If you've never tried Reflexology and don't know what it is, here's a brief rundown:

What is Reflexology?

• Reflexology is a complementary treatment - that means it can be used in conjunction with existing medications and conventional treatment plans (mostly).  So, if you're already receiving treatment, Reflexology can support your efforts to get back to health or manage your condition.
  
  
• Reflexology supports good health - as well as supporting your efforts to get back into health, the relaxing and re-balancing effects of Reflexology can help you maintain your healthy state.
  
  
• It's non-intrusive.  You only need take off socks and shoes and other than finger pressure, the Reflexologist will only use a little lotion or talc on your feet.  It really couldn't be more simple.
  
  
• Reflexology is holistic - it works with the whole of you: mind, body and emotions.  So even if you were suffering from a specific physical condition, the treatment aims to rebalance the whole person.
  
  
• Reflexology is the ancient art of foot massage which originated in China and which was also known to the Ancient Egyptians.  It is believed that energy runs through the body in channels known as meridians and that massage of the feet stimulates these energy channels, promoting healing and relaxation.

How does Reflexology work?
Reflexology uses finger pressure on the feet to relax and re-balance the whole person in mind, body and emotion.  It works on the principle that various parts of the feet relate to corresponding parts of the body and that by working on the feet the Reflexologist can create a balancing effect.  The finger pressure on the feet is firm, so it should not feel tickly.

Who can benefit from Reflexology?
Anyone can benefit from Reflexology: from newborn babies to those receiving end of life care, and anyone in between, but it is particularly beneficial for anyone who is experiencing ill-health and in particular those suffering from stress or stress related illnesses.  There may however be times when it is not appropriate to provide a treatment, so if you're not sure, do ask.

Reflexologists often specialise in particular areas, such as: fertility, pregnancy, babies, children, ageing well, pain relief, sleep, stress, cancer care, and end of life care.

What happens in a Reflexology treatment?
The Reflexologist will take a few moments to gather information about the client's condition (it tends to take a bit longer for the first treatment), and then the client is made comfortable, lying on a special chair or massage table.  It's possible to chat during the treatment, but it's more relaxing to just close your eyes and enjoy the experience.  It's not uncommon for clients to drift off into a light doze.

How will I feel after a treatment?
Well, everyone is different, but generally clients will feel deeply relaxed after a treatment.  Clients often report having had a good night's sleep and a boost in their energy levels after a treatment.  Really the only way to know is to give the treatment a try.

There have been some positive research projects carried out with reflexology; however, as yet, there is not a large enough body of evidence to make clinical claims of effectiveness. 

With ever increasing levels of stress in everyday life, it is important for people to take more responsibility for their own healthcare needs. Reflexology may be one of the ways to mitigate the stresses of modern life.

Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice. 

The only way to know if Reflexology will be beneficial for you is to give it a try.  If you're ever feeling stressed or a bit out of sorts, think about having a Reflexology treatment to get you onto more of an even keel.  To make the decision easier, I offer £5 off your first treatment.  This applies to everyone, so you don't need a special voucher or ticket, it is just automatically applied when you pay for your treatment.

For July, I'm offering an extra £5 off to all new clients.  That means you get £10 off your first treatment if you book in July.  But this offer only applies to July 2014, so don't delay, book your treatment today by calling Doris on 07724 197627, or email [email protected].

More holiday tips - it's that time of year after all.  Does it take the first week of your holiday before you can relax?  Reclaim that time back by following a few basic rules:


Be Organised
Leave as little as possible to the last minute.  Make a list of everything you need to do to prepare for your holiday and get started working your way through the list as early as possible.  Aim to have everything done a week before your holiday begins.
Unwind In Advance
In the week before you travel, arrange to do at least one thing that will help you unwind – a nice relaxing therapy treatment perhaps!


Get Enough Sleep
It can take 1 – 3 days to recover from sleep deficit – do you really want to spend your holiday catching up on your sleep?  Getting enough sleep will make sure you are able to enjoy your holiday right from day one AND it will help you cope with the stress of travel without getting grumpy.


Manage Expectations
Set the ground rules before you go about how much time will be allocated to everyone’s favourite activities.


Be Early
If you’re jetting off somewhere nice, give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport.  While you’re waiting on your flight, you can relax with a book or magazine, or play a travel board game that everyone enjoys.

Take time to do absolutely nothing, enjoy your holiday and don’t think about work.

This week's blog is short and sweet - all the easier for you to remember!

Travelling to your holiday destination can be physically and emotionally demanding.  Here are a few tips to help you arrive at your destination relaxed and raring to go.

Avoid Jet Lag
To help prevent jet lag, go to bed early to make sure you are well rested.  Eat light meals and drink lots of water and fruit juice.  Once on the plane, avoid caffine and alcohol.  Try to sleep during the flight.

Keep Your Feet From Swelling
To prevent your feet and ankles from swelling, wear comfortable loose-fitting shoes and flight sox.  Also keep moving your feet and ankles during the flight

Get The Most From Your Sunscreen
Shake your sunscreen before applying and rub it in well to ensure even coverate.  Wait 10 minutes before swimming, otherwise it will wash off.  Reapply after swimming, perspiring, or drying yourself with a towel.

Dress For Speed
Minimise the airport security hassle by wearing easy to remove shoes.

Protect Your Feet
Pop on a pair of jelly sandles to protect your feet from coral or shell scratches, stones or any other hazards in water.