Questions
How many treatments will I need? This totally depends on why you are having your treatments. Reflexology is wonderful as a standalone therapy to relieve stress and help you unwind, in this instance you will determine how many sessions are needed. If you are looking to treat a specific issue how many teatments will be determined by; if you've had reflexology or any energetic therapy before, the length of time you have had the issue/condition, how severe it is, how much time you are able to allocate to treatment. Generally speaking, if you've never had reflexology before and want to target an issue then weekly treatments for roughly 4 weeks is ususally advised. Maternity reflexology can be given at any time during pregnancy. For fertility reflexology I will need to treat you for at least one full cycle. This said... please do not get over concerned about these factors, they are simply indicators. I will make sure your treatments suit and work for you on a physical, emotional and finacial level. To answer any specific, personal concerns please get in touch.
What is Reflexology? The practice of modern Reflexology was coined and developed during the 1930s by an American Physical Therapist, Eunice Ingham (1889-1974), who is often referred to as 'the mother of modern reflexology'. Ingham adapted Dr William Fitgerald's theory of "Zone Therapy" and developed Reflexology as I practice it today. She discovered that by placing the ten zones of the body (zone therapy) onto the feet, you could then place all the organs and areas of the body of a specific zone, within the corresponding zone on the foot. This is how Ingham developed 'footmaps'. "a principle of dividing the body into ten zones, aiding us to locate the reflexes in the feet relative to every part of the body." - Eunice Ingham The fundamental concept of Reflexology is that the body's extremities - hands, feet and ears, are a microcosm, or mirror, of the body. Points on the feet reflect parts of the body, through applying pressure to these points we can aid the body to heal and regain homeostasis. The points are what I refer to as 'reflexes'. As in ancient Chinese medicine and other therapies such as Acupuncture, Reflexology works on the belief that the body obtains an energy - a 'life force', that runs through it within channels or 'meridians'. When this energy or 'Chi' is blocked or congested it can reflect in illness or pain. It is important therefore, to enable energy to flow freely in order for the body and mind to remain balanced. During her years of research into Reflexology, Ingham also found that she was able to detect and feel crystal deposits within the feet, the deposits where found within certain reflexes therefore we could assume that this part of the body would be experiencing an imbalance. She found that by working away these deposits the body was aided to heal and recover.
What happens during my treatment? Once you have arrived for your treatment and after receiving a warm welcome, we will first complete a consultation form together. This will cover medical, physical, emotional history, any relevant information and importantly, we will discuss why you are having your treatments. You will then lay back and relax in my comfy, heated, reclining chair. When having foot reflexology you will remove shoes and socks. Your treatment will last 45 minutes, during which you will listen to relaxing music, drift away, sleep or simply enjoy a friendly chat ~ whatever makes you feel comfortable. After your treatment I advise that you drink plenty of water and be mindful you have had reflexology for at least the next few hours - 24hours. Any findings will be discussed before you leave, when I will also make sure you feel fabulous before setting off.
Can Reflexology help with fertility? Many women advocate the use of reflexology to help with conception. Reflexology can help reduce anxiety during emotional or worrying times. We can look closely at the factors that may be contributing issues to why you may not ne getting pregnant. Many women find reflexology helps with issues such as, hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, PCOS thus, aiding conception. It is important we are able to work with you for a full reproductive cycle. This can include your partner's cycle too ~ the male reproductive cycle lasts for 8 weeks and the female 4 weeks. There are various ways to support you an your partner through your journey and this can be discussed over the phone before we go ahead with any sessions.
How much will it cost? Your initial consultation will include an in-depth chat about your expectations and needs. It will give you a chance to highlight any relevant information, go over your medical, physical and emotional history. This treatment session cost is £42 in total. Every session thereafter will cost £40. This pricing applies to all forms of reflexology that I offer. If you request a longer or shorter treatment, cost will be discussed when booking. I do not offer any payment packages at present. If you have health insurance, an invoice can be provided after your treatment and emailed to you. Please inform me of any necessary details that need to be presented on your invoice. If you are worried about the cost, please get in touch as I am here to help.
Can Reflexology induce labour? Your baby will arrive when they are ready to. It is fair to say that even chemical inductions do not always result in a swift birth. What we do know is that when you feel safe and calm, your muscles will relax and this helsp to prepare for labour. The best thing to do before you give birth is to stay calm and take care. Reflexology can help you do this. It can help to relieve anxieties with its calming effects, in turn calming baby. What better time than now to give you some self-care before you welcome your little one.
"A principle of dividing the body into ten zones, aiding us to locate the reflexes in the feet relative to every part of the body."
- Eunice Ingham