The Malta Independent on Sunday
Reflexology from the sole to the soul
Every September, reflexologists around the world organise events to promote awareness of the benefits of reflexology. While some may be tilting their heads in confusion, reflexology therapy is recognised worldwide by numerous national health institutions and awareness of this holistic health practice dates back to 2300 BCE Egypt. People seek out reflexology therapy for many different reasons, such as high levels of stress, anxiety, pain in the feet or hands, injuries, headaches and reproductive issues.
While reflexology is often discussed and practiced abroad, it is not as common locally. The Malta Independent on Sunday met up with reflexologist Fiona Farrugia, who explained what reflexology entails and the benefits not just of reflexology, but of taking on a more holistic approach to treating our bodies.
Balancing the body system by stimulating neural pathways in our body
“What reflexology does is simply balance our system and promote mental, physical and emotional relaxation,” explained Fiona. She showed me a full diagram of two feet, specifying how particular areas of the foot are linked to body systems. She pointed out how the middle part is where one finds pathways to the different organs such as the liver, stomach and kidneys, while further down one finds the pathway to the small intestine and bladder. She explained that techniques such as thumb and finger walking, hook and backup are used to apply pressure to specific reflex areas, stimulating the neural pathways linking body systems to support the body’s effort to function optimally. “We are not doctors, so we cannot diagnose a patient, but if we feel that something is wrong, we would recommend you go get some tests done or visit your gynaecologist.” Fiona says she works with doctors, complementing their treatment of patients, ranging from fertility patients to those suffering from skeletal or muscular problems.
“Reflexology is a complementary addition to medicine. It is important to note that, yes, if you are unwell, you should always see your doctor and, if need be, start medication.” Many turn to reflexology as a last resort, after they have tried all sorts of other therapies, but that does not discourage Fiona. Once clients realise the true benefits of reflexology, they never turn back. Sometimes patients have taken all sorts of pain killers and turn to other avenues of pain relief. As a holistic therapy, reflexology can help. Reflexology can also be started alongside regular medicine and eventually this, too, may be decreased after blood tests show good results or as advised by a doctor.
Reflexology and aromatherapy helped Fiona overcome her migraines
When asked what had led her to pursue a career in reflexology, Fiona explained the holistic therapy had helped her overcome migraines which she had suffered from for years. “At first I used to suffer from migraine once every few months but, over time, this increased, to the point that I would have them daily and they would affect my lifestyle.” She recalled that after taking numerous painkillers, visiting doctors and getting MRI scans done, she took up aromatherapy. “When I started a course in aromatherapy, there were reflexology students who needed case studies. I was suffering from terrible neck pain at the time, so I volunteered. After five reflexology sessions, my neck pain vanished, and I knew from then on I wanted to learn more about the subject. I approached the VTCT Reflexology teacher, Mary Vella of ELizir Health & Beauty School, to enrol on the next course.” The following year Fiona went on to study Level 4 Aromatherapy and Reflexology, covering fertility, maternity and cancer care under the tutelage of Mary Vella.
Now, Fiona has a VTCT Level 3 and 4 Diploma in Aromatherapy & Reflexology and a Level 4 Diploma in CRS EAR Reflexology from the Canadian School of Reflexology. Speaking to Fiona, you can tell that reflexology has changed her life and that she is passionate about the subject, learning more about it and passing on that knowledge. She explained that she will soon be travelling to the United Kingdom for a course for mothers on how to perform reflexology on babies and children. “I am extremely excited to teach mothers about the techniques of reflexology for their children and babies.”
Working with mothers-to-be is both rewarding and challenging
Fiona explains that she forms part of a team that works together under Prof Mark Brincat, ensuring the best service for his fertility, IUI and IVF patients. “I have worked with many women who worry and stress about not getting pregnant, or women who suffer from polycystic ovaries or other gynaecological issues.” She emphasised that the feet reveal everything about her clients, and many times she can tell if they are pregnant due to swelling on the inner ankle, which indicates pregnancy. “Of course once a client is pregnant, reflexology therapy is gentle and much more for relaxation and you work on different areas. I help them with swollen ankles and oedema in particular.”
Her eyes lit up with happiness when she began speaking about reflexology for children and babies. “While new borns cannot tell you where the pain is, they show you. For babies we mainly do reflexology for colic, teething and constipation.” She recalled how a client’s baby was constantly crying due to constipation, so slowly and gently Fiona began working on the middle section of the child’s foot, and later on that day the child managed to relieve itself. She stressed the importance of children learning about reflexology as a form of empowering themselves. “Growing up with this knowledge, children will begin to give reflexology to each other. It can first start as a game, but as they get older they will realize the health benefits and as adults continue to use reflexology to achieve homeostasis.” She explained that children would grow up being able to take care of themselves and treat minor ailments by using reflexology just like their parents used on them as children.
Azure Butterfly Project - providing reflexology services to those in a vulnerable situation
Apart from working at clinics, Fiona is part of the Azure Butterfly Project, where she and other complementary therapists volunteer and provide their services at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre. “Thanks to our teacher at VTCT, Marika Fleri, who manages the Azure Butterfly Project, we have had the privilege to volunteer at Sir Anthony Mamo,” explained Fiona.
She explained that volunteering in palliative care has kept her grounded and shows her that in life we should be grateful for every moment. “The first time I went it shattered me and I was very emotional, but now I see that such an experience makes my life worthwhile, knowing that I am providing a service to those who need it most.” She explained that for some patients, even the fact that someone is touching them and taking care of them benefits them greatly.
It takes time to get better but certain people take medication for instant results
When I asked Fiona why she thinks reflexology has not picked up locally, she explained that people prefer going to their GP first. While she believes medication is necessary for certain illnesses and pain, one should be open to trying a more holistic approach.
“I work with doctors, not against them, and a doctor will often recommend reflexology to patient. It takes time to get better; this is not a quick miracle solution, which is why sometimes it takes three or four sessions for a patient to feel better.” She explained that reflexology is a therapy which complements the medication a client is taking.
“It is important that we take care of ourselves and understand the root of what is causing our illness or pain. Through my clients and research, stress is a primary cause of illness. It is important that we help one another and, yes, take medication when necessary but not abuse it.” Fiona is passionate about her profession and firmly believes that although one needs a certain amount of stress in life, it is important to calm down, not obsess and take care of one’s body.