Treatments
Foot Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient therapy which has been practised for over 5000 years, it is a complementary therapy based on the theory that different points and areas on the feet & hands, correspond with different areas of the body. By working these reflex points we can help aid relaxation, improve mood, release tension, enhance sleep and can generally help improve wellbeing. Further benefits of reflexology include its ability to stimulate nerve function, increase energy, boost circulation, create a deep state of relaxation and eliminate toxins from the body.
As we age, our nerve endings become less sensitive in many parts of our body, particularly in our extremities. That being said, reflexology has been connected with stimulating more than 7,000 different nerve endings in a single session, thereby increasing their function and reactivity.
What to expect:
A luxurious hour of reflexology massage to revive both mind and body. The treatment allows deep relaxation thus alleviating stress and tension. Feel free to float away from work stress and tune your mind into a state of calm, ease away your daily pressures to a backdrop of relaxing music and botanical mists.
The first treatment will take around 70 minutes. We will go through a 10 minute questionnaire, just to gain insight into your current health status, diet, known areas of pain and tension & to allow me to tailor the treatment to your needs. You will have a choice of botanical balms, then your feet will be cleansed and warmed. This is followed by an ultra relaxing 60 mins reflexology treatment. A tension relieving hour that soothes and awakens the muscles, calms your body system and allows for a deep relaxing sleep.
On departure:
You will be given a tips & suggestions for you to continue the good work through hand reflex techniques at home and ideas for you to adapt to feel free of tension in body and mind
State of undress:
Shoes and socks removed, you will relax into a reflexology couch. Feet will be wrapped with hot towels and massaged individually. All treatments are suitable for vegan clients.
Facial Reflexology – Bergman Method
Facial Reflexology has all the benefits and principles of traditional Foot Reflexology. It is deeply relaxing with immediate effects due to the close proximity to the brain and central nervous system. Once the reflex points are activated a direct response occurs in the corresponding area of the body, this helps the body’s healing process, improving circulation and nerve supply as well as the release of toxins. Treatments also stimulate collagen and elastin which gives the effect of tighter, plumper more radiant skin.
The Bergman method
I was trained by Ziggie Bergman founder of ‘The Bergman Method’ Facial Reflexology.
What to expect?
After a short consultation I will begin to cleanse the face with some gentle facial wipes, I will then apply Ziggie Bergmans Facial Elixir which lifts your Face & Spirit with silky Amethyst Crystal-Infused oil which hydrates your skin and has been shown to reduce fine lines and help you look radiant. The magical blend of sacred plants is applied t spirit lifting ritual, that smudges the aura and turns the mundane into the magical.
How will I feel After ?
Facial Reflexology combines all of the therapeutic benefits of a holistic therapy with a touch of beautifying luxury! Clients often feel an inner calm and a real sense of wellbeing at the end of a treatment, as well as a more youthful, glowing complexion.
Facial Reflexology achieves this by improving blood and lymph flow, releasing muscle tension and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. It is also very effective for alleviating winter ailments such as blocked sinuses, dry skin, headaches, lack of energy, dull complexion, and depression; as this therapy helps the body to work at its optimum level, boosting the immune system it can also help to fight off winter colds and flu.
The unique benefit of Facial Reflexology is that not only does it aim to help clients improve their health and wellbeing, it also can help them to look better, younger and have a healthy glow on the outside.
The Bergman Method of Facial Reflexology as quoted By Ziggie Bergman herself.
“Our method of facial reflexology is built on a combination of Native American techniques and Asian body maps that chart the reflex points on the face. The face’s proximity to the brain is key to the effectiveness of manipulating facial reflex points which directly connect to the body’s neuro-pathways. Facial reflexology can be a wonderful therapy to help identify reflexes out of balance and to help your clients improve their health and well-being.”
“As an added benefit to the treatment session, the face will feel and look smoother and more toned as you increase the circulation and help to release muscle tension. Some clients call it their ‘mini Face-lift’ by helping to strengthen layers of skin tissue and improve skin tone. Additionally, over a series of sessions there may be a reduction in lines and wrinkles, helping clients to feel good and look good! This is in addition to stimulating the body’s healing mechanisms and encouraging the body to eliminate toxins.”
Ear Candling
Ear Candling is good for
*Clearing mind & senses
* May improve hearing caused by wax
* Alleviates symptoms of
-Tinnitus
-Glue Ear
-Colds
-Headaches & Migraines
-Snoring
- Allergic Rhinitis
-Neuralgia
-Menieres Disease
-Labyrinthitis
Pregnancy Reflexology
Reflexology for supporting the Maternity Journey
For most women finding out they are pregnant is a time for joy and celebration but there are also times throughout the pregnancy when women may need some additional support and reflexology is one option for improving wellbeing. There may be concerns about common pregnancy symptoms or emotional issues; however much the pregnancy was wanted there can still be concerns about money, worries about how it may affect the relationship with their partner, what will happen with work? Etc and of course changing hormone levels.
