A contra-action is a reaction to treatment either during or after a session. As everybody is different the responses to a reflexology treatment will also differ for each person. These responses can occur during a session, immediately once the treatment has finished or up to 48h after. It is extremely rare for a person to have an adverse reaction to a reflexology treatment.

Any sign of a contra- action is a good indication that the treatment is working.

After a reflexology treatment the body will start to release toxins and depending on your health and the condition you are suffering from (if any) it will determine how strong the contra-action will be. In some cases it will take at least 3 to 6 treatment for some of these to subside.

Here is a brief list of contra-actions which may occur during a treatment:

• Sweating of the palms or the soles of the feet
• Coughing
• Laughing or crying
• Sighing deeply
• Twitching or tingling of the limbs
• Sudden cramp
• Electric-shock type feeling in associated zone
• Warmth in the zone being treated
• Fatigue or the need to sleep
• Freedom from joint pain

There are other types of contra-actions that can present themselves after a treatment has been completed. These can be immediately or up to 48hr later. It would be advisable to note any changes you may experience after your treatment so that they can be noted by your therapist at your next visit.

• Any symptom may get worse for 24 hours
• General aches and pains
• Skin rashes, spots or pimples
• Fatigue for up to 48 hours
• Flu-like symptoms
• More ease and frequency of bowel movements
• Much better moods
• Improved sleep pattern
• More energy
• Relief from pain
• Joints appear more supple
• Any mucus (upper respiratory tract infections) becomes clears (not green/yellow)

It is important to note that if you are on any type of medication you may have a stronger reaction as your body releases toxins.  

Sometimes after a treatment a you may feel worse or have other side effects they you were not expecting. This is known as the Healing Crisis. The best way to explain this reaction is how we feel when we go exercising and how we ache after an aerobics class, your body’s reaction gets worse before it get better. It is the same with the healing crisis.

As stated above any sign of a contra- action is a good indication that the treatment is working, however you may not experience anything. Your reaction, if any will be based on an individual basis.