiety.

We all know the power of touch. Sometimes a hand on a shoulder or back says so much more than words. We automatically rub a bumped knee or shoulder. This makes sense. Stimulation from touch is conveyed to the brain quicker than that from pain and can override or reduce the sensation of pain.

I’ll be introducing these techniques into treatments and monitoring the effects on my clients  over the next few months.

Acknowledgements to Sally Earlam (AoR Fellow) AoR Reflexions No. 156