See and Achieve.

As a reflexologist I am often approached by clients who are hoping to achieve something; improved sleep, reduced stress, fertility help, a worry free birth, fewer migraines and so on.

As a reflexologist I am also sometimes the ‘last resort’. Clients have tried their GP, taken up some form of exercise or other, worked on their diet etc so what else can they do?

The following quote by Richard Bach makes a very powerful point:

“To Bring Anything Into Your Life, Imagine That It’s Already There.”

During reflexology clients generally fall into a deep sense of relaxation but before they do we talk about what they are hoping to achieve, not just from that particular treatment but in general.

By asking a few basic questions I encourage my clients to visualise what they are aiming for. I then encourage them to think what the changes they are trying to make may actually look like in their day to day lives. For example, improved sleep could enable them to get up earlier, have more energy, feel more positive about themselves and perhaps get that well deserved promotion at work.

For some Mums the fear of giving birth can, in some cases, lead to them subconsciously sending messages to their body and baby that they aren’t ready yet. As a result their baby stays put where they are warm and cosy. By helping them to visualise holding their baby in their arms it can help the mind and body come to terms with each other and enable nature to take its course.

So, while I’m working away on the face or feet, helping the body focus, so my clients are helping themselves to take another step closer to their goal.

If you feel this may be something you would like to explore further do please get in touch. I have worked with clients for a number of reasons both emotional and physical and would be very happy to discuss any queries you might have.

Complete Reflexology
07768 644643
claire@completereflexology.com

Cast off winter, change is afoot!

This morning I was sitting at my desk, sun pouring in through the window and I felt an almost physical pull to go outside. Luckily I have a very obliging dog so we set off for a walk.

The sun shone, the trees were starting to show signs of buds and the skies hinted at positive change – could this be the first true signs of spring? I know – February – probably wishful thinking but nonetheless…

The shift in weather brings with it a shift in focus and certainly for me it elicits change – personally it means time to finally book a Pilates class and sign up for a choir that I’ve had my eye on for a while but, until now, have put off as I’ve questioned my own commitment and ability!

Professionally – a new location brings a new set of challenges for my business that I am determined to see as opportunities, as yet, untapped. I’m also looking at some exciting training programmes that will enable me to bring reflexology to a wider audience – so – as they say – watch this space!

But what about you? Are you looking forward to the Spring with enthusiasm and energy? ready to face new challenges? take up a new sport? learn a new language? or maybe it’s time to focus on a healthier, happier you but you aren’t sure which way to turn?

I recently saw a post on Facebook that I believe was attributed to a group simply named “Buddhism” and the post read as follows: ‘The answers you seek never come when the mind is busy, they come when the mind is still.’

Simple in theory but in the current world of nonstop communication, perhaps not as easy to bring about as it should be. And this is where Reflexology may be able to help; through a combination of facial and foot reflexology your body and soul can start to relax, your mind can wander and your hopes can build.

If you would like to know more about reflexology and how it may work for you do please get in touch, I would love to hear from you and help you along your next path.

Complete Reflexology
07768 644643
Claire@completereflexology.com

A New Year – it’s time for a New You!

How often do we hear this at this time of the year? Time to change, time to become what you’ve always wanted to be, time to leave your old life behind. But why? If we’ve been so far ‘off track’ how have we managed to get this far?

Instead of seeing it as time to change and throw out the ‘old you’, how about seeing it as time to grow? time to build on the strengths we already have, time to accept the areas we may not like but cannot realistically change – I’d love to be taller, younger even but in reality these are things that I have little control over – I can however make the most of what/who I am and maximise what my current health, age etc allows.

The following article puts things far more eloquently than I can so do please read on. I particularly appreciated the point re dissatisfaction at this time of the year when there is a palpable pressure to make resolutions, change things and  acknowledge where we have fallen flat to date. As the article goes on to say – if you want to grow you need to have space in your life to do so, if you want to achieve great things, you need to have some small steps to help you on your way. In my words – don’t set yourself up to fail. From little acorns…

Cultivate What You Want by Loving What You Have

Happy 2017 everyone – may this be the year you grow, enjoy and appreciate the real you.

Complete Reflexology
07768 644643
Claire@completereflexology.com

The Pickering Cancer Drop In Centre and World Reflexology Week – 19th to 25th September.

Every year a week is put aside to raise awareness for reflexology around the world, hence World Reflexology Week!

This year I’ve decided to try and both raise awareness and raise funds for the Pickering Cancer Drop In Centre – named in memory of David Pickering, a consultant oncologist in Kent who was also my husband’s cousin.

I will be donating 50% of all treatments given during the week of 19th to 25th September – please help me to make it a success for the Pickering Centre and book yourself in for a treat 🙂

Treatments Available:

Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage – perfect for those who spend too long bent over their laptops

Foot Reflexology – working through the reflex points on the feet, this treatment can help bring about a deep sense of relaxation and calm.

