Reflexology Solely For You
Lifestyles can become very busy and stressful and I feel it is so important to have some time for ourselves. Having regular reflexology treatments can be a positive step towards the rest and relaxation that is so beneficial to our health and well being.
Reflexology is suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed for relaxation or quite simply as a well deserved treat!
What Is Reflexology?
Feet And Hand Reflexology
Auricular Therapy (Ear Reflexology)
Face Reflexology
Maternity Reflexology
RLD (Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage)
The Benefits Of Reflexology
Who Can Benefit?
What Happens During A Foot Or Hand Reflexology Treatment?
What You May Experience During And After A Treatment
The Frequency Of Treatments
Reflexology And Other Treatments
Treatment Prices And Duration
What Is Reflexology?
The feet, hands, ears and face each have areas called reflex points which are believed to each correspond to a specific area or organ of the body. Reflexology is a treatment in which the reflex points are massaged to encourage a feeling of well-being.
Feet And Hand Reflexology
Reflexology can be given to either the hands or the feet. The treatments are equally beneficial and enjoyable and the type of treatment you would prefer to receive will be discussed with you during the consultation.
What Happens During A Foot And Hand Reflexology Treatment?
The initial treatment will include a consultation during which details relating to your health and lifestyle are taken to ensure the suitability of the treatment. This also enables me to give a treatment tailored to your needs and discuss if you would prefer a foot or hand reflexology treatment.
You are fully clothed throughout the treatment (except for your feet if you are having a foot reflexology treatment) and are seated in a very comfortable, reclining chair and covered in a soft blanket to keep you warm. Soothing music can be played to enhance the relaxation of the treatment.
Comfortable thumb pressure is applied in sequence, to each reflex point on both feet or hands, then followed with a very relaxing, tension releasing, aromatherapy foot or hand massage, using oils which are appropriate for you.
At the end of the treatment, advice relating to your needs will then be given, with suggestions as to the frequency of future treatments.
The Benefits Of Reflexology
The benefits of reflexology can be enjoyed by those who would like to help to support a particular aspect of their health or help to maintain good health. Many people like to receive reflexology as a special part of their maternity care or simply to indulge in much deserved, rest, relaxation and pampering!
Reflexologists cannot claim to cure a condition but offer reflexology as a means of supporting both health and well-being.
With my experience as a therapist I have found that reflexology can induce a very deep sense of relaxation - very quickly.
A relaxed state of mind and body encourages healing and the body to function much more efficiently, which is why reflexology can be so beneficial particularly to those who are overworked, stressed and tired.
With its soothing qualities, reflexology can help to ease stress and stress related conditions and:
- Quieten an overactive mind
- Soothe and calm
- Reduce anxiety
- Slow and deepen the breathing
- Lift the mood
- Induce positivity and vitality
Reflexology can also help to support other aspects of a person's health, such as; - Tension related headaches
- Poor quality sleep
- Muscular tension
See Client Testimonials for benefits that my clients have noticed following their reflexology treatments.
Who Can Benefit?
Reflexology is suitable for all ages from babies to the elderly. As the treatment is given with a comfortable and firm pressure it is even enjoyed by those who usually have ticklish feet!
Many people like to regularly include reflexology into their lifestyle as a means of unwinding and focusing on their health.
It can be enjoyed by those who are healthy, like to maintain good health and those who wish to support a particular aspect of their health. Pregnant ladies can also benefit from treatments, supporting them during the various stages during and after pregnancy. I am finding that more midwives and ante-natal teachers are recommending reflexology, which is a wonderful recognition of this therapy.
What You May Experience During And After A Treatment
Each reflexology session is a unique experience and clients each respond differently. Vitality and positivity are often experienced and many clients report that they feel extremely relaxed and calm both during and following their treatment. Some of the reflex points may feel sensitive as they are massaged which may reduce as the treatments progress. It must be noted that reflexology acts only as a support to ones health and some clients may find that their level of health remains unchanged.
