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 What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet or hands to bring about a state of deep relaxation and to stimulate the body’s own healing processes. It is a natural therapy that can also facilitate more vital energy, help boost the immune system and create a stronger body and calmer mind. Reflexology is a form of massage used in order to help relieve tension and treat illnesses.

By applying stimulated pressure and acupressure movement to reflex points on your hands and feet, your nerves send signals to the affected body parts and organs and ultimately promote physical, mental, spiritual and holistic energy healing.

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More aboutReflexology 

The very roots of reflexology and its relationship with healthcare are believed to date back to ancient Egypt, India and China.

Reflexology is a non-intrusive complementary health therapy, based on the theory that different points on the feet lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body. Reflexologists work holistically with their clients and aim to work alongside allopathic healthcare to promote better health for their clients. 

Please note that reflexology is NOT intended to replace conventional medical treatment, this is an alternative supplement to help improve, relieve stress, tension, natural blood flow and circulation of energy throughout the body.

How does it work?

According to the International Institute of Reflexology, your hands and feet contain 7200 nerve endings and link to every organ, gland, and body part that is connected o the central nervous system.

Reflexology studies have shown and proven that our feet are considered the second heart of the body. Part of the acupressure method focuses on meridians, which are pathways of Qi (Chi) to break up patterns that cause blockages and release them, allowing the energy and blood flow throughout the body to help improve circulation to normalise the body system and reduce stress.

What it does

Reflexology is named second on the list and the best known therapy to reduce stress and improve hormonal imbalances, migraines, sinus problems, blood circulation, digestive disorders, restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and many other health related challenges in our daily lives.

Reflexology is a safe, natural therapy that helps to give your body what it needs-that might be conceiving or carrying a baby to full term, a reduction in the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, assistance in losing weight or in feeling younger and looking healthier.

Reflexology is all about bringing balance, harmony and a sense of well-being to the body.

Reflexology Foot chart

This chart is for guidance only, it does not necessarily represent the views of the Association of Reflexologists and should not be regarded as a definitive reflexology foot chart. 

Reflexology should not be used as a alternative to medical advice.

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What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy means "treatment using scents". The essential oils are added to the base oils and than massaged into the skin, inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire room.

Aromatherapy is used for the relief of pain, care for skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body.

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What it does

Aromatherapy is used for the relief of pain, care for skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body. Essential oils can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.When inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulating of the olfactory nerves. The essential oils are aromatic essences extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses, and seeds with distinctive therapeutic, psychological, and physiological properties, which improve and prevent illness.

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What is deep tissue massage?

Overview

Deep tissue massage instigates a greater tension relieving response than a classic massage by concentrating on posterior (deeper) muscles. It uses a mix of classic massage strokes, with increased pressure, typically following the muscle from insertion to origin. The aim is to reduce muscle tension by releasing knots and restoring elasticity. Deep tissue massage is also designed to increase blood flow to targeted muscles, kick-starting the body’s natural healing process.

Who would benefit from a deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is one the most popular choices of massage as it can suit many individuals, helping to ease pain and stiffness in a variety of scenarios. It is not just for athletes or people with acute injuries.

People may choose to select this treatment who are:

  • Experiencing tension in specific areas of the body - most commonly in the back and neck.
  • Suffering from chronic pain.
  • Stressed and looking for deep relaxation.
  • Recovering from a soft tissue injury.
  • Individuals should not have a deep tissue massage if they have:
  • Issues lying on their front
  • Open wounds or cuts - these areas should be avoided
  • High blood pressure - check with your GP before booking a deep tissue treatment
  • Had recent surgery
  • Fever, flu or cold symptoms - these can be amplified after a massage
  • Pregnancy. Try a pregnancy massage instead.

Deep Tissue massage potential benefits

  • Reduces tissue congestion
  • Deeper relaxation than a classic massage by removing muscle inflexibility
  • Reduces stress caused by tension
  • Chronic pain relief

It is important to note that these benefits can sometimes only be achieved after a few sessions. If the recipient is very tense, most of the first treatment will concentrate on warming up the superficial muscles. A following session will then target the posterior (deep) muscles to encourage blood flow.

Treatment

During your deep tissue treatment

Your therapist will focus on areas of your body where you can feel tension and pain. This will be communicated at the beginning and during the treatment, adjusting technique according to the specific benefits you wish to achieve. Your muscles will need to be relaxed and you may be asked to breathe deeply to enable your therapist to reach the deeper musculature.

Deep Tissue massage techniques

A deep tissue treatment can be a full body massage or just work on individual problem areas. During a treatment, the therapist will shift their body weight to apply a range of pressure. The more pressure, the deeper the massage, promoting increased blood flow and relaxation. This is achieved using their fingers and thumbs, as with a classic massage, in addition to other extremities including knuckles and elbows.

After your deep tissue massage

It is not unusual to feel some pain and stiffness after your treatment, but this should go away after a day or two, leaving you feeling less tense. Massage, especially deep tissue, has the same effects on the body as exercise in terms of increasing blood flow and stretching. Having a deep tissue massage can feel just like having a workout.

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