Facial Reflexology – using Neals Yard facial oils you will find yourself drifting away as I gently work points on your face and scalp.

Treatments can be standalone or a combination subject to the time you choose:

30 minutes – £30, 45 minutes – £40, 60 minutes – £50

The Pickering Cancer Drop In Centre runs on donations and the good will of a team of volunteers without any lottery or NHS funding so all funds will be very welcome www.pickeringcancercentre.org.uk

Treatments will be at my home in Tunbridge Wells – email or call me to book – claire@completereflexology.com or 07768 644643

Do please pass this to anyone you feel may be interested – the more the merrier 🙂

Many thanks – and hope to meet some of you soon.

Claire

Does your teenager seem more distant than normal? Are they cutting themself off from you and/or their friends?

For many the return to school is fun: a chance to learn, spend time with their friends, get back into the sports team and generally – be a teenager.

But for others it is a time of change, uncertainty and upset which can lead to stress, anxiety or depression.

As teenagers differ, so too do the visible signs that something may be wrong.

The following list is by no means finite but will hopefully give you an idea of what to look out for:

• mood swings – is your usually happy, easy going teen snapping one minute then happy the next?
• change in sleep patterns – are they sleeping more – or less – than usual?
• change in eating habits
• headaches
• regular colds/flu
• unexplained joint/muscle pain
• inability to concentrate – used to love reading but can’t sit still for more than a few minutes at a time?
• cutting themselves off – do they spend more time in their bedroom than usual?
• over social – is your teen always in the company of others (friends or family), afraid to be alone?
• over active – do they have to constantly be on the go? unable to relax?

How can reflexology help?

Firstly – I am neither a Dr nor counsellor/psychiatrist and must point out that if you are concerned about your teenager (or child of any age) I would strongly recommend talking to your GP. The worries may be all yours with your youngster blissfully unaware that their teenage moods are causing you angst!

However, providing an opportunity to step out of their usual environment, into a non-judgemental, calm space can have a positive effect and this is where reflexology comes in.

Regular treatments can help to relax the individual, reduce stress and enable sleep patterns to improve. Often they feel it is a safe place to raise any worries they have which can help them face the challenge or see it from a different angle.

Experience has shown that for some teenagers life gets stressful at certain times – exams, return to school, move to a new school – treatments can therefore be arranged pre and during the stressful periods.

For others, the worries are ongoing so a more regular programme might be required and monitored to help maximise the outcome.

Clearly treatments and any discussions are confidential but subject to the age of the young person, may require a parent/guardian to be present and/or give consent for the treatment to proceed.

Of course you, the parents/guardians, are also more than welcome – if you are calm and relaxed you will doubtless find it easier to help your teen through their tough times – lead by example 🙂

Complete Reflexology
07768 644643
Claire@completereflexology.com

I have previously mentioned that I believe there is a complementary therapy out there for everyone but that no one therapy fits all.

Along a similar line, having found the right therapy it doesn’t automatically follow that you have found the right therapist. Hence – right therapy, wrong therapist!

Confused…? Think of it along the lines of looking for a new house – those elusive thoughts of ‘I will know when I see it’ come to mind – nothing as concrete as it has to have 4 walls, a roof and running water but a certain feel, a sense of trust and dare I say it, your favourite aunt!

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to provide reflexology treatments in a large global organisation, an organisation that I had worked for several years prior in a corporate role (pre-reflexology!). On my first morning I went along to the treatment room to set up only to run into the ‘previous’ reflexologist – embarrassing for both of us!

However, she was gracious enough to admit that things hadn’t really worked out for her in the organisation and that considerable potential remained untapped – I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I was fully booked all day and I’m glad to report it continued to be a very positive experience for years to come

But why? What worked for me that hadn’t been such a success for her? We were both qualified, both members of the Association of Reflexologists so adhered to the same code of conduct and were of a similar age. There is no scientific answer – just a case of one approach or personality appealing to its’ audience.

So how can you find the right therapist for you?

For reflexology I would suggest you start with members of the Association of Reflexologists – that way you know they are insured, qualified and undertaking ongoing learning and development (CPD) to keep up to date with changes in the industry.

Next step, take a look at their website or Facebook page if they have them, both will give you a feel for the therapist, how they speak/write should reflect their personality and hopefully give you some insight into the therapist themselves. Reviews and testimonials can also be helpful – if they all refer to a very clean clinic but there is no reference to the therapist or treatment…

Speak to your potential therapist on the ‘phone – it’s so easy to book things over the internet or via email but time spent on the telephone could be time very well spent!

