Is reflexology a new concept?

No, reflexology is not a new concept. It is an ancient healing practice that has been used for thousands of years. It has its roots in ancient China and Egypt, but it has also been practiced in other parts of the world, including India and Native American cultures. The modern practice of reflexology was developed in the early 20th century by Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist.

Today, reflexology is recognised as a complementary therapy that is growing in popularity. It is often used alongside conventional medicine to support healing and wellbeing.

The duration and frequency of reflexology sessions can vary depending on the individual's needs and goals. However, a 6-week (one hour per week) course of reflexology sessions is a recommended starting point when looking to alleviate a particular complaint. This gives us a good amount of time to see significant improvements in overall health and well-being. From there it is entirely dependent on individual circumstances, an upkeep treatment of once a month is the general rule of thumb and a good way to factor in some important time for yourself. 6 week courses are offered at a packaged price with this in mind. I offer 6 week courses and stand alone Reflexology sessions to fit around you.

NEW CLIENTS

The first Reflexology treatment will always be a one hour slot and you will have pre-filled a consultation form at least 24hours before your treatment. Generally speaking, 5-10 minutes is allowed to work through our paperwork, goals & aftercare and a 55 minute hands-on treatment, to foot-map, physically assess your feet and work on any initial areas of concern. Please feel free to allow yourself more time to relax/come round in the garden or lounge area afterwards. From here we can enter a 6 week course targeted to your personal ailments or book in as and when you feel necessary.

I use a combined method of the classic finger and thumb walking alongside massage, focused reflexology techniques and pressure points. Once you've completed your initial treatment and I have your foot map on file, we can do further 60, 45 or 30 minute sessions. Most studies have investigated the effects of longer sessions, typically lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, and so treatments and times have been designed with this in mind. Generally speaking, it may be recommended to have longer or more frequent sessions for chronic or complex conditions, while shorter sessions may be appropriate for acute/mild symptoms or as general health upkeep. 

6 WEEK COURSE

After the initial consultation and foot mapping you will have 5 more treatments, booked in and pre-paid for as a block booking. Aiming for one per week.

It's important to work this out together, taking into consideration your lifestyle and current commitments. Treatments can be as and when you have some time or we can schedule a treatment plan aimed at a particular concern (the recommended 6 week course). Together we can fit treatments in and around your schedule to promote balance and homeostasis in your life. To ensure optimal results on a 6-week program, treatments should be spaced no more than 10 days apart. 

Please combine the following information with the information that can be found under the treatment that you have booked.

Here's what you can typically expect in a reflexology session:

1. Consultation: We will begin by going over your medical history and any current health concerns you may have. You will have filled out a form previous to our meeting that I will send out upon booking an appointment - this saves any consultation time eating into our hands-on therapy time and also gives me an opportunity to pre blend any aromatherapy oils to suit your goals (if aromatherapy option is chosen).
2. Preparation: You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and make yourself comfortable on the massage table (or a reclining chair if preferred/you have certain heart conditions).
3. Assessment: I will assess your feet to identify any areas of tenderness, tension, or congestion, i.e. draw your personal foot-map. This will be used in this treatment session as well as a reference point for any future appointments.
4. Treatment: I will apply pressure to the reflex points on your feet using my fingers, thumbs, hands and possibly a massage tool depending on the pressure required. This may be firm or gentle, again dependant on your preference, how your foot is presenting and taking into consideration any chronic illnesses.
5. Relaxation: Many people find reflexology to be deeply relaxing, and you may even fall asleep during the session - and that's absolutely fine! I'll just carry on quietly. This session is for you. Sit back, snooze, listen to/read a book while I work away if you like. 
6. Feedback: After the session, I will provide feedback on what I have found during the treatment and offer suggestions for self-care or follow-up sessions.
7. Reflect: *Once the garden is complete* Enjoy some time with a fruit tea of your choice and a glass of either still or sparking water out in the garden (Weather dependant of course!) Feel free to borrow a book or magazine - or even top up the bird feeders.

During the session, you may experience a variety of sensations, including warmth, tingling, or a feeling of release in the corresponding areas of the body, you may experience none. Some people find foot reflexology to be deeply relaxing, while others find it invigorating and energising. This can be down to your own personal reactions or down to the techniques used in session or indeed a combination of the two. Foot reflexology can be a standalone treatment or combined with other forms of massage or aromatherapy to create a more comprehensive treatment plan.