What is Reflexology?

More than pure massage, Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary therapy based on holistic principles of emotional and physical micro-maps. These mini body reflections, include energy zones, meridian pathways (meridians = wavelengths of sharing and caring for the organs connecting to every joint, muscle and system of the body), various tactile textures and more. Together, they create an interesting Client wellness story and can be thought of as information doorways to health and wellbeing.

Assessing these, the reflexologist simply works key reflected areas with their sensitive fingers, aiming to bring those areas back to balance and therefore aiding the body to work as well as it can.  In this way, we are curating empathetic, positive change for the client, by working on one reflex location to affect another location elsewhere. Supporting, restoring and re-balancing your energy through relaxation and stress release is a prime focus.

There are several approaches to Reflexology, all bringing benefits. For example, Donna works primarily on the feet, following the highly respected ‘Ingham Method’ (See below). 

An ancient and modern pedigree: an early form of Reflexology is believed to have been used by the Chinese more than 5000 years ago in their use of pressure therapies and an Egyptian sixth dynasty (about 2330 B.C) a wall painting in the tomb of Ankhmahor (known as the physician’s tomb) shows foot and hand Reflexology being applied. The translation reads “Don’t hurt me” and the practitioners reply “I shall act so you will praise me”.

The launch pad for modern reflexology is, in part, due to therapeutic inspirations of the late 19 th Century ‘body zone’ clinical researchers, William Fitzgerald and Dr Joe Shelby Riley, and the pioneering 20 th Century Eunice Ingham who developed the foundational Ingham Method of Reflexology widely used today.

Reflexology is a therapy which continues to explore, evolve and innovate.

Why choose Reflexology?

Male or female, young or elderly, reflexology is a restoring treatment. One-off sessions can provide precious ‘me-time’ for reducing a sense of stress and regaining a feeling of balanced wellbeing. However, because the effects are cumulative, regular treatment patterns agreed with your therapist can be particularly supportive in addressing deeper levels of stress and tension, recovering after illness or assisting you on your pregnancy journey.

Reflexology not only brings about a deep state of relaxation, that improves the effectiveness of treatment, it also maintains the body’s healthy balance and general wellbeing. Relaxing helps reduce tension and aid circulation, increasing the flow of nutrients and oxygen and aid removal of toxins. Reflexology can also help in the management of chronic or recurring conditions that we may get used to over time as being part of normal life. Reflexologists do not diagnose illnesses, nor prescribe nor treat any specific conditions, but if any irregularities are identified during the treatment, a visit to a GP for diagnosis may be recommended.

Say yes to reflexology for:

Positive self-care maintenance and nurturing some aspects of mobility, circulation, digestion, hormones, sleep – a helping hand for support from conception to birth – stress and anxiety reducing – tension relieving – calming and relaxing – restoring physical and emotional equilibrium on which much of our holistic health depends.

What happens during treatment?

• You will be confidentially nurtured and cared for.
• The client will be shown into the treatment room and, as part of the initial treatment, will be asked to complete a medical history form and give signed consent. At any subsequent treatments, the medical history will be revisited for any changes in health since last treatment.
• They will then be asked to take a seat on the therapy chair and remove shoes and socks. The therapist will then recline the chair ensuring that the client is comfortable. Some Reflexologists, including Donna Travill, select and apply an appropriate wax to the feet. Other Reflexologist use an appropriate oil or powder, or work straight on to the skin of the feet.
• Treatment then begins. It is positive pressure that is applied to the feet and the therapist will ensure that this is comfortable to the client. It should not tickle nor cause uncomfortable pain. The treatment generally lasts for an hour. If the client is attending for a specific condition, the therapist will devise a specific treatment plan for that condition and this will be used at following appointments.