About Reflexology
Reflexology is a modern form of an ancient therapy that dates back over 5000 years. It is based on the theory that different parts of the feet, lower legs, hands, ears and face relate to different areas of the body. Therefore by working these points it is believed that the treatment can help to maintain and restore health alongside conventional medicine. By applying pressure to the feet the reflexologist can find imbalances in the body and then work that area to help rebalance it. It works in a similar way to acupuncture.
It may help in the following areas:
The body's natural self-healing process to work faster and more efficiently and to boost the immune system
To relieve stress and tension which is the cause for many illnesses and diseases
To improve blood circulation, helping the cells and organs work more efficiently
With waste removal and elimination
To remove toxins from the body
To increase energy levels or induce calm and help with sleep issues
Improving mood and sense of wellbeing
Every person is unique and their experience of reflexology will also be unique, but it is commonly agreed to be a very relaxing treatment that leaves the person feeling calmer and more positive with increased happiness, essential to improving your wellbeing.
Hot Stone Reflexology
Hot Stone Reflexology originated in India and China and has been around for centuries. Ancient civilizations believed that hot stones cleansed the body and relaxed the heart, grounding the soul and soothing the mind. The treatment involves using smooth basalt stones which are heated before use.
In my treatments the hot stones are incorporated into a standard reflexology treatment to further enhance the benefits. I use large stones to warm and massage the legs and feet, and small stones to work reflex points and more specific areas. The heat from the stones quickly opens the energy pathways and helps to relax the muscles in the feet. Thus allowing me to work deeper into the reflex areas and especially on any areas which appear as tender or congested. The heat penetrates to a much deeper level than finger pressure bringing about physiological changes as well as improving energy flow, afterwards, your body will feel restored, balanced and revitalised.
I include at no extra charge essential oils in all hot stone reflexology treatments.
The combination of reflexology and the therapeutic qualities of the essential oils absorbed through the skin help to calm, revitalise, lift the mood, and boost the immune system, further enabling the body to heal itself.
The essential oils enter the skin where they are absorbed in to the blood stream and circulated around the body
I offer different blends depending on how you are feeling on the day of your appointment, including blends that boost immunity, ease aches and pains, for hormone balancing, and also blends that are safe during pregnancy. All blends can either be relaxing of reviving depending on the oils used.
Maternity and Fertility Reflexology
I am trained and specialise in reflexology for fertility and pregnancy and can offer support and tailored reflexology treatments suitable for pre-conception, and throughout your pregnancy and the post-natal period.
If you are thinking or trying for a baby reflexology can help support you and your partner both physically and emotionally, it will help with increased stress and tension and it can also work alongside IVF treatment and other assisted fertility methods.
During pregnancy your body will go through many changes that may affect you emotionally and physically. Reflexology for maternity aims to optimise your health and wellbeing by working on specific reflex points to restore balance and alleviate symptoms associated with pregnancy. It can be safely carried out throughout the pregnancy and I will take a full medical history to ensure that it is appropriate and tailored for your needs. Reflexology is often recommended by many midwives.
The Effects of Stress on Fertility
When you are calm and at ease the natural procedure of the body preparing for pregnancy starts with the hypothalamus secreting hormone GnRH (gonadotrophic releasing hormone) which passes into the pituitary gland stimulating the release of luteinising hormone (LH - this prepares the lining of the uterus to receive an embryo), it also releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH – which stimulates the ovaries to release an egg (ovum) into the fallopian tube.
However, stress causes the release of cortisol and adrenalin hormones into the bloodstream. If the stress continues, increased cortisol supresses the digestive system, reduces thyroid function and heightens sugar uptake. The hypothalamus secretes a substance called corticotrophin releasing factor, a neurotransmitter that passes from the hypothalamus to the pituitary, which then produces ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) which stimulates the adrenal glands. In response the adrenals produce adrenalin, noradrenalin and cortisol, stimulating the release of Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) which suppresses the production of FSH and LH. All detrimental to conceiving naturally.
Reduce stress and anxiety with reflexology, increasing your chances of conception.
“Please be aware that if you send me any sensitive medical/health information, I will only hold and use this if we proceed to treatment, at which time I will require explicit consent from you to hold this data. If we do not proceed to treatment I will erase this information.”