Reflexology in pregnancy aims to optimise the physical and emotional health of the pregnant woman and therapists are also able to provide general lifestyle advice and offer support. One benefit of receiving reflexology during pregnancy is that it allows time away from often busy lives and provides a time and space where you can focus purely on yourself and your growing baby – this should not be underestimated, it is so important that you have time to be able to clear your mind and to think through and talk about how you are feeling about the arrival of a new baby into your life.
All information will be treated as confidential so it is a time where you can share your worries and concerns, however, small these may be – by speaking things through, can in itself make you feel so much better.
Many women are now choosing to have reflexology throughout their pregnancy and postnatally as it can offer many benefits such as aiding relaxation, reducing anxiety, generally de-stressing and improving sleep. However you view reflexology there is no doubt that it provides a period of time where the client has one to one attention, relaxation and supportive touch in an empathic and non-judgemental listening environment which all help build resilience and allow patients to gain both mental and physical strength.
Other women seek reflexology for support with common conditions that can arise during pregnancy such as constipation, low back pain, heartburn, anxiety, depression etc or to help prepare their body for birthing. Reflexology acknowledges that every person is unique, and so it is not possible to know in advance how you will react to a treatment and what benefits you will get –
The only way to know is to try it!
What the research says about reflexology in pregnancy and perinatal period:
– Two studies have shown that reflexology in pregnancy significantly reduced pain during labour (1, 2) and reduced the length of the first stage of labour (1).
– One study showed improved quality of sleep in post-natal women (3)
– One study showed that 6 weekly treatments of reflexology prior to giving birth on for women who experienced low back and/or pelvic girdle pain during their pregnancy significantly reduced the second stage of labour by 44.3 minutes (4).
– Reduced pain and stress levels for women with low back pain or pelvic girdle pain (5)
– Foot reflexology was found to have a positive effect in lowering the total anxiety scores of women in labour (6)
There is also plenty of anecdotal evidence of women benefitting from having reflexology during their pregnancy and their post-natal period and is an area for more research.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a complementary therapy which is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body. Reflexologists believe that working these points or areas aids relaxation and helps improve wellbeing.
If this sounds far-fetched to you there are actually two studies from Japan using functional magnetic resonance imaging that show increased blood flow into the specific area of the brain that corresponds to the reflexology point that is being worked on the foot. So when the eye point was pressed the facial area of the brain lit up.(7, 8)
This supports the fundamental premise of reflexology that by working a specific reflex area on the feet has an effect on blood flow in the analogous area of the body.
Reflexology for supporting Maternity Journey
Reflexology in First Trimester
Reflexology can be used safely throughout pregnancy; Reflexologists will take a full history to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate to carry out a treatment.
The first trimester is a time when there are huge changes in hormone levels as well as anxieties and concerns about the changes that are going to happen. Both of these factors may leave you feeling delighted, anxious, exhilarated, weepy and exhausted – sometimes all at once. The therapist will aim to aid relaxation, de-stress and offer support.
Although there is a small risk of miscarriage in any pregnancy there is no evidence that reflexology can cause a miscarriage or increase the risk. Many women find the support reflexology offers of great benefit at this time. Do check the reflexologist has experience and training in Maternity Reflexology.
Reflexology in Second and third trimester
In the second and third trimester, most of the discomforts of early pregnancy have gone.
However, as the baby grows you may begin to experience other physical symptoms. Your stress levels may also rise as the birth becomes more imminent. Reflexology can be used for general well-being or to address other health issues such as sleeping problems as they arise. Of course, the therapist will also be there to support you through any worries or concerns that you may have.
Reflexology in the Post-natal period
This joyful time is the start of a new and exciting era in your life but it can also bring new challenges; you may be questioning if you are doing everything right, falling hormone levels can leave you feeling low, tearful or anxious. These feelings can then be exacerbated by lack of sleep.
I believe that this is another key time when reflexology can be of great benefit. A research study has shown that post-natal women had improved quality of sleep with reflexology (3) which can just make you feel better able to cope. Yet it is a time when women often wonder how they can fit it in when their baby is not yet is a fixed routine.
If you are feeling in need of a little boost or just some ‘me’ time then try looking for a mobile therapist (see details of finding a therapist below) who can come to you. If the baby needs a feed you can feed the baby during the treatment, wind them on your shoulder and then lie the baby tummy to tummy (unless there is a parent, partner or friend available to take baby after the feed) and as you relax with the reflexology, the baby calms and will sleep soundly there on your tummy – I have never done a treatment with a crying baby! Once you realise reflexology is possible in your new routine and you feel the benefits of the treatment you may well be hooked!
