What is reflexology?
Reflexology is suitable for anyone of any age, from babies to those receiving end of life care. It is a treatment tailored to you as an individual, which takes into account physical and non-physical factors which could be affecting your health and well-being. As a reflexologist my aim is to support you as an individual and help you to improve your own health and well-being.
Reflexologists do not diagnose, prescribe or cure. Reflexology should complement any medical care being provided by your doctor and should never be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.
What can it help with and what are the benefits of reflexology?
- If you have been injured or are lacking energy, reflexology can help to restore balance and coax your body into healing itself.
- It can boost a sluggish circulation and is useful for treating stress, anxiety, back pain, migraine, poor digestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), respiratory problems, asthma, headache, bladder problems, menopausal symptoms and period pain.
- It can relieve the pain of multiple sclerosis (MS) and cancer treatments, but it should not replace conventional drugs like chemotherapy.
- Being able to zone out for an hour enjoying a relaxing massage has a positive psychological impact on their wellbeing, while pregnant women find that reflexology relieves the pressure on their legs and feet.'
You may notice other aspects improve too but this happens on a very individual basis.
Typical session
Your treatment
Reflexology is a holistic therapy, so at your first appointment we will spend 15-30 minutes discussing your health, diet, lifestyle and what you are hoping to get from the treatments. This enables me to adapt the treatment to your specific needs. You should allow approximately 75-90 minutes for your first appointment. Subsequent appointments will last 60 minutes.
Then I will ask you to remove your shoes and socks and lie back in a very comfortable reclining chair. I will work the reflex areas on your feet, hands or face (depending on the type of treatment you have booked) using my fingers and thumbs. The treatment is not at all ticklish as I use a gentle but firm pressure and it should be very relaxing. Reflexes which are out of balance may feel uncomfortable or tender and require extra attention, but this will only be done with your agreement.
Effects
Reflexology creates blood flow through the organs, and this blood supplies nutrition, glucose and oxygen to the body. This alleviates stress on the heart and supplies energy to the body. The lymphatic system cleanses the body, so this aspect helps to clear the body of toxic buildup, helping to keep the body healthy. Through this cleansing and influx of blood and nutrition, all systems of the body are improved.
After a session
You should leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. To get the best out of your treatment you should try to rest and stay relaxed for the rest of the day, drink plenty of water, avoid large meals and stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine. Depending on what you are hoping to get from your treatments we may agree on some 'home work' for you to do between treatments (such as working reflexes on your hand or making small changes to your diet or lifestyle).