What to expect at your first treatment

Many people are put off from booking reflexology for the first time due to some common worries.

New clients fret about how their feet look; some feel concerned about being ticklish and others stress about whether they’ll be able to relax! But there’s no need to worry about any of it.

Here’s what happens during reflexology:

• You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire so that we have a full medical history and are aware of any health issues, past or present.
• You will be asked to provide details of any medication you are taking.
• We will discuss any issues or concerns that you may have.
• You will be asked to remove all footwear – reflexology works best on bare feet.
• You relax on a reflexology chair with your legs slightly elevated (we adapt the position to suit you and your needs). No needles or instruments are involved.

Please do not worry about how your feet look – we’ll be working mainly on the soles of the feet and are not concerned with aesthetics. However, please do not book an appointment if you have infectious foot conditions such as athlete’s foot, verrucae etc.

Maternity reflexology

Reflexology can be incredibly beneficial during pregnancy, when a woman’s body is going through so many important physiological, hormonal and emotional changes.

Melanie Alford has specialist training in Maternity Reflexology and has helped many women at this exciting (but sometimes daunting) time in their life. Pregnant women have a lot to cope with on lots of different levels, and reflexology is an incredibly relaxing and safe way of addressing these.

Treatment is adapted accordingly, with the treatment bed positioned appropriately, so that the reflexology session is comfortable, relaxing and, of course, safe for mother and baby alike.

Hot stone reflexology

Reflexology using hot stones is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the ultra relaxing effects of introducing warmth directly to the feet during the treatment session.

The stones are safely warmed to an approved temperature – and as they are comprised of basalt, which has a high density – heat is retained for longer, so it lasts throughout the session. When applied, the warm stones help the feet to relax so that reflex areas can be worked more deeply and treatment becomes more effective.

A fully qualified practitioner of Hot Stone Reflexology in Orpington, Melanie has had extremely positive feedback about this treatment from clients.

It is a proven, gentle and non-invasive therapy that encourages the body to heal itself. It is safe and natural and aids relaxation, balance and harmony within the body.

What are the benefits of reflexology?

If you have been under stress, ill or injured, or are suffering from a chronic condition your body will be in a state of imbalance. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing. It increases the body’s circulation, opens up neural pathways and boosts the immune system.

The effects of reflexology are unique to each individual. Most will experience a sense of well-being and relaxation, whereas some find it uplifting and energising. Some become more aware and more sensitive of their symptoms before they improve, this indicates that the body is healing and beginning to eliminate toxins.

Conditions that reflexology can help.

• Stress & anxiety related conditions
• Back pain
• Migraine
• Fertility (link to fertility and maternity page)
• Insomnia
• Hormonal imbalances
• Menopause symptoms