"Reflex-what? Is it like a foot massage?" 
Words that I frequently hear which genuinely make me shudder and twitch simultaneously. 

Reflexology is an art. 

It combines the wonders of acupressure, energy work and massage all into one, stimulating the body's natural healing processes and releasing tension from the nervous system and your energy zones so that your body heals into a natural state of homeostasis (equilibrium).

Reflexology is a holistic therapy, which means you will be treated as a whole person. Treating your symptoms is frivolous if there is no attention placed on the root of the issue. Reflexology is not a cure for ailments but is a wonderful way to aid the body's natural healing abilities and is fantastic when used in conjunction with other medical practices (always check with your doctor if you are on any medication). Anyone can benefit from reflexology treatments and reflexology is outstanding when used as preventative health care, strengthening the immune system, reinforcing relaxation, detoxifying the body, calming the mind and releasing emotional imbalances. 

A very long time ago; around 2500 BC, the Egyptians were the first to document the use of reflexology. It has certainly been practiced at length over thousands of years in China and went on to be adapted in Europe to become a more therapeutic and tender treatment. Over the past 100 years many practitioners of reflexology have developed maps of the feet, locating zones to where correlating organs are connected (through the nervous system) to certain points on the feet. All of the thousands of nerves in the entire body are connected to the hands, face and feet. 

This means that you can stimulate certain areas of the feet to non-invasively stimulate other organs in the body. These maps enable us to tailor treatments to specifically aid the body and its organs to realign energetically, reinforce healing for a broad range of conditions, stimulate functionality, release tension and improve circulation.

I personally have specialised in pregnancy reflexology and spinal reflexology. 

Reflexology treatments are highly versatile. Sessions can aid the treatment of stress, menstruation issues, back pain, muscular skeletal discomforts, digestive issues, arthritis, migraines and be used to stimulate fertility to name but a few. Its benefits are astronomical. Of course everyone responds to treatments differently. Some people are hyper sensitive to reflexology, improvements can bee seen within a session or two and other conditions need a build up of 5-6 treatments to help the body go back into alignment. 

So what's a reflexology treatment like?

Biased I know, but it's absolute bliss!
Firm pressure is applied to the hands, face or feet using the thumbs and fingers to stimulate the varying reflex points in either area. For those who are squeamish about their feet, allow me to reassure you. 
You'll be lying horizontal, tucked in safely, with music and scents to stimulate all of your senses. To have reflexology is to suddenly have an epiphany of how soothing and releasing it is to have your feet attended to. The release, relief and subtle energetic liberation that you experience during a session is simply divine. Reflexology treatments can sometimes feel tender, more on a pleasure pain side of things and this normally reflects the imbalance of a particular reflex point. An excellent practitioner will know how to apply pressure both gently and firmly, in a precise manner whilst providing a wonderful massage simultaneously. You'll drift away into no man's land within moments and awaken into a re-enrgised, invigorated and soothed haven. 

I full heartedly advise anyone to have a treatment of some description at least once a month as part of your own personal maintenance and care. 
 
For more information on how reflexology can help you please feel free to get in touch!

I have the best reflexology wax in town and I think it's time I made a little fuss about it. 
Reflexology is most certainly one of my passions and I have found that the right tools make the world of difference when providing your client with an outstanding reflexology treatment. 

After trying talc, corn flower and oil over the course of two years, at long last, I found one of the best products that I have had the pleasure to literally have in my hands.

It's consistency is second to none. Any reflexologist will know that precision, grip and fluidity are key factors in conducting a fabulous reflexology session. With the perfect ratio of key ingredients such as natural vitamin e, olive oil and beeswax, you can be sure that you will be providing your clients with the best natural products and the best experience they could desire. 

While these yummy ingredients offer a neutral, unscented wax, Songbirds have been busy mixing up some jazzy scents as well, to provide a little pizzazz to those who like a touch of aroma. 

Still in keeping with their 100% natural mixtures, you can also enjoy:

*Tea Tree and Mint for a refreshing, invigorating and detoxifying experience.
*Zest which is a delightful blend of lime and mandarin. 
To really keep your zest for life flowing you'll be happy to know that a percentage of each sale goes to the Iris Cancer Partnership to support the valuable ongoing work of training complimentary therapists to work with cancer patients.
*Lavender which is antiseptic, astringent and of course incredibly calming and relaxing. 

The best news is that all reflexologists receive a practitioner's discount with Songbirds, making your purchase not only organic but also affordable, and that to me is most certainly something to sing about.

For more information on Songbirds and their range of reflexology and massage waxes, have an eyeball at their website www.songbirdnaturals.co.uk.