How many treatments will I need & how often?

Some clients may notice an immediate relief or reduction in their symptoms following a reflexology treatment, whilst others may require a course of treatments before an improvement is experienced (particularly if it is a chronic long standing ailment).

The benefits of reflexology can be enjoyed as an occasional treatment for pleasure or to maintain good health, or as a regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly session to help alleviate symptoms. The frequency of treatments will be discussed with you after your initial treatment and your progress with be monitored at each subsequent treatment. For example, it may be that you require weekly treatments initially and then as your health improves these can be reduced to monthly sessions. On average most clients require between 1 & 8 treatments before they notice an improvement in their symptoms or overall health.

Can anyone have Reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural, safe therapy suitable for all ages, but in order to protect both the client and the practitioner there are a few conditions where it is advisable not to treat a client. I will be unable to treat you if you:

• Are suffering from a high fever
• Have a contagious infection/disease such as chicken pox
• Have gangrene
• Have DVT or phlebitis
• Are under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol
• Are in the first trimester of pregnancy (please note this is purely to allow the body to naturally settle into the pregnancy. Reflexology is thought to be very beneficial throughout the later stages of pregnancy).

If you have any other serious medical condition, are about to undertake or have just had surgery, then consent from a medical professional may be required before treatments can commence.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing including loose fitting trousers or skirt as I will need to access your ankles/lower calf muscles during the Reflexology treatment (and up to the knee for Hot Stone Reflexolgy as this includes a calf muscle massage). So no skinny jeans or tight leggings!

Will the treatments be painful?

Overall reflexology is a soothing and relaxing experience, however you may find some areas to be sensitive or tender. This is an indication that there is congestion or an imbalance in the corresponding area of the body and that these reflex points require further attention. I will adjust the pressure until the sensitivity subsides, so as not to cause discomfort.

Will there be any side effects?

After a treatment many people feel extremely calm and relaxed, whilst others feel energised and rejuvenated. In the 24 hours following the treatments some people may experience ‘reactions’ such as feeling thirsty, tired or emotional, but these are generally short-lived and should be seen as a positive sign that your body is responding to the treatments and beginning the self healing process. These symptoms generally pass within 24 hours and can be eased by drinking plenty of water the day before, the day of the treatment and the day after.

What should I do after a treatment?

You will achieve the maximum benefit from your treatments if you follow this simple advice.

For the first hour following a treatment:

• Avoid having a heavy meal
• Do not have a hot bath
• Be careful if you’re driving as your reactions may be slower

For 24 hours following the treatment:

• Drink plenty of water to aid elimination of toxins
• Try not to do anything strenuous
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol

What does holistic mean?

The word ‘holistic’ derives from halos, meaning ‘whole’ in Greek. Many complementary therapies use this approach to health. The holistic approach means considering all the factors affecting the person including their diet and lifestyle rather than just physical symptoms. The aim is to achieve harmony between body, mind and spirit giving the person a sense of balance and well-being.

I am pregnant, can I still be treated?

Yes! Reflexology is thought to be very effective at easing pregnancy related conditions and research has showed it can help to shorten labour times. It is however advisable not to receive treatments in the first trimester in order to allow the body to naturally settle into a pregnancy.

I’m on medication, will the treatments affect this?

There is no evidence to suggest that reflexology can expel conventional medicine or interfere with it’s functioning. It is important for me to know about the medication you are on (and this will be discussed during your consultation) as some of your symptoms may be side effects from the medication.

Can I still have a treatment if I have corns, callouses, bunions, verrucas, athelete’s foot or gangrene?

Corns, callouses and bunions can be treated over/around and I will adjust the pressure accordingly or if preferred avoid any sore areas. Verruca’s will need to be covered with a plaster as they are infectious but I can still work on your feet. If you have an infectious condition such as athlete’s foot then I will either work on your hands instead or re-schedule your appointment to after you’re seen your GP and had the condition treated. If you have gangrene then I’m afraid I will be unable to treat you.

How do I know I’m seeing a qualified practitioner?

I trained at the London School of Reflexology with Louise Keet and have a Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology. I also completed a Maternity Reflexology course with Suzanne Enzer (the leading expert in the UK) and a Pre-conception, Pregnancy and Post-natal care course with Louise Keet. Please see the ‘About me’ page for more details.