Tag: award winning therapist

Reflexology ~ Everything you Wanted to Know!

Written by Lorraine Smith on September 23, 2024. Posted in Complementary & Holistic Therapies, Reflexology.

Have you ever wanted to find out all about reflexology?

This week, 23rd-29th September 2024, is World Reflexology Week so I thought, what better time is there to write a blog about reflexology?!

However, this is just a mere introduction. If, after reading, you have any questions, please do reach out to me via email or drop me a text and I will be happy to help.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an holistic, complementary therapy that promotes relaxation and can help improve both your physical and emotional wellbeing.

A reflexology treatment involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or face, which are believed to correspond with different organs and systems in the body. The goal is to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support your body’s natural healing abilities.

In today’s fast-paced world, carving out time for self-care is more important than ever, and reflexology offers a wonderful opportunity to do just that.

A Brief History of Reflexology

Reflexology has ancient roots, originating from practices in Egypt, India, and China. However, its introduction to the Western world is largely thanks to Dr. William Fitzgerald in the early 1900s, who developed “Zone Therapy.”

This was later refined by Eunice Ingham in the 1930s, whose detailed maps of the feet have since formed the basis of modern reflexology. Ingham believed that congestion or tension in certain areas of the foot reflected imbalances elsewhere in the body, a principle still used today.

How Does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology works by stimulating specific “reflex” points that are thought to correspond with areas throughout the body.

Reflexologists use fingers, thumbs, and knuckles to apply pressure. The reflexologist aims to clear energy blockages, improve circulation, and bring balance to your body’s systems. Gentle, rhythmic movements are used and, as well as being extremely relaxing and therapeutic, these unique movements help facilitate your body’s own healing processes.

What Happens at a Foot Reflexology Session?

When you arrive at Lorraine’s Treatment Room, you’ll be warmly welcomed and asked to remove your shoes and socks. You’ll then be invited to relax in a comfortable position on the treatment couch. Your feet will be gently cleaned, preparing them for the treatment.

I will begin by introducing my hands to your feet with soothing massage strokes, helping you ease into the session. Using gentle, rhythmic movements, I will then apply pressure to specific reflex points on your feet. This treatment method is designed to address any imbalances and encourage homeostasis, or balance, within your body.

A standard reflexology session lasts around 45 minutes, though you can book anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your preference.

Reflexology is known for its deeply calming effect, and many clients leave feeling relaxed, rebalanced, and centered.

Every session is uniquely tailored to your needs, making it a truly personalised and restorative experience.

If desired, you can enhance your reflexology treatment with bespokely blended essential oils, crystals, or gently heated basalt and cooler marble and jade stones.

What Happens at a Face Reflexology Session?

In a facial reflexology session, the treatment focuses on applying gentle pressure to specific reflex points on your face that correspond to different parts, and organs, of your body.

After some soothing and welcoming effleurage strokes, I use smooth, rhythmic strokes and little pressure circles to stimulate the reflexology points. This can help with promoting relaxation, improving circulation, and bringing balance throughout the body.

Facial reflexology sessions typically lasts 30 or 60 minutes.

Clients often report a deep sense of calm, reduced facial tension, and an overall glowing complexion, as well as feeling more centred and refreshed.

Ideally, please arrive with skin free of make-up, however, I am able to cleanse your skin if this is not possible.

If desired, you can enhance your facial reflexology treatment with bespokely blended essential oils and/or crystals.

What are the Benefits of Reflexology?

Reflexology offers a range of benefits, including:

Deep relaxation: Many clients experience a profound sense of calm and stress relief during and after their sessions.

Improved sleep: Reflexology may help those struggling with insomnia or irregular sleep patterns.

Better mood and emotional balance: The calming effect can improve mental clarity and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Increased circulation and energy: By stimulating blood flow, reflexology can enhance energy levels and support overall health.

Relief from pain or discomfort: While not a cure, some people find that reflexology can help alleviate tension headaches, digestive issues, and other minor discomforts.

How Often Should I Have Reflexology?

The frequency of reflexology sessions depends on your personal needs.

If you’re addressing specific issues, weekly or bi-weekly sessions can be extremely helpful. For general wellbeing and relaxation, many people opt for monthly treatments.

It is typically recommend that you have an initial course of 4-6 sessions to see the full benefits, then monthly treatments thereafter.

What Conditions Can Reflexology Help With?

Reflexology does not claim to cure medical conditions, however many people find it beneficial for managing symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue.

Reflexology is often chosen as a complementary therapy to support overall health, enhance relaxation, and boost resilience. Its ability to promote deep relaxation and restore a sense of balance makes it a popular choice for many seeking holistic wellness.

There have been many studies carried out on reflexology’s effectiveness and a quick internet search will provide you with plenty of reading material!

