Foot Treatments
Reflexology
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that treats the person as a whole, and focuses on both the emotional and the physical. It involves the application of pressure to certain points, or reflexes, on the feet or hands in order to promote self-healing.
Reflexology is based on the theory that the hands and feet contain maps of the rest of the body, so a practitioner putting pressure on a certain reflex can have a positive effect on the corresponding part of the body. Therefore it is a lot more than a foot or hand massage, and it has a very positive effect on health and well being.
Before I begin work on your feet, a full case history is taken, and objectives are discussed with you. The treatment itself involves sitting in a reclining chair, fully clothed, with feet elevated, so that I can work comfortably with your feet.
Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage
RLD is an award winning reflexology technique which focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes on the feet, with the aim of causing an effect in the lympatic system of the body. It was pioneered by Sally Kay in South Wales, whilst working in Cancer Care.
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the Approximately 20% of these patients develop secondary lymphoedema of the arm following treatment for breast cancer. Lymphoedema is the swelling of tissue following the failure of lymph drainage. This could result in a swollen arm, or perhaps a leg. RLD may be able to provide some reduction in the volume of fluid in the limb, and make using the limb much more comfortable for the client.
RLD is also effective with a number of other conditions that are caused by inflammation, such as fibromyalgia, ME. sinus problems, Chronic Fatigue and migaines, amongst others.
Runner's Rehab
Doesn't matter if you're a professional sportsperson, semi professional, or just trying to stay fit and healthy, reflexology can help you!
Reflexology can support you by accelerating recovery from muskuloskeletal issues or injuries, treating recurrent muscular niggles, or perhaps helping you with an inflammatory condition. I am trained in a variety of reflexology techniques such as Vertical Reflex Therapy and Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage which can help you get back to your sport, alongside conventional medicine, massage and physio.
Vertical Reflex Therapy can also equip you with excellent self help techniques, so you can start to self treat at the first sign of trouble, or between appointments!
Other benefits of reflexology in sport;
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It helps with lymphatic drainage, boosts circulation and reduces inflammation
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It reduces pain levels - limbic reflexology in particular can help manage pain directly in the brain, plus it stimulates endorphins
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It is great for relaxation which therefore helps the healing process by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system
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It improves sleep by increasing serotonin levels and helps to boost the immune system
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It has been shown to increase carbon dioxide exhaled from the nose by 9%, helping to lower pulse rate
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It can help to improve focus and concentration, and reduces anxiety
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It cares for the feet, which are subject to a lot of pressure whilst running
Hot Stones Reflexology
Hot Stones have been used for centuries, as ancient civilisations in India, South America, Ancient Rome, Egypt and China believed they could be used to cleanse and heal the body, ground the soul and ease the mind.
The stones used are made of basalt, a type of rock rich in iron, which allows them to retain their heat. Their use in reflexology is thought to enhance the treatment as it had been estimated that one stroke of a hot stone is worth five strokes with the hand, as the stone can work deeper into the reflexes of the foot. Furthermore many people feel that the relaxation effects last longer. The heat and pressure from the stones allows the body to relax to the deepest level, creating harmony and well being in the body. This is a wonderful way to ease away tension in the body!
Ayurvedic Foot Reflexology
This treatment fuses reflexology with traditional indian foot massage or padabhyanga into a soothing, calming, revitalizing and balancing treatment akin to part of the traditional ancient Ayurvedic health care modality. This treatment involves not only massage, but also use of a metal kansa "bowl" to massage the feet and lower leg, and pressure is also applied to the "marma points" which are Ayurvedic energy or pressure points in the legs and feet – there are five in this area of the body. The treatment begins with cleansing the feet, followed by a relaxing massage of the feet and calves using warm sesame oil, helping the feet and lower legs to relax.
Next the warmed kasa bowl is used in circular movements on the feet and lower legs, before gentle pressure is applied to the marma points on the feet and lower legs in order to rebalance the body’s energy.
Within Ayurveda, practitioners use the padabhyanga to calm the mind and nervous system, to promote quality sleep and to help circulation. It is a truly relaxing and calming treatment.
Aromatherapy Reflexology
This lovely, relaxing treatment combines the powers of two wonderful therapies. Following a short consultation I can select and blend essential oils to use on your feet in your reflexology session, based on your current needs.
You will also go home with your own personal blend of oils in a beautiful foot cream or body lotion, so that you can continue to gain the benefits of the oils after your treatment.
Please note; your first treatment will include questions about your medical history in order to tailor your treatment accordingly, and ensure you are able to receive the treatment safely.