A readjustment process may sometimes occur after receiving a treatment, which can sometimes include symptoms such as nausea, headache, localised muscular ache, tiredness, cold-like symptoms and increased urination or bowel movement. This effect is understood to be both positive and very beneficial, indicating that the body is readjusting and usually passes within one to two days. To assist this process it is advisable to drink plenty of water for the following 24 hours.
The Frequency Of Treatments
The benefits of reflexology can be enjoyed as an occasional treatment or by having regular weekly or monthly sessions. Some clients may require regular ongoing treatments to help support their health. The frequency of treatments will be discussed at the initial treatment and with feedback from clients following each session, a treatment plan can be specifically designed to suit their needs.
As with any therapy there are sometimes exceptions where treatment may not be advisable and this will be discussed at each treatment session.
Reflexology And Other Treatments
Reflexology is not a diagnostic treatment or a substitute for any conventional treatment that is currently being received.
Clients who are interested in having treatments need to consult their Doctor first if they are currently in his care. It is always advisable to consult your Doctor with persisting conditions.
Reflexology is now being widely accepted and welcomed by many conventional Doctors and reflexologists often work alongside Doctors and other therapists. However this must only be carried out with the permission of those whose care you are already under.
I am finding many midwives and antenatal teachers are now recommending reflexology, which is a great recognition of this therapy.
Maternity reflexology is a gentle and restoring treatment, working in harmony with your body, to support prior to conception, throughout and after your pregnancy.
Maternity Reflexology
What Happens During A Maternity Reflexology Treatment?
The initial treatment will include a consultation during which details relating to your health and lifestyle are taken to ensure the suitability of the treatment. This also enables me to give a treatment tailored to your needs and discuss if you would prefer a foot or hand reflexology treatment.
You are fully clothed throughout the treatment (except for your feet if you are having a foot reflexology treatment) and are seated in a position comfortable for your stage of pregnancy, covered in a soft blanket to keep you warm. Soothing music can be played to enhance the relaxation of the treatment.
Gentle thumb pressure is applied in sequence, to each of the reflex points on both feet or hands, then followed with a very relaxing, aromatherapy foot or hand massage, using oils which are appropriate for you.
At the end of the treatment, advice relating to your needs will then be given, with suggestions as to the frequency of future treatments.
When Can Treatments Begin During Pregnancy?
Maternity reflexology can be received from before conception right through to the months following the birth of your baby. Each stage of pregnancy can benefit from the support that reflexology can provide.
Reflexology can be received by both partners as part of their pre-conceptual care, helping to prepare the body for conception and for the months of pregnancy to follow. It can also play a very important part in supporting those who are sub-fertile by helping to promote relaxation.
The Benefits Of Maternity Reflexology
Reflexology complements pregnancy by helping the body to adapt to the many changes that it is going through. This helps you to be more relaxed and in good health – a benefit not only for yourself but your baby too, as it helps encourage the optimum conditions for your baby’s development and its environment.
Some of the benefits of maternity reflexology are that it can help to:
Induce a deep sense of relaxation – very quickly
Ease stress and anxiety
Promote feeling more calm, positive and uplifted
Encourage an improved quality of sleep
Feel more revitalised
Ease muscular tension
See Maternity Testimonials below for benefits that my clients have noticed following their maternity reflexology treatment
Each pregnancy is a unique experience that cannot be repeated.
Once you are near your due date, reflexology can help to prepare your body for the birth, giving your body a boost. Its soothing and calming qualities can be very beneficial at this time.
Simple techniques can be demonstrated to both yourself and your partner, which can assist during the lead up to your due date and during labour.
Post Natal Reflexology
The balancing and restorative qualities of reflexology can help to support your body after the birth. It can also help you to adjust to your new lifestyle, offering the perfect opportunity to rest, relax and rejuvenate!
Home visiting treatments can be particularly beneficial to those who have had a Caesarean birth and are unable to travel.
And Finally............
You will have many experiences physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, during your pregnancy, the birth and the time that follows.
With regular treatments, reflexology may help to support you throughout this important period.
It is a wonderful way to indulge in quality time for yourself and enjoy the many benefits of this extremely valuable therapy.
