Serendipity Holistic Therapy

Reflexology in Reading, Berkshire

What is Reflexology and how does it work?
Reflexology is a holistic therapy in which pressure is applied to acupressure points (reflexes) on the feet. These reflexes connect to distinct areas of the body via nerve pathways and electromagnetic channels of energy called meridians.

Reflexology is a gentle art, a fascinating science and an extremely effective form of therapeutic foot massage that has carved an impressive niche in the field of complementary medicine. It is a science because it is based on physiological and neurological study, but it is an art because much depends on how skilfully the therapist applies his or her knowledge.

What does reflexology do for the person receiving treatment?
When the body is out of balance it is not functioning efficiently. By working the reflexes on the feet, an involuntary response is elicited in organs and glands connected by energy pathways to these specific reflexes. This sets a chain reaction in motion, which causes physiological changes to occur throughout the body systems.

What is ART?
ART stands for Advanced Reflexology Training (or Techniques). These techniques were developed by Anthony Porter, a reflexologist with over 30 years clinical experience. Advanced Reflexology Techniques are far more positive because of the type of stimulus used. The pressure is deeper (without going beyond your tolerance), giving excellent results. I started training as an ART practitoner in January 2008 and qualified in October 2008. For more information, please click to go to the ART website.

Who can benefit from treatments?
Anyone can benefit from Reflexology treatments; however, treatment will not be carried out if you have a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). A full consultation will be taken at your first treatment to make sure that you are a suitable candidate for Reflexology. The effects of Reflexology may not remove the cause of diseases, but you can be made to feel more comfortable and your symptoms bearable. Reflexology treatments can improve your quality of life and enhance levels of health and welbeing.

Reflexologists do not diagnose medical conditions, interfere with or prescribe medication. If you have a specific medical problem or complaint, you are advised to seek professional medical help and it is important to keep me informed of any changes in your health.

What happens during a Reflexology treatment?
You will be invited to lie in my reclining couch, which ensures that your feet are at a suitable level for me to work at. I will apply pressure to your feet using my thumb and fingers. The toes, soles, tops and sides of your feet will be massaged, plus the lower leg. If for any reason it is not possible to work an area on your feet, then the same technique can be applied to the hand, as similar reflexes can be found there. Although I use advanced techniques which may cause sensitive reflex points to feel sore as they are worked, I will never exceed your tolerance - although lots of people enjoy the 'sweet pain' sensation of having a deep theraputic treatment!

Following a treatment you should feel thoroughly relaxed and invigorated. You should experience calm and a feeling of well-being, as stress and tension are relieved and your blood circulation is improved, leaving all the systems of your body functioning fully and in their natural equilibrium.

Focus Treatments
Using the ART techniques described above, it is possible for me to carry out what I call a 'Focus Treatment'. This allows me to hone in on a specific area, thus reducing the treatment time and associated cost. I always recommend starting with a full treatment to allow me to identify the areas of imbalance and disturbed reflexes. These are worked on during the Focus Treatment, then at agreed intervals we would carry out another full treatment to assess progress and modify the treatment plan if necessary.

This approach is particularly beneficial for people who would benefit from having weekly or more frequent treatments, as is often the case in chronic conditions or sub-fertility, or those who cannot tolerate a full session (sufferers from Chronic Fatigue, for example). It also may appeal to people with a limited budget, as I appreciate in this day and age, economies need to be made.

Thai Foot Massage
Thai Foot Massage is an energising and invigorating massage of the lower legs and feet. It involves hands-on stretching and massage to “open” Sen (energy) Lines, along with the use of a stick to stimulate the reflex points on the feet which correspond to the internal organs of the body. Thai Foot Massage stimulates these points to promote general health and well-being.

Thailand has evolved as a centre for massage, partly due to geographical location and partly to the peoples' predisposition towards massage, with traditional techniques from India and China diverging in Thailand to give us Traditional Thai Massage and Thai Foot Massage.

The benefits of a Reflexology treatment or Thai Foot Massage are as follows:

Improves energy levels

Eases tension

Relieves stress

Treats the whole person

Brings relief to a wide range of conditions

Relaxes, rebalances and harmonises

Helps the body heal itself

Reduces chronic pain

Calms the nervous system

Lowers blood pressure

Speeds recovery from injuries and illness

Strengthens the immune system

Reduces tension headaches

Reduces mental stress

Improves concentration

Promotes better sleep

Induces mental relaxation

Provides a feeling of well-being

Reduces anxiety

Treatment Extras

For just £5, you can add one of the following 'extras' to the end of your Reflexology or Thai Foot Massage treatment:

Hormone Balance

Crystal Energizer

Lymphatic Drainage

Reiki Chakra Cleanse

More details available on request

Please click here for prices and booking information.