Frequently Asked Questions
Who can have a treatment?
You! All our treatments are non-invasive and are available for almost anyone at any age, stage or ability.
There are a few contraindications for our refexology treatments, which include:
- if you currently have blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
- if you're recently had heart surgery
- if you're experiencing a high-risk pregnancy
If you're unsure if a treatment is suitable for you, please get in touch.
What are the benefits?
The purpose of these treatments is simple: to help you and your body relax so that it can best take care of itself.
Beyond that, tactile therapy has been known to act as a complementary therapy by:
Improving:
- sleep quality
- energy levels and mood
- circulation
- lymphatic drainage
- nervous system function
Reducing:
- aches and pains, including migraines
- hypertension
- stress and anxiety levels
- nausea
If you're interested in learning more, I recommend this University of Minnesota
article, which summarises the results of a number of medical studies on the effects of reflexology. Whilst acknowledging that more studies with greater sample sizes need to be completed, the evidence suggests that reflexology can indeed positively influence the symptoms of a number of specific conditions.
How long is a treatment?
That depends on you - you can choose from 45, 60 or 75 minute appointments, depending on which treatment you book in for*. You've also got the option to combine two treatments in a 90 minute appointment.
All appointments include time at the start for a pre-treatment check-in, and time at the end for post-treatment care and recommendations. The rest is hands-on time.
*All new reflexology clients will need to book in an Initial Consultation first, which is 80 minutes.
What happens during a treatment?
There'll be a small amount of paperwork at the start* and end; the rest of the session is sit-back-and-relax time for you, and hands-on time for me.
Depending on your treatment, you'll either be sitting upright in a chair, or reclining in a reflexology lounger.
You'll notice that I'll take notes during your session:
- At the start, to check in and see whether there's a particular spot that might need extra attention, or avoiding due to injury.
- During, if I (or you) feel or observe anything while working through your reflex points.
- Afterwards, to see how you've responded to the treatment.
You're welcome to ask questions at any time, or snooze away.
*this can take 20-30 minutes during your Initial Consultation.
What should I wear?
Something you feel comfortable in as you'll be fully clothed during your session.
Foot reflexology:
You'll be barefoot for the treatment, and will need to either push or roll up your pant legs to just below your knees.
Hand reflexology:
You'll need to take off your watch and remove any rings (if possible).
Indian head massage:
It's best not to wear anything bulky on your top half. If you're wearing earrings or spacers, you'll need to take them out.
Auricular therapy:
You'll need to take out any piercings or spacers.
How often should I book?
It's recommended that you leave at least a day in between treatments, to allow the body to settle again.
Beyond that, come as often as you like, based on what you can manage and what your needs are.
If you're coming as a treat or to maintain your wellbeing then come weekly, fortnightly, monthly... or just whenever you feel like a treat.
If you're coming to help with a particular issue, it's best if you have treatments on a weekly or fortnightly basis to begin with. You can then reduce the frequency of your treatments as you see fit.
Are there are any side effects?
You betcha, though it varies from person to person, and from session to session. Some will be obviously positive, like feeling more relaxed, sleeping better, or having an improvement in mood, circulation, or tension.
Others may experience things like headaches, lethargy, moodiness, increased bladder and/or bowel movements. This is normal and won't last. Very occasionally, a person may have a healing reaction, which is a temporary worsening of symptoms - this occurs as your body goes through the process of healing itself through the elimination of toxins.
The best thing you can do is to stay well hydrated (with water), as this allows the body to continue to flush out any toxins that your treatment started eliminating.
What does it feel like? Will it hurt?
No. I practice Western techniques, which are more gentle by nature as their primary intent is to help you and your body relax.
That said, you may experience some tenderness over some of your reflex points. If so, please let me know so I can mark it down and we can see how that spot is tracking over future sessions.
Some people do experience what they've described as tingles, warmth, and other hard-to-describe-but-feels-good sensations.
