Cardiff Reflexology

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a safe, natural, non-invasive complementary health therapy, it is a holistic therapy, treating the person as a whole and not just the symptoms of disease. The therapy is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body and these areas are referred to as ‘reflexes’. It is believed that the feet are the mirror image of the human body and that different parts of the feet relate to different organs, muscles and glands. Imbalances in the feet therefore mirror imbalances in the body. Reflexologists use their fingers and thumbs to exert gentle pressure on specific points on the feet resulting in a relaxing treatment which can have a healing effect on the whole body.

All our bodies have a natural ability to heal following an illness or injury and Reflexology can be administered to support this healing process, as well as maintaining general well-being. An increasing amount of evidence-based research into the therapeutic outcomes of a reflexology treatment now means that it is being recognised increasingly as a “health treatment” as opposed to simply a pamper or treat, however an individual does not need to be ill or injured to enjoy the relaxing benefits a treatment can offer.

Please note that Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice. Refelxologists cannot cure, diagnose, or prescribe.

What are the benefits of reflexology?

Stress

Immune system

Improved circulation

Lymphatic System

Wellbeing

Stress reduction in itself has a major positive impact on health. It is believed that as many as 80% of illnesses are directly attributed to stress. The body’s response to stress has evolved as an adaptive process (fight or flight response). Prolonged stress can however lead to tissue damage and disease and can be responsible for a number of conditions. These include heart disease; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; infertility; asthma; headaches; insomnia; obesity; type II diabetes; anxiety; IBS; gastric reflux; depression; decreased sex drive.

In a stressed state the body’s immune system works less effectively as the sympathetic nervous system sends a signal to decrease activity within this body system. By inducing a state of relaxation through working the nervous system a Duopody Reflexologist encourages the parasympathetic system to take over. Working both the nervous system and the immune system therefore give the immune system a boost. The body goes from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and repair’.

The circulatory system plays an important role in ensuring that each cell in the body has sufficient nutrients and oxygen to function optimally and in removing the waste products of metabolism. By working the circulatory system as well as all other body systems Reflexologists aids the client in returning to, and maintaining a state of homeostasis (a constant state of balance within the body).

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins and waste products. Each Duopody Reflexology treatment includes a lymphatic drainage massage. This aids in the movement of lymph fluid and the toxins and waste products that it contains so that it can be eliminated from the body via the excretory system. Lymphatic drainage can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from lymphoedema or who have received treatment for breast cancer. It can be used as a ‘stand alone’ treatment if required.

As ones health improves so does their mood and general sense of wellbeing. People are healthier when their body is in a constant state of homeostasis. Several factors including inadequate water intake; poor nutrition; sleep deprivation; lack of exercise; and stress; can upset the all important internal equilibrium and tip the balance towards physical or mental disease. Assisting individuals with returning to and maintaining a state of homeostasis is the primary aim of a Reflexologist.

What to Expect During and After a Reflexology Treatment...

During your reflexology treatment

You will need to remove your footwear and wear clothing that allows access to your feet and lower legs (unless it is a hand Reflexology treatment). The treatment will take place on a motorised reclining bed that can be adjusted for height and weight.

Subsequent treatments

I tailor my treatments to meet the specific needs of the individual. Your treatment plan is therefore adjusted as your needs change and as the healing process progresses.

Initial treatment

This will include an in-depth confidential consultation form where I will gather information about your health and lifestyle. All personal information is stored securely and you will be provided with a copy of my GDPR policy at our initial meeting. An initial treatment with consultation takes between 75 and 90 minutes, enabling me to customise a personal treatment plan to best meet your physical, mental and emotional needs at that time.

Depending on your presenting condition the actual reflexology treatment can take up to 60 minutes, following this we will both have an opportunity to speak and discuss how the treatment felt for you and how I tailored it to suit your needs on that day.

After your reflexology treatment

Most individuals feel very relaxed after a treatment. Occasionally individuals experience a ‘healing response’ as part of the healing process. This can vary from person to person and can include an increased need for urination; changes in energy levels; feeling emotional.

It is advisable to drink plenty of water after a treatment and to limit alcohol and caffeine consumption on the day to support the healing process.

a pregnant woman who has just had reflexology treatment in Cardiff

Hand Reflexology in Cardiff

Hand reflexology, which is sometimes also referred to as hand massage, is a form of reflexology that focuses on your hands. It involves applying pressure to certain reflex points on your hands which correspond to different areas of the body. Hand reflexology can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate pain and discomfort. It may also be used to support the body's natural healing processes and to improve your overall health and well-being. This can be performed on its own or in combination with foot reflexology.

Some reasons why you may choose to opt for reflexology on your hands instead of feet involve:

Hand reflexology may be more effective for addressing specific health concerns, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis in the hands
Hand reflexology may be more convenient for some people to receive, especially if they suffer from mobility issues that make it difficult to receive foot reflexology
Certain people may find reflexology on their hands to be more comfortable than on their feet, particularly if they have sensitive feet or are ticklish
I find that some people simply prefer hand reflexology to foot, either because they find it more relaxing or because they prefer the sensation of the therapist working on their hands

Reflexology for Stress; how does it help?

There are several ways in which reflexology may be beneficial for stress and anxiety, and if this is something which you feel needs to be tackled then we can do so together and work on a treatment plan to target the triggers and symptoms of your stress and tailor reflexology sessions around alleviating these.

Reflexology is a deeply relaxing and nurturing experience, which can help to counter the negative effects of stress and anxiety. This is achieved through reduction of the stess hormone cortisol which is released in abundance during periods of negativity, with reflexology being able to help you lift this weight.

It's easy to become trapped in the cycle of stress as it has the knock on effect of disrupting our sleep, leading to further anxiety and troubled feelings due to a lack of rest. The pure relaxation that reflexology provides at my Cardiff based clinic helps many people suffering from sleeping problems to clear their mind and, as a result, receive a good nights sleep.

Any pain you may be afflicted with will also inevitably cause you stress. With reflexology also achieving an improvement in your blood circulation it is possible to go away from a session with not only a healthier body but also mind, with a massive reduction in stress levels.

A lady receiving reflexology in cardiff for stress reduction

Reflexology in Cardiff