What is reflexology?

Each foot is home to an estimated 200,000 nerve endings that are connected to your organs, muscles and glands via the central nervous system. This fact alone helps to explain how foot reflexology can have such a balancing effect on the whole of your being.

Inviting balance and harmony

A reflexology treatment involves working through specific reflexes on your feet and ankles to encourage your body to return to balance.

A highly regarded complementary therapy, the whole experience can be deeply relaxing. It's time when the mind quietens down, your energy can rebalance and your nervous system has the freedom to recalibrate. 

During and after the treatment, you may find that certain symptoms you were experiencing start to dissipate.

Easing foot pain and tension

Reflexology offers a great workout for the feet too as it involves advanced foot massage techniques.

If you’re experiencing foot pain, cramps, numbness, or your feet just feel tired and heavy, treatments can work wonders in getting them into shape again.

"As above, so below;
as below, so above."
Ancient Egyptian philosophy

How does reflexology work?

Everything is interconnected. Reflexologists believe that the feet are an intricate map of the body's structures, organs and systems. It's by working the reflexes on the feet that we can help to invite whole-body healing.
A reflexologist uses specialised foot massage techniques to work through your body's systems, as reflected on the feet.

Imbalances may be detected in certain areas, just as you may feel some reflexes to be more tender than others. By unblocking these imbalances, symptoms can be improved.

Along with activating nerve endings, reflexology also works with connective tissue (fascia) and the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It involves opening up the energy channels that start and finish in the feet, otherwise known as the Chinese meridians.
Reflexology foot map
Reflexology has roots in Ancient Egypt and China

Why do people get reflexology?

There are many reasons why people seek out reflexology: from foot pain and peripheral neuropathy to help with sleep and reducing the many symptoms of stress. For some, they simply enjoy having an hour to themselves when they can truly switch off.
Foot pain, tension and numbness
Stress, burnout and anxiety
Headaches and migraines
Fatigue and energy levels
Circulation and blood pressure
Insomnia and poor sleep quality
Digestive issues, e.g.  IBS, constipation
Hormonal support, e.g. PMS, menopause
Pain felt anywhere in the body
Post-chemotherapy support

Research studies and clinical trials

Over the past 10 years especially, many research studies have investigated whether all the anecdotal reflexology evidence can be replicated in a research setting.
As examples, there are studies that have scrutinised whether reflexology can be helpful in:
  • Reducing pain and sleep deprivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
  • Easing painful periods, compared with taking Ibuprofen
  • Reducing the intensity of migraines
  • Improving the wellbeing of patients with Parkinson's

While some of the studies are limited in their approach, many of them do still provide evidence of how a series of regular sessions can be beneficial.
"... after the one hour session, my feet feel so renewed and alive again. I so enjoy the peacefulness during the session. This is truly a magic hour."
Maria

What to expect from a treatment

The treatment itself lasts 60 minutes, but allow up to 75 minutes. This includes a short consultation so I can personalise everything to your health and wellness goals.

Refreshed feet

Hot, wet towels are used to freshen up your feet.

Organic creams

Certified Organic with grounding essential oils.

Extra comfort

Blankets on colder days and a far-infrared mat.

Calming music

Atmospheric music to help you relax in the space.

Mindfulness

Guided breaths that invite you into the practice.

Foot massage

Advanced techniques to limber up your feet and access the reflexes.

After-care advice

Wellbeing tips and post-treatment advice, as needed.
"I've had six sessions with Toria and am finding that the issues (physical) I was experiencing are definitely being relieved... I'm also finding that the treatment is the most effective way for me to relax completely"
Kaye

Try reflexology for yourself

Wondering whether this ancient natural therapy can help? Book an appointment or get in touch if you'd like to have a chat first.
Barefoot Holistics is based at:

Albany Centre of Natural Therapies
5 Young Street
Centennial Park
Albany 6330
Western Australia

Hi, I'm Toria, which is short for Victoria

When I first came across reflexology, I was working in a stressful corporate job. I was instantly amazed with how quickly the practice calmed my mind and helped me to ground.
Six years on, after studying reflexology and moving to Albany, it's safe to say I'm fantatical about feet and the role they play in our wellbeing.

Here's a little info on how reflexology played a role in my own journey, together with where I first studied and my specialist training.
"Toria is fabulous! I have been seeing her for hormone balancing treatments, and I have had such a great result! I would highly recommend!"
Jessica

Common questions

How much is a session?

Each reflexology session costs $100 and lasts up to 75 minutes, including a consultation. Payments are by cash or card.

How is reflexology different to a foot massage?

Reflexology involves advanced massage techniques, but it’s very different to a foot massage. The practice involves activating specific reflexes, working systematically through the nervous system, digestive system and cardiovascular system, to name a few. A foot massage may involve activating a few of the main reflexes, but will often glide over the rest of them.

Does reflexology hurt?

While some reflexes can certainly be more ‘lively’ than others, the style of reflexology that I offer won’t cause you pain.

What if my feet are hyper-sensitive?

Well done for getting this far on my website! Seriously though, as someone who also has hyper-sensitive feet, I can almost guarantee you'll be amazed at how that sensitivity disappears when getting reflexology. But do let me know before we get started so I can tailor the techniques for you.

Do I need to take my clothes off?

Not at all. I will only need your feet and the area just above your ankles.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on what you’re looking to shift and how long you’ve experienced symptoms for. After your first session, I'll check-in with you to see whether there has been any changes. While some clients experience improvements after just one session, those with more chronic problems often need at least a few sessions, once a week, to get things moving. After that, many clients book in once a month for some allocated ‘zen’ time, whereas others drop in when they're need of some extra support.     

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Give the gift of reflexology

Treat a loved one to an hour of pure relaxation with a reflexology gift voucher.