Reflexology
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a holistic healing therapy which involves a technique of applying pressure to reflex points found on the feet and hands. These reflex points correspond to all the parts of the body, with the specific areas arranged as a map of the body within the feet. The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body, and the left foot corresponds to the left side of the body. Having the entire body represented in the feet, the practice of reflexology invites the ability to work on the whole body, in a deeply relaxing and holistic way. Symptoms experienced by the client can potentially be identified and treated holistically, with many finding extremely positive benefits from the treatment of reflexology.
The holistic method of reflexology has been used for several thousands of years and is known to have been practised in a similar manner by the Chinese and the Egyptians. More recently, reflexology was described in the form in which it is now known by Eunice Ingham, an American woman who based her method of looking at the feet on work called 'Zone Therapy' which had been described some years earlier in the 1920's by an American, Dr William Fitzgerald. The main pioneer of Reflexology in Great Britain however, was Doreen Bayly, who introduced the practice in the early 1960’s. Reflexology has a rich history and is a holistic, complementary therapy which is now used all over the world.
Jill’s qualifications
Jill is a Certified Reflexologist. Her focus is in women’s health, hormonal imbalances and working with the transitions women experience during their lives. She also works extensively in pain management, reduction of anxiety and stress, digestive health, and sleep disorder relief. She continues to work with those experiencing life changing illness to improve quality of life when clients’ physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing are challenged.
The Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology treatments
Treatments are usually 1 hour in length, but mini sessions of 30 minutes may also be booked. Sessions begin with a short consultation to discuss your health, or ongoing needs, followed by a full reflexology treatment. Jill weaves aromatherapy, relaxing massage and energy healing into her treatments, as appropriate. The session ends with a short follow up consultation, regarding the treatment, followed by water or herbal tea.
30 minute mini treatment - £20
1 hour treatment - £30
90 minute reflexology + reiki treatment - £50
The benefits of reflexology include:
Increased nerve function:
As we age, our nerve endings begin to lose sensitivity, particularly in our extremities. The practice of reflexology has been connected with stimulating more than 7,000 different nerve endings in one treatment alone, increasing nerve reactivity and function. Opening and clearing neural pathways can help improve functionality and flexibility in many areas throughout the body. Neural pathways are like muscles, so working on them is a good practice to maintain health and vitality.
Increased energy and boosting circulation:
The practice of reflexology works to align the functioning of various organ and muscle systems throughout the body, which can increase metabolism and energy producing processes in the body. If you are feeling drained, exhausted or just sluggish, and feel the need to boost your energy and increase vitality, reflexology can certainly provide the uplifting boost you need to feel full of energy again!
Deep relaxation:
Many people find the practice of reflexology to be deeply relaxing. Clients often fall asleep during the treatment and feel extremely calm, centred and balanced after the session. Reflexology can help to open neural pathways, and free-flowing neural activity results in a more relaxed state within the body. During the practice the body floods with a sense a deep relaxation, inducing a state of calm throughout the body and mind. This is why reflexology is commonly used to alleviate sleep disorders, relaxing mind and body and creating healthy Circadian rhythms.
Relief for sleep disorders:
As mentioned above, reflexology is profoundly relaxing and calming. It is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety and can therefore contribute towards a healthy sleep pattern. Reflexology has been proven to reduce cortisol levels in the body (one of the main stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands). A reflexology treatment aimed a relieving insomnia has a sequence of vertical reflexology (VRT) to relax and calm, and to help promote easier and more restful sleep. Clients may also learn a ‘vertical reflexology hand routine’ during a session, which they can use at home to maintain their well-being between treatments.
Pain relief:
Reflexology stimulates more than 7,000 nerve endings during a single treatment. This increases nerve function and can interrupt the pain response. The combination of increased nerve activity, improved circulation and metabolic function, promotes cells regeneration and allows healing to occur more rapidly throughout the body. The pain-relieving power of reflexology invites increased well-being, allowing clients to gain physical recovery and generally feel better quickly.
Elimination of toxins:
Reflexology has been shown to improve bladder function and to reduce urinary tract issues. This indicates that in regards to toxicity, the practice is an efficient system of eliminating toxins and other foreign substances, thereby protecting the body from the various health conditions that can often arise from a compromised urinary system.By enhancing the body’s ability to detoxify, this practice can increase overall well-being.
