Where does Reflexology come from?

Practices similar to modern day Reflexology are believed to be firmly rooted in Ancient Civilizations. It is believed that the first record of a ‘Reflexology-type’ practice was in Ancient Egypt in 2330 B.C. Inscriptions and pictures were discovered in ‘the physician’s tomb’ at Saqqara and showed patients experiencing hand and foot massages.

It has been suggested that this practice was spread through the expansion of the Roman Empire.

‘Reflexology-type’ touch therapy is also firmly rooted in Indian culture. Sanskrit symbols are thought to be recorded on the feet of statues of Buddha. In Ancient India feet held huge significance as a representation of the entire universe and therefore a higher reality. It is suggested that Buddhist monks took this wisdom to other parts of the world through their pilgrimages and teaching.

Potential benefits of a treatment…

• Release of stress/tension within your system
• Enabling you to experience feelings of relaxation
• Contribute to improved sleep quality
• Improvement in mood and feelings of wellbeing

Is this treatment right for you?

Reflexology aims to encourage your body to ‘heal’ itself and therefore it can be of benefit to people of all ages with a wide variety of health issues. UNIQUE is a key word in reflexology therapy and be assured that each treatment is tailored to what your ‘body’ needs at that particular time.

How will I get to know you and your needs?

Before your first treatment we simply have a chat. During our chat I will gather relevant details about your medical history in order to help generate the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs. I will also ask you to sign a consent form at this point (rest assured that all personal details are held confidentially and securely).

Does the treatment hurt?

I do hope not. The technique I use is ‘light-touch’ and as such should not cause you any discomfort whatsoever. However, if at any point in the treatment you feel uncomfortable you will be encouraged to alert me to the fact and I can amend my methods accordingly. This treatment is all about your comfort.

You will be asked to remove your socks and shoes and then you will recline on a massage couch (for approximately 45 minutes). Treatment times vary according to your individual needs and what I, as a practitioner, am ‘learning’ from the reaction of your feet to the treatment. From then on, your role is simply to ‘relax’ and allow your body to ‘take what it needs’ from the treatment in order to feel ‘more balanced’.

How will you feel after a treatment?

We are all individuals and whilst most clients tend to simply feel ‘relaxed’ after receiving a treatment you may feel ‘energised’ or ‘very sleepy’. You may also have felt ‘sensations’ during the treatment or you may have felt ‘nothing’. Your body may respond in very ‘definite’ ways or with far more ‘subtle’ signals (over a course of treatments). There is no correct reaction – there is only an individual reaction.

Hydration, following a treatment, is important as it can help to ‘flush’ out any toxins in your system that may have been redistributed. Therefore, I will encourage you to drink water and to continue to relax (if possible) for the remainder of the morning or afternoon.

You may become aware of different feelings in your body or mood when you get home after the session. This is usually a sign that your body is adjusting in response to the treatment and these feelings tend to be brief in nature, but I would encourage you to contact me if you have any concerns – I’m here to help.

How many treatments might you need?

This is a very personal thing as most clients embark on the journey of taking more ‘ownership’ of their health. If you have an acute health issue you may benefit from starting having weekly treatments for about 6-10 sessions, thereafter choosing to ‘receive’ maintenance treatments, perhaps monthly. A single treatment can be of use, but a short course may give you a better sense of the benefits of Reflexology in restoring your health and ‘balance’.

Please contact me with any enquiries you may have:

Name: Dr Nicky Brettell
Full member of the Association of Reflexologists (AoR)
Membership Number: 35731