Maternity Testimonials
"If you want to experience a treatment that fills you with sated, deep contentment then look no further than Annette. Over the years I have had many different kinds of therapeutic treatments and Annette is the best reflexologist I have ever come across. I now have her come to my pregnancy yoga class and give a talk as one of my ‘treasured therapists’ and over the years she has helped many a ‘lady in waiting’ with her talents. So whether it’s for a specific condition or like myself, a treat of sheer indulgence, you can do no better than booking Annette."
Lynda Hills
“When her treatment begins you are transported away from the madness and mayhem of everyday life. She has the ability to relax and recharge you while providing well earnt ‘me – time’!”
Esther Stone – mum of 3
“I was nearing the end of my pregnancy and Annette’s treatment relieved me of my swollen ankles immediately and I was far more relaxed for the remainder of my pregnancy than I would have been.”
Liz Eskrick
Face Reflexology
What Is Face Reflexology?
Face reflexology is a relaxing, yet revitalizing treatment, focusing on the fourteen reflex areas of the face and head, which are believed to each relate to a specific area of the body.
Stimulation to these areas may have a very positive effect on our stress levels and feelings of well-being by inducing a feeling of calm and relaxation.
What Happens During A Face Reflexology Treatment?
The initial treatment will include a consultation during which details relating to your health and lifestyle are taken to ensure the suitability of the treatment. This also enables me to give a treatment tailored to your needs.
You are fully clothed throughout the treatment and lay on a treatment couch, covered in a soft blanket to keep you warm. Soothing music can be played to enhance the relaxation of the treatment.
Gentle pressure movements are given to each of the reflex areas on the face and head. A lymphatic drainage facial massage is then given to the face and neck area, using aromatherapy oils which are appropriate for you, followed with an invigorating, tension releasing scalp massage to complete this wonderfully pampering experience.
At the end of the treatment, advice relating to your needs will then be given, with suggestions as to the frequency of future treatments.
The Benefits Of Face Reflexology
For further details please see the The Benefits Of Reflexology section.
Auricular Therapy (Ear Reflexology)
There are over 200 acupoints on the ear which are believed to each relate to a specific area of the body.
The relationship between the ear and health has been recognised in China for over 2000 years. With the combination of the meridians (energy channels) converging at the ear and the many nerve ending around the ear, this treatment is therefore very beneficial and relaxing to receive.
In the 1950's, Dr Paul Nogier did intensive research on the Chinese method of treating the ears and westernised this form of therapy. He introduced the theory that the ear resembled the inverted foetus. Using this theory, he developed the first map, showing the points of the body on the ear.
What Happens During A Treatment?
The initial treatment will include a consultation during which details relating to your health and lifestyle are taken to ensure the suitability of the treatment. This also enables me to give a treatment tailored to your needs.
You are fully clothed throughout the treatment and are seated in a very comfortable, reclining chair and covered in a soft blanket to keep you warm. Soothing music can be played to enhance the relaxation of the treatment.
This non-invasive and gentle method of auricular therapy uses finger pressure only to the acupoints rather than using needles.
A very relaxing massage is given to both ears followed with very gentle finger pressure given to each reflex point on both ears at the same time. Additional attention is then given to specific points relating to your needs.
Tenderness can sometimes be felt on the acupoints points, which may lessen as the treatments progress. A deep level of relaxation is often experienced following a treatment. See The Benefits Of Reflexology section.
At the end of the treatment, advice relating to your needs will then be given, with suggestions as to the frequency of future treatments.
A greater level of benefit can be achieved when auricular therapy is given following reflexology or thermo-auricular therapy.
Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage (RLD).
I am an RLD approved reflexology practitioner. This technique was researched and developed by reflexologist Sally Kay. She says "RLD is an Client Testimonials which focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes on the feet. The aim is to cause an effect on the lymphatic system in the body. It is a unique sequence that has been researched and developed by Sally Kay BSc(Hons), whilst working in Cancer Care. The results appear to support the theory of reflexology".
