Welcome to Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a question that is not answered here, please email The Reflexology Centre. 

REFLEXOLOGY FAQs

BOWEN TECHNIQUE FAQs

SPORTS MASSAGE FAQs

REFLEXOLOGY FAQs

What is Reflexology?

What can I expect during my first session?

How long will it take?

What will I feel during the session?

How will I feel afterwards?

What does it 'do'?

Is it compatible with other treatments I’m having?

How frequent should sessions be?

Is there anyone who shouldn't have it?

What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the practice of stimulating specific points (reflexes) on the feet that relate to all organs, parts and functions of the body. In reflexology, the body is mapped out on the feet and by stimulating certain reflexes a beneficial effect can be brought about in the corresponding part of the body.

What can I expect during my first session?
Your initial consultation with us will include a 15 minute review of your medical and lifestyle history, followed by a 60 minute general reflexology session. 

How long will it take?

A full session takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour. 

What will I feel during the session?
I work within your comfort zone, using as little pressure as necessary to have a beneficial effect - it won’t tickle, nor will it hurt. To a large extent, the amount of pressure I use will be governed by your immediate reaction - if a particular spot is too intense I will use less pressure, for example. Painkilling drugs, anti-depressants and certain other drugs can all affect your sensation during Reflexology, please let me know if you are taking any medication. 

How will I feel afterwards?

During the session and for a short time afterwards you may feel slightly drowsy or light-headed, but this is a normal reaction and means that your body has entered the homeostatic state of deep relaxation. This feeling passes quite quickly, and we offer an after-session relaxation area and complementary spring water for you while you adjust. Keep up your intake of (caffeine-free and alcohol-free) fluids for 24-48 hours after a session.     

What does it 'do'?
Reflexology encourages the body to start the healing process itself by alleviating stress and the symptoms of stress that can lead to illness or affect your sense of wellbeing. It has the effect of 'normalising' and rebalancing your body, and can either soothe or stimulate - whichever your body requires at the time. Because it is a holistic therapy that encompasses all bodily systems, organs and areas, reflexology can give relief in a vast array of conditions - physical, hormonal and even emotional.

Is it compatible with other treatments I’m having?

How frequent should sessions be? 
Once a week is ideal initially, and most of my clients have one session each fortnight, and after a 8 or so sessions come once a month or as often as they need. A treatment once in a while - every three months, say - can help restore balance; think of it like adding oil or screen wash to your car to help keep it running smoothly. For people with a specific problem an initial set of weekly treatments followed by less frequent maintenance visits is a good plan.

Is there anyone who shouldn't have it?
There is so much stress in modern life, that there are very, very few people who won’t benefit from Reflexology. Babies, children and the elderly can all benefit, too. However, there are some conditions that are contra-indicated, and some where caution must be exercised.  If you have a raised temperature or 'flu-like symptoms, for example, you shouldn't be receiving any kind of massage. Generally footwork would not be possible if you have, for example, Athlete’s Foot or similar conditions. And I can't give a Reflexology treatment during the first trimester of pregnancy, so please let me know if you are pregnant. 

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BOWEN TECHNIQUE FAQs

What is "Bowen Technique"?

What can I expect during my first session?

How long will it take?

What will I feel during my treatment?

How will I feel afterwards?

Is it compatible with other treatments I’m having?

How frequent should sessions be?

Is there anyone who shouldn't have it?

What is The Bowen Technique?

Bowen is named after Tom Bowen, an Australian who pioneered the technique before it spread worldwide after his death in the 1980s. It consists of a series of gentle, rolling moves over muscle and soft tissue to trigger a healing reaction. It is particularly effective for stress and muscular-skeletal problems, but also has a profound effect on a whole range of organic conditions such as MS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, asthma, or migraine. 

What can I expect during my first session?

Your initial consultation will include a 15 minute review of your medical and lifestyle history, followed by a general Bowen session to assess pain patterns, restricted movement and other presenting conditions. Because Bowen can be done through clothes without losing any of its effectiveness, I recommend wearing a light shirt/trousers, or bring pyjamas to wear.  

How long will it take?

The first two sessions will last about an hour, thereafter, depending on the presenting condition(s), 25-45 minutes. 

What will I feel during my treatment?

Bowen is much more gentle than other forms of massage, which makes it ideal for people who have experienced pain or discomfort during other forms of massage. You will either sit in a chair or lie comfortably on a massage table, and the moves will be made in tune with your exhalation. The "move" itself generally uses very little pressure - it is the location, sequence, and rests between the moves that make Bowen so effective, not the amount of pressure we use. 

How will I feel afterwards?

Despite its gentleness, possible reactions to Bowen can include fatigue, stiffness, headaches or cold-like symptoms. For most people though, there is nothing more than a little tiredness or stiffness which will pass in about 24-48 hours. It is important to remember that after many therapies, the healing process is 'kick-started' and this can take many forms. Any reaction is an indication that the treatment is prompting healing, and this is an excellent sign. 

There are three things I recommend to help you through this healing process - water, walking, and waiting. In practice this means drinking at least 2 litres of water a day, keeping active, and giving the treatment a week or so to take effect.  

Is it compatible with other treatments I’m having?

It is best not to have any other form of bodywork (reflexology, Reiki, Swedish massage etc.) for a week before or a week after a Bowen session. This is to allow the Bowen work to take its effect. However, Bowen is not a substitute for medical care, and you should not hesitate to consult your GP or other medical professional if you believe you have a condition that requires medical treatment.

How frequent should sessions be?

Because Bowen is often successful for my clients, the average number of sessions is around three or four. A second session, 5-10 days after your first, is recommended, thereafter it will depend on your condition and how it has responded. A good number of people (particularly those with recurrent conditions and injuries) find great benefit from regular 'top-up' treatments, once a month or so, to keep them injury-free, supple and relaxed. 

Is there anyone who shouldn't have it?

There is no-one who can't have a Bowen treatment. My clients have included babies, children, pregnant mothers, athletes, hospice patients, truck drivers, lawyers, diplomats, paramedics, musicians - all ages, all walks of life, all stages of life - have found Bowen useful in alleviating their symptoms.  

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SPORTS MASSAGE FAQs

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