Richard Evans BA MEd MAR RCST

Reflexology

What is reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient way of restoring health and well-being to the body through gentle manipulation of either the hands or feet. The whole body is represented on the feet and the hands and the work of the therapist is to stimulate the healing mechanisms of the body.

What conditions does it help?
Reflexology, in the experience of my patients, can give support with arthritis,insomnia, low energy, musculo-skeletal problems, digestive imbalances, depression, stress, immune system dysfunction, blocked sinuses and headaches. It is important to note that you don't have to be ill to benefit from the treatment.

What is hand reflexology useful for?
Patients suffering from arthritis love the feeling of looseness and suppleness in their finger joints. People who use their hands a lot, like therapists and musicians find hand reflexology excellent for relieving tension and aches in the fingers. Some patients will combine feet and hand treatments in the same session.

What are typical benefits?
Typical benefits my patients report are a sense of well-being, deep relaxation, an ability to cope with stress more effectively, a greater resistance to colds and infections and increased mobility in the joints. Most people get better sleep, particularly for a few nights after a treatment. People with cold feet say their feet stay much warmer after reflexology.

How does it work?
There are thousands of nerve endings in the feet and when these are stimulated, there is a profound reaction in other parts of the body. Chinese medicine uses the idea of energy lines or 'meridians' and six of the fourteen meridians end in the feet. Again the stimulation of these energy lines has a beneficial effect throughout the body. On a simple physical level, the feet are furthest from the heart, so their manipulation has great results for the whole cardio-vascular system. If you are still sceptical, the best thing is to try a treatment.

What is your background and experience?
I trained in 1994 and have been a member of The Association of Reflexologists www.aor.org.uk for the last 16 years. I have also done postgraduate training in topics like Energy Linking,Gentle Reflexology,Hand reflexology with many of the leading reflexologists of the country.
What does it cost?
You can have a free 15 minute consultation, before you begin the treatment. This is a chance for you to meet me and to decide if you want reflexology. You can also air any concerns you may have. The cost of treatments is £28. The first session lasts about an hour and subsequent treatments are 50 minutes long. I recommend people to have three treatments at first, to give the therapy a fair trial.

How often do I need to come?
This is a matter for you to decide in consultation with me. Some people come weekly for a while, then later fortnightly or monthly. Some come for a few treatments and then stop. It is a flexible treatment and can help your well-being in all sorts of ways.