Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that deals with the principle that reflex areas on your feet correspond to every single part of your body, organ or gland.  For example, the toes represent the head, and the ball of the foot represents the chest and lung area  By applying specialised massage techniques to specific reflex points - using the thumbs, fingers and knuckles – the aim of a reflexology treatment is to help restore balance to the body naturally, and improve the client’s general well-being.  

Who can benefit from Reflexology?

Reflexology treats the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease. It is suitable for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly,for pregnant women and those undergoing chemotherapy.   

What benefits can be expected?

So many conditions can benefit from have Reflexology treatments.  It can help to relieve anxiety and tension, see a reduction in stress levels, encourage deep relaxation, improve mood and aid sleep, though some people use it to help them cope with more specific health challenges. 

Reflexology is often used alongside conventional care in hospices, hospitals and other healthcare settings, to help support patients with a variety of conditions.

Whilst reflexology works very well alongside conventional medicine, it should never be used in place of seeking professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your health, please 

always consult your GP first.

How may treatments will I need?

For pure relaxation one  treatment  will be perfect. For chronic conditions it is advised to have a minimum of 3 treatments as close as possible to ensure the body is conditioned to the energy change needed for healing. 

What does a Reflexology treatment involve?

On the first visit, I will have a preliminary talk with you to determine your present and past health and lifestyle.

You will then need to remove your shoes and socks so that I can examine and cleanse your feet while you recline in the reflexology chair.

The treatment consists of:

A relaxing foot massage involving movements to loosen the ankles and increase blood flow to the area.

Reflexology aims to stimulate, soothe and relax all the reflexes of the feet paying special attention to the areas where congestion or discomfort is found.

What does a treatment feel like? Does it hurt?

Most clients enter into a deep state of relaxation. Areas of congestion may be uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful. I constantly check that you are comfortable and adapt the pressure I apply to suit you.

My feet are very ticklish. Will I be able to tolerate reflexology?

I have encountered many people who say they have ticklish feet but have yet to find someone who finds reflexology ticklish!

How will I feel after the treatment?

Clients report a great feeling of well-being after the treatment. Some feel very relaxed and others feel energised and invigorated

Please note we do not diagnose any medical conditions, illnesses or diseases.  Reflexology is not a replacement for prescribed medication, medical examinations, diagnosis or medical treatment given by a healthcare practitioner. It works in conjunction with conventional medicine and does not claim to cure any conditions. 

The way we live our lives has a big impact on the way women experience menopause. In non-industrial cultures it is a non eventful time for women compared to western industrialised countries where it can be a very trying time with a whole host of symptoms.

We can learn so much from observing why this is the case and the differences in lifestyle including the stresses of modern industrialised living.

In Asia they view this time of a women's life as a rite of passage and regard it with respect, maturity and wisdom.

It's a time to educate ourselves, look within to see what our bodies are trying to tell us. Menopause is not an illness but a natural process and an opportunity for transformation and growth.

Peri-menopause generally starts in the 40s and on average lasts for 4 years but can range from 1 to 12 years. Menopause starts when there has been no period for 12 consecutive months. The average age for menopause in the UK is 51 and different cultures have different time lines.

Chronically elevated cortisol (which is a stress hormone) in the body can lead to more severe menopause symptoms. 

Menopause symptoms to look out for:

• Hot flushes, night sweats, clammy, palpitations, irritability, mood swings, low mood, insomnia, irregular periods, low libido, dry vagina, fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, gum disease, tinnitus, weak nails, bad breath, osteoporosis, depression, poor concentration, poor memory, incontinence, itchy skin, achy joints, achy muscles, headaches, migraines bloating allergies, weight gain, hair loss facial hair. Vasomotor symptoms, urogenital atrophy, osteoporosis, cardiovascular dx, depression, anxiety, poor concentration, mental confusion, vaginal dryness, cancer, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, headaches. Fatigue, depression, weight gain, water retention, low metabolism, unstable blood sugar, craving sweet food, headaches, low libido, mood swings, irritability, endometriosis, craving carbs, sluggish in the mornings. 

