The term ‘reflexology’ was coined by Eunice Ingham in 1938 who developed what we now know as reflexology. Elements of reflexology have been found to date back to 2500BC in Ancient Egypt, where hieroglyphs in tombs depicted foot treatment being given. Ancient China, India and some Native American tribes also had traditions in using the feet to bring holistic healing to the body.

COME AS YOU ARE ....WHOEVER YOU ARE

You don’t have to come with beautifully pedicured, pampered feet. Reflexology is a non-judgmental, confidential and non-invasive treatment: you keep your clothes on, get wrapped in a cosy covering and enjoy yourself. All a therapist needs is your feet, just as they are. Men, women, teenagers and children all benefit equally from the treatment.

The majority of clients enjoy their treatments on a heated massage table gently reclined. However for those with mobility issues, a zero gravity chair is available and there is a disabled car-parking space directly outside the St. Aubin Therapy Room. In the hot summer months, the cool aircon Calming Therapy Room is instantly soothing!

Reflexology helps reduces stress and pain, fights inflammation in the body and boosts your immune system. At its most basic level, it’s a very relaxing foot massage. However, most people quickly realise that it is much more than that.

Reflexology works on the principle that the feet are a reflection or mirror of the body; reflex points on the feet correspond to specific areas, eg. major organs like lungs, liver, heart; structures eg. spine, and systems of the body, eg. lymphatic system, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. A reflexologist will use pressure techniques and massage to stimulate these reflex points to bring about restoration and rebalance in body and mind.

Pressure doesn’t mean pain. Reflexology is a relaxing and enjoyable treatment to have. There may be some sensitivity or sense of ‘release’ in certain areas of imbalance, but you won’t feel pain. Many clients fall asleep by the end of the treatment — they still receive all of the benefits of the session.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Each treatment starts with a brief consultation to ensure the therapy is tailored to your specific needs. The massage bed is heated for ultimate relaxation in the winter and your feet are treated to an indulgent hot towel essential oil bath at the start. In the summer, you can relax in the beautifully airconditoned Therapy Room.

Your session ends with a refreshing glass or water or herbal tea.

Only the best products from French Brand Pure Essentiels, Dr Hauschka and local French artisan Lilo Cosmetiques, or UK brand Neals Yard are used.

Many clients feel “spaced out” and need a siesta after a treatment (and often during a treatment!). Try and choose a day when you have time and space to do so. However, an express or refresh treatment can also be scheduled adding energising techniques so you can continue your day lighter, brighter and enjoy a deep sleep later that night.

Only occasionally with deep rooted issues, the original symptoms or underlying symptoms may reappear, perhaps more intensely than before, in the 48 hours after a treatment. This is nothing to be worried about. It shows that the body is rebalancing itself. Simply part of the process of homeostasis – rebalancing and restoring to more normal function. You will feel much better after this.

I will be able to identify areas of energy imbalance and will use pressure techniques to work these reflex points in order to shift the energy into balance. For the therapist, imbalance may feel like grittiness or crystals under the skin, congestion, tightness; or may present itself in the colour, temperature or texture of the feet.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

These are boundless and cumulative. Over the course of your treatments you are likely to feel a sense of deep relaxation, improved circulation, increased immune function, more balanced hormones, lower levels of stress, increased energy, reduction in physical pain, improved sleep quality. Overall you will feel a sense of rebalance and well-being in body and mind.

" I have been coming to nicola for some months now and I really notice a difference if I have missed a session. My aches and pains return, my sleep quality deteriorates and I quickly rebook! It works every time and I look forward to that feeling of relief and release from pain after each treatment." M.P

"Coming from a scientific background I really didn't know what to expect from my first treatment. I have been amazed at how effective reflexology has been in treating my arthritis and post surgical pain." P.F.

"Fabulous, relaxing, I feel like I am walking on air afterwards. If I could have this every day I would!" C.K.

"Had the best nights sleep ever after my first session. Just what I needed. Bliss." F.L.

Fully qualified and insured within the French system, I can provide receipts which many Mutuelle/Health Insurance agents in France will reimburse. Search for Medecine Douce/ Alternative in your policy or when signing up to a new policy.

All Treatments include consultation and feedback. Only high quality essential oils and balms used. Non Allergic options available.

One hour deep relax: €60

40 minutes refresh: €40

30 minutes express taster: €30

One hour home visit: €80 within 20km of St. Aubin..

Give a loved one a special treat with a reflexology giftcard.

Available from a 30 minute express/taster to a one hour total deep relaxation treatment.

They can be enjoyed in a lovely therapy room or in the cosy comfort of home.

Therapy Rooms: St. Aubin de Cadelech, Eymet & also Monbazillac at Cascais Bien-Etre.

Prices from €30-€80. Printed Gift Card with envelope and full details directly available from The Calming Therapy Room in St. Aubin and at TWELVE hairsalon in Eymet.