Reflexology is the technique of applying pressure to reflexes
on either the feet or the hands to bring about a state of deep relaxation, increase circulation, detoxify and stimulate the body's own healing abilities in order to return you to a state of balance and well-being. It is a holistic therapy, which aims to treat the whole person and not just the symptom.
By working these reflexes on the hands or feet we are seeking to access, stimulate and balance the various body systems, organs and glands. With over 7,000 nerve endings in the feet reflexology can be a very powerful treatment on both a physical and emotional level.
Reflexology has been shown to have beneficial effects on a wide variety of short and long-term health issues. It may help with the following conditions and/or their side effects: stress, conception, pregnancy symptoms and labour, headaches and migraines, insomnia, neck, shoulder and back pain, as well as urinary, digestive, hormonal, neurological and immune system problems. An increasing number of people simply use reflexology to maintain their general health and well-being.
Maternity Reflexology can help with headache, fatigue, water retention (oedema), sleeping difficulties, circulation, digestion, constipation, backache, sciatica, anxiety, stress, symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) and for the physical and emotional preparation for labour. Maternity reflexology will not induce labour, but it can help to ‘prime’ your body for childbirth and certain techniques can be used to try to turn a breach baby. If you would like either of these techniques before your due date, permission must be sought from your midwife. Some women prefer not to have treatments during the first trimester; this is entirely up to you. Reflexology can also be used to help with conception and also post-natally.
The Treatment
Reflexology is non-invasive and unobtrusive as the client only needs to remove their shoes and socks. At the start of each treatment your feet will be cleaned with antiseptic wipes and a non-talc based powder or hypoallergenic balm will be applied to the feet to enable the practitioner to work on them. If working on the feet is not possible the treatment can be carried out on the hands.
Before the initial treatment a full medical history will be taken. Please arrive 15 minutes early in order to complete this.