Reflexology

Angela is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists and holds a level 3 Diploma in Reflexology with VTCT, as part of Angela’s continuous professional development she has taken courses in advanced reflexology.

History of Reflexology

Reflexology can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, India and China. It was introduced to the West by Dr William Fitzgerald who developed Zone therapy which was the predecessor to modern day reflexology. Eunic D Ingham worked as a physical therapist and mapped the feet in 1930 to different areas of the body. She documented the benefits of reflexology on her clients in case studies and specific points/reflexes she mapped on the feet which she published in her first book entitled “Stories The Feet Can Tell”.

About Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary therapy which works alongside, allopathic medical care to promote a holistic approach to general well-being. Reflexology can create a soothing and calming effect which has been found to be beneficial in palliative care patients within hospitals and hospices. There have been insufficient clinical trials however there are some documented case studies published an example is (in the International Therapist Journal issue 96 April 2011) by Christies NHS foundation trust Manchester on the benefits of reflexology patients in palliative care and or pre surgery.

Reflexology is a very gentle non-intrusive treatment which is tailored to the individual client’s needs. Reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment generally, which has a cumulative effect. The main benefits from reflexology for most people include:-

• Promotes relaxation
• Improves moods
• Helps relieve tension
• Improves a sense of well-being
• Sleep patterns may be aided due to relaxation
• Reflexology encourages the release of endorphins within the body

*(Clients often find other aspects improve too; however, this happens on an individual basis)

Reflexology: 60 mins – £50
Reflexology: 30 mins – £35

What happens during treatment?

You will be given a full consultation to enable the practitioner to tailor the treatment to your individual physical, physiological and psychological needs that may be affecting your general well-being. You will be required to remove your shoes and socks to enable treatment to be given. The Reflexologist gently applies firm pressure to specific zones/points using specialist thumb and finger techniques which are believed to correspond to organs of the body on the feet and lower legs. Following treatment you will receive aftercare advice to support the beneficial effects of treatment.

Maternity Reflexology

Angela has worked with Sue Stephens ex midwife and doula (organiser of the series of childbirth conferences) helping to relax and prepare women for childbirth.

Reflexology

Is safe to have during trimester 2 & 3 providing there are no medical contra-indications present. Reflexology can be highly beneficial during pregnancy helping to relax and relieve tension during pregnancy or induce relaxation in women anxious about experiencing childbirth. Reflexology also allows for the women to take time out of their busy lives and focus on themselves and their baby whilst preparing them for the delivery date, reflexology is calming and soothing to the mind and body inducing deep relaxation.

• Promotes relaxation
• Improves moods
• Helps relieve tension
• Improves a sense of well-being
• Sleep patterns may be aided due to relaxation
• Reflexology encourages the release of endorphins within the body

After birth

Reflexology can benefit mothers following delivery also.

Treatment Interval Recommendations

Monthly treatment after 14 weeks
Fortnightly between 30 and 36 weeks gestation
Weekly from 37 weeks gestation

Angela encourages clients to seek permission from their midwife and carries out full consultation before treatment is given.

There have been some studies on the effects of reflexology during pregnancy;

Tiran D, Chummun H (2004) Complementary therapies to reduce physiological stress in Pregnancy. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 10 P162-167

Valiani M et al. (2010) Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour of primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research 15 Dec p302-310

5th February 2014