Reflexology is a gentle holistic therapy treatment for the Mind and Body which involves working on your feet (can also be performed on the hands, ear and face) that aims to restore balance to the body. Reflexology is not massage; it is a scientific art based on the idea that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet which correspond to all parts of the body. It is a touch therapy applied using the thumbs and fingers to apply pressure to specific points on the feet. Each point corresponds with an internal organ, gland or other structure. The pressure allows the release of blocked energy and built up toxins. This in turn improves circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, releases toxins, stimulates nerve endings and relaxes muscles. Reflexology is an excellent complement to traditional medical care.

There are over 200,000 nerve endings in the feet and they are all connected to the brain via your body. My sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet and by working on these points, I am able to release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace.

If pain arises during the treatment, it is believed that related organ is out of balance and the treatment is to help the body realign, improve circulation, relieve local muscular tension and fundamentally achieve homeostasis.

In addition, Reflexology promotes the "Relaxation Response" which was coined by Dr. Herbert Benson, professor, author, cardiologist, and founder of Harvard’s Mind/Body Medical Institute. The response is defined as your individual ability to encourage your body to release chemicals and brain signals that make your muscles and organs slow down and increase blood flow to the brain.

Practiced by a qualified and experienced Therapist Reflexology is considered to be safe. However, there are times when Reflexology would not be suitable e.g. someone is prone to breaking foot or lower leg bones.

Reflexology can be extremely relaxing, however if there is a part of the body that is unbalanced, the corresponding reflex point may feel sore or tender as it is worked to re-balance the area. If at any time you find the treatment painful, you should let the reflexologist know as it is important that they work within your comfort zone.

Loose, casual and comfortable clothing is recommended. You will be reclined in my reflexology chair and want to be able to relax without tight clothing or belts digging in.

Yes, other than removing socks and shoes and rolling trousers up to the knee, your clothes remain untouched. I will also place a blanket over you so both warmth and modesty will be retained.

Unfortunately, there is no single answer as everyone can react differently. However, most clients feel relaxed and calm and I often hear that they have slept well after a session. You may feel a bit ‘heady’ later on as though you are getting a cold, but this will only last a short time and is a good indication that the treatment has had a positive effect and toxins are moving out of the body. I will give you some after-care advice to help maximise the treatment and suggestions as to how you might continue to work on any areas that have come to light.

Unfortunately, there is no single answer as everyone can react differently. However, most clients feel relaxed and calm and I often hear that they have slept well after a session. You may feel a bit ‘heady’ later on as though you are getting a cold, but this will only last a short time and is a good indication that the treatment has had a positive effect and toxins are moving out of the body. I will give you some after-care advice to help maximise the treatment and suggestions as to how you might continue to work on any areas that have come to light.

Don't worry. A firmer pressure and slower movements are applied and is adjusted as necessary as some people are ticklish on different areas of the foot.

Yes. During the initial consultation we will discuss when to have Reflexology during your fertility treatment to help you achieve your goal.

No. As a reflexologist I am not able to diagnose or cure medical conditions. Your feet may indicate areas that are congested or out of balance within your body and we will be able to discuss what we find but if you have questions regarding a medical condition you should see your G.P. If you have any other questions, please contact me.

No. A Reflexologist is very resourceful and adaptable. If they do not bring their own chair they will make good use of your sofa, bed and cushions or other items to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed to receive the treatment.

Many people confuse Reflexology and Massage. Each have their own strengths, application and techniques. For example, massage is performed on the soft tissue of the body, and Reflexology is performed on the feet, hands ears or face and only the shoes and socks need to be removed.

No. An increasing number of people are using this safe, natural therapy as a way of relieving tension. It brings the body into balance and so it can be effectively used as a preventative measure to ensure good health.

During consultation discuss this with myself and we can determine what treatment plan you should have.

The course of treatments varies in length and frequency as it depends on each client's needs. This will be agreed after the first treatment. Recently acquired health problems may be improved quite quickly but long-standing problems may take longer to address and so several sessions may be more helpful; just as with conventional medicine, a course of treatment is often needed.

Typically, 6 weekly treatments allow for effective assessment of the treatment for a client. Acute problems may benefit from frequent, short sessions Once the body is in tune reflexology may be used to maintain energy and well being and may also be used as a preventative to illness. Many clients have attended Energy Benefits for over twelve years and really feel the benefits of Reflexology have a “Monthly Fix”.

Yes! They usually love it and respond well.

The short answer is no but where a disease or condition has been clinically diagnosed then reflexology, as a complementary therapy, may be used to support and enhance conventional medical treatment, to provide symptomatic relief, to improve general well-being, to aid relaxation and to reduce anxiety.

Clients have reported relief from joint and back pain, low mood, headaches, sinus problems, hormonal imbalances, stress, digestive disorders, poor sleep patterns and a number of other long-term debilitating illnesses and conditions.

A single session lasts about an hour. The first treatment will be longer, lasting about an hour and a half, since it will start with a consultation, covering the client's lifestyle, general health and medical history. The consultation will provide a confidential record of individual and medical details.

At energy benefits all such details are kept on paper, in an individual file which is stored in a locked filing cabinet. No individual or medical details are stored electronically. Individual and medical information is never shared except at the client's request and/or with their permission - unless of course there is a clear indication of a significant risk to the client or another individual.)

Just eat light meals before and after a treatment and afterwards be aware that it is possible to feel tired, unable to concentrate or a little out of sorts for a short time so try to avoid the need for a long journey, important meeting or strenuous exercise session straight away. If possible, try to make time for a rest or an early night, avoid alcohol, nicotine and any unnecessary medication and drink plenty of plain water.

Very few. Reflexology is a safe therapy for most people, no matter what their age. The presence of cellulitis may preclude treatment (due to the tenderness and fragility of the skin) as may a tendency to blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (because the massage may stimulate the circulation and therefore possibly dislodge a clot which could in turn lead to a more serious problem).

Reflexologist's will not treat anyone with a notifiable, contagious or infectious disease (including athlete's foot) because of the risk of infection and cross-infection. Caution will always be exercised in the presence of any serious or unstable condition and the client may be asked to seek the advice and approval of their own doctor before commencing treatment. A hand treatment may be possible if it is not possible to treat the feet.

Pregnancy is not a contraindication, in fact reflexology has become one of the most popular complementary therapies used by pregnant women. It may be very helpful for symptomatic relief, for example for back ache in the later stages. Some reflexologists specialise in treating women who are pregnant or who have had problems conceiving.

The term, ‘Relaxation Response’ was coined by Dr. Herbert Benson, professor, author, cardiologist, and founder of Harvard’s Mind/Body Medical Institute. The response is defined as your individual ability to encourage your body to release chemicals and brain signals that make your muscles and organs slow down and increase blood flow to the brain. The Relaxation Response is essentially the opposite reaction to the “fight or flight” response. According to Dr. Benson, using the Relaxation Response is beneficial as it counteracts the physiological effects of stress and the fight or flight response. It is common for individuals experience the fight or flight response to describe uncomfortable physiological changes like muscle tension, headache, upset stomach, racing heartbeat, and shallow breathing. The fight or flight response can become harmful when elicited frequently. Relaxation Response is a helpful way to turn off fight or flight response and bring the body back to pre-stress levels as a physical state of deep relaxation which engages the other part of our nervous system—the parasympathetic nervous system. Research has shown that regular use of the Relaxation Response can help any health problem that is caused or exacerbated by chronic stress such as fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal ailments, insomnia, hypertension, anxiety disorders, and others.