Mindfulness Reflexology

Maybe these issues are manifesting unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, muscle tension, insomnia, a racing heart or unexplained palpitations, frequent colds, fertility issues (to name a few).

Then this course is for you!

I have the following certifications that support my Mindfulness Reflexology Programme:

• Level 3 Reflexology Diploma (Jubilee College and ABC Awards)
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Diploma (Centre of Excellence)
• Mindful Reflexology CPD study day (Sally Earlam Reflexology)

What is Mindfulness?

Being present in the moment is incredibly empowering. It means focusing your awareness on the here and now. It means accepting and understanding that each moment is meant to be experienced now. Living in the present moment can completely transform your life.

Mindfulness really means to live in the moment. It's really that simple.

There is something really peaceful and beautiful about taking a few moments to breathe deeply or taking a few moments to just sit and admire a sunset.

You can practice mindfulness many different ways from breathing deeply to sitting outside and focusing on a beautiful flower. You can even practice mindfulness through an everyday activity such as washing the dishes, eating an apple or taking a shower because it's really about paying attention and focusing on the moment.

Being mindful can help you relieve stress and anxiety, lower your blood pressure, help you manage pain, and even help you sleep better. All mindfulness techniques are really a form of meditation. The point is that you cannot be stressed and relaxed at the same time, so practicing mindfulness can help you feel relaxed more often. That's really the ultimate goal.

A typical meditation consists of focusing your full attention on your breath as it flows in and out of your body. Focusing on each breath in this way allows you to observe your thoughts as they arise in your mind and, little by little, to let go of struggling with them. You come to realise that thoughts come and go of their own accord: that you are not your thoughts. You are not your worries. You can watch as they appear in your mind, seemingly from thin air, and watch again as they disappear like a soap bubble, bursting, or a leaf floating away on water. You come to the understanding that thoughts and feelings (including more negative ones) are transient. They come and they go and, ultimately, you have a choice about whether to act on them or not.

Mindfulness is about observation without criticism - being compassionate with yourself. When unhappiness or stress hover overhead rather than taking it all personally you learn to treat them as if they were black clouds in the sky and to observe them with friendly curiosity as they drift past. In essence, mindfulness allows you to catch negative thought patterns before they tip you into a downward spiral. It begins the process of putting you back in control of your life. Over time, mindfulness brings about long-term changes in mood and levels of happiness and well-being. Scientific studies have shown that mindfulness positively affects the brain patterns which are the root of our day-to-day anxiety, stress, anger, and irritability, so that when they arise they dissolve away again more easily.

What is Mindfulness Reflexology?

As can be guessed, Mindfulness Reflexology is a technique which combines certain principles of 'Mindfulness' with 'Reflexology'. So together we will work on breathing and mindfulness exercises to help you reach relaxation, learn to live more in the present, take some control back, and live a more happier, peaceful life. This is all done while reaping the well-being, health benefits of reflexology. The practice supports stress, anxiety and low mood (i.e. non-clinical depression: it must be stressed and cautioned that confirmed 'clinical depression' is a specialist mental health field which should be sought in all cases. If this is suspected during a visit I will gladly support your onward referral to such specialists).

An initial consultation takes place. This allows us to discuss your past medical history and any current health concerns, and to talk about any mental health issues you are currently having. If you have any specific needs they will be identified during the consultation. A full exploratory reflexology session is included in the consultation.

Subsequent sessions: During the first part of the session, I will talk you through a breathing exercise and a guided meditation whilst working on your feet. This is focused on you learning to relax and become a curious, friendly observer of yourself as opposed to finding fault or being an unhelpful critic of yourself. I then provide a full Reflexology treatment.

A second, guided meditation will then be added to help further assist with any issue/s. (To list a few examples this could be that you are a constant 'worrier', lack 'motivation', feel 'negative', have low 'self esteem', or suffer with 'panic attacks'). A treatment plan is tailor made to suit your needs.

It should be said that meditation is not hypnosis, and you will always remain in control throughout. Also, meditation is not something that only spiritual people can do. It can be done while you are walking, sitting on your sofa, or even in the shower! You will learn how to meditate so you can continue this technique at home as a self help tool. Having short moments of stillness, in your day to day life can have a huge benefit on your mental well-being.

Mindfulness and Reflexology can reduce/replace the need for anti-depressant, or anti-anxiety medication. You should always see your GP though to discuss any physical symtoms you may be experiencing (such as chest pain), to rule out any medical concerns. Reflexology is known as a 'complementary therapy' and should not be used to replace 'necessary' medical treatment. It is also advised that it you are already taking anti-depressants, you should continue taking them as prescribed and continue to consult your doctor. Please be prepared to do some simple exercises as home, to further support the work we will do together.

What's a typical treatment plan look like?

6 intense treatments are recommended. These are spaced out weekly (or 2 weekly maximum). Most people find that they start to feel the benefits of having treatments (alongside the recommended self-help work) around sessions 4-5. Following this, monthly maintenance treatments for an agreed period of time (as identified from your initial consultation).

Many people choose to continue having monthly Reflexology after the course has finished, as part of a healthy lifestyle choice, though that it completely up to you.

Example of a treatment plan:

• Session 1 Initial Consultation and a full Reflexology 'exploratory' session: a multi-system body balance and static/congested energy clearance.
• Session 2 Breathing exercise, guided Mindfulness meditation and full Reflexology treatment. (You will be given information, self help tools and exercises to use at home).
• Session 3 Mindfulness Reflexology as per session 2.
• Session 4 Progress review, full Reflexology treatment and a tailor made guided meditation.
• Session 5 Mindfulness Reflexology as per session 2.
• Session 6 Progress review and Mindfulness Reflexology as per session 2.
• Maintenance Sessions as identified during initial consultation and depending on initial severity of symptoms.

Cost

Mindfulness Consultation: £50 (1 hour, 30 minutes)

Mindfulness Sessions 2-6: £50 each (1 hour, 30 minutes).

Maintenance sessions (Reflexology only) £35 each (1 hour).