The Therapies
Reflexology
Reflexology is a Science which works on the principle that each organ/system within the body has a reflex point on one or both of the feet and hands. The Reflexologist uses light pressure to work each of the points in the whole of the foot, one at a time, to remove energy blockages, disperse accumulations of calcium, stimulate blood circulation and promote healing of body, mind and spirit rather than a diagnosis or set of symptoms.
Reflexology may help promote feelings of calm and well-being which in turn may help to reduce stress, balance the body and invoke a positive outlook thus lifting the spirits.
Reflexology rebalances the whole of the person.
Some clients book a regular weekly or monthly session to keep their system balanced and in good working order.
Heres a non-exhaustive list for which Reflexology may be beneficial:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Ehlers Danloss Sydrome
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Headaches and migraines
- Hayfever and Sinusitis
- General aches and pains
- IBS
- Fatigue
- Fibromyagia
- PMT
- MS
- Parkinsons
- Tinnitus
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been used to treat people for thousands of years. China, Egypt and India have all recorded the use of plant oils for therapeutic use.
Aromatherapy involves the therapeutic application of essential oils made from flowers, leaves, stems, roots and trees in a variety of ways, including massage, baths and inhalation.
Aromatherapy is now used to treat people both physically and psychologically. As well as having a lovely aroma, which can be a beneficial experience in itself, oils have strong healing properties, and can be used for a wide range of conditions.
Therapeutic Massage
Massage is recorded as one of the earliest forms of physical therapy and is known that it was used by different cultures over 3000 years ago.
Touch, pressure or flowing movements are applied to the skin and underlying tissues to release muscular tension and pain with the aim of achieving a beneficial response such as relaxation. Touch is stimulated by encountering an object and provides us with a wide range of sensations and information. With massage, touch is the gateway to feelings of comfort, reassurance, and relaxation.
Massage is the most effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system. Massage may be effective for many conditions.
Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT)
This is a very effective and powerful addition to Classical Reflexology, and is particularly useful for Orthopaedic conditions (i.e. back, neck, shoulder, hip pains etc), Fertility issues and other Hormonal problems. It may also be helpful for Breathing Disorders.
It is applied to the top of the hands or feet whilst you stand or are weight bearing. It can be used alone or together with conventional Reflexology. It allows deeper access to known reflex points, and is a powerful treatment to have.
VRT stand alone treatment is particularly appropriate for those who:
- have difficulty reclining for any length of time
- have not got enough time for a full Reflexology treatment
- have a chronic condition needing an extra boost
However, it usually forms part of a regular Reflexology treatment.
Neuroflexology
A very new, powerful therapy! Not to be confused with any form of Reflexology.
It is a stand alone treatment.
Neuroflexology works by the therapist triggering a healing response within the client, letting the body re-balance. It is carried out on the nerve runs in the feet and lower leg, or hands and arm, using light pressure by way of fingers/thumbs.
There may be points which are uncomfortable, which indicates an imbalance, and these should be fed back to the therapist.
Application time of therapy is a maximum of 7 minutes. However, the treatment lasts for an hour.
Sensations such as tingling, varying levels of heat & coolness, heaviness & lightness have all been reported, and are all part of the healing process. Neuroflexology although has shown good results after one treatment, a course of treatments will bring about a longer lasting, better outcome.
Ideal for those who are suffering from
- Inflammatory conditions (Arthritis, IBS)
- Anxiety/Depression
- Joint Pain
- Backache
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is based on the Ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years
The massaging of the scalp, neck, shoulders, back and upper arms is particularly beneficial for the release of tension, promoting well-being and relaxation. It has been reported that the therapy is a deeply calming, relaxing & serene one and that the client may feel revitalised, energised and have better concentration.
Indian Head Massage is performed with the client fully dressed, and sitting on a chair. May be performed with or without oils depending on the clients choice.
It can be effective in the following
- Relief from eye strain & lack of concentration
- Relief from muscle tension in the head, neck & shoulders
- Sleep Disorders
- Encourage healthy hair growth
Reiki
In Japanese Reiki means 'Universal Life Force'. Reiki is a therapy that can be either hands on, or the hands are held just above the body. It is a gentle yet powerful healing modality, and works on the same principles as Acupuncture and Yoga. There is no belief system involved with Reiki, so long as the recipient wants to heal and feel better, is all that is needed.
Reiki works by the practitioner channelling the healing energy to the client, which in turn activates the clients own abilities to heal, whether it be on a spiritual, physical or emotional level. Reiki helps release blocked energies and creates a sense of balance, of being in touch with oneself.
