This holistic therapy traces back to China and Ancient Egypt, some 5000 years ago.

Pressure therapies were recognised to have therapeutic benefits and more importantly, help prevent disease.

The oldest evidence of reflexology is a wall painting in the tomb of an Egyptian physician ‘Ankmahor’ at Saqqara, from around 2500 – 2300 BC. 

The art of foot reflex therapy was not introduced to the Western World until the 20th century when the Americans began to develop Zone Therapy (based on the principle that the body is divided into 10 energy pathways), which had been practised by the Europeans as far back as the 14th century, into reflexology as we know it today.

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

Reflexology is a fantastic therapy as it can help treating stress, anxiety, pain levels, back pain, headaches, digestive problems, respiratory problems, sleeping difficulties, depression and many others illnesses. As it is a holistic therapy, it aims to treat ourselves as a whole and is not only focusing on one symptom, as everything is interconnected.

​

Reflexology helps releasing blockages within the body and restore the free flow of all the circulatory systems such as blood, lymph, waste elimination and energy. 

Our body is often in a state of imbalance due to external stimuli, for instance illness, recover from a disease, injury, periods of stress, environment, and when the vital physical and energy pathways are blocked, our body is prevented from functioning effectively.

 

The main benefits of reflexology are relaxation and improved circulation, which therefore can in turn help the whole body, mind and spirit to be in a balanced and healthy state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A holistic relaxation having an effect on the whole body, mind and spirit

​

Reflexology is deeply relaxing. Some clients have told me the feeling they experienced during a treatment is so amazing that it’s even better than falling asleep, almost like the mind is suspended in a trance state.

Reflexology reduces the body’s needs for excess or unnecessary sympathetic nervous system (which activates the fight or flight response) and adrenal release. As the body is in a relaxed state, the parasympathetic nervous system (the part of the involuntary nervous system that serves to slow the heart rate, increase intestinal and hormonal activity, and relax the sphincter muscles) can function effectively.

In addition to relaxing the body, reflexology relaxes the mind. Stress of any kind, physical, psychological, environmental, social, can upset the balance of harmony between our body, mind and spirit which defines health and cause ‘dis-ease’.

When someone is unhappy, under stress, they can have vague symptoms of ill health such as an aching body, fatigue, tension in the neck, shoulders, back, a feeling of irritability, sleeping problems, an unhealthy diet. If the symptoms continue for a long time they may become chronic and lead to other illnesses. Reflexology helps considerably and is a natural, gentle, non-invasive therapy that can contribute to make us cope better with everyday’s life demands.

It provides a peaceful environment in which you can relax, learn to heal yourself, become conscious of your body’s needs and feeling grounded and empowered.

 

 

An improved circulation of the blood, lymph and energy

​

Our bodies contains about 60 billion cells. Every cell needs nutrients and oxygen and heat and waste products have to be removed from them.

Therefore, a good circulation is paramount and 2 mains substances are circulated in the body, blood and lymph.

The cardiovascular system functions in transporting oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, waste, heat and hormones; it also regulates the pH of the body, its temperature and the water content of cells. It also helps protect the body against foreign microbes and toxins.

The lymphatic system drains interstitial fluid (fluid between our cells and tissues) to prevent tissues from becoming full of water, transports dietary lipids and contains specialised tissues and organs that help protect the body against invasion.

Reflexology improves both cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation in 3 different ways:

• As the body is deeply relaxed, the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated, which encourages the blood flow to all organs and lower blood pressure.

• Massaging and applying pressure to the feet (or hands) which are at the periphery of the body stimulates the circulation to and from the extremities where circulation is often poorer than the rest of the body

• The application of pressure through reflexes such as the heart and lymphatic reflexes promotes this circulation.

​

Finally, our bodies are made of energy, our “life-force” made of atoms, which flows through specific channels, and if there is a blockage in this flow then the body will be in a state of ‘dis-ease’. Through applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands, reflexologist can decongest the congestion and promote the smooth flow of vibratory energy.  

​

What to expect during a reflexology treatment?

​

I typically start with a chat to get to know your history and what could be relevant to focus on some particular reflexes for the treatment. There may not be any particular symptom or illness you are experiencing, which does not matter as reflexology as well as all forms of energy work are great to maintain us in good health/ prevent disease. All information is of course confidential.

I then will make sure you are comfortable and offer a soft cover and lavender eye mask if you wish. Essential oils and crystals may be use to support healing. 

​

Relaxation techniques are the first line of treatment to allow your body and mind to relax as much as possible and let the energy flow freely. I then follow a certain routine that always include the whole body system, working holistically and focusing on some areas where I feel need more attention.

​

It is very common to doze during a treatment, and to feel like you are floating afterwards. I'll help you remain in that wellbeing state by giving you aftercare advice and chat about your experience.

​

Within 24-48 hours after the treatment, you will typically feel very relaxed but you could also experience reactions such as: tiredness, heightened emotions, thirst, increased micturition, feeling hot/cold, increase in your symptoms. Do not worry, this is part of a ‘healing crisis’ as your body is re-balancing itself, so just put your mind at rest and drink plenty of water to help with this clearing process.

​

​

​