How to Prepare for a Reflexology Session and Establish a Therapeutic Relationship

Whether practising reflexology in your own home or at the home of a patient, it is important to create a suitable environment for treatment. The place where you work should be peaceful, private and comfortable, perhaps with some quiet relaxing music playing in the background.

A typical reflexology session may well last for up to an hour so it is absolutely vital to ensure that both the comfort of the patient and practitioner are cared for.

The room you use should be well lit, well ventilated, scrupulously clean and pleasantly warm. Patients should be seated on a suitable reclining chair or bench that is covered with clean linens and paper or fresh towels at each session.

Pillows can be placed behind the head and back, and under the knees so that the patient is in a semi-recumbent position.

Take care that they aren't bent into a "U" shape at all because, during the course of a session as this could divert blood flow and cause congestion in the pathways of the abdominal organs.

When working, the practitioner should be seated comfortably, with a straight back, preferably on an adjustable low stool, so that the feet or hands of the patient are at chest height, allowing for clear eye contact.

There is no need to use oils or lotions during treatment as these can cause the hands to slip off the reflexes. If you really wish to use talcum powder, keep this to an absolute minimum: when inhaled, the dust produced can irritate allergies and may cause respiratory problems.

Before starting reflexology at a session, always make an assessment of the patient's general demeanour so that you can tailor the treatment accordingly. You can learn a great deal about a person's state of health just by observing their body language when they enter the room.

Pay special attention to posture, breathing and tone of voice, and look out for clues, such as uneven wear and tear of shoes, that may indicate an imbalance in the body.

If you are treating someone for the first time, take a full case history to inform your approach.