Reflexology

Reflexology is a holistic therapy based on the principle that the entire body is reflected in the feet and hands. There are energy zones and reflex areas that relate to every part of the body. By applying finger and thumb pressure to these reflexes we can stimulate and release congestion creating balance in body and mind.

Reflexology encourages the body’s own natural self-healing properties to reenergize and release tension, pain and stress.

What are the benefits of Reflexology?

• Reflexology promotes a deep relaxation.
• It relieves stress. 75% of all disease is stress related.
• It improves circulation enabling the body to receive oxygen and nutrients. Therefore increasing the efficiency of all organs and cells.
• It helps release trapped nervous energy through the 7000 nerve endings that can be found in our feet.
• It improves waste removal and elimination. Encouraging the body to naturally remove toxins stored from modern western living.
• It activates the body’s self-healing process.

Some of my clients have the following conditions and find reflexology a relaxing calming addition to their health programme:

• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Joint Pain
• Back and Neck Problems
• Digestive Problems
• Headaches
• Menstrual and Menopausal Symptoms
• Emotional Distress
• Blood Pressure
• Fatigue
• Sinuses
• Insomnia
• Improve Immunity
• Improve circulation
• Plus many more

Please note that Reflexology is here to complement your treatment and you should always consult your GP if you have any new or worsening symptoms. 

Pre-conception, Pregnancy and Post-natal Care

I am qualified to treat all stages of the journey to parenthood from pre-conception to post-natal, helping at every step of the way to help your individual needs to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. I will create a bespoke treatment plan for you and your partner (if required) that works around your cycle that will be tailored for your needs.

Pre-Conception Reflexology

There are many contributing factors as to why a couple cannot fall pregnant. It is not uncommon for couples to take two or three years to conceive and about a quarter of couples trying to conceive have problems.

Hormones have to be correctly balanced for the egg to develop normally, the female has to be ovulating so the egg is released and the male needs to have strong, healthy sperm to fertilise the egg in the females most fertile days of her cycle. Progesterone levels also need to be high in order to maintain and support the embryo. Diet and supplements can help prepare the body for pregnancy for example zinc can help sperm production and sperm mobility whereas folic acid is important for a healthy foetus.

Diet needs to be balanced and include lots of B vitamins as the reproductive system shuts down if there is a deficiency. Avoiding alcohol and eating organically will all contribute to creating a healthy environment for your baby.

Trying to conceive can be a stressful time for a couple and it is imperative to keep stress levels to a minimum as this will have a negative effect on the reproductive system .Reflexology is the perfect way to relax as well as having many other health benefits listed below. It is recommended that pre-conceptual care should commence three-six months before conception.

So how can reflexology help you conceive?

• Relaxation
• Reduce Stress levels
• Balance endocrine system
• Reduce toxin levels with the body
• Assist ovulation • Regulates periods
• Balance hormone levels
• Helps eliminate other health complaints
• Boost immune system
• Improve wellbeing
• Boost reproductive system

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-20980/Is-reflexology-new-cure-infertility.html

During Pregnancy

Reflexology is one of the most popular complementary therapies used by Mums-to- be as it can help with the many symptoms that come with being pregnant:

• Nausea
• Backache
• Sciatica
• Mood changes
• High Blood pressure
• Relief Stress/ Anxiety
• Boost energy levels
• Oedema (swollen ankles/feet )
• Joint pain
• Water retention
• Constipation
• Cystitis
• Insomnia

Maternity reflexology can commence at 16 weeks but if there is a history of miscarriage I would prefer to wait until 20 weeks as the placenta is now fully formed. Treatments can continue throughout your pregnancy preparing your body for birth and soothing away any discomfort. Research has shown that regular reflexology treatments can help reduce labour time and as it encourages your body to release endorphins (your bodies natural painkillers) less pain relief will be required.

A research by Dr Gowri Motha and Jane McGrath www.gentlebirthmethod.com/birth-prep-body3php explains how first time mums who have had 10 reflexology treatments during pregnancy have on average a labour time of five/six hours compared to the average labour time sixteen-twenty fours hours and less pain relief was required.

Post Natal Care

After giving birth to your wonderful baby, your body will require some extra TLC. Reflexology once a week after birth can help with the following:

• Balance hormone
• Lift mood
• Regulate sleep patterns
• Fatigue
• Increase production of milk
• Boost immunity
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Post Natal Depression

The post natal period lasts up to eight weeks after the birth. It can be difficult to find the time for an appointment when you have the demands of a new born; however it is the most important hormonally. I am happy for you to bring your baby along and he/she can lay on you while you receive a relaxing treatment.

Spinal Reflexology

This is a powerful effective form of reflexology based on stimulating the spinal reflexes on the feet. As I work over each individual vertebra I will be able to identify which nerve roots may be out of balance. If a spinal nerve is sensitive it can stop an organ functioning correctly which may be causing your back pain.

Example 1 T6 if the thoracic part of the vertebra that relates to your stomach, if this is out of balance it may be the reason that you suffer from IBS/digestive issues. By working over the nerve root not only will your back pain improve, your stomach’s neural pathways will become clear allowing your stomach to function properly.

Example 2 One in Four people will experience depression at some point in their life, whilst there are many reasons that could be causing this , working on T9 which is the vertebra that is connected to the adrenals can help lift your mood and give a person a positive outlook in life.

Back pain affects 75% of adults at some point in their life. It can be the reason why you can not go into work or even carry out the simplest of tasks. It could be the reason why you are having other health issues or the other health symptoms could be causing your back pain.

By working on the spinal nerve root we can create a positive affect on the nerve impulses that relates to a specific organ as well as improving your back pain.

Chakra Balancing and Power Reflexology

Energy flows through our body integrating our mind, body and soul .The energy created by our emotions and mental attitudes runs through the chakras and is distributed to our cells, tissues and organs.

By focussing on our chakras we help unblock life energies. Clearing blockages can prevent disease and creating balance allowing our energy to flow through our neural pathways.

We can create a wall of protection when we have experienced a traumatic or stressful experience. This wall can prevent free flowing energy and result in pain, illness, disease and poor health.

Power Reflexology has a positive effect on blood and body tissue by improving the flow of life energy and by releasing energy blocks allowing ourselves balance between our chakras and the emotional strength to move forward.

By Balancing the chakras we can help balance the Central Nervous System and Endocrine system of our bodies

Freeing ourselves of negative emotions can help free us of physical pain and disease.