Classical & Five Element Reflexology |
I trained in the classical Reflexology style and techniques that form the basis of a Reflexology treatment in 2010. Following graduation, Reflexologists take further continuing professional development (CPD) qualifications to expand their knowledge and to focus on specialisms.
I am further trained in Gentle Touch Reflexology (GTR), Pregnancy, Postnatal and Fertility Support Reflexology; Hot Stone Reflexology; Chinese Foot Massage; Aromareflex; Reflexology For Women’s Health; Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage (RLD), Moxa For Reflexologists, TCM Pregnancy Reflexology and Five Element Reflexology. I also offer Dien Chan Zone® Facial Reflexology and am a Spirit Point Practitioner.
Over the past four years I have been studying and implementing the teachings of Five Element Reflexology into my clinic. The foundations of TCM theory and the Five Elements are at the core of my practice and intertwined in all that I do, including my Dwell Skin Facial Gua Sha treatments.
I have been inspired by and benefitted from Traditional Chinese Medicine throughout my adult life with acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese herbs. Integrating a knowledge of the key tenets of this system of medicine has led to increased benefits for clients.
I am not an acupuncturist, nor do I have degree level understanding, but I am confident that what I can bring to you in my Reflexology treatments is something completely focused on your unique journey to balance from both a classical Reflexology and Five Element perspective.
What Is Five Element Theory?
The ancient Chinese used Five Element philosophy to observe the natural cycles and interrelationships both in our environment, within ourselves (on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level) and in connection to those around us. The theory views humans as a microcosm of the universal macrocosm.
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water and each element corresponds to paired organs and meridian channels. Individual elements have their own categorisation in terms of emotion, taste, colour, sound, environment, odour, sense organ, bodily tissue, direction, season, developmental stage and body type.
Elements interact with each other either generating its ‘child’ element (Wood is the child of Water for example) or controlling the natural flow of the cycle by keeping other elements in check. In this way balance and harmony is achieved.
Elements can also over-act on or insult one-another which causes disharmony. When there is disharmony we may see symptoms that are physical, emotional and/or affect the way we think and experience the world around us.
Five Element Reflexology does not seek to find a causative factor as in Five Element Acupuncture, instead we work with imbalances we see either in excess or deficiency as they arise in treatments.
What Does This Mean For My Reflexology Treatment?
Ok, you may think. This sounds interesting but is it really Reflexology? Rest assured the way I work IS definitely Reflexology. I work with all the classical components of a traditional Reflexology, Pregnancy or Fertility Support Reflexology treatment but, in addition, through your consultation, observation and palpation of the 5 Elements organs on your feet I am able to gain further insight into your broader holistic picture and offer general lifestyle and nutritional advice.
This allows me to then select acupressure points on the Yin and Yang Channels of the feet and legs, arms and hands, to support your treatment further. When looking to tonify energy and warm the body, or where mums-to-be would like to see if a breech baby might like to turn, I may also suggest including Moxa in your session.
As a trained TCM Pregnancy Reflexology Practitioner I can also include specific acupressure points beneficial in preparation for birth and particularly enjoy exploring TCM wisdom in relation to clients with menstrual cycle imbalances. There is so much we can tell about a woman’s wellbeing from the quality, length and flow of her cycle.
Because observation is a fundamental part of my Reflexology treatments I have an extensive consultation process. You will be asked to complete a thorough online form and we will continue to collaborate together in gaining more knowledge and insight into your holistic picture at subsequent appointments.
