Reflexology

 

with Vicki Bryant

Thursdays 10am - 8pm & Saturdays 10am - 5pm

 

with Claire John Lewis

Fridays 10am - 8pm & Saturday 10am - 5pm

 

45 Minute Session - £30.00

60 Minute Session - £40.00

75 Minute Session (with Claire only)  - £46.00

90 minute session (with Vicki only) £56.00

 

Courses available - 6 sessions for the price of 5

Reflexology is a holistic complementary therapy. The origins of reflexology can be traced back to Ancient Egypt 2050BC where images of reflexology practice are recorded on hieroglyphics at the Ankhm'ahor (the physician's tomb). The principle behind the therapy is that your feet are a mini representation of your body, and areas out of balance in the body will make themselves apparent in corresponding areas of your feet. For example, if you suffer from migraines, then a reflexology practitioner may find the big toe, which corresponds to the head area, out of balance.

 

How does it work?

A reflexology practitioner uses gentle massage techniques to encourage a state of deep relaxation, which in turn enables the body to stimulate its own healing processes. When the body is in a relaxed state and the feeling of stress is reduced, physiological changes occur which are beneficial to health. In addition, by working on blockages and imbalances in the feet, reflexology can help a person return to a state of balance and well being naturally.

 

As no two people are the same, and different disorders affect us all in different ways, each reflexology treatment is tailored to the individual client.

 

What does it involve?

For your first session, the reflexology practitioner will begin by taking a consultation which enables them to find out your medical history, any presenting conditions and style of treatment that would be most beneficial to you. You will then lie on a massage couch, fully clothed apart from your feet, whilst the practitioner works on your feet.

 

Using gentle pressure, a professionally trained reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and will work on these points in order to encourage the corresponding part of the body back to a balanced state. Occasionally, clients may experience some slight discomfort in areas of the feet where there may be imbalances. For example, if you suffer from migraines, you may find your big toe area is more sensitive than other areas on your foot. The discomfort is fleeting and you can ask your reflexologist to go softer or stop working that area if it is too uncomfortable for you.

 

Most clients find that reflexology treatments are incredibly relaxing and may either fall asleep, or float off into a lovely relaxed state. However, everyone is different, and you may prefer to talk or ask questions as the treatment goes along. Either is absolutely fine, although, the more you can relax during a treatment, the more beneficial it will be.

 

Treatment times within the sessions are as follows:

30 mins session = 20 to 25 minutes

1 hour session  = 45 to 50 minutes

1 ½ hours session = 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes

The additional time during the session is used to catch up with the client on any changes to their health, and to feedback to the client at the end of the session.

 

How can reflexology help me?

As reflexology is a holistic treatment, it aims to treat the person as a whole, including mind, body and spirit. It can be effective in treating the following:

 Digestive disorders  

 Infertility

 Relaxation

 Stress and stress related conditions

 Back, shoulder and neck pain

 Pregnancy*

 Diabetes

 Hormonal imbalances

 Migraines

 Respiratory conditions

 Insomnia

 Sinus problems

 

Of course, you don’t have to have a particular ailment to have reflexology. You can always just have a general relaxing, de-stressing treatment. It’s a wonderful way to treat and pamper yourself and have a bit of much needed ‘you time’ that we all deserve every now and again. Just close your eyes and let the reflexologist do the rest…

 

*Reflexology and Pregnancy

Reflexology is non-invasive and gentle and can be very beneficial for pre-conceptual, pregnancy and post natal care.

 

Pre-conceptual

Given the reports that women's hormonal disorders have increased and male sperm rates have correspondingly decreased by 29% over the last decade, it is not surprising that difficulties conceiving are now so common. There are so many different aspects that can affect both female and male fertility, it is especially important to balance the body in those wishing to conceive.

 

Reflexology does not claim to be a miracle cure for infertility, however, by encouraging the body to work more efficiently, it can create a healthier environment for possible pregnancy to occur and there are success stories and evidence to suggest that this therapy can help.

 

Reflexology is recommended for preparing the body for pregnancy three to six months prior to conception whether the individual is experiencing problems or not.

 

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your emotional, hormonal and physiological balance is significantly altered. Reflexology can be used to alleviate symptoms and disorders related to pregnancy, such as:

 Back pain

 Constipation

 Morning sickness

 Insomnia

 Heartburn

 Fatigue

 Swelling in the legs and ankles

 

Evidence also suggests that labour time can be significantly reduced, and less pain-relief required during labour, with a course of regular reflexology sessions. A professionally trained reflexologist knows which areas of the body and corresponding areas of the feet to work, and which times during the pregnancy it’s best to use these techniques.

 

Post-natal care

After the pregnancy and subsequent birth, reflexology can have many benefits for new mums. Your mind and body will now be coping with a sudden new change, as well as trying to get back to a state of equilibrium. Reflexology can help with:

 Helping the body rebalance your hormonal system and menstrual cycle

 Reducing anxiety and stress

 Encouraging much needed relaxation

 Adjusting to the demands of coping with a new baby

 Aiding the body’s own healing process

 

It is important to note that reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.

 

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your reasons for choosing reflexology. If there is a specific ailment you would like your reflexologist to work on, it may be best to have a course of 3 – 8 treatments. However all cases are different and your reflexologist will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment to suit you, after your first session.

 

Reflexology is also used to maintain general good health, balance and well-being. A regular treatment every three to four weeks tends to be best for this.

 

What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?

The Association of Reflexologists (AoR) advise that reflexology should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy, although the treatment is perfectly safe, the AoR state that as miscarriages are more common in the first term of pregnancy, reflexologists are not prepared to take the risk that the client may blame them should a miscarriage occur

 

All people react to a reflexology treatment in different ways. You may have a temporary worsening of symptoms while the body kick starts its own healing process and eliminates toxins from the body, however this is good as it shows the reflexology is working. Other reactions experienced may be feeling emotional, tired/sleepy, headaches, warmer/cooler body temperature, relaxed, energised, de-stressed and general mood improvement. Alternatively, you may not experience a reaction at all. After a treatment, always try to drink plenty of water, and if you need to sleep, sleep!

 

Who can I contact for further information?

If you have any questions at all about reflexology treatments and if they can help you, please contact your reflexologist at the Beauty Avenue, who will more than happy to answer any queries you may have.