“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and balance can be challenging. At Kathryn’s Holistic Haven, I offer reflexology to help you relax your body, calm your mind and revive your soul. I’m dedicated to providing a nurturing space where you can find balance and tranquillity. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress or a moment of calm, I’m here to support you on your wellness journey.
Reflexology is an ancient therapy dating back approx. 5000 years to Egypt and China. The earliest documented evidence is a wall drawing found in Egypt, dated approx. 2500 BC, depicting a scene of the giving and receiving of foot and hand massage from the tomb of Ankhamahor (the ‘Physician’s Tomb’) located in Saqqara. The hieroglyphics translate as: “Please do not hurt me”, the practitioner’s reply is “I shall do so you praise me”.
It is a holistic, non-invasive complementary therapy, which treats the whole person (mind, body and soul). It is based on the principle of zone therapy (Dr William Fitzgerald) and further developed into what we know as modern reflexology by Eunice Ingham.
Quite simply, the body can be divided into 10 longitudinal energy zones that run from the tips of the fingers and toes to the head, 5 zones on the right side of the body and 5 zones on the left. The energy in each zone needs to flow freely and be uncongested. However, following periods of illness, injury or stress, these vital energy zones can become blocked and cannot flow leading to imbalances that can prevent the body from functioning optimally.
Reflexology helps to unblock any imbalances. The whole body and its zones can be mapped onto the feet, hands and face, where any imbalances in the body are reflected in the corresponding zone on the foot or hand. Through the application of gentle pressure to specific reflex points imbalances can be cleared helping the body to return to a state of balance and harmony.
The primary effect of reflexology is that it is deeply relaxing. It aims to activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system (known as the ‘rest and digest’ response), which only functions properly when the body is relaxed. However due to the modern day pressures of life and its stresses our bodies spend a lot of time in the sympathetic nervous system’s ‘fight or flight’ mode. No matter what the cause of the stress (e.g. work, technology overload, exams) our bodies respond to it by going into the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response. This is why holistic therapies like reflexology can be very beneficial. Through promoting deep relaxation and alleviating stress and tension, it can assist the body with restoring homeostasis.
As Eleanor Brown once said “Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel”, nor is it something that needs to be earned. The reality is that our bodies, minds and emotions are constantly working hard to cope and need support. When our lives are being pushed too far too fast, or when stressful life events happen, we need help to unwind – we need to remember how to relax. Reflexology can do just that. It treats the whole person – relaxing the body, calming the mind and reviving the soul.
DISCLAIMER – A properly qualified Reflexologist will never claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe/advise on medication. Holistic therapies like reflexology are a supportive tool which can work alongside conventional medicine and are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Reflexology is safe for everyone however, as with any treatment or therapy there are some contraindications, these will always be checked for and assessed before any treatments. If you are currently having any medical treatment, are pregnant or breast feeding, always speak to your GP, consultant, midwife or other health professional before booking an appointment.
“If you’re feeling out of kilter, don’t know why or what about, let your feet reveal the answer, find the sore spot, work it out.” – Eunice Ingham
Some of the Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology is used by people for a variety of reasons. Some use it alongside conventional medical care to help them manage or cope with physical, mental or emotional problems. Others use it as means of relaxation, or to help maintain good health and a sense of general wellbeing.
Your Reflexology Treatment
Prior to your first session you will be asked to complete my client intake form. This will ask for your contact details, medical history, medication you may be taking and your reason for having reflexology. This helps me to build a holistic picture of you and allows me to develop the best individual treatment plan, as well as ensuring there are no contraindications. All information recorded will be treated in accordance with the Data Protection Act and will remain totally confidential.
It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing for your reflexology treatment. If having foot reflexology, you will only need to remove your socks/tights and shoes and be able to slightly roll your trousers or leggings up. If having face reflexology, it is best to arrive with a clean face wearing no makeup.
Your reflexology session can last between 30 – 90 minutes depending on the treatment you are having.
Please aim not to eat a heavy meal 1-2 hours prior to your appointment. This is to prevent inducing any nausea.
During your Treatment
Treatments will begin with some relaxation techniques followed by the application of pressure using precise finger and thumb techniques across the different reflexes, which correspond to all the organs and systems of the body. I will work across both feet or both hands throughout the treatment, focusing on each body system as a whole.
Reflexology with me is not a case of “no pain, no gain”. Treatments will be comfortable, enjoyable and relaxing and should not feel ticklish or painful, although there can sometimes be tenderness in reflexes where there is an imbalance of energy. Any tenderness felt should always be within your comfort level and pressure can always be adjusted to ensure that it is.
Everyone’s reflexology experience is different and it is not possible to know in advance how you or your body will respond. The only way to find out is to try it and see. People usually feel a sense of deep relaxation and many fall asleep. Normal reactions during a treatment can include – feeling very relaxed, falling asleep, sighing, yawning or breathing deeply, temperature changes, stomach rumbling, pins and needles in different parts of the body and emotional release.
After the treatment you should hopefully feel relaxed with an improved feeling of wellbeing. You may also feel revitalised energy and calm at the same time and you may sleep better that night.
Some people can experience temporary symptoms as the body rebalances, such as: headaches, nausea, temperature changes (feeling warmer or cooler), increased urination, emotional release and cold/flu-like symptoms. These short-lived reactions are part of the body’s natural healing process and a sign that the treatment is supporting you.
Everyone’s reaction is individual as it depends on what your body needs to do as part of its deeper healing process. For me, I always get really cold! It is important to remember that any reactions that you experience are a positive sign that your body is responding to treatment.
Aftercare Advice
After a treatment it is important to follow this advice for up to 24 hours, this is to ensure you get the full benefit of a treatment, supporting your body and allowing it to put its energy into beginning the natural balancing/healing process:
If you experience any of the temporary symptoms mentioned above it is especially important to drink plenty of water and rest.
It can be helpful for you to make a note of any reactions you experience for your next appointment. If you have any questions or want to discuss any reactions you have, please feel free to call me.
How often should I have a treatment?
There are no set rules as each treatment is unique and tailored to the individual and very much depends on your reason for having reflexology. One treatment should help you decide whether it will be of benefit to you, but it does have an accumulative effect and most people notice a difference after 4-6 treatments.
If your reason for having reflexology is to seek support for your physical, mental and emotional health, then a course of regular treatments may be advisable in order to feel the full benefits. Following your first appointment, a treatment plan can be devised, this will take into account your state of health, nature of any conditions and how long they have been present. Sessions may then move to monthly for general maintenance. If you are seeking reflexology for relaxation then a session every 4 to 6 weeks is beneficial. However, you are under no obligation to book further treatments.
Hopefully this information has answered any questions you might have. However, if you would like to discuss anything in more detail please get in touch.