While reflexology is not a cure for any medical condition, many people find it beneficial for alleviating symptoms of:

Stress and anxiety relief: Helping your body relax can reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. It can also help calm the body’s “fight or flight” stress response.

Fatigue: Reflexology can help restore your body’s natural balance, leaving you feeling more energised and refreshed.

Improved sleep: Reflexology can help improve sleep quality.

Headaches and migraines: Reflexology can help release any muscle tension in the head, neck, shoulders and spine.

Hormonal imbalances: Helping balance hormone levels by stimulating the endocrine system, which may alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances

Reduced pain: Reflexology can help reduce pain and discomfort.

Improved mood: Reflexology can help calm mood.

Improved well-being: Reflexology can help boost feelings of well-being.

Improved nerve function: Reflexology can help improve nerve function.

Improved circulation: Reflexology can help improve blood and lymph circulation.

It’s important to note that reflexology works best as a complementary therapy, and should not replace traditional medical care.

Are There Contra-indications to Reflexology?

There are a few conditions that may prevent you having a reflexology treatment, however, these will usually be picked up during your consultation. If you have any questions as to your suitability to receiving reflexology, please reach out to me, or your own reflexologist, prior to booking.

There are a few situations where reflexology may not be suitable. These include:

Foot fractures, sprains, or open wounds

Active gout in the foot

Osteoarthritis affecting the foot or ankle

Vascular disease in the legs or feet

If you have any serious health conditions or concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with your GP or medical professional before trying reflexology

Can I Have Reflexology If I’m Taking Prescribed Medication?

Yes, reflexology can usually be received safely alongside prescribed medications. However, please do ensure you list your medications on your consultation form or let me know when you come in for your treatment what medications you’re taking so I can tailor the treatment to your needs.

Is There Anything I Should Do Before My Reflexology Session?

Before your reflexology session, it’s preferable to wear comfortable clothing and ensure you’re well-hydrated. Try to avoid heavy meals or caffeine just before your treatment, as this can interfere with the relaxation process. If you are having foot reflexology, it’s always appreciated if you clean your feet before coming in. If you are having facial reflexology, please come with a make-up free face if possible ~ you are welcome to reapply your make-up before leaving the treatment room.

What Should I Do After My Session?

After your session, it’s recommended to drink plenty of water to help flush metabolic waste (toxins) from your system. You might feel deeply relaxed, so it’s a good idea, if you are able, to take things easy for the rest of the day. Giving yourself time to process the benefits of the session will help you make the most of your treatment.

How Will I Feel After a Reflexology Treatment?

Most clients feel a sense of wellbeing, calmness, and relaxation after reflexology. Some also notice improved sleep and a better mood.

Rarely, some clients report mild side effects such as tiredness, slight nausea, or emotional release. These feelings are generally short-lived and seen as part of the body’s natural healing response, occasionally referred to as a healing crisis. Some beleive a strong reaction implies the treatment is working optimally and that their body is going through a process of cleansing itself from metabolic waste and imbalances. A reaction can appear anywhere between immediately after your session to a week or so later. Please rest assured, this is temporary.

Is Reflexology Suitable for Me?

Reflexology is a therapy that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from newborns to those receiving end-of-life care.

Reflexology is non-invasive, making it suitable for most people,. However, if you have any concerns or specific health issues, always check with a healthcare professional first.

Reflexology is not a replacement for medical care, but it can be a valuable complement to your overall health routine.

Find out all about National Holistic Therapy Day, the treatments available at Lorraine's Treatmen t Room and what to expect at your treatment

National Holistic Therapy Day 2021

Written by Lorraine Smith on July 26, 2021. Posted in Complementary & Holistic Therapies.

Today is Holistic Therapy Day, celebrated annually on 26th July.

Holistic is derived from the Greek Holos meaning whole.

Holistic therapies, frequently referred to as complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), treat the whole person.

Whereas modern medical practice tends to focus on and treat the symptoms a person is presenting with and may prescribe something to cure that ailment, an holistic therapist considers your whole being – mind, body, spirit and emotions – and aims to help you achieve optimal health and well-being by bringing about balance and harmony within you.

Holistic therapies have been around in some form for centuries, however, they started to gain more awareness and popularity in the 1960s when some people became anxious and felt they were just a body to be prodded and poked about by the medical profession; plus, many people became reluctant to rely solely on drug related treatment that tended to treat the symptom and not look for the cause.

Oooh, that sounds great! Should I try holistic therapies?

Yes! Whether you are suffering from an illness or not, holistic therapies are a great way to improve your sense of health & well-being and bring balance and harmony to your body. They can also help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and bring you peace and calm in a frantic world.

