RESTORING BALANCE AND WELLNESS FROM WITHIN
WELCOME
Hello, I’m Mary, a Clinical Reflexologist, and I offer you the chance to experience the ancient art of reflexology from my peaceful treatment room in Exmouth (East Devon).
Whilst reflexology does not seek to diagnose or treat, I am a firm believer that stress plays a major role in how our body deals with disease and can manifest in many ways, be it physical, emotional, cognitive or behavioural. This ultimately impacts our health negatively. I take a holistic approach to your treatment, activating the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn returns the body to its natural balance, known as homeostasis, to aid your wellness journey.
I Invite you to take some time for yourself and invest in your wellbeing, away from the stresses and strains of everyday life and to experience deep relaxation which will support you on your wellness journey.
ABOUT ME
I became interested in reflexology during a particularly stressful period of my life, when I was looking for ways in which to feel grounded and balanced so that I could deal with an increased stress load. I was also struggling with sleep at the time, so after doing my research into ways to support my wellbeing I booked a treatment with a local reflexologist- more out of curiosity than anything. The combination of the healing power of the human touch, the deep feeling of relaxation I experienced during the treatment and the improvement to my sleep patterns had me hooked, and before long I signed up to train with Sarah Jane Holt at the Devon School of Reflexology. The course was fascinating, and I qualified with a Level 3 Diploma (Distinction) and became a member of the Association of Reflexologists, whilst continuing my professional development with further training and courses.
I am also a mum of two busy teenagers, and a Cockerpoo called Buddy. We love the beach, sea swimming and being outdoors in nature. Other interests include nutrition, women’s wellness (the menopause journey) and keeping fit with dog walking, strength training, yoga and pilates.
ABOUT REFLEXOLGY
Brief History of Reflexology
The origins of reflexology date back some 3-400 years, to the ancient civilisations of Egypt, India and China, who practiced various ways of healing by applying pressure to the hands and feet. This can be seen in ancient Egyptian tombs, where hieroglyphics show a Physician working the hands and feet for healing purposes.
Modern reflexology as we now know it was developed by an American Physiotherapist named Enice Ingham (1889-1974). She used her knowledge of anatomy and physiology and applied it to the hands and feet, basing her work on the earlier work of Dr. Fitzgerald’s Zone Therapy. She made connections between the muscular and skeletal systems and the ‘reflexes’ of the feet, and her work developed into the first foot charts which we use today. Ingham advocated an “Authoritative’ pressure on the feet, releasing the tension and congestion held in these reflexes, and bringing about a response by the receiver. This method was called the ‘Ingham Method of Compression Massage’ and is what we call reflexology today in its purest form.
What is 'Reflexology' and 'Clinical Reflexology'?
Today, the practice of reflexology is wide and varied, and can be a wonderfully relaxing treatment but a more watered-down version of the original Ingham method. My training from the Devon School of Reflexology pays homage and respect to the work of Ingham and advocates that a firm and stimulating pressure must be implemented to be called reflexology, and is what we mean by ‘clinical reflexology’, which is so much more that a foot massage!
How can Clinical Reflexology help you?
We have over 7000 nerve endings in each foot, that’s more nerve endings per square centimetre than any other part of our body!
Reflexology works with the principle that these nerve endings represent our body’s systems and organs, and interconnect through the spinal cord and brain. By working these reflexes using a variety of pressure stimulating techniques we can unlock areas of congestion, restoring balance (homeostasis) and supporting the body’s natural ability to self-heal. By stimulating these ‘anchor’ points we can also improve the flow of blood and oxygen rich nutrients to all parts of the body. The benefits of reflexology include:
- Releases tension
- Relaxation
- Promotes wellbeing
- Improved mood
- Aids sleep
