Monday, February 6, 2012

New Year, New Rooms

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to 2012 and I can say I am very excited about this year. For those of you who don't know already I have moved to wonderful new rooms. I have joined the team at Forest Podiatry, Shop 8, 2-6 Yindela Street, Davidson and offer treatments on Thursday's and Friday's from 9am - 5pm on both days. Feel free to contact me to book an appointment on 9452 4433.

I felt the move was necessary to increase my clients and to really get Reflexology known in the local community.

I hope to see some new clients in 2012 and hope that they fall in love with Reflexology like I have. The benefits are endless :)

Senior Discounts, Health Fund Rebates and Gift Vouchers available.

Jo

Monday, September 12, 2011

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Welcome to Spring everyone! It's been a while since my last blog but I'm back now.
I have had a busy year with having reconstructive ankle surgery in March and then last week I had further surgery to remove the screw from my foot. So as you can see it has been a difficult time for me. However, due to having some fantastic friends to help out and some special friends to give me reflexology treatments my recovery has been quite good.
Back to Reflexology: it's time to revitalise yourselves after a long and very wet winter. What better way than a treatment to get you back on track and looking forward to the Summer and hopefully some nice warm days.
Spring Special $60 for September / October only - so get in quick.

During the last few months I have been treating a pregnant lady and as my very first experience of Reflexology was during my first pregnancy I thought it would be a good idea for this Blog to offer some insight into how it can help during this special time of a woman's life.

Life Stages : Reflexology and Pregnancy

It is not only during the pregnancy that reflexology can be helpful but can also assist with pre conception issues. Many women out there have difficulty getting pregnant due to many reasons. Reflexology can assist not only with the stress relief during this time but also can assist with the balancing of hormones.
During pregnancy a woman may experience all kinds of symptoms from constipation, nausea & vomiting, back ache, fatigue, unstable emotions - just to name a few.
It is important to keep these symptoms managed and for the woman to maintain the best health possible during this time, not only for herself but also for the best outcome for the baby.
Some of the symptoms are due to physical changes within the body IE posture changes as the baby increases in size, therefore placing more pressure on the muscles of the abdomen and in turn on the back as she instinctively leans backwards to counter this.
Sleep patterns can also become affected, most commonly in the third trimester.

Therefore the benefits of Reflexology can offer gentle hands during pregnancy, labour, birth and post natal support.

Reflexology has also been shown to assist with the labour pains and with having treatments prior to delivery has also shown reduced labour time. I know the lady I treated had a very quick delivery and loved the treatments she had for the last 6 weeks of her pregnancy.

I hope there are more pregnant ladies who wish to come and see me soon as it is a special interest area of mine!

Next time in my Blog I will speak to you about Chronic Pain and how reflexology can assist with it. I have lived with Chronic Pain for over 11 years now and I take nothing for the pain I just have regular reflexology session to manage the pain. More details to follow!!!

Thanks for checking in, speak soon.

Jo

Monday, February 14, 2011

Benefits of Reflexology in Pregnancy

Due to some recent enquiries and the fact that I was first introduced to Reflexology during pregnancy by my midwife 16 years ago I thought it was time to give more information about the benefits of Reflexology during Pregnancy.

We have started to talk about the benefits of Reflexology during Pregnancy but first I want to just clarify the importance of Health and Well Being of BOTH a woman and her partner before conception! There may be health issues that need addressing before you even become pregnant to ensure the best health for your baby. The baby's health can be put in jeopardy from long standing medical conditions, genetic defects and also from the parents 'lifestyle' prior and during pregnancy.

It is not always possible to be prepared as statistics have shown about half of pregnancies are not planned. It is a known fact that healthy, happy parents can contribute to having healthy, happy children.

For many people becoming pregnant can also be a problem with years of trying. It is important for you to know about things like Smoking is one factor that can cause a low sperm count, it can increase risk of miscarriage, damage to the placenta, low birth weight and a number of foetal abnormalities. Alcohol can also damage the sperm and ovum prior to conception as well as the developing embryo. It can also cause problems with development of the brain and nervous system. One major problem which is often overlooked is 'stress'!!! This needs to be addressed as it can lead to hormonal changes in the body which can in turn lead to fertility problems.

There are obviously many more things to consider when planning for a baby!