Additionally, holistic therapies can help if you are on the NHS waiting list but want to take control of and start managing your illness and symptoms straight away; or if you would like to try another treatment alongside what the medical professionals have offered.

Which Holistic Therapy is the best?

According to the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists) the most popular complementary therapies are reflexology, body massage, and aromatherapy.

However, all offer great benefits, and all consider your mind, body, soul and emotions and work on you as a whole. Which treatment you choose is personal to you, you may even wish to try a few different therapies! You should be guided by your own preferences and desired outcomes.

What Holistic Therapies do you offer Lorraine?

Here at Lorraine’s Treatment Room you can experience treatments such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, and Indian head massage.

For more information on these treatments and to book, please click here.

Awesome! I’m a bit nervous though, what will happen at my treatment?

Depending upon the treatment you have booked, you may be asked to disrobe to your underwear before relaxing into the heated therapy couch.

Whilst you are getting ready, I will leave the treatment room to allow you some privacy.

You will be covered throughout your treatment with sheets, towels, or blankets and I will only ever reveal the part of the body I am working on ensuring your dignity is maintained at all times.

If you are having aromatherapy, the oils will be blended for you whilst you are getting ready.

After your treatment, I will leave you whilst you slowly and gently get off the couch and put your clothes back on. There will be a glass of water for you to rehydrate.

If you would like extra assistance to get on and off the couch, please just let me know.

If you have any other questions regarding your treatment or what to expect at your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact me lorraine@lorrainestreatmentroom.co.uk .

Are there any other holistic therapies I can try?

There are many holistic therapies, some of the most popular ones are listed below:

Reflexology – a specific type of massage and application of gentle pressures to your feet – works on the principle that your body’s organs and systems are linked to and reflected in your feet.

Body Massage – uses hands-on movements to manipulate your soft tissues and muscles aiming to relax, revive and heat your body and enhance your well-being.

Aromatherapy – uses bespokely blended aromatherapy oils to encourage rest and relaxation and aims to treat and prevent illness.

Alexander Technique – teaches you to improve posture and movement, helping you unlearn bad habits assisting in the rebalancing and realignment of your body. Believed to give greater awareness of body and mind and give improved movement and clarified thinking.

Ayurvedic Medicine – aims to balance your body’s doshas and connect body, mind, and spirit. It is believed that reaching equilibrium will encourage wellness and prevent illness.

Ear Candling – also known as thermo-auricular therapy. A hollow, cone shaped candle is put into your ear canal. The candle stimulates the ear and helps facilitate the removal of excess wax and impurities and can promote relaxation and revitalisation.

Homeopathy -works on the principle that ‘like cures like’. Highly diluted substances (most often in tiny tablet form) aim to trigger the body’s natural healing process.

Hypnotherapy – a natural state of heightened awareness during which the hypnotherapist makes positive suggestions to you which are aimed at relieving your symptoms and influencing your behaviour.

Naturopathy – promotes your body’s innate ability to heal itself and acknowledges that your health is dependent upon a number of factors.

Pilates – holistic exercise of controlled movements that coordinates your mind, body and spirit aiming to improve flexibility, strength, posture and body awareness.

Reiki – translates to ‘universal life force’. It is believed that energy flows through all living things and if this becomes stagnated, disrupted, or blocked that stress and illness will follow. Reiki aims to use energy to rebalance their client.

For a more comprehensive list of therapies, please click here.

Are Holistic Therapies the Same as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

Holistic / Complementary Therapies are mostly categorised as those which may be used alongside your medical treatment/s such as yoga, massage, reiki, meditation etc.

Alternative Medicines usually replace your medical treatments and include such therapies as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and some herbal remedies.

According to the NHS Website, holistic therapies and CAMs are treatments that fall outside of mainstream healthcare.

Mind UK tells us these are therapies that take an holistic approach to your physical and mental well-being with many of these approaches having their roots in ancient Eastern philosophies of health or using traditional healing methods that were used long before the development of present day treatments.

In fact,

Mind perfectly describes these therapies as any kind of treatment that is not generally available through the NHS – although the NHS do have some funding for treatments that NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) have identified as being effective and good value for money.

For example, your doctor may have referred you to a manual therapist for pain you may be experiencing or, if you are suffering from Parkinsons you may have been referred to an Alexander Technique professional.

It should be noted, however, that the terms are used interchangeably. Consequently you are best to seek guidance and advice from your medical professional and also carry out your own research as to which therapy may be best suited for you and your personal medical history.

Final words…

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me via email lorraine@lorrainestreatmentroom.co.uk or on 07973307092 should you have any further questions.

This blog is not intended to replace healthcare advice or recommendations from your medical professional, simply to make you aware of some of the holistic therapies available and how they may benefit you.

