The benefits of reflexology - Guest blog written by Laurie of Reflexology Wellness
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient art and is seen as early as an Egyptian tomb which depicts a Reflexology session. It is based on the principle that all our body parts and bodily systems are reflected on the feet and the hands. Today, Reflexology continues to develop and be a part of clinical trials to improve wellbeing and support the body’s natural healing forces. By improving blood circulation and promoting relaxation in the nervous system encouraging the whole body to renew itself.
Reflexology is a relaxing treatment to the feet, sometimes the hands and ears, with the aim of improving wellbeing and is wonderfully beneficial during pregnancy when your body is responding to all the changes hormonally and physically. Treatment can help with nausea, vomiting and reflux, constipation, swollen feet, back and pelvic pain, improves sleep and helps prepare the body for labour.
Postpartum Reflexology is very beneficial for both mummy and baby. Your baby has just entered a whole new environment. The 4th trimester can take time for mum and baby to adjust. Baby Reflexology is relaxing, nurturing and helps promote sleep, helps manage colic pain, releases endorphins and promotes the immune system. Postpartum Reflexology is invaluable to a new mum who is tired from labour and lack of sleep.
As you and baby transition to finding a routine Reflexology will support rebalance your hormones, promote wound healing, skeletal and lymphatic healing most of all will give you some precious “ me” time and an opportunity to completely relax and support you get back to a balanced state.
A little about Laurie
Reflexology Wellness was a dream finally realised in 2020 during the Pandemic. I was no stranger to Reflexology. As an 18-year-old (40 years ago) I was diagnosed with Endometriosis and prescribed a trial drug that caused a drug induced Menopause. Menopause is a challenge for majority of middle-aged women, but for a teenager who had not that long entered womanhood, I was faced with either a Hysterectomy or a drug induced Menopause and advised I was unlikely to have children.
My experience was a traumatic one and I was extremely fortunate to have a Mum who was enthusiastic about Holistic Therapies and Wellness. Observing the changes in me physically and mentally, she encouraged me to go down the holistic route. I went to a Herbalist and I still remember the taste of that elixir (bleugh) and received Clinical Reflexology. At 23 I was expecting my first child and had my second at 32.
This journey created in me a passion for Reflexology, and benefits but never quite made the leap form Nursing (which is my main profession). In 2020 I changed my job role to Nursing Manager, taking the opportunity to train as a Clinical Reflexologist and successfully completed an 18-month course that had a recognised university credit. As a Clinical Reflexology practitioner I am trained to Diploma level and also a BSc Registered Adult nurse.
Reflexology is not just a wonderful opportunity for “me time” it allows your body time to heal. It is not a one time fix all treatment - I offer a variety of treatment options and discuss with you a tailor-made plan based on our consultation. I also offer the ultimate stress buster relaxation in Hot Stone Reflexology and Indian Head Massage.
Laurie is based in Glasgow, Scotland and you can find her at Reflexology & Wellness or on Instagram here and book in for an appointment (I am a client of Laurie’s and I cannot recommend her highly enough - she is wonderful).
