If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard of reflexology, but you’ve never really been that sure what it involves beyond what looks like a nice foot massage. In fact, reflexology is based on an ancient form of therapy first recorded thousands of years ago in China, Egypt and also among native American tribes. So, it’s fair to say it’s stood the test of time.
Curious about how it might help ease a few of those pesky peri-menopausal maladies that bring such joy (yes, that was sarcasm) to us ladies of a certain age, I headed for a reflexology session with Phoebe Partridge, founder of Calon Reflexology. From her treatment room in Cardigan’s Natural Healing Centre, Phoebe works her magic on the feet of a wide variety of clients.
While the physical practice of reflexology itself might be centred on the foot, it goes well beyond that, as Phoebe explains:
“It is so much more than a foot massage! And, although massage does play a vital and nourishing part, reflexology is an ancient form of hands-on healing which promotes our body’s own natural healing process by working specific pressure points on the feet.
Your feet, along with your hands and face, contain thousands of nerve endings correspond with every area of your body, from the very top of your head down to the tips your toes. And everything in-between – your internal organs, nerves, hormones, skeleton and the systems attached. Through massaging these areas or ‘reflex points’, your body’s natural ability to heal is activated to restore and maintain balance.”
Phoebe’s holistic approach is very much about using the art of reflexology to help people de-stress, rest and restore wellbeing.
“I’m really interested in the mind body connection and how our mental health can affect our physical wellbeing. In the world we live in, stress is one of the biggest root causes of illness. Modern stressors prevent our body from doing its job properly, so reflexology, along with many other natural healing practices, helps us to engage with our parasympathetic nervous system. The place where it all happens. The state of rest and restore. Home.”
I have to say, the session with Phoebe was a really calming therapeutic experience – especially after over a year without any pampering. I also loved that she makes her own simple, natural, nourishing massage oil using just beeswax from her own hives and olive oil.
Although I was super relaxed throughout the session (for that read ‘almost asleep’), it was really interesting to notice some of the sensations I experienced in both my body and my feet as she worked on different areas. I won’t even attempt to explain – Phoebe’s far better at that. If you’re interested in understanding more about the foot/body connections, Phoebe (also a talented artist) has crafted her own intricate lino print depicting which areas of the feet relate to different areas of the body. Definitely worth a look if you’re intrigued by the concept.
So, if you feel like your feet (and the rest of you) need a relaxing, restorative treat, why not give reflexology a go? It might just do the trick!
To find out more about reflexology or to book an appointment with Phoebe, visit the Calon Reflexology Facebook page.
Photo credit: @littleappleseed