Every woman is different and where ever you might be at this point in your menopause journey I am here to support you. I offer a space to deeply relax, unwind and open to the potential of healing through the experience of Reflexology.  

I am here to:

• Provide a safe space to relax
• Listen and support 
• Provide lifestyle advice
• Refer you to a Dr or alternative therapist if needed
• Help you find your zest for life

Reflexology for pre conception:
Why? Preconception reflexology treatments will help in many ways those couples who are trying to conceive.

• Reflexology will help prepare a healthy, balanced environment for pregnancy
• Reflexology will encourage ovulation
• Reflexology will help reduce yours and your partner's stress levels
• Reflexology will contribute to the restoration of hormonal balance
• Reflexology can encourage healthy sperm production and erectile functions.

When? It is usually advised to receive at least two treatments a month pre ovulation and after the onset of the menstruation period (no reflexology should be offered if there is a chance conception might have already occurred).

Your reflexologist will not be able to predict the length of the treatment plan. Conception may occur within 6 weeks, 6 months or even up to 18 months after the start of the treatment. Conception and a successful pregnancy involve many different factors and although reflexology has proven to be of great help to couples trying to conceive, in some cases, conception may not occur and you can ask your therapist to stop or interrupt the treatment plan whenever you see convenient.

Reflexology for pregnancy:

How early? Once conception has occurred, Reflexology isn't usually recommended until the 14th week of your pregnancy (at the earliest). Indeed it is better to allow your body to settle as well as the baby. The first trimester is a fragile period of changes and it would be wise not to disrupt this process.

How can it help? In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy however, reflexology treatments can help with most ailments and discomforts brought about by your pregnancy (sciatica, constipation, heartburn, back pain, anxiety etc). Regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy can bring you peace, confidence and prepare your body for labour and birth. 

How often? Treatments are advised on an as and when basis, depending on your budget and how you are feeling. Weekly, monthly, bi monthly, or even more occasional, there is no rule at this point. 

Reflexology for the natural onset of labour:

What can it do? Research has been published that shows that women who have received regular reflexology treatments throughout their pregnancy will tend to:

- have more natural, unassisted births

- comparatively shorter labours

- faster recovery lesser risk of infections after surgery

From 37 weeks on, specialised reflexology treatments are intensified little by little in order to encourage the production of hormones and the activation of the processes of labour and thus bring on the natural onset of labour.

How often? Please be aware that one isolated reflexology treatment might not in itself help trigger labour. It is advised to plan to receive a series of specialised pre labour treatments if your intention is to induce natural labour. After week 39, two treatments a week might be needed. After 40 weeks, you may be advised to a treatment every 2 or 3 days, even daily treatments if you so wish.

Reflexology for post natal care:

After the birth, Reflexology can be an essential part of the new mum's after care and has many benefits:

• Reflexology treatments will help restore mum's fragile hormonal balance
• Reflexology will help prevent post natal depression and anxiety
• Reflexology will help to improve sleep patterns
• Reflexology will encourage the recovery of energies after labour
• Reflexology will encourage quicker healing and will lessen the risk of infection after surgical intervention or stitches for example
• Reflexology can also be a valuable asset for breastfeeding, encouraging, for example, good lactation.

Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage, (RLD) is a  groundbreaking technique focusing on stimulating the lymphatic system which underpins the bodies ability to heal and stay healthy.

Initially pioneered by Sally Kay,  for breast cancer patients suffering secondary lymphoedema in the arm or both arms. The treatment was found to significantly reduce the volume of swelling.

Reflexology Lymph Drainage follows the lymphaitc reflexes on the feet to encourage the movement of lymph around the body. This specialist technique can not only benefit sufferers of lymphoedema, but can help reduce the symptoms of many other conditions. 

Those suffering from auto immune disorders from ME to eczema and Fibromyalgia and muscular skeletal pain have reported improvements after RLD. An increase in energy levels is also a benefit  and RLD can be useful to help aid post operative recovery.

The results I have seen from this technique have been quite astounding, so much so, I now use reflexology lymph drainage in all my treatments, regardless of presenting conditions. Everyone can benefit from this technique.