Reflexology,
Maternity reflexology,
Hypno-reflexology, &
Traditional Thai foot massage.
What is reflexology?
The human body is thought to be mapped on the feet. The foot map used by reflexologists shows every organ in the body. A reflex point corresponds to each part of the body, and pressure is applied to release any blockages in the area (congestion or toxins), to relieve uncomfortable symptoms.
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The aim of reflexology is to relax your body and mind, indirectly relieve any unwanted symptoms and encourage the body’s natural healing response or homeostasis.
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What is the history of reflexology?
Reflexology has some similarities to acupuncture which has been practiced in China for thousands of years. The principle of separating the body’s energy into ten vertical zones in reflexology resembles the meridians of energy used in acupuncture. Each of the zones starts at the top of the body and finish at the feet. Therefore it is a natural progression to work on the feet.
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In Egypt during 2300 BC the Tomb of Ankhmahor, a renowned physician, was decorated in pictures thought to be depicting individuals receiving reflexology.
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Historically, American Indian tribes considered foot massage a ritual, essential for restoring and maintaining a healthy balance in the body.
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Dr William Fitzgerald, a US physician in the 20th century found that by applying firm pressure on an area of the body, sensitivity to pain could be reduced in another area of the body. He carried out small operations following this procedure.
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Fitzgerald’s theories were later extended to the feet by Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist in Washington DC in the 1930s. Ingham introduced the first reflexology map of reflex points using her wealth of experience after treating the feet of many individuals.
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How does a reflexology treatment work?
I can feel tension, crunchiness or sometimes a popping sensation on a reflex which suggests an imbalance in the corresponding organ or part of the body. I then apply pressure to the reflex to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
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What are the benefits of reflexology?
I have given reflexology to individuals in cancer centres based in hospitals to relieve discomfort and reduce stress. I can adapt reflexology for each individual treatment to take special care of reflex points thought to relate to medical conditions. Reflexology can:
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Reduce stress, tension and general anxiety
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Promote feelings of relaxation
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Improve sleep patterns
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Aids circulation throughout the body and feet
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Provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms
Reflexology can help provide relief for a wide range of conditions including:
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Infertility and hormone imbalances
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Digestive system disorders including IBS and colitis
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Sciatica, muscular pain and joint pain
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Sinusitis
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Headaches and migraines
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Maternity reflexology
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The journey prior to and throughout pregnancy is a hectic one, and it can be stressful. Once you decide you want to start a family you will want to do everything in your power to get pregnant and have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
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There are many benefits:
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To increase fertility and encourage pregnancy, stimulates pressure points corresponding to reproductive organs and hormones
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During pregnancy, relief from: low back pain and pelvic girdle pain; morning sickness; heartburn; constipation; itching; uncomfortable swelling in legs and feet
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Helps prepare the body physically and the mind emotionally for the birth of your baby. Research evidence has proven time spent in labour can be shorter
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After the birth of your baby helps emotional and physical wellbeing as mind and body adapt to family life
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I am qualified in pregnancy massage to support good health throughout pregnancy and beyond as your body changes.
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Hypno-reflexology, a NEW approach to improving health
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What is hypno-reflexology?
It is an easy way to relax, unwind and recharge combining reflexology with guided relaxation. During a session I apply pressure to the reflex points on the feet, whilst using calm soothing words.
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There is nothing for you to do, just enjoy the experience and the sense of calm and relaxation.
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I introduce hypnosis into the session to include relaxation techniques. I can take you to a safe place in your imagination. I incorporate mindfulness. Positive affirmations will empower you with confidence, motivation and positive thinking.
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What is the history of hypno-reflexology?
Around 460 BC, Hippocrates the Father of Medicine said, “Whatever happens in the mind influences the body and vice versa.” That’s just what hypno-reflexology is designed to do. Mind and body don’t work in isolation.
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How does a hypno-reflexology treatment work?
Combining the relaxation enhancing benefits of reflexology with guided relaxation can be more effective in stimulating the body’s relaxation response.
What are the benefits of hypno-reflexology?
Hypno-reflexology encourages all your body systems to work together harmoniously for maximum well being, including:
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Deepening relaxation of body and mind
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Aiming to strengthen physical and emotional well being
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Enhancing sleep
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Relieving stress, anxiety or other unwanted symptoms you may be experiencing
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Encouraging feelings of calm and confidence
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Providing a way for you to escape from busyness and to restore your energy
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Improving circulation and helping to reduce swelling in the feet
What are clients saying about hypno-reflexology?
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I have seen clients become deeper relaxed in mind and body compared to reflexology alone. Clients often tell me they have strong feelings of calm and confidence after a session, and regularly sleep better
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Clients say that there is something about my voice that somehow transports them into a deep place of relaxation, to a place that is safe
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Some clients have benefited from using some of the relaxation techniques learnt during the session at home or at work. As part of the clients ‘relaxation toolkit’ sleep patterns and stress levels can benefit from regular practice
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​Research shows that talking gently, softly, and smoothly and with a non judgemental and accepting attitude sends a powerful message to our unconscious minds to relax the whole body
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I use a lot of calming and positive language during the sessions. I believe that the neuron pathways in the brain which respond to relaxation become more attuned to our ‘relaxation response’
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I often get feedback that clients feels as if they are “floating on air” after a session
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I am one of a handful of qualified therapists in the UK
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What is traditional Thai foot massage?
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Also known as Thai foot reflexology, when pressure is applied to specific areas of the soles of the feet, a healthy reflex reaction can be felt in another part of the body.
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Within acupuncture and acupressure theory, there are thousands of sensory nerve endings in each foot, and they are connected to the internal organs of the body.
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Zones and reflex areas in the feet are thought to correspond to the body systems.
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Reading signs on the feet, understanding the client, and applying combinations of pressure using the thumb, finger and hand is fundamental to this highly reputed technique.
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How does a traditional Thai foot massage treatment work?
The lower legs and feet are stretched and massaged to open the body’s natural energy channels. Then specific pressure points, found on the energy lines throughout the body, are stimulated.
A wooden acupressure tool is used as well as hand, finger and thumb pressure to activate the pressure points and their corresponding body systems.
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With skillful manipulation of the soles of the feet, the treatment helps the body restore its natural healthy balance.
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What are the benefits of traditional Thai foot massage?
The benefits are similar to reflexology. The main difference being that part of the treatment incorporates massage to the lower legs and the knees to open up energy lines and relieve the build up of tension.
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Price
First reflexology appointment including consultation £55 - one hour Book Now
Subsequent reflexology appointments £55 - one hour
Hypno-Reflexology £55 - one hour
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