top of page

Reflexology

What is it and how can it help you?

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a non-invasive, relaxing, holistic therapy. It can look and feel like a simple massage but reflexology involves the therapist working on reflex points on the feet or hands, which are believed to correspond to various organs and areas of the body.

 

Reflexologists believe that by working on these points they can help clear blockages in different zones of energy flow in the body and help the body to balance and heal itself.

 

There is evidence to suggest that reflexology has been used as far back in history as Ancient Egyptian times. A wall painting seemingly depicting reflexology treatment was found in a Pharaohs' tomb. Reflexology has also been used in many other ancient civilisations.

What are the benefits of reflexology?

​

Reflexology offers you a chance to take some time for yourself, to relax and let all of the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away.

It can be extremely beneficial for the client and can help with:

 

  • Stress relief 
  • Improving sleep patterns
  • Improving cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation
  • Deep relaxation, which is extremely helpful in calming the nervous system helping it to function more effectively
 

So why not book a treatment and come and experience the benefits of reflexology for yourself!

 

Please note, that reflexology is suitable for most people, however there are some conditions that are contraindicated and I am not able to treat. These will be discussed at your initial consultation. 

What can I expect from a treatment?

​

A reflexology treatment should be a real “treat” for you. Your therapist will try to provide a relaxing, calm and quite environment where you can feel safe and comfortable.

​

They will usually have a reclining chair or massage table for you to relax on, but can also work wherever you feel most at ease, for example with you sitting in an arm chair.

 

At your initial consultation you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure that reflexology is suitable for you, which for most people it is. You can then sit back and relax and let your feet/hands do the rest!

 

Treatments usually last between 45 minutes- 1 hour and at the end of your session you will be advised to drink water, eat healthily and try to rest for a couple of hours for the reflexology to be most effective.

 

Reflexologists DON’T​

  • Claim to cure

  • Diagnose illnesses or problems

​

Pregnant Woman in Underwear

Maternity Reflexology

Reflexology can be helpful to women in all stages of pregnancy as well as postnatally, and I have trained with Sally Earlam, maternity specialist for the Association of Reflexologists, to enable me to support my clients from preconception, through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

​

During pregnancy, when the body is undergoing huge physical and emotional changes, spurred on by the abundance of surging hormones, reflexology can offer a sense of calm and perspective.

​

Treatments can be adapted for all stages of pregnancy and post-natal care and can offer you a quiet retreat where you can focus solely on yourself and your growing baby.

​

As with all reflexology, treatments can:

​

  • Encourage deep relaxation

  • Support good quality sleep

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

​​

In addition to these things, treatments can be tailored to the various stages of pregnancy and all of the side effects that they bring!

​

There is a significant amount of research into the use of reflexology in relation to pregnancy and birth. Here is a brief summary from the Association of Reflexologists.

​

  • Two studies have shown that reflexology in pregnancy significantly reduced pain during labour and reduced the length of the first stage of labour.

  • One study showed that 6 weekly treatments of reflexology prior to giving birth for women who experienced low back and/or pelvic girdle pain during their pregnancy,  significantly reduced the second stage of labour by 44.3 minutes.

  • One study has shown reduced pain and stress levels during labour for women with low back pain or pelvic girdle pain.

  • Foot reflexology was found to have a positive effect in lowering the total anxiety scores of women in labour.

  • One study showed an improved quality of sleep in post-natal women.

​

Reflexology: Supporting you through your pregnancy. AOR leaflet. (2018)

​

If you would like to know more about maternity reflexology, please contact me using the form on the home page, or email me:

bottom of page