FAQ’s

How do I know you are fully qualified and insured?

I am a member of the Complementary Therapists Association and I am listed on their website. In order to be a member you have to pass and complete exams of a high standard which are fully approved and accredited by them. You must have insurance to practice and be listed on their website and also take part in their continuing professional development scheme. This involves attending further courses, workshops, seminars, reading professional journals and many other things. I always have current copies of membership, exam and insurance certificates available and will always show these to a new client or upon request.

Who exactly are the Complementary Therapists Association and the British School of Reflexology?

The British School of Reflexology are the school I have done most of my reflexology training through. They are reputed to be one of the best reflexology schools in the UK. Training is carried out over the course of a year, during which, case studies are carried out during the student’s own time. Ann Gillanders is the principal and founder of this school and she was trained by Dwight Byers, the nephew of Eunice Ingham who was the founder of modern day reflexology. Ann Gillanders brought reflexology to the UK in the 1980’s and set up her school in 1986. All graduates become a member of the British School of Reflexology.

The Complementary Therapists Association are part of EMBODY. They are one of the professional organisations that qualified or trainee complementary therapists can join. They have very strict codes of conduct that the therapist must agree to abide by, thus ensuring professional standards are maintained. They keep their members up to date with developments in the complementary field and any changing legislation. Links to both of these organisations can be found on the links page

What is your treatment room like?

My room is warm, bright, cosy, peaceful and relaxing.  In the evening, I dim the lights and use a salt rock lamp which has a pleasant, orange glow.  I use candles, an oil burner and soothing music if desired.  I have two comfortable chairs which I use during the consultation process.

Most Reflexology treatments are carried out on a Lafuma Recliner.  These are used by many reflexologists because they are so supportive and ideal for this type of treatment.

Indian Head Massage is carried out on an upright , folding chair.  A cushion and towels are used for your comfort.

Reiki treatments are carried out on a flat massage table.

Overall, my room is an ideal environment in which to receive holistic therapies. It can be described as a ‘sanctuary’ due to the calming, relaxing atmosphere experienced.

Can you visit me at home?

Home visits can only be carried out for daytime or Saturday appointments.

Due to travelling time and motoring costs, a home visit will incur an extra charge of £10 and will only be available if in a 5 mile radius of Loughton.

If I visit you at home, I will bring all the necessary equipment with me.  All I ask is that you have a large enough space for me to work in and if at all possible that we are not disturbed during the treatment.  I will have a lot of bags and heavy equipment to carry, so available parking outside your property is essential.

Can I chat during my treatment?

This is entirely up to you.

Some clients prefer to relax quietly and others prefer to chat.

I would emphasise that the treatment will be more beneficial for you if you try to relax quietly with your eyes closed. It is also easier for me to work quietly as I am able to concentrate more on the treatment and it will be more effective.

How will I feel after a treatment and are there any side effects?

The treatment will probably leave you feeling very relaxed, ‘spaced out’ or very tired.  You should enjoy a deep relaxing sleep that night. Any existing emotional state may be accentuated and you may experience stronger feelings during and after the session.

Changes in body temperature can occur during and after a treatment.  A blanket is available if you do feel cold. Some people experience aches and pains, nausea or a runny nose afterwards. You may want to urinate or defecate more than usual.

It is possible to experience none or any of these reactions but it does indicate that the treatment is working.

It is the release of toxins as a result of the body’s natural healing process that may result in these symptoms.  They are not directly related to the treatments and are temporary and not serious.

Any reaction should only last for a maximum of 24 hours following treatment and are normally strongest after the first treatment.

After any side effects have passed, you normally experience increased energy and alertness.

Please don’t become alarmed or reluctant to continue treatment as this is a completely natural healing process.

Do you have any aftercare advice following treatment?

It is advisable to drink plenty of water following a treatment as this helps to flush out any toxins which have been moved.  This will help to alleviate any possible reactions.

Don’t attempt any strenuous activity immediately after a treatment.  If possible, relax and enjoy your de-stressed state for as long as you can.

If you have to drive, take care and pull over if you feel drowsy or light headed.

