What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a deeply relaxing, safe and non-invasive complementary therapy suitable for the whole family throughout every stage of life. It can help reduce stress levels and help restore the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing.
It works on the belief that reflex points on the feet and hands are linked to all the organs, bodily systems and skeletal structure of the body. These reflex points are stimulated or sedated by applying pressure to the points on the feet or hands in order to promote relaxation and feeling of wellbeing.
How I work as an Advanced Reflexologist & Wellness Practitioner
A Reflexology sessions with me is much more than just a Reflexology treatment. I bring together all that I have learnt over the years for a true holistic, integrated approach to your wellbeing.
My training and passion as a Wellbeing Coach, Balance Procedure Trainer and Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner allows me to give you the best treatment for you at the right time.
To experience a truly holistic and integrated treatment please see my Wellness Packages for more details.
As an Advanced Reflexologist I work holistically and my aim is to work alongside allopathic healthcare to promote better health for my clients.
I am an experienced Reflexologist and have taken additional training in Advanced Reflexology Techniques, such as Nerve Reflexology, Vertical Reflexology Techniques, Reproductive, Fertility and Maternity Reflexology. I use my Reflexology training and experience along with clinical reasoning to tailor your Reflexology treatment to your specific needs.
Is Reflexology suitable for me?
Reflexology is a therapy which can be received by anyone at any age, from 4 week old newborn babies to those receiving end of life care, and everyone in between. However, there may occasionally be times when permission will need to be sought from your medical doctor first as there are some conditions where Reflexology may not be advised. Please mention any health related concerns to me at the time of booking.
How will Reflexology help me?
As an experienced Complementary Wellbeing Practitioner, I do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.
Reflexology is a very individual treatment which works with you holistically, so it is not possible to know in advance how you will react. The theory is that reflexology helps the body to restore its balance naturally. Usually, after a treatment your tension will be reduced and you will feel more relaxed. You might also notice yourself sleeping better and find your mood and sense of wellbeing improving.
There have been some positive research projects carried out with reflexology; please see the research page for more information. Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.
Potential benefits of reflexology
- feelings of deep relaxation
- improves mood
- increased energy levels
- the release of endorphins, the body's feel good hormones
- improved circulation
- more efficient removal of impurities and toxins
- aids sleep
- helps relieve tension
- a sense that the whole body is in better balance
Reflexology can help treat people with the following conditions
- pain relief
- stress & anxiety
- back pain
- stress related illnesses
- neck & shoulder tension
- Fibromyalgia
- ME & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- asthma
- digestive disorders, IBS & constipation
- headaches / migraines
- sinus problems
- insomnia & sleep problems
- hormonal imbalances
- menopause symptoms
- pre-menstrual symptoms
I also have specialist training in the following areas
Fertility Reflexology
- Pre-conception
- Assisted Conception IVF
Maternity Reflexology
- Maternity Reflexology
- Induction / Post-dates
- Post-natal support
How will I feel after a Reflexology treatment?
To gain maximum benefit from your reflexology treatment, try to rest afterwards – this helps your body’s natural healing process. Caffeine can have a stimulating effect, so tea, coffee and cola should be avoided if possible, to help you relax.
Drink plenty of water or herbal tea over the next few days – this helps flush away toxins. Try to avoid alcohol and tobacco for the rest of the day if possible too.
After your treatments your body may respond in a very noticeable way. Most people note a sense of wellbeing and relaxation; however, sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, this is usually transitory and Complementary Therapists believe that it is part of the natural healing process. It is useful to give feedback to me at your next treatment as this may show the response of your body to treatment. This in turn will help me to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
What happens during a Reflexology treatment?
A full medical history will be requested on your first treatment, and you will be asked to sign a consent form for treatment. This information will be kept confidential.
Reflexology is a very easy therapy to receive. After removing your shoes and socks you will be reclined fully clothed in a comfortable chair. I will apply cream to your feet and then work over the entire area of both feet using Advanced Reflexology Techniques, including Nerve Reflexology and Vertical Reflexology Techniques (VRT). Some clients may fell asleep during a treatment. You can even finish off your Reflexology treatment with some Reiki.
A standard Reflexology treatment lasts for 1 hour.
How many Reflexology treatments will I need?
As a general rule, for maximum benefit, I recommend a course of 6 treatments, ideally on a weekly basis.
This will be discussed during your initial treatment and will depend upon how long you have had the problem, and if there are any other health issues. I will work with you to determine your response to the Reflexology and tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs.
After the initial course of 6 treatment further weekly, fortnightly, monthly or bi-monthly maintenance program may be recommended to maintain the improvements to your health.
Many of my clients have been coming to see me for many years because they benefit so much from regular Reflexology.
What are Vertical Reflexology Techniques?
VRT is an acclaimed award-winning newer form of Reflexology that is applied to the weight-bearing feet or hands for a few minutes before and/or after a conventional reflexology treatment.
As a VRT trained Reflexologist I often combine working on your weight-bearing feet and hands for a few minutes during a treatment to accelerate the healing processes.
A brief history of Reflexology
Reflexology is based on an ancient form of therapy. There is evidence of some form of foot and hand therapy being practised in China as long ago as 4,000 B.C. and also in Egypt, as depicted in the tomb of Ankmahor (highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, which is also known as the physicians tomb. This Egyptian wall painting is dated at the 6th dynasty, about 2330 B.C. The North American tribes of Indians are known to have practised a form of foot therapy for hundreds of years.
Modern reflexology was not introduced to the West until Dr William Fitzgerald developed ‘Zone therapy’. He believed that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.
In the 1930’s, Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is known as reflexology. Her opinion was that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.