So, I guess this post was inspired by my ongoing efforts to find a good massage locally to me in Bishops Stortford. I tried another massage therapist today and it was nice, but yet again I left feeling much the same . Lying there bathed in warm oil so why was I thinking about all my Christmas to do lists, Corona virus and what 2021 will bring.
ANSWER: Because very few therapists remember that deep relaxation and healing is cultivated by the MIND:BODY connection. Not by chatting with your clients about lockdown.
I have been a qualified reflexologist for 20 years now and needless to say my therapeutic skills and techniques have changed greatly over the years in clinic. I always considered myself a holistic therapist but in hindsight like many therapists I wasn’t truly practising that in the beginning.
In line with my continuing professional development, I have taken endless courses and that knowledge has forged me into a “Maternity Alchemist”. Here’s why:
- Sessions start with a foot soak generally of Neals Yard Women’s blend or a DoTerra mix. Whilst your feet are releasing in the foot bath we debrief any concerns you may have mentally, physically and/or emotionally. Often there’s tears and that’s okay , it’s my job to hold space for that mama to release what’s needed.
- Once I ensure you are totally comfortable on my air filled reflexology couch a carefully selected playlist begins. Music lifts your vibration, so too is a healer……
- I generally roll out the yoga mat and get my client to come into a table top position. I then spend about 10 minutes using a rebozo releasing tension in the lower back/pelvis.
- Pre covid I would hold some essential oil at the top of the head and work the third eye chakra point with some light touch. We anchor our emotions through our senses , smell being one of the most powerful. Quite often my clients will take some of the oil away with them to use at home.
- The rest of the session is focussed on the merdians of the body accessed through the feet. Occasionally I work the reflexology points of the hand which can be affective if my clients pregnancy is considered post dates. Although I am not a fan of this overdue belief, a women’s gestation is unique to her pregnancy not the current medical guidelines.
- The reflexology session begins whilst I ask you to close your eyes and we begin a top to toe visualisation relaxation technique. I immediately see the clients breathing slow, the jaw relax and shoulder move away from the ears. My movements are slow and placed with precision and intention.
- I like to treat what I find in the feet , not what my client has divulged so I work with focussed attention.
- Throughout the session I repeatedly use hypnosis tailored from the de brief at the start. I often give them an affirmation or some homework to go away with to support their continued wellbeing. If requested I will coach my client through some hypnobirthing techniques.
- I leave my client alone for a good 5 minutes at the end to contemplate and enjoy their peacefulness. A blissful moment just for them to connect with their baby.
- I do not believe you can separate the power the mind has to govern the bodies health and vice versa. Disease means Dis Ease so one way to encourage good health is to encourage homeostasis ( meaning stable) within the mind and body.
- I believe the power of my bare foot craft is a gift that not every therapist can really learn and that’s why so many of my clients have powerful physical and emotionally releases in my sessions. Everything is focussed at returning my client to their parasympathetic rest and digest mode rather than the default stress setting of modern day living. The energy I carry serves you so I always practise what I preach and to be honest I can’t live without my reflexology swaps.