Avoid any stimulants following a treatment. Your body will already be working hard to eliminate any existing, accumulated toxins.  Stimulants to avoid include; alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, fizzy drinks and cigarettes.

I will give you an aftercare advice sheet to take home with you after your first appointment.

Are there any times when it would be inadvisable to have a treatment?

Yes, there are conditions where it would be inadvisable to receive a treatment. Please read the following list of conditions carefully to avoid disappointment. If you are in any doubt, please call me to ask for advice.

Please avoid treatment if you:

• are under 12 weeks pregnant (Indian Head Massage only)
• are pregnant with severe complications
• are pregnant with a history of frequent miscarriage
• have a high temperature or fever
• are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• have a severe headache or migraine (wait until the migraine has passed)
• have an infectious condition affecting the head, face, neck or shoulders ie Ringworm, Impetigo, Scabies, Eye Infections or Cold Sores
• have an infectious condition affecting the feet, legs or ankles ie Ringworm or Athletes Foot
• have any other infectious or contagious condition
• have recent scar tissue, cuts, abrasions, severe bruising, strains, sprains or whiplash in the treatment area (Reflexology and Indian Head Massage)
• have had an injection or vaccination 48 hours prior to treatment
• have severe varicose veins (Reflexology only)
• have Diabetes which affects the skin tone on the feet or legs – i.e. ulcers or breaks in the skin (Reflexology only)
• have untreated , very high or very low blood pressure
• have had a recent Hemorrhage, Thrombosis or Embolism
• have Spondylitis or other severe bone inflammation (Indian Head Massage only)
• have any undiagnosed lumps, bumps or swellings in the treatment area (Reflexology and Indian Head Massage)
• have had food poisoning or stomach upset in the 48hrs prior to treatment
• have any skin disorders of the neck, back, upper arms, head, feet or ankles which could be affected by the treatment ie Eczema, Dermatitis or Psoriasis (Reflexology and Indian Head Massage)

When booking your appointment, please also let me know if you have or are receiving medical treatment for any of the conditions mentioned below. You may need medical clearance from your GP or other health professional before proceeding with treatment. There may also be times during treatment of your illness or the severity of it where it may not be appropriate to treat you. Please call me to discuss the possibility of treatment.

• Are you pregnant?
• Severe circulatory disorder/heart condition
• Do you have a pacemaker?
• Nervous system dysfunction ie MS, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Allergies
• Serious bone/joint conditions affecting the legs, feet, neck or shoulders
• Are you trying to conceive?
• Are you having fertility treatment ie IVF or Clomid
• Recent surgery
• M.E. (Chronic Fatigue)

Everybody’s feet perspire and there is always some natural odour.  Before your treatment, I always cleanse both feet with anti-bacterial wipes and during a treatment I use a specially made powder using tea tree and orange oil. The treatment is finished using a foot lotion, usually containing tea tree and lavender or peppermint. Your feet will smell wonderful afterwards!

For hygiene purposes, I would ask that you wash your feet before coming for a treatment.

How many Reflexology sessions will I need and how frequently?

Generally speaking, a good improvement can be seen in a condition after receiving 6 – 8 treatments once weekly.  The time taken also depends on whether your condition is acute or chronic, how long you have been suffering and whether you have made any lifestyle changes. If an improvement is not seen after about 4 treatments, then it is worth considering alternative treatment methods. The number of treatments needed for fertility and maternity reflexology will vary. Please see the relevant sections (Maternity and Fertility).

Reflexology can also be enjoyed, simply for relaxation, stress relief and for maintaining the body in a healthy state. To maintain good health, I would recommend a treatment every two weeks.

Will Reflexology hurt?

No, Reflexology should cause no great pain.  Some slight tenderness may be felt over certain areas but this usually indicates an energy blockage in the corresponding organ or structure.  The tenderness normally reduces after the area has been worked over several times. Overall, Reflexology has a very relaxing effect and the amount of pressure used varies according to your age and state of health.

I have ticklish feet – will Reflexology be suitable for me?

Reflexology is a pressure therapy and the pressure used during a treatment is quite firm.  You will not be tickled!

