Why reflexology?

Reflexology is a safe, non-invasive complimentary therapy that helps you feel amazing!

It works alongside (not instead of) modern medicine, and does not claim to cure or diagnose. It can however, support people living with illnesses, helping to reduce symptoms, and also be preventative, reducing some of the known precursors to many long-term illnesses, such as stress and the inflammation from this. 

The importance of our Autonomic nervous system to manage stress and keep us happy can easily be overlooked. Generally, it ticks along automatically in the background, working hard to keep our body functioning effectively in a ‘rest and digest’ (parasympathetic) state. However, long-term stress and anxiety can leave the body in a 'fight or flight' state of alert for too long, and problems such as high blood pressure, digestive issues, sleep problems and anxiety can occur. 

Some of the benefits of reflexology

Deep relaxation and the stimulation of nerves from reflexology returns the nervous system back to a calm 'rest and digest' state which:  

  • Reduces heart and breathing rates to resting levels 
  • Stimulates the effective digestion of food, efficient energy production and release of bile to digest fats 
  • Aids effective bladder and bowel function 
  • Returns muscles to a relaxed state to reduce tension and aches 
  • Helps reduce migraines and headaches 
  • Helps the body conserve energy  
  • Organs and systems return to effective functioning
  • Lowers symptoms of anxiety and depression 
  • Improves heart rate variability over time to be calmer more often 
  • Hands-on-touch also triggers the release of Serotonin - essential for balancing moods, emotional resilience, happiness and quality of sleep 
  • The release of Oxytocin provides feelings of safety, calm and connection 
  • Assists with reducing pain and pain tolerance

How does it work? 

Reflexology has been used in some form for thousands of years, and can be seen depicted in artwork in the Egyptian tomb of Ankhmahor (‘The Physicians tomb’) in 2330BC ! 

Reflexology uses hand, finger and thumb techniques to gently stimulate areas located on the feet, ankles or hands called reflexes. Specific techniques are used on the reflexes to stimulate the corresponding organs, glands and systems of the body through a reflex response. It also aims to balance the flow of energy through the Meridian lines of the body, which all start or end in the fingers and the toes. 

Follow this link to explore how reflexes on the feet correspond to the areas, organs and systems of the body: AoR

What does a treatment involve?

Before your first treatment, I will ask a few questions to ensure there are no health contra-indications which may put you at risk.  These are rare, but the questions are necessary to keep you safe. I can also answer any queries you may have about reflexology and discuss a convenient time/place for your treatment. The initial treatment will also include completing a short consultation form about your health and lifestyle. This can be done together and is necessary to help create a plan for the best possible service.

I will then help you become comfortable in a Zero-gravity reclining chair. The treatment will begin by freshening your feet with a warm cloth fragranced with organic Tea tree oil (if wanted). The treatment will then start with relaxation techniques whilst using vegan wax balm, before gently working all the reflexes of the body for approximately 50 minutes.

Every treatment is slightly different and may include additional work on reflexes where some imbalance has been found, which can occasionally feel a little sensitive. Typically, clients will experience drifting off into a deeply-relaxed state shortly into the treatment, and may feel slightly sleepy or re-energised afterwards

I can provide feedback of any findings if requested. 

Frequency of treatments

Single sessions are valuable to provide a chance to switch off and give your health a wonderful boost. 

However, following the initial visit, a short course of treatments may also be discussed to gain the most effective results where long-term health or emotional challenges are present.  

After experiencing the benefits of reflexology, clients also find ‘maintenance’ sessions are useful once a month or every six weeks to retain the balance they have found. 

 

*See 'Pricing' for concessionary payment options where required.