May help with the following:
- Headaches
- Emotional Issues
- Trauma
- Calm The Mind
- Stress Related Digestive Disorders
- Clients living with disabling neurological conditions
- Clients living with long term debilitating illness
- Panic Attacks
- Sleep disorders
- Promote Deep Relaxation
- Reduce Stress & Anxiety
- Speed Up Healing & recovery after Surgery
Hot Stone Reflexology
Heated Basalt Stones are used within the Reflexology treatment. The warmth from the Stones allows a deeper penetration of Reflex points - it is said that a single stroke with a warmed stone is equal to 5 strokes with the hand. Heat from the well placed stones increases healing & balance of the body, reduces pain within the body and improves circulation. An exceptional and luxurious treatment.
Benefits of Hot Stone Reflexology may include:
- Promote Deep Relaxation
- Alleviates stress
- Releases toxins
- Relieves pain
- Improves circulation
- Calms the mind
Maternity Reflexology & Fertility Reflexology
Taking the decision to start a family is a life changing one. Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned, and becoming pregnant is more difficult than first thought. Fertility problems may come to the fore in a manner of ways, including ovulation problems, polycystic ovaries, poor sperm quality or other unknown reasons. Stress and anxiety can also have a huge impact when trying to conceive.
This is where Reflexology may be able to help. Both partners can have Fertility Reflexology,(in fact, it is recommended!). It encourages deep relaxation, alleviates tension & stress, balances hormones and the reproductive system so that conception may take place.
Maternity Reflexology is one of the safest therapies available to Pregnant women, and is very popular.
Pregnancy causes the woman's body to go through huge changes - emotional, physical and hormonal.
Ideally, Maternity Reflexology should be carried out from the 2nd Trimester onwards.
Women who receive regular Reflexology treatments throughout their pregnancy may experience shorter labour and deliver very close to the expected delivery date.
Hot Stones Massage
This is a massage using Basalt Stones, either heated or cooled. They are used to relax and manipulate tired and sore muscles. The heat enables the therapist to work at a deeper level, using both the heated stones and the hands.
Some of the reported benefits of a Hot Stone Massage are:
- Lymphatic drainage and cleansing
- Relief from Insomnia
- Improves circulation
- Relaxes muscles, soothes aches
- Increases range of motion in joint movement
- Back pain relief
- Relieves stress
TFT Tapping (Thought Field Therapy)
Thought Field Therapy was developed by Roger Callahan, an American psychologist. It is based on using Acupuncture points (meridian points), which the client taps with their fingers.
Can help with:
- Relief from anxiety & panic attacks
- Phobias and fears, such as flying, spiders, lightning, snakes etc and exam fears
- Addiction (alcohol, food etc)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Improve confidence
- Chronic Pain
- Migraines
Gentle Release Therapy
A wonderfully gentle therapy that could almost be considered a mixture of Reiki and Acupuncture (without the needles), which combined with additional techniques creates a synergy that allows the body to release.
Release? Release what? It is often found in the first session, a lifetime of stress being held in the body, that the client didn't even realise was there.
Gentle Release Therapy uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Theory to understand what's going on in the body. . We also have extremely gentle emotional release techniques that we can use if there is an issue in particular that's causing you stress.
In addition to the TCM work with the abdominal organs we also incorporate cranial release regularly into treatments which involves an extremely light touch which can allow the body to release on another level. Techniques also include those that release the endocrine (hormone system) and lymphatic system that can be used as required. All treatments are tailored to deal with what your body needs to release at that moment in time.
After treatments clients often feel lighter in both the head and abdomen and will very often be so relaxed they go and take a much needed nap, or be so energised they get loads of work done that they have been struggling with for ages!
EnerQi Facial Rejuvenation
Enter a world beyond simply skincare, EnerQi Facial Rejuvenation offers a new dimension to the traditional facial.
Prepare to experience deep healing energy with the added bonus of next-level transformation for the skin.
Enjoy all the benefits of Gentle Release Therapy with the added bonus of the ultimate soulful facial experience.
Nourish and gently release tensions in your body, mind and soul whilst your face is lifted, sculpted, lines softened and skin plumped.
Based on the ancient Chinese principles of “Qi”, the Chinese word for “energy” which flows through everything in creation, EnerQi Facial Rejuvenation aims to harmoniously support the body’s energy whilst simultaneously providing facial skincare benefits.
Using natural and non