Reflexology

Practitioners: Julie Adams, Judith Peplow

Judith is a member of the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists). Reflexology treatments can therefore be subsidised by health plans including Health Shield.

Reflexology is a gentle complementary therapy that works by massaging and applying pressure on the feet or hands encouraging the body to deeply relax, heal and rebalance itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse. This delightful foot massage is a real treat for your feet.

Reflexology is based on the theory that different areas and points on the feet and hands correspond with different areas of the body (see interactive chart below). Through deep relaxation it counteracts the effects of stress and encourages the function of the parasympathetic nervous system to promote calming of the nerves return to regular function.

Reflexologists work holistically with their clients and aim to work alongside allopathic healthcare to promote better health for their clients. It is often used alongside conventional care in hospices, hospitals and other healthcare settings.

Reflexology may help:

What happens when I come for a treatment?

Reflexology is a very easy therapy to receive; depending on the type of reflexology, the most clothing that will have to be removed for a treatment to take place will be your socks and shoes. Despite what some people imagine it is not ticklish!

A full medical history will be requested on your first treatment, and you will be asked to sign a consent form for treatment. This information will be kept confidential.

The therapist will then use their hands to apply gentle massage strokes and pressure to specific points. You may feel areas of transient discomfort during the treatment, but generally the experience should be relaxing and enjoyable.
The therapist may recommend a course of treatments.

A Brief History of Reflexology

Whilst the art of Reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, this therapy was not introduced to the West until Dr William Fitzgerald developed 'Zone therapy'. He believed that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.

In the 1930's, Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is known as reflexology. Her opinion was that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body

Precision Reflexology

Precision work responds to the needs of each individual and aims to maintain natural balance. As with other forms of reflexology, it focuses on stimulating 'reflex points' on the feet in order to maintain good health. These reflex points relate to various parts of the body.

Experienced therapists use this approach with accuracy and sensitivity and accept that the body is a dynamic energy system which is constantly changing. Despite the gentleness of the fingertip linking, the effects may be powerful, with the person feeling detached from their physical body and with a deep sense of calm. The technique is received differently by each person- some feel responses isolated to the feet, while others feel reactions in the relevant areas of the body. Healing may occur when the body is deeply relaxed and it's energy can be channeled inward.

The reflexology chart below mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, left foot or hand representing the body’s left half and right foot or hand its right half. In reflexology practice, technique is applied to the relevant reflex area(s) to prompt a change in the related part of the body. Research has demonstrated such effects for several reflex areas and their reflected parts of the body.

Maternity Reflexology

As a mother I understand how exciting and challenging the journey from conception to birth can be and am passionate about supporting women through this time. I am able to offer individually tailored maternity reflexology sessions for those trying to conceive and for women pre and post pregnancy.

Pre and Post Pregnancy Reflexology

During pregnancy maternity reflexology can be a great support to women and can improve your general well-being which is great for you and the baby. The sessions aim to optimise your physical and emotional health by working on specific reflex points on the feet and sometimes the hands.