How do I know you are fully qualified and insured?
I am a member of the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapies) and FICHT (Federation of Chartered Holistic Therapies), and hold VTCT level 3 Diplomas in Reflexology and Indian Head Massage, and a diploma in Oriental Face Massage. I always have current copies of membership, exam and insurance certificates available and will always show these to new or existing clients if requested.

Where do you offer your treatments?
Indian Head Massage, Oriental Face Massage and Reflexology are all very portable therapies, and can take place either in my room here in Bideford, or I can bring my chair or treatment couch to your own home, or even your place of work. The aim is for you to be comfortable and relaxed while you receive your treatment and for you to feel relaxed and refreshed afterwards! (No extra charge for mobile treatments within a 10 mile radius of Bideford, otherwise there is an additional £5 charge if over 10 miles).

Can I chat during my treatment?
This is entirely up to you. Some clients prefer to relax quietly and others prefer to chat. However, you may find the treatment will be more beneficial and effective for you if you relax quietly with your eyes closed.

How will I feel after a treatment?
The treatment is likely to leave you feeling very relaxed. You will need to drink more water during the next 24-48 hours. You may feel tired or may need to visit the toilet more frequently! Some people report feel energised and find they are able to achieve a lot that day. You will hopefully enjoy a deep relaxing sleep that night.

What conditions can be helped with these therapies?
A holistic therapist will not claim to diagnose or cure conditions, but there are conditions which may benefit from the right treatment plan. Treatments may help with stress, anxiety, depression, muscular tension, fatigue, headaches and migraines, insomnia, eye strain, digestive problems, poor immune system, poor concentration, sinusitis, poor hair condition, IBS, hormonal imbalance, PMS, pregnancy symptoms, infertility back pain, neck pain, arthritis pain... the list is endless!

Are there any side effects?
Some possible effects are a headache, needing to urinate more frequently, tiredness, heightened emotions, occasionally nausea, possibly some aching the next day. You may well experience none of these, but if you do, it does indicate that the treatment is working as the body tries to rebalance itself. Any reaction should only last for a maximum of 24 hours following treatment and are normally strongest after the first treatment. After any side effects have passed, you normally experience increased energy and alertness.

Are there any times when it would be inadvisable to have a treatment?
Yes, there are conditions where it would be inadvisable to receive a treatment. This is why it is important to have a short consultation before commencing treatment. If you are currently taking medication, or you have a long term medical condition it may be necessary to check with your GP before starting treatment. If you are in any doubt, please call or email me for advice.

Can I have a Reflexology , Thai Foot Massage, Oriental Face Massage or Indian Head Massage treatment if I am pregnant?
It is recommended that you avoid treatment during the first trimester of pregnancy, (the first 12 weeks). If planning to have a treatment after the first 12 weeks, then it is worthwhile talking to your midwife or health care professional to see if there is any reason why it would be unadvisable in your particular case. There are many benefits to having treatments during pregnancy.  Reflexology can help with back pain, constipation, heartburn, water retention and fatigue. Indian Head Massage is enjoyed by many pregnant women as it is very relaxing, and they find the sitting position very comfortable as opposed to therapies where you need to lie flat.

My feet smell, can I still have a Reflexology treatment or Thai Foot Massage?
You will probably choose to wash your feet before coming for treatment. Then the session will commence with me cleansing your feet with foot wipes, and I use a pleasant smelling lotion of your choice to carry out the treatment. Everybody’s feet perspire and there is always some natural odour, so please do not feel worried! 

I have ticklish feet! Will reflexology or Thai Foot Massage be suitable for me?
The pressure used during a treatment is quite firm.  You will not be tickled!

Can I have a Reflexology or Thai Foot Massage if I have a Verruca?
Yes, the area will be covered with some plaster and avoided during the treatment.

How many sessions will I need and how frequently?
With reflexology, the time taken depends on your condition and how long you have been suffering. It is perfectly safe to have a daily treatment, but few people would have the time or finances to allow this! For acute conditions, some benefit may be experienced immediately, with a significant improvement usually being seen after receiving 5 – 8 weekly treatments. Chronic, long standing conditions may take longer. If you can't manage weekly treatments, then have treatments as often as time and finances allow, and you could support the reflexology programme with self treatment at home between appointments.

Reflexology can also be enjoyed simply to relax and de-stress you, and help maintain a healthy state. Many clients come to me simply for relaxation, and time out from their hectic lives. For this I would recommend a treatment every four to six weeks or as often as your time allows.

With Indian Head Massage, for maximum benefit it is recommended that treatments should be carried out once or twice a week as part of a stress management programme with perhaps 4–6 treatments close together initially. For a maintenance programme, 4 weekly is ideal. For general relaxation and pampering, it is also perfectly OK for you to come as and when your routine allows, coming as often or infrequently as suits you.

With Oriental Face Massage, you will experience the greatest benefits if you could have a treatment once a week for 4 weeks, then once a month for the next few months, then ongoing when you feel stressed, tense or in need or relaxation. I would also recommend practising facial exercises every day to help tone the facial muscles and fight the ageing process.

Will Reflexology hurt?
No, reflexology shouldn't hurt although you may notice some tenderness in certain areas. This can indicate an imbalance in the corresponding organ or area. The tenderness normally reduces after the area has been worked over several times. The amount of pressure used can be varied according to your own needs.

Is it OK if I am also undergoing other complementary therapies?
Some therapies work well together, such as reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Oriental Face Massage, body massage, Chiropractice or Osteopathy. With some therapies such as acupuncture or shiatsu, it would be advisable to check with the other therapist involved. Generally, it is not be a good idea to have too many treatments at the same time, and in fact you would not know which therapy was giving you the most benefit.