Update for clients of Lorraine's Treatment Room

Step 4 Coronavirus Update – What’s changing and how this affects you.

Written by Lorraine Smith on July 19, 2021. Posted in COVID-19.

As you are aware, the country officially enters step four of the lockdown roadmap today, 19th July 2021. This has been dubbed ‘Freedom Day’ by many and is viewed by a vast proportion of the population as the end of lockdown.

However, as I write this, our PM is himself isolating, and the number of positive cases appear to be on the rise.

Consequently, I imagine you might be wondering what ‘step 4’ means to your appointments at Lorraine’s Treatment Room.

On the government website you will find the Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) : guidance for step 4 document for close contact services.

I have gone through this document and considered all the priority actions and also the recommendations on managing risk within the workplace.

I have collated the information so, please find below, what changes you can expect when you visit, what policies and procedures will be remaining, and how Lorraine’s Treatment Room will be moving forward to stage 4 of lockdown.

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation is believed to be a key to mitigating the spread of coronavirus. The door to the treatment room and the window at the opposite end of the room are kept open / ajar which presently ensures a good through flow of air.

I will revisit ventilation again as we come into winter (or it’s brass-monkeys and I can’t keep the door open!) and, if necessary, purchase an air purifier / fan to ensure the air is kept as pure as possible.

Following the first lockdown, on my professional association’s recommendation, a 30 minutes gap between clients was introduced. This allows the door to be opened fully for thorough ventilation of the treatment room – this will remain.

Cleaning Frequently / Reducing the Spread of the Virus

I am cleaning at the beginning and end of every working day; there is also 30 minutes between clients to ensure thorough sanitation of the treatment area. This gap between clients and cleaning schedule will remain.

It is understood that surfaces and belongings can be infected with the virus. I therefore request that you bring as little into the treatment room as possible and pop all your belongings into the plastic box provided.

I will continue to sanitise surfaces, reusable tools & equipment, other objects and touch-points thoroughly between clients.

If a client uses the facilities, I will sanitise them (and all touch points on the way).

Prior to Covid-19 fresh linen has always been used for each client, this will remain unchanged. Linen is washed at a minimum of 60℃ with the addition of Dettol laundry cleanser.

At the end of each working day, the treatment room is sprayed with XtraProtect sanitiser. This British-made product kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and continues to work for 7 days once dry.

We can all reduce the risk of spreading the virus by frequent hand washing. There will continue to be hand sanitiser at the area where you disrobe and I would be greatly appreciative if you could kindly continue to use this. Should you prefer to wash your hands, please feel free to use the sink and the disposable paper towels to dry (used towels can be placed in the foot operated pedal bin).

I work alone and, with Covid, there was a significant time gap between appointments implemented to ensure thorough sanitation and airing of the treatment room, this gap also mitigated your risk of bumping into anyone else whilst you are arriving or departing the treatment room. The 30 minutes between clients will remain.

Having said this, please continue to arrive at your treatment time.

For those who have not paid in advance, I will continue to take cash, card and bank transfers. Prepayment and bank transfers are the safest way to pay, followed by contactless payments. Please note, change will not be given if you pay by cash but I will offset any overpayment against your next appointment.

Pre Screening and Turning Away People with Covid 19 Symptoms

The covid-19 pre-appointment healthcare screening form will continue to be sent out automatically with all appointments made online. It is no longer an official requirement for you to fill these out, however, I would appreciate it if you could kindly continue to do so.

If you are isolating, have been asked to isolate, have had close & recent contact with someone who has tested positive, or have any covid symptoms, please do not come for your treatment. Please either rearrange online or contact me to do this for you.

PPE & Facemasks

In treatments where there has always been a requirement for PPE, this will not change.

Most PPE is non-biodegradable. When PPE was enforced due to Covid, this will no longer be used. However, if you would prefer me to wear PPE for your appointment, please request this prior to your treatment time.

I have thought about this in depth and have decided that, for clients, face coverings will be optional.*

I want every client to feel safe and relaxed in the treatment room and have the best possible experience. As part of my duty of care, when I am working on your face, such as facial waxing, lash treatments and facials, I will wear a mask for your comfort and safety.

The treatment room is neither busy nor overcrowded and there will only ever be you and me in the room, couple this with the fact that all my wonderful clients are sensible and considerate I perceive making masks optional as a minimum risk.

*Of course, if you feel more comfortable wearing a face mask, please continue to do so; similarly, if you would like me to wear a mask, please request this prior to your appointment.

Final comments/thoughts

I do hope this blog has helped communicate to you my ongoing covid plans and that you appreciate that I have considered the risks and taken what I consider to be the appropriate action.

Should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me lorraine@lorrainestreatmentroom.co.uk or via the contact form