Frequently asked questions
How does reflexology work?
How long does a session last?
Are you qualified as a reflexologist?
How will I feel afterwards?
Any advice for the rest of the day after treatment?
Do you have to have a specific condition to have reflexology?
Is it safe / suitable for everyone?
What is Spinal reflexology?
Why do you need to know about my medical history?
What medical conditions may prevent me from receiving reflexology?
Can children have reflexology?
How many treatments?
Is reflexology painful? Will it hurt or tickle?
Where do your treatments take place?
How much is a treatment?
Do you do gift vouchers?
Is there any published research on reflexology?
Useful website links
How does reflexology work?
There are 7200 nerve endings in the feet and hands; these are a road map to the entire body, and mirror the anatomy and physiology of the body. There is a flow of ‘vital energy’ that circulates through the body in distinct channels or zones. In order for the body to remain at its healthiest, this energy flow must not be interrupted. During stress or illness, toxins build up in your body causing blockages which prevent energies to flow freely. Your reflexologist, by stimulating the reflexes in the feet aims to release these blockages and toxins are eliminated and the circulation improved, restoring the free flow of energy and nutrients to the body’s cells. Reflexology may help to bring your body back into balance and harmony.
How long does a session last?
An initial consultation will take 1 hour 15 minutes to allow for the clients medical and lifestyle history and follow on treatment sessions will take 1 hour.
Are you qualified as a reflexologist?
Yes. I trained at The London School of Reflexology at Regents College in London
and I am a Member of the Association of Reflexologists (MAR) www.aor.org.uk
I hold an ABC Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology and an ITEC Diploma in Holistic
Massage. I was taught by Louise Keet who is regarded highly in the Reflexology
profession and has recently published 2 books and written many articles and papers
for national newspapers and magazines on Reflexology.
The Reflexology Bible by Louise Keet published by Hamlyn
Hand Reflexology by Louise Keet and Michael Keet published by Hamlyn
All members of the Association of Reflexologists must undertake 'Continued
Professional Development' (CPD) as a condition of membership. This means that I
keep up with developments in Reflexology and complementary health, attend
advanced courses to develop my skills and be part of other local professional
groups.
I am the Secretary for the Surrey, Hampshire Borders Area Reflexology
Group which is an active Area Group that represents the Association of Reflexologists (www.aor.org.uk) and is made up of fellow Reflexologists in
the local area. We meet once a month and get together to discuss
Reflexology developments or updates, have discussions on relevant health
topics and listen to speakers from other therapies with the aim of improving
our knowledge base.
I have also trained in Pregnancy Reflexology (pre- conception, pregnancy and
postnatal) and Spinal Reflexology.
How will I feel afterwards?
Clients react in different ways to treatments and at different stages of the treatment plan. You may have a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation or you may feel quite tired and drained emotionally but this is will pass and is part of the healing process that reflexology works on. It is important to feedback any reactions to your reflexologist on each visit as it tells the reflexologist how you are responding to the treatment.
Any advice for the rest of the day after treatment?
To gain the maximum benefit from your session, take it easy on yourself. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and heavy food.
Do you have to have a specific condition to have reflexology?
No. An increasing number of people are using this safe, natural therapy as a way of relieving tension. It may bring the body into balance and so it can be effectively used as a preventative measure to ensure optimum health and well being. Reflexology has a deeply calming effect and promotes relaxation and a feeling of well-being. Reflexology is one of the UK’s most popular therapies.
Is it safe / suitable for everyone?
Reflexology is suitable for all age groups including pregnant women and children.
After having completed a course reflexology treatment for a specific condition, many
people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatment in order to maintain
optimum health. There are very few contra-indications to reflexology. If you are
pregnant please see my pregnancy reflexology page for further information or click
here.
What is Spinal reflexology?
This powerful form of reflexology is based on stimulating the spinal reflexes on the feet. The reflexologist will work on each individual vertebra reflex point to identify nerve roots out of balance. A nerve root exits through the vertebrae to reach specific organs and muscles. By using spinal reflexology we can help recognize the organs in the body that are not functioning correctly. Often, clients will feel sensitivity in the spine but have no association with back problems; spinal reflexology may help identify what reflexes are really out of balance. Conversely, back problems can inhibit the proper functioning of the organs. With spinal reflexology we can work on the spinal reflexes and help to correct imbalances in parts, organs and systems of the body.
Why do you need to know about my medical history?
There can be times when reflexology is not advised (see next question) or it may be appropriate for you to consult your doctor before seeking complementary therapies.
What medical conditions may prevent me from receiving reflexology?
We would identify these at the first consultation, and the following is a guide, but not a complete list. Some foot infections, high temperatures, recent surgery or history of thrombosis, some heart conditions, epilepsy, some diabetic complications.
Can children have reflexology?
Yes. They usually love it and respond well.
How many treatments?
Each treatment plan is unique to the client and will vary depending on the client’s needs and conditions. To gain the most benefit from reflexology it is recommended that you have 4-6 treatments on a weekly basis to start off with, and then have monthly appointments. However just one treatment can bring about change. Once the body is in balance reflexology can be used to maintain energy and wellbeing and can work as a preventative therapy to illness. In such cases treatments may not be as frequent.
Is reflexology painful? Will it hurt or tickle?
It is a very relaxing and therapeutic treatment while the feet or hands are being worked, there may be some discomfort, but does not last for long and is the result of illness or damage to a part of the body. Reflexology does not tickle even when a client is very sensitive or ticklish.
Where do your treatments take place?
I have a dedicated room that is very peaceful and tranquil allowing you to fully relax and benefit from the treatment.
How much is a treatment?
£38
Do you do gift vouchers?
Yes. These make a lovely present for friends and family. They are produced by the Association of Reflexologists (AOR) and look very smart and professional to give as a gift.
Is there any published research on reflexology?
Times Link - Article 572898
Times Link - Article 1060234
Useful website links
Association of Reflexologists
Reflexology Forum
Reflex Europe
Holistic Online
Healthy Pages
