follows the Association of Reflexologists COVID-19 Secure Workplace Policy
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY
An ancient art of healing, Reflexology works on many levels but it’s core benefit is always the relaxation. Don’t we all feel the need to unwind? It is our bodies telling us to slow down. Living under pressure to deliver in our instant gratification society we often forget how important relaxation is to restore the balance between one and the other ‘life projects’ we are pursuing every day. And Reflexology is just a perfect tool, especially that it only demands from you taking your shoes off and slowing down. On a more scientific level, Reflexology means applying a gentle pressure on peripheral nerve endings on your feet (each foot has over 7200 nerve endings) and stimulating the nerve centre related to specific organs in the body. It is like switching the light on when the electric impulse runs to the bulb and makes the whole room bright.
Modern Reflexology is based on the Zone therapy principle, first introduced by Dr William Fitzgerald whose work, studies and research were continued by his followers, among all by Eunice Ingham who developed her own Foot Theory in the early 1930s after many years of successful practice. According to Dr Fitzgerald and his followers the foot is divided into five zones, each corresponding with specific organs in your body. When we apply a pressure to certain points on your foot, namely reflexes, we send messages to the corresponding organs in your body to clear pathways to your healing. Whilst we gently work on your feet your mind goes into a state of a deep relaxation and this is when the real job kicks in. Your circulation is improved, your nerve response is enhanced and your energy levels are getting the right balance. You unconsciously reconnect your body, mind and spirit, and only by restoring that connection we can regain the homeostasis needed for healthy functioning.
Relax • Restore • Reconnect
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE FIRST SESSION
Before I can take you on the journey to reconnect with your inner self I need to find out a little more about you. Potentially, there can be some impediments to the treatment, like first trimester of your pregnancy or high fever but also, I need to get to know a little more about the health issues you might experience, medication you might be taking or simply to find out from you what you expect from the treatment. By getting to know you I can tailor the treatment according to your health needs. We can discuss in details your expectations and my professional advice.
COVID-19
Covid-19 Secure Workplace Policy – A sign you can trust.
The Association of Reflexologists was established in 1984 and today it is the foremost aspirational and independent professional association for reflexology in the UK. The letters MAR after a reflexologists name identifies them as one of our members – a sign that they have met the strictest standards of reflexology practice, they are insured to practise and that they are committed to continually developing their skills and knowledge.
The Association of Reflexologists Covid-19 Secure Workplace Policy Logo is there to offer you assurance that your reflexologist is following Government guidelines and the AoR Covid-19 Secure Workplace Policy for working responsibly and safely during these unprecedented times.
We are all having to change the way we live but even with the adaptations our members will be making we remain confident that you will still receive a wonderful hands on treatment for improved wellbeing. This is a time when our emotional and physical health need some nurturing and support.
Why is Covid-19 such a concern?
Covid-19 appears to be a highly infectious virus and is thought to have spread to nearly every country in the world. Governments are particularly worried about this as it’s a new virus that appears to be unpredictable.
As we plan to navigate the roadmap to recovery you can be assured that AoR members displaying the above logo will be following all government guidelines and AoR Covid-19 Secure Workplace Policy to minimise risk of cross infection.
What does the AoR Covid-19 guidance include?
AoR Members will:
Work within their Governments Guidelines
Have prepared for and complied with the AoR Return to work document
Comply with the AoR Covid-19 Secure Hygiene Guidelines – details strict hygiene practices for the therapist. You can request to see a full copy from your therapist
Changes that will be made include the following:
You will be asked to complete a
risk assessment form
before each treatment to ascertain if it is appropriate for you to have a treatment
Hand washing
before and after treatments (or hand sanitiser with a minimum of 60% alcohol
Our members will have clean,
dedicated clothes/uniforms
for treatments
Treatment spacing
– allowing 15 minutes between clients to minimise contact with other clients
Cleaning
– This 15 minutes also allows for couch/chair coverings to be changed and any surfaces that have been touched to be cleaned between each client
Depending on the latest government guidelines, your reflexologist is likely to be wearing a
facial covering
and you may be asked to wear one too – even a scarf is fine (ideally double layer cotton)
Clean linen and towels
– will be used for each client
Soft furnishings
– will be removed if non-essential or completely covered e.g. foot pillows
A cleaning checklist
will be on display to show when cleaning has taken place
Waste
will be disposed of in line with Government Guidelines
Laundry
in line with Government Guidelines
As a client you will be required to:
Complete a risk assessment before each treatment. (Your therapist will contact you to complete this)
On arrival declare if anything has changed with your health or within your family unit
Wash your hands (or use hand sanitiser provided by the therapist) on arrival
You may be asked to bring and wear your own face covering. Your therapist will let you know before your treatment if this is the case
Bring your own bottle of water
Bring your own blanket (if requested by the reflexologist)
Inform your reflexologist if you develop symptoms of Covid-19
Arrange contactless payment if possible
Hygiene and your safety is of paramount importance to us, if there is anything you are unsure about please contact your therapist to discuss.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
It really depends on your needs. If your just wish to relax please feel free to book a 60 minutes session on a one-off basis. However, you might start to feel some positive changes, like general stress relief, better sleep or just an improvement in any health issues you might experience. Please get in touch then and we can discuss further what the best treatment options there are for you. If however, you aim to target any particular aspect of your wellbeing, like the need for a better night sleep, feeling calmer, aid your digestion, improve your lymphatic drainage, or even to smooth out your complexion (tackling any problematic skin condition), I would need to see you regularly, for at least 8 sessions to give your body space and time to regain equilibrium.
