Reflexology is a safe, non-invasive complimentary therapy that leaves you feeling amazing!

It works alongside (not instead of) modern medicine, and does not claim to cure or diagnose - but can help reduce symptoms of illnesses, and some of the known precursors to many long-term illnesses including 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 stimulation of nerves from Reflexology returns the nervous system back to a '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  

*Returns organs and systems to a relax state for effective functioning.  

*Lowers symptoms of anxiety and depression (.2) (4.) 

*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 - providing feelings of safety, calm and connection. 

*Assists with reducing pain and pain tolerance (3.) 

 

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 create a healing response in 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 the reflexes correspond to the areas and systems of the body: AoR

 

What does a treatment involve?

 

It is useful to have a brief chat prior to the first treatment, to ensure there are no health contra-indications which may put you at risk.  These are rare; however, the questions are necessary to keep you safe. I can also answer any queries you may have about the treatment and discuss a convenient time/place for appointment.  

 

The initial treatment will include completing a consultation form about your health and lifestyle, necessary to help create a plan for the best possible treatment.

 

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 then provide feedback of any findings if requested. 

 

Frequency of treatments