Working with your body’s own healing power
Despite having been watered down beyond recognition over recent years, true Reflexology is not a ‘beauty therapy’. Qualifying as a Clinical Reflexologist involves in-depth study of anatomy, physiology and pathology as well as hours of hands-on practice of the many different reflexology techniques and a lot of case studies. It’s not something that can be effectively learned in a weekend or online, despite the increasing availability of these types of courses
Reflexology involves massaging and applying pressure to specific points of the feet and/or hands (usually the feet). It’s thought to work through a connection between points in those areas (reflexes) and all of the organs and systems of the body. It’s hypothesised that it helps the body to re-balance and improve its level of well-being by boosting the body’s own healing responses
I practice a form of reflexology called Duopody Reflexology, which means that I work both feet simultaneously; working through the reflexes one body system at a time. This is currently considered the most effective approach to Reflexology. I’ve also completed additional Aromareflex training which means that I can use a blend of essential oils, from a range of 12, to further enhance your Reflexology treatment
Generally people find that Reflexology works on an individual level. By this I mean that some people consider its benefits to be exceptional, some find it good and very occasionally there will be a negligible response. Everybody is different and every treatment is different. That’s one of the fundamental rules of holistic therapy
Reflexology is thought to help with mood improvement, relaxation, sleep, tension release and may also make health problems appear less significant, leading to recipients feeling better overall
Although its origins can be found in many ancient civilisations, reflexology as we know it today is a relatively new therapy, having been developed by a nurse and physiotherapist called Eunice Ingham in the 1930s and 1940s
Eunice discovered that pressure applied to specific reflex points on the feet could help to relieve pain. She went on to publish her findings in two well-known books, “Stories the feet can tell”(1938) and “Stories the feet have told”(1963). Her theories and foot maps are still studied today and form much of the basis of contemporary reflexology. She later became recognised as “The Mother of Modern Reflexology”
By the way…don’t worry if you’re ticklish or have sensitive feet. Reflexology doesn’t tickle (in my experience) and the pressure I use can be adjusted to suit any degree of sensitivity. Also, please don’t be self-conscious about your feet. Their condition can sometimes reflect what’s going on in your body so I don’t ever judge!
WHAT TO EXPECT
By the time you arrive you’ll have already completed a health and lifestyle consultation online. If I have any further questions I’ll ask them before I begin your treatment. It’s important that you provide me with as much detail as you can about why you’ve come to see me. It helps me to plan your session and share any additional advice I may have to offer. It also enables me to support you in the best way I can
The treatment itself starts with me spraying your feet with rosewater and wiping them with warm towels (this is as much about acquainting myself with your feet and you getting used to my touch, as cleansing them). I’ll then start to massage them with a lightly scented plant-based organic lotion (or a bespoke essential oil blend if you’ve chosen to have an Aromareflex treatment)
Once your feet are relaxed and ready to go, I’ll start working my way methodically across both feet, massaging and applying pressure to individual points (reflexes) as I go. I practice Clinical Reflexology, which means that I work deeply into the reflexes. Sometimes reflexes can feel a bit tender but I refer to that feeling as therapeutic pain (like when you massage a knot in your shoulder and it feels sore but good!). Although it’s important for you to be able to feel what I’m doing, I will never work beyond your comfort level. The treatment ends with another short general foot massage ‘to put you together again’
Aromareflex
You can now enhance your Reflexology experience by asking for an Aromareflex treatment. This involves me creating a bespoke blend of essential oils to use during your treatment, based on your needs on any given day. The treatment starts with a lower leg massage using your aroma blend and is followed by a reflexology treatment tailored to your needs. You can find out more about the oils I’m able to use here.
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT), Advanced Reflexology Techniques (ART), Precision Reflexology and Reflexology Lymph Drainage I have trained in all of these advanced techniques with the Reflexologists who developed them (or who trained directly with their originators): Lynne Booth – author of the best-selling book Vertical Reflexology; Tony Porter – internationally renowned and respected reflexologist and reflexology trainer; Jan Williamson and Sally Kay. VRT focuses on working the weight-bearing reflexes on the top of the foot (sometimes in conjunction with hand reflexes) rather than the familiar sole where the main reflexes are conventionally situated. VRT is thought to be particularly effective for musculoskeletal problems, but may potentially help with many conditions. ART uses a diverse range of firm reflexology techniques which often involve use of the knuckles. Precision Reflexology is a light touch technique that can feel surprisingly powerful. Reflexology Lymph Drainage was originally developed for working with people with lymphoedema, but it may be beneficial for a range of other issues
All of the treatments I give are based on the individual needs of my clients, and are a hybrid of the range of techniques I’ve learned and developed over my years of practice. The aim is always to give you the most therapeutic treatment possible. Therefore no two treatments are ever the same