So although I am talking about the benefits of reflexology in pregnancy, it can also help with Infertility,Menstrual problems and also Menopause

Reflexology is a gentle, non invasive, holistic therapy. By working reflex areas on either or all of the ear, face, hands and feet we can treat the whole body.
It is relaxing on many levels : soothing, calming, balancing, revitalizing and boosting your whole body.
All systems of the body can benefit from a treatment.

When pregnant our body goes through many changes physically and emotionally to cater for the growing baby.
Every system is affected so it is important for your health to remain balanced so as to pass on this good health to the new life inside you.

Reflexology can help with nausea, backache, constipation, poor circulation and swollen ankles, high or low blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, anxiety and other symptoms/discomforts.
We can balance the fluctuating hormones with an Endocrine Balance technique.

Treatments towards the end of your pregnancy can assist with the preparation for the birth.

Studies have also shown that women who have regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy have far shorter labours than those who don't. I know from personal experience that both my labours were only 4 hours following reflexology throughout my pregnancy.

The benefits can continue postnatally helping in many areas such as breastfeeding, post natal depression, fatigue, stress and anxiety issues.


I hope this has been of some help and I look forward to seeing some of you very soon.

Jo

(information / statistics from the Reflexology Association of Australia - www.reflexology.org.au)

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2011 and may this year bring happiness and health to all of you. It is hard to believe that we are now in a new decade, it only seems like yesterday that we were all nervous about what the Millenium would bring to us all. Well for me it brought Reflexology and I am glad. Hopefully this new decade will bring it to you too!
I already have a few challenges this year with some family problems overseas to give my attention to and the upcoming surgery to my foot. But, no matter what I have to deal with I will approach it with optimism and strength that I have gained throughout the past years.
It is hard sometimes to deal with problems no matter how trivial you may think they are but I am grateful for Reflexology and how it has helped me to deal with problems and how it will continue to do so.
So for 2011 promise yourself and others close to you, that you will treat your body with the respect it deserves and remember that the longer you abuse your body the harder it is to get back on track.
Enjoy 2011 and don't forget to call for a treatment!!

Jo

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Mind Body Spirit Festival & Heritage Craft Markets

On Friday 5th November I will be at the Mind Body Spirit Festival at Darling Harbour between 10am - 12pm. Come along to the Reflexology Association Stand and experience a treatment!

Other dates for your diary if you are local to me. I will be at the St Ives Showground at the Heritage Craft Markets (inside the Pavillion) doing full treatments and mini treatments, and selling gift vouchers for Christmas.

Saturday 20th November 3pm - 8.30pm
Sunday 5th December 10am - 2pm
Saturday 11th December 3pm - 8.30pm

Hope to see you there!

Jo

Monday, October 18, 2010

Newsletter

I can't believe where the time has gone! I planned to do a newsletter every two months but time got the better of me. I promise to do better next time!
This year is flying by. This time last year my family and I were getting ready to go back to the UK for Christmas and that just seems like a distant memory. Christmas is only 10 weeks away and what better way to celebrate than to give someone a special gift this year. Not only will your family member or special friend enjoy a relaxing Reflexology massage, the other benefits they will achieve I am confident will make them love Reflexology for life. Í have a special for Christmas and that is for EVERY Gift Voucher Purchased you will receive 25% off any treatment yourself. What better way to get something for yourself too. A great way to relax whilst all the rushing around and plans for the Christmas period, or a way to relax in January when it is all over. However way you look at it, everyone gains!
Well what a busy time I have had since my last newsletter. In September I went on a 4 day Facial Reflexology Course. What an inspiration it was. What I learnt was fascinating and the techniques used on the face were beautiful. The benefits of Facial Reflexology for Autism, Spasticity, Stroke Patients to name a few are amazing. I look forward to a challenge.
As promised I would also like to explain a little about Stress and the effects it can have on us. Especially at this time when HSC students are working hard. (if you know any who need a treatment, you know where I am!) or maybe you are a parent of a HSC student and you need to de-stress!!!
One of the most important benefits of Reflexology is it's efficiency in reducing stress. Around 70% of disorders can be related to stress and nerve tension. Every part of our body receives it's nerve supply from the spine. Therefore by reducing tension in this area can bring benefits to the rest of the body. Contraction of muscles affects nerves, resulting in pain. By reducing tension, increasing good circulation and supplying oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the organs will help cleanse the body of toxins. Stress can be difficult to avoid and few escape the consequences of it. Increase in Heart Disease and Hypertension is evidence of more stress related diseases. Long term symptoms of constant stress are fatigue, anxiety and depression.
The nervous system becomes drained and depleted and immune system eroded, making one more susceptible to disease.
Stress affects everyone differently from Cardiovascular problems to Intestinal upset to name only two!
How Can Reflexology Help?
It helps to alleviate the affects of stress by inducing deep relaxation, which allows the nervous system to function normally.
Obviously depending on how long the stress has been going on and how many symptoms are presenting will affect how many treatments will be required.

