Treatments

Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure (using thumb, finger walking) to the feet, hands, face and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems. Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi, or “vital energy.” According to this belief, qi flows through each person. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi. This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness. Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free.

We have Reflexology and Reflexology with Aromatherapy blended oils to support:  Relaxation, Sleep, Menopause, Fatigue, Digestive system, pre-conception & pregnancy

Pre-conception reflexology is a complementary therapy focused on balancing the body's systems and reducing stress to an optimal environment for conception.

During the second trimester and beyond reflexology may help alleviate common pregnancy symptoms, like stress, anxiety, heartburn, and swollen ankles to promote relaxation and restore the body's balance
Reflexology is considered a safe, natural, and drug-free method to promote labour by stimulating oxytocin production and relaxing the body, particularly after the 37th week of pregnancy.

The Benefits of Reflexology for Menopause

Reflexology, in some women, seems to be highly effective in helping with both physical and emotional menopause symptoms without the side effects associated with hormone-based treatments.Studies have been conducted on how reflexology impacts some of the most common menopause symptoms, seeming to indicate that this holistic therapy results in improvements. It may be used alone or alongside HRT which is considered first line in the majority of women. Reflexology is unlikely to have additional positive bone or cardiovascular impacts but may be an excellent adjunct therapy.

Hot flushes

Hot flushes are a very common vasomotor symptom (VMS) of menopause, affecting up to 80% of women. They are caused by fluctuating hormone levels as when oestrogen declines, your body can become more sensitive to changes in body temperature.

Reflexology may help regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve circulation, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes.

Night sweats

Around three-quarters of women experience night sweats in menopause. They are a common VMS that occurs as a result of declining oestrogen and can lead you to wake up in the night to find your body, night clothes and bed soaked in sweat.

A 2016 study found that women who received reflexology treatments twice a week for six weeks reported fewer night sweats.

Sleep disturbances

Many women report sleep problems during menopause such as waking up during the night, difficulty falling asleep, and not getting enough sleep.

Reflexology's relaxation effects may improve sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting balance in the nervous system.

A systemic review and meta-analysis of 42 articles concluded that foot reflexology led to significant improvements in sleep disturbances while more specific studies have been conducted that indicate reflexology can help improve sleep quality in menopausal and postmenopausal women, increasing average daily sleep duration and reducing fatigue.

Stress and anxiety

The hormonal changes that arise during menopause can impact your mental health as well as your physical health. It’s not unusual for women to not feel like themselves. In addition, many women in midlife are juggling other stressors such as a full-time job or caring responsibilities while they navigate menopause.

As a result, up to 50% of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experience psychological and emotional symptoms including anxiety, depression and stress.

Reflexology has shown promise in reducing anxiety and stress by calming the body and stimulating endorphin release. Its ability to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation makes it beneficial for menopausal women experiencing heightened stress and anxiety.

Low mood

62% of women between 50 and 64 report that the menopause has affected their mood.

Reflexology may help balance mood by stimulating reflex points linked to hormonal regulation and emotional well-being and promoting the release of endorphins. Some research indicates improvements in depression and emotional health after consistent reflexology sessions.

Aches and pains

Hormonal changes during menopause can impact areas across the entire body, with aches and pains in the muscles and joints being a common symptom. This is because:

• Oestrogen helps to nourish the tissues of the body and keep them youthful and elastic. It also reduces the body's inflammation levels and regulates new bone growth.
• Progesterone increases feelings of natural calmness, boosts mood and increases pain threshold levels.
• Testosterone supports and increases bone density and helps transform fat into muscle.

When these hormones decline, inflammation can increase, skin becomes drier, less elastic and more fragile, bone density reduces, and your pain tolerance can diminish. This can lead to aches and pains becoming more prominent.

Foot reflexology triggers the release of endorphins and enkephalins which can not only improve mental energy but can also help relieve pain.

Sexual function

Reflexology may support better hormonal balance, potentially helping to support libido and sexual function issues during menopause. By enhancing blood flow and relaxation, it can also ease tension and discomfort that may affect intimacy.

Overall well-being

Reflexology has been shown to improve overall well-being and quality of life but it’s about much more than just the connection between the feet and other areas of the body. In addition to the massage itself, the act of setting aside a regular time to relax, focus on yourself, and feel listened to, brings its own benefits, particularly during periods of heightened stress resulting from the constant demands on your time, your responsibilities, and changing hormone levels.