Usher Therapies
Complementary Therapies for Wellbeing
Please view this short video from the Association of Reflexologists to explain what Reflexology is about:
What is Reflexology and how does it work?
Reflexology has been used, in different forms, as far back as 5000 years ago in China, and many cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, have practiced it over the years. Reflexology, as we know it today, was brought to the West in the 1930s by Eunice Ingham, often referred to as "The Mother of Reflexology," following her work with Dr William Fitzgerald on zone therapy. She helped further develop his foot maps and believed that tensions in parts of the feet reflected those of the related area of the body.
It is a wonderfully relaxing and non-intrusive complementary therapy, for people of all ages, that is usually carried out upon the feet but can also be used on the hands. Also known as zone therapy, it works on the principle that different points on the feet, lower leg and hands correspond with different areas of the body. The right foot/hand corresponds to the right side of the body and the left foot/hand corresponds to the left side of the body. Various techniques, such as finger and thumb walking, are used to work these points which stimulate the nerve endings to help promote relaxation, improve circulation, stimulate organs and help the body release toxins and start healing itself to restore natural balance or homeostasis.
Reflexology is particularly beneficial for helping treat stress and stress related illnesses but you don't need to be stressed or unwell to receive a Reflexology treatment, as it is a lovely treatment to just get some "me" time and escape the stresses of everyday life for a little while or to help keep you well. Our lives are so busy these days that sometimes we forget to just relax and unwind and look after ourselves. It is not ticklish, as firm definite movements are used and most with mildly ticklish feet are surprised that they like it, but if you really don't like your feet being touched, then maybe hand reflexology is better for you. It doesn't work for everyone, as we are all individuals and can react differently, but most people find some positive benefit from the treatment. so why not give it a go?!
Reflexology can:
Help relaxation
Improve mood
Aid sleep
Help to relieve tension
Improve sense of wellbeing
For these reasons, Reflexology can be especially beneficial for Ladies experiencing Menopausal symptoms, Menstruation or Fertility issues.
In addition, as someone who lives with Fibromyalgia, it is something I am extremely knowledgable about and can help support those with the same condition.
(It may help with a whole host of medical conditions but cannot be guaranteed, as research is ongoing into Reflexology and its effectiveness on various medical conditions, so the Advertising Standards Authority prohibits any claims in advertising from being made. Also, individuals can respond very differently to treatments, just as they do with medications, and what may help one person may not help another.)
What happens during an appointment?
On your first visit I will take a medical history and general lifestyle background to assess how I can best treat you and tailor any aftercare advice to your specific needs. Reflexology is a holistic treatment, so I look to treat the whole person and not just the condition. This may take around 15 - 20 minutes.
You will be seated in a special reclining chair/couch, with adjustable head rest, and only need to remove your shoes and socks. I generally tilt the blinds and play some soothing music to help you relax and it is best if you can shut your eyes, relax and let go without chatting, in order to get the full benefit of the treatment. However, it is your session and I want you to feel comfortable, so if you want to chat during treatment then that is not a problem!
Your feet will be wiped and then a cream/oil (including organic, paraben free and vegan products which are not tested on animals) of your choice will be applied. I will start with some relaxation techniques before beginning the overall treatment and then ending with further relaxation techniques which all takes about 50 minutes. Some people like to fall asleep during treatment and this is absolutely fine, as it is obviously what they need at the time! Some people feel tingles, heat, cold or other sensations during treatment and others feel nothing. Sometimes areas of the feet may feel tender whaen worked upon or I will feel a build up of little crystals or lactic acid in the area and this can signify that the corresponding area of the body is slightly out of balance and may need a bit of extra work.
After treatment you may feel deeply relaxed or light headed, so I will sit you up and allow you some time to recover whilst having a glass of water, as I give you your aftercare advice and discuss your treatment and any future treatments that may be needed. If you do not want to know what I felt on your feet/hands during your treatment then this does not have to be discussed. Future visits will be shorter, as I will only need to ask about any changes since the last visit before we start the treatment.
Baby / Child Reflexology
Babies and young children can usually only take short treatments which may be between 10 and 20 minutes but this half hour treatment option also includes a short tutorial for parents, so that they can learn to carry out some basic techniques on their little ones at home. A handout will be provided to help guide the parent regarding the zones of the feet and the techniques they have been shown.
Older children, up to the age of 16, would be able to receive a 30 minute treatment, as part of this treatment option.
When is a Reflexology treatment not appropriate?
Reflexology cannot harm but if you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy, due to have surgery or another medical/complementary therapy treatment within a few days, or suffering from Thrombosis, Phlebitis, Psychosis, Gangrene or Gout (if not under control with medication,) then it is advisable not to have a Reflexology treatment. Certain other conditions will require the client to receive a lighter or slightly shorter treatment which will be discussed during the consultation.
Facial Reflexology
I am qualified in the Bergman Zone Method of Facial Reflexology Level 1. This is a method the renowned Ziggie Bergman has developed over 20 years working with Therapists around the world and is based on the Zone method of Reflexology originally developed by Dr. William Fitzgerald. Facial Reflexology uses a compression technique to stimulate the reflex points in the face with use of fingers and thumbs applying pressure and walking over the zone.
This treatment can be carried out in a Lafuma reclining chair or on a massage couch and you will be covered with a blanket. A hairband or towel will keep the hair back out of the face and superficial make-up is removed from facial skin with wipes but not from the eyes or lips. A small amount of 100% organic Frankincense and omega rich botanical facial oil from Neal's Yard is used in this treatment which allows movement accross the reflex points of the face and also has the benefit of moisturising and toning all skin types and reducing the appearance of fine lines. It has been clinically proven to moisturise for up to 12 hours.
Clients find that this method of Reflexology can make you feel sleepy more quickly than other types of Reflexology and can be powerful in helping the body's systems and bringing about balance, wellbeing and relief from stress due to the proximity to the brain and cranial nerves. You will also find the skin is more radiant and glowing after treatment and it also promotes the production of new skin tissue and improves skin tone. You will most likely feel deeply relaxed or even fall asleep. The treatment lasts about half an hour and you will be given some time to come too after the treatment with a glass of water, as you may feel a little disorientated.
Contraindications for Facial Reflexology treatment:
Open wounds or communicable diseases
Face Lift (not within 3 months of operation)
Extensive Botox or Facial Fillers (if these are only in certain localised areas then the rest of the face can be worked and those areas would be very lightly worked.)
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Reflexology and whether it is right for you.