We now offer reflexology appointments at The Village. But what is reflexology?
It’s a therapy that can help treat a wide range of health conditions and symptoms and reduce stress by massaging and stimulating the feet. Which, if you’ve not heard of it before, could seem strange and unlikely!
It’s based on the idea that different areas on the foot correspond to different areas of the rest of the body. So when pressure is applied to a point on your foot, it stimulates a response in your lungs, for example, or your back. As well as helping with health problems you might have at those points in the body, it is also used for stress relief and relaxation.
History
The first recorded evidence we have of reflexology being used are in pictographs in Egypt from around 2330BCE, so this is not a new practice! As well as ancient Egypt, it was present in India and China.
The resurgence of reflexology in modern times dates from 1917, when Dr William Fitzgerald published Zone Therapy, which depicted zones of connection through the body. In the 1930s, an American physiotherapist called Eunice Ingham built on this by creating reflexology charts of the hands and feet, forming the basis of the treatment we recognise today. It was introduced to the UK in the 1960s by one of her students, Doreen Bayly.
The two main methods taught in reflexology today are those developed by those pioneering women.
What can it help with?
Some of the many problems and symptoms that reflexology is used to treat include:
migraine and headaches
sinus problems
hormonal imbalances
breathing disorders like asthma
digestive problems
circulatory problems
back problems
tension and stress.
Tamar, our reflexologist, is also a doula and has a special interest in women’s health, hormones and fertility. She says “mostly people come to me when they have had issues getting pregnant. If they are pregnant, they want some help to relax and prepare themselves for labour and after birth they want treatment to get their hormones back into balance. I also have clients that come as they suffer from anxiety and it helps them relax and sleep as well as clients with IBS.”
Results
The results you can achieve with reflexology treatment can depend on you as an individual, and on the practitioner. Yasmin, one of our founders, had tried it before, in Malaysia and not really enjoyed it. She described her appointment with Tamar as ‘absolute bliss’ and will be booking in again!
The words of Tamar’s previous clients tell a similar story:
“Tamar is such a wonderful lady, not only has the reflexology helped me conceive and regulate my hormones she also offers a listening ear which is so important when you are going through issues with fertility. Tamar is super knowledgeable and nothing is too much trouble.”
“It has been such a blessing to meet Tamar and have regular reflexology sessions with her. Having trouble conceiving and being on a fertility journey can be a tough and lonely place but Tamar always makes me feel so calm and rested after a treatment. She is very knowledgeable and her hands really are magic!!”
“Tamar has a really comforting energy and way about her. I was nervous as it was my first visit to a reflexologist but she really put me at ease as we talked through my symptoms before the treatment. I came out of that first session feeling so relaxed and didn’t hesitate to book her again right away.”
What happens in a session?
At your first appointment, Tamar will welcome you and talk about what prompted you to book and a bit about your health history. After this initial consultation, the treatment begins with some relaxation. She will then work on the specific issues and symptoms you are experiencing by stimulating areas of your feet with massage.
Many of us can feel self-conscious about our feet but please don’t worry. Tamar is a foot specialist and has seen hundreds of all shapes and sizes! As you can see from the testimonials above, she has a talent for putting people at ease and helping her clients relax.
At the end of the treatment Tamar will tell you about anything she found while treating you, give you any relevant advice relating to this, and recommend a timeframe for a follow up.
Book yourself in
Whether you are struggling with your hormones, fertility, aches and pains or just want some deep relaxation, Tamar can help. Book your appointment and try reflexology for yourself. Any questions, just ask.
