Reflexology
A holistic therapy which treats the whole body through stimulating nerve endings ("reflexes") on the feet or sometimes the hands.
It is estimated that 70% of all illness is stress-related in some way. Reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation and therefore has a profound effect on reducing stress levels and anxieties. Reflexology is usually most effective when received over a course of treatments where the state of relaxation reached becomes deeper and more established, helping to facilitate the return of good health.
Reflexology can be particularly beneficial in supporting people who are troubled by:
- Stress related conditions or situations of any kind
- Migraines and cluster headaches
- Insomnia and poor sleep patterns
- Menstrual irregularities (including pre and post-pregnancy) & hormonal fluctuations
- Menopause symptoms
- Depression or anxiety
- Sinus problems
- Bowel disorders such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- going through IFV, during pregnancy and whilst waiting to go into labour (See blog post: 'Can Reflexology start labour?')
Prices (for treatments at the practice):
Reflexology (& pregnancy reflexology): £65 (60 mins)
Reflexology (& pregnancy reflexology) + extended foot massage: £75 (70 mins)
Gift vouchers are available for a single treatment or for a series of appointments and are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Choose between a paper certificate through the post or an e-certificate by email.
My Approach
I start every reflexology treatment with a short warm-up massage of each foot, including some ankle stretches. A planned and flowing reflexology sequence is then performed, the focus of which will depend entirely on what you are aiming to achieve through your treatment. Finally, a 'cool-down' massage 'closes off' each foot and boosts circulation. I use high quality, organic reflexology waxes or creams and you can select from a range of natural fragrances imbued by essential oils such as lavender or citrus.
You might opt at the time of booking, to upgrade with a ten minute extension to your closing foot massage, which takes relaxation up to another level.
Reflexology works optimally as a series of treatments. I usually recommend a course of 4 weekly appointments, then fortnightly appointments, before moving down again to maintenance sessions. Of course, a single treatment can be booked for enjoyment or to trial the therapy out if you have not experienced it before and are unsure about committing to a series of treatments.
Health Consultation
Before your first visit, you will be asked to complete a health consultation form so that understand if there are any issues that may affect your treatment. As well as outlining your general health and any issues currently causing you problems, please also detail any pertinent information about your feet specifically, for example if you have ever broken any bones in your feet or ankles, whether you have an unusual foot structure eg fallen arches, or if you have skin conditions affecting your feet. There may be follow-up questions from that which will either be emailed to you or discussed further when you arrive. If you have a complex health history or would simply prefer to have a conversation rather than fill out a form, a telephone call can be arranged prior to your first visit and takes approx 10-15 minutes (and is free of charge).
At any subsequent appointments, we will review any health changes since your last appointment when you arrive, before proceeding with treatment.
Holistic Philosophy
Holistic therapy takes in to consideration everything affecting a person: their body type, any health conditions or injuries, their lifestyle and their emotional state.
Finding the right holistic therapist / reflexologist for you is important. You need to feel confident that their experience and range of skills can help you achieve the aims you bring with you to the therapy room. No two people are the same (let's face it, no one person is exactly the same on different days!), so really, no two treatments should ever be identical.
People initially tend to book reflexology for a specific reason eg seeking general relaxation, to improve sleep patterns or to re-establish hormonal equilibrium. On experiencing the wider benefits of an holistic approach, they appreciate that ongoing therapy adapted to their individual lifestyle can have a profound effect on how they (and not just their body) experience and respond to life's constant demands and challenges.