I offer programmes to my clients – discount for booking a number of treatments up front, but I don’t offer this to any client until we have had the first treament to ensure we are able to work together. I believe it is a two way relationship and both therapist and client need to feel fully at ease with each other for the treatment to have maximum effect.

Right therapist found and you may just have started down the path of a long and succesful relationship – Enjoy!

If you think I may be the right therapist for you I would love to hear from you!

Complete Reflexology
07768 644643
Claire@completereflexology.com

Reflexology is the number 1 complementary therapy!

Of course I would say that but don’t just take my word for it – take a look at the article below which goes into more detail.

I’m really pleased to read that the benefit of complementary therapies such as reflexology & massage is starting to be seen beyond just pampering and that 73% of clients are coming regularly to support long term conditions.

If you think it may be what you are looking for please get in touch – I’m always happy to talk things through and discuss how reflexology might be of help.

Reflexology and body massage are most popular complementary therapies survey finds

Jet lag – just hearing the word makes a number of us groan, business travellers and holiday makers alike!

‘I’m on holiday – it’s 4 am and I’m wide awake’

‘I’ve just landed, it’s 2 am and I have an important meeting first thing tomorrow but I can’t sleep…’

Sound familiar? For most of us jet lag seems inevitable – only the lucky few can avoid it completely!

So what’s the answer?

Sadly there doesn’t seem to be one answer that will suit everyone. There are a number of approaches however that have helped improve the situation for some and lessened the effect of jet lag. Some are listed below:

1. Set your watch to the local time (at destination) as soon as you get on the plane.
2. Act per the local time – if it’s time to sleep, try to at least rest, relax and shut your eyes.
3. Keep hydrated – water is your friend, alcohol isn’t!
4. Exercise – personally, whenever I land in the US (from the UK), I head to the gym if at all possible before going to bed. The last thing you will feel like but you’ll be glad you did! Encourages more water intake too.
5. Melatonin – some swear by this remedy.
6. Read – if you are awake in the middle of the night it’s likely your thoughts will wander and you will start solving tomorrow’s problems – reading can help clear your mind and help you to relax.
7. Try to relax – this may sound trite but if the minute you wake up you start bemoaning being awake you won’t give yourself the chance to drift off again. Equally, if you go to bed and don’t feel tired, give yourself time – if the room is dark, temperate and quiet it will help.
8. Earplugs – I couldn’t sleep without them, especially if there’s noisy AC?

But what about reflexology?

As I stated, no one approach works for everyone but the clients I have worked with have found reflexology to be deeply relaxing and several believe it has helped them to overcome jet lag more easily.

Reflexology works through the various reflex points on the hands, feet and face. As we work through those points it helps to bring a sense of balance and relaxation which in turn helps to calm both mind and body. Whilst not a guarantee I would certainly encourage you to try!

Safe Travels!

Complete Reflexology
07768 644643
Claire@completereflexology.com

Welcome to the first Complete Reflexology blog!

I’ve had my website for 3 years and a Facebook page for 2 and have now decided it’s time to blog on reflexology along with anything else that catches my eye so please feel free to check in from time to time.

I recently came across the folder I submitted at the end of my course and amongst it was an article I had written on how I came to reflexology and what had ‘stuck out’ during the early days. The following are a couple of extracts that I hope you will find interesting:

“When I signed up for the Diploma in Reflexology it was for the sole purpose of wanting to learn something new – purely selfish reasons you might say. Was the intention to set up a business? I think I can honestly answer No – I hadn’t thought anywhere near that far ahead. Nor had I really considered what I was letting myself in for 🙂

So you can imagine how 6 case studies, 40 one-off treatments, essays, giving treatments at the yoga show and an anatomy and physiology exam came as a bit of a surprise! What came as an even bigger surprise was just how much I was enjoying it!

Writing essays and taking exams has never been fun – at least not for me. But working on people’s feet, having physical contact with individuals both friends and strangers alike was a whole different ball game and one that I wasn’t prepared for.

Of course I knew I would be handling people’s feet but what I didn’t expect was to find myself hesitant about it and feeling as though I was crossing a barrier that in some cases might not want to be crossed.

Initially it felt that by taking a client’s feet and working through the sequence, I was invading their privacy – did I have the right to know they had an imbalance in their neck, small intestine or prostate reflex? And what was I supposed to do once I knew?”

As I said, I wrote this during my studies and literally hundreds of feet have passed through my hands since then during which time I’ve come to realise that the hesitancy isn’t a negative but a note of respect for each and every client.

Yes I am more confident now as a reflexologist than I was when I started and yes, I am more comfortable talking through any findings and advice following a treatment but the respect I hope will remain.

When that’s gone it’s probably time to start down another path.

Complete Reflexology
07768 644643
claire@completereflexology.com