Improved digestion, IBS, constipation, heartburn and skin systems:
Reflexology can help to alleviate many digestive symptoms with regular treatment. As mentioned above there is a network of over 7,000 reflex points on the feet, and these can be linked to the various different areas of the digestive system. The colon is a vital part of the digestive system, and keeping the colon clean, clear and healthy so it can work effectively, is a major factor in digestive health. The colon has a series of reflex points on the feet and by manipulating these reflexes, the body is encouraged to begin self-healing. Reflexology activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn calms and promotes balance to the sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response produced when stressful situations happen. When this part of the nervous system is activated ‘The Relaxation Response’ occurs. Once activated, muscle contraction, blood pressure, heart rate and nervous tension are reduced. The digestive system is a particularly complex network of muscles, and calming ‘spasm’ is very effective for reducing and calming digestive issues.
Reduction of hormonal symptoms of PMS, menstruation, peri-menopause, menopause:
Reflexology is an excellent and nurturing treatment for women experiencing hormonal deregulation during menopause and peri-menopause; or those experiencing difficulty with their menstrual cycle. It is a very successful hormone balancing therapy, when used as part of a healthy lifestyle of diet and moderate exercise. In addition to inviting deep relaxation for women, reflexology can also boost blood circulation, help balance hormone levels, help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve sleep patterns. During peri-menopause and menopause, the hormone balancing effects of reflexology, combined with the specialist reiki for menopause treatments that I offer, can support women in a holistic way during this time of transition.
Supports fertility, pregnancy and enhances post natal recovery
Reflexology during the months of pregnancy supports the physical and emotional health of the expectant mother, and provides a calming and nurturing experience to prioritize self care and connection with their growing baby. The practice of reflexology is a deeply relaxing and supportive treatment for women at this special time in their lives.It helps to prevent or alleviate any discomfort from hormonal and physiological imbalance, restoring equilibrium to the body. Reflexology is also of great support postnatally. Reflexology treatments during pregnancy can support the mother in these ways:
Reduction in stress and anxiety
Relief from insomnia
Relief from sickness, vomiting and headaches
Reduction in heartburn and constipation
Reduction of oedema (swelling of the feet and ankles)
Increased energy levels
Relief from physical problems; such as, back pain, muscular pain, abdominal pain, ligament pain, and pelvic pain
Supports a a healthier pregnancy and labour
Post-natal reflexology will aid recovery, reduce emotional stress after the birth, boost energy levels, rebalance hormones after labour, promote milk production and provide much needed relaxation and emotional support to the new mother.
Reduction of allergy symptoms, headaches and migraines:
As mentioned above reflexology is a wonderful treatment for pain relief, and works well to reduce the severity of migraines and headaches by relieving tension in the muscles that can often result in these conditions. Also headaches induced by stress may be treated effectively, as stress,anxiety and psychological factors often manifest in the physical symptoms of a migraine. For allergy symptoms this practice can assist in reducing a variety of hay fever symptoms by applying techniques to the the toes, which the referral area for head/sinuses and eyes.
Working on the reflexes for the adrenal gland, reduces inflammation and and allows the body’s natural antihistamine to start working. Healthy adrenal glands secrete a precise amount of steroid hormones, which in turn helps to minimize negative and allergic reactions, including environmental allergens.
Supports and nurtures those experiencing life changing illness:
Reflexology is a deeply supportive and nurturing complementary therapy for those experiencing life changing illness. One on one touch and energy received by those with cancer or other illnesses, is so calming and truly nurtures the mind, body and spirit. Alleviating stress, reducing anxiety and improving quality of life when a client’s physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing is challenged, is how reflexology and other therapies such as reiki can be so supportive during times of trauma. Treatments facilitate stillness, allowing the client’s system to calm, rest, rebalance and just be. Reflexology can help those with cancer and other life changing illness in the following ways:
Reflexology counterbalances the effects of stress
Encourages deeper and easier breathing
Improves joint flexibility and circulation
Provides gentle relaxation with facilitates stillness
It helps to boost the immune system by calming adrenals and releasing endorphins
Induces better sleep patterns
Provides a safe sanctuary to express feelings
Relaxes the patient before and during chemotherapy
Gives the client time to ‘just be’
Relaxes muscles and nerve fibers which eases pain