PRICE LIST

Foot, Hand & Ear Reflexology

30 mins - $55 (Basic but still effective Treatment)
60 mins - $75 (Full Treatment)
90 mins - $110 (The Works)

During a 30 minute treatment you will receive the best basic treatment on the Feet (although Hands and Ears could replace this), a 60 minute treatment will include Feet and Ears or Hands and for a 90 minute treatment includes Ears, Hands and Feet along with a Foot bath with essential oils.

Facial Reflexology

90 mins - $110

This includes a full treatment of the face using Rosehip Oil, with balancing techniques for the whole body.

Hope to see you all soon.

Don't forget............. Be Kind To Your Body!

Jo :)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Healing Touch Reflexology - Introduction

A friend recently told me the best way to get my ideas and information out there would be in a Blog! Being almost computer illiterate it took me a while to get to grips with whether it would be something I could do!!! I think my friend was trying to tell me in a polite way 'to get with the times'!!! Thanks Sandra!!!
Anyway having now set up this page and my profile (I think!) even with a photo, I plan to update and give out information about Reflexology with the hope that you will all learn to love it as much as I do.
I am very excited about not only the information and experience I have gained in the last 18 months but also about the future. I am doing a certificate course on Facial Reflexology in Sept so I will update you with those details later in the year. I am also keen to try to bridge the gap between western medicine and complimentary therapies, as I feel it is important for people to know that they can work very well together.
I have been lucky to have met some wonderful new friends during my journey to become a Reflexologist and we meet up every couple of weeks to talk about how we can improve on the treatments we give and to give each other ideas and support for current and future clients (along with a coffee and a lunch of course!!) In between these 'meetings' we also support each other with treatment 'swaps' which has been great!

Well now I would like to introduce you to Reflexology and why I love it so much.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the use of touch, usually on the feet, hands, ears, face, head or scalp, in which the area being stimulated is thought to correspond to a map of the whole body. In this way working on specific areas can influence other areas of the body.
A reflexology treatment means more than working on your feet. It is actually working with the person, attempting to fight any imbalance in the system. The stimulation on the reflex areas clears blocked energy pathways throughout the body enabling organs and glands to function properly and in a holistic way. When a blockage is removed from one area, this in turn promotes the free flow of energy to a related area. It can show benefits to the physical body or the emotional body.
A reflexology treatment is useful for achieving and maintaining health and enhancing well being, as well as for relieving symptoms or causes of illness and disease. It is a way of maintaining balance, aiding relaxation and triggering the bodies own inate self healing capacity.

The proven benefits of reflexology are:

Reduces Stress
Balances the nervous system
Improves sleep quality
Boosts lymphatic function
Improves circulation
Detoxifies the body
Enhances the body's natural healing process
Affects all body systems
Increases vitality

Who can benefit from Reflexology?

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. ( for example: Asthma, Migraines, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Menopause, Infertility, Digestive problems, Insomnia to name a few!)
Reflexology helps us to cope on a physical, mental and emotional level, thereby encouraging us to heal and maintain health in all areas of our lives. After having completed a course of reflexology treatment for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well being.

What can I expect in my reflexology session?

On the first visit I will have a talk with you to determine your present and past health and lifestyle to ensure I provide a treatment plan most suited to you. A treatment session will last usually an hour or more.
During the treatment you will be positioned on a massage table enabling you to lie back, relax and enjoy the benefits of a reflexology session. After the treatment has been completed I will discuss my findings with you.
A course of treatment may be recommended depending on your body's needs. A series of 4-6 weekly treatments is recommended to achieve best results.

I hope this has clarified a few questions about Reflexology and I hope you look forward to and enjoy future Blogs!

Jo