Can I have a Reflexology treatment if I have a Verruca?

Yes, the area will be covered with some plaster and avoided during the treatment. If necessary the corresponding reflex area in the hand can be worked instead.

Why do you use the feet for Reflexology?

The feet are generally more sensitive and all the nerves in the body end in the feet.  There are over 7000 nerve endings in each foot.  Reflexology can be done on the hands but the feet are more sensitive and have a larger surface area to work over, making it easier to pick out and work out each reflex point.

Does Reflexology cure diseases or ailments?

Reflexology is not intended to cure or be a substitute for medical treatment.  Reflexologists are not medical practitioners and are not allowed or propose to diagnose ailments or treat disease.  Reflexology can indicate areas of the body where there is stress, tension, congestion or imbalance. It stimulates the body’s own healing ability and promotes well-being, relieves stress and tension, encourages an improvement in nerve and blood supply, enhances relaxation and improves lymphatic drainage.  It is a complementary therapy and should not be used instead of prescribed medication.  Do not alter your dosage or stop taking prescribed medication without prior approval from your G.P. or other medical professional.

How does Reflexology work?

The body is divided into 10 energy zones, 5 on each side of the spine, running from the big toe, up through to the head. The big toes lie in zone 1, through to the little toes in zone 5.  Every organ, muscle and structure of the body lies in one of these zones. The corresponding reflexes are found in the same zones on the hands and feet.

Each zone is a channel for the life force, known as ‘prana’ or ‘chi’.  Any obstruction or blockage in that energy channel affects the flow of energy to the organs or functions within it, leading to disease.

These obstructions can be affected by Reflexologists.  By putting specific pressure on the reflexes, blocked energy can be released, restoring a clear flow throughout the body.  The body is then able to restore harmony and balance and begin to heal itself.

Can I have other complementary therapies while I am having Reflexology?

Some therapies can complement  Reflexology, like Indian Head Massage, Massage, Chiropractic or Osteopathy but there are some therapies that work in a similar way and it would not be a good idea to have too many treatments at the same time.  It would not be advisable to have Acupuncture or Shiatsu at the same time.  You would not know which therapy was giving you the most benefit.

Can I have a Reflexology if I am pregnant?

Maternity Reflexology can not cause a viable foetus to be miscarried as the aim of Reflexology is to balance the body and to help it function normally. If there is a viable foetus it is very difficult to dislodge it.  The majority of miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities.   There are many benefits to having treatments during pregnancy. Maternity Reflexology is particularly useful for the many common ailments experienced during pregnancy such as back pain, constipation, heartburn, water retention and fatigue.

Regular treatments throughout pregnancy can prepare you well for labour and even shorten the duration.

Do you have to use oil for Indian Head Massage?

The use of oils is optional. If your massage is being done during your lunch hour and you need to get back to work then you may prefer to have the massage done through your clothing, without oil.

I would, however, recommend the use of oil as it is excellent for keeping the hair in good condition and helps improve many of the massage techniques. If you are having the massage done in the evening, then I would recommend leaving the oil on your hair overnight for extra benefit. When washing your hair it is advisable to apply shampoo to the scalp before the water in order to help emulsify the oil.

How often can I have an Indian Head Massage?

For maximum benefit it is recommended that treatments should be carried out once or twice a week as part of a stress management programme. I would normally recommend having 4 – 6 treatments, close together initially.

Is Reiki suitable for everyone?

It is totally safe and non-invasive, being appropriate for babies, children and adults. It is also very effective for plants and animals.

Caution must be taken, however, if you are suffering from diabetes. Reiki affects your insulin levels and careful monitoring of insulin requirements must be made after treatments.

It is also not advisable to have a Reiki treatment if you have a pacemaker. The effect of Reiki energy on such a device is unpredictable

Can Reiki Be Used On Any Illness?

Yes, but this does not mean everyone will be healed using Reiki. Reiki helps restore balance in the body and can relieve or remove symptoms. As an individual, you must have the firm intention of getting well before any real healing can take place. Reiki will seek to treat the underlying cause as well as the presenting problem.