Reflexology Treatments – What Happens
– What happens during a foot reflexology treatment?
When you book your first treatment Helen will send you a confidential wellbeing history form to complete, and details of the current Covid-19 precautions required. The first treatment lasts between 75 and 90 minutes, and includes a free consultation during which Helen will: explain how reflexology works; find out what you expect to gain from treatments; and review your confidential wellbeing history form. You will then be asked to remove your shoes and socks/tights, lie back in a reclining chair, and have your feet cleansed. The actual investigatory treatment starts with a brief foot massage to relax the client followed by manipulation of all the reflexes in both feet – working each foot for a few minutes then the other. During the session Helen can explain which reflexes she is working on and will ask you for feedback. The treatment is completed with another brief foot massage and breathing exercise. Helen will then recommend a treatment programme and should you wish to complete further sessions she will devise a specific treatment plan which will concentrate on your areas of imbalance. If the condition is acute weekly treatments are often required initially for a period of 6 weeks, less severe conditions can be managed with fortnightly visits, and ‘maintenance’ treatments can take place monthly. Helen offers various payment plans.
– What might I experience during a treatment?
Everyone has a different experience – some people feel tingling in the head and body as well as their feet, other people feel nothing other than the pressure applied by Helen’s hands. As people get used to the treatments they vary in how they respond – some people wish to talk during the session, others prefer to lie back and relax completely, listening to music.
– What can I expect after a treatment?
Different people experience different reactions. Reflexology can make you feel energised and light footed, or it can temporarily make you feel very tired before being energised. Treatments often make people need to urinate. You should always drink plenty of water following a session to flush out toxins that have been released by the manipulations.
– What if I can’t lie down for the treatment?
Standard reflexology is best applied to the feet with the client reclining in a chair or on a bed, however if the client cannot get in to the chair or has difficulty lying down for long periods Helen can use a combination of Vertical Reflexology which is applied to the top of the feet whilst sitting or standing, and hand reflexology can also be used.
– What if a client behaves inappropriately? Comments or actions (before, during or after treatments) which make the therapist feel uncomfortable will result in the enquirer or client being refused further treatment and may result in them being referred to the Police. Complementary therapists deserve to be treated with respect – any abusive or unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.
Medical Conditions and Diagnosis:
– Is it safe to have reflexology if I have a medical condition or I am receiving medical treatment?
Reflexology helps the body to rebalance itself and so is safe to use as a complementary treatment to most medical treatments. Many hospitals and hospices offer reflexology to their patients. However reflexology may not be recommended for people suffering from: thrombosis, phlebitis, gangrene, unstable heart condition, or any contagious disease. If you are receiving on-going medical treatment it is advisable to tell your specialist you are receiving reflexology.
– Can reflexology be used to diagnose a condition?
Reflexologists are not qualified to diagnose conditions but they may advise you to consult your doctor if they find an imbalance in your reflexes.
See also ‘Articles’ page for further information on specific medical conditions
Feet issues:
– I have very ticklish feet, would you still be able to treat me?
Helen has treated many people who say they are usually ticklish. As the manipulations are quite firm they have been able to receive reflexology. However there are exceptions and one person could not bear their toes to be touched, so a combined foot and hand treatment was used.
– My feet smell sometimes, even after I have washed them.
Feet may have an odour due to imbalances in the body which could be assisted by reflexology. I have peppermint and tea-tree scented foot wax which I use to combat odour.
– I have athletes foot / nail fungus / veruccas can I still come for treatment?
If you have an infectious condition Helen can either cover the area with a plaster and/or wear latex gloves for the treatment.
– I have a lot of hard skin on my feet, and cracks in my heels will reflexology work?
Reflexology can be applied over hard skin, but depending on the severity Helen may recommend you see a podiatrist for treatment to make the reflexology more effective.
– I have hurt my foot should I still come for reflexology?
If the foot is too painful to treat Helen can treat the corresponding hand instead.
Qualifications/Insurance:
– What training have you undertaken / membership of which bodies / who are you insured with?
Helen is trained to Level 5 Mastership in Reflexology (a graduate of Jubilee College, taught by David Wayte ) which is the highest grade of professional reflexology training currently available in the UK.
She is registered with CNHC (Complementary Natural Healthcare Council), and a member of NACTHPC (National Association of Complementary Therapists in Hospice and Palliative Care). Helen has insurance to practice with Balens Ltd.
– Can I claim for reflexology treatments on my health insurance policy?
Many policies do cover complementary therapies. Check with your company what their requirements are. The registration with CNHC is usually satisfactory for their requirements. Helen can give printed receipts on request.
Getting Here:
– Is there public transport to the therapy room?
A number of bus stops are within walking distance including the No. 11, 27, 50 and 76. There is not a train station in Kings Heath, sadly.
– Where can I park?
There is usually off-road parking for one car on the drive, but if not there is free on-road parking.
– What if I am early or late for my appointment?
There is not a waiting room, so please try not to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment. If you do arrive early there are cafes available on Kings Heath High Street 10 minutes’ walk from the therapy room.
Cancellation:
– Can I cancel an appointment?
Appointments can be cancelled by telephone or text with 24 hours’ notice, otherwise a cancellation fee will be incurred unless the reason for cancellation is an emergency.
Other:
– Can someone sit with me during the treatment?
Helen prefers to treat clients alone, but can arrange for someone to sit in the room if the client needs a translator or if a child or vulnerable adult requires a guardian to stay with them. A waiting room is not available for non-clients but the therapy room is only 10 minutes’ walk from Kings Heath High Street where there are a number of cafes.
– Do you have a current DBS certificate?
Yes I have a current DBS certificate.