Vertical reflexology
Please could you explain what vertical reflexology is and what are the benefits, compared with normal reflexology?
Your question coincides with an explosion of interest in this subject, following the recent publication of the first-ever book on vertical reflexology by a UK practitioner. The good news for you is that the author, Lynne Booth, has a private reflexology practice in Bristol where you live and so you can try a treatment with the world’s expert practitioner. An experienced reflexologist, she literally stumbled across the idea of vertical reflexology by chance while working with elderly and wheelchair-bound patients in nursing homes in Bristol.
The key difference between conventional reflexology and its less well known vertical cousin is that with the latter, the practitioner works on the tops of the feet while the client remains standing. This is said to provide deeper access to the reflex points so that the treatment is both quicker (patients report physical improvements within minutes) and, it is claimed, more effective than when the reflexes on the soles of the feet are used.
Vertical Reflex Therapy, (VRT), claims to provide even more reflex points than conventional reflexology and as well as the feet, the hands are also worked on. It is particularly effective for treating orthopaedic and chronic muscular conditions such as stiff knees and hips but can also support a patient who has ME or cancer. Women in early pregnancy, epileptics, those with a history of heart problems, people suffering varicose veins and infectious skin problems are not suitable candidates for VRT.
*Vertical Reflexology by Lynne Booth is published in paperback by Piatkus, £12.99. You can contact the author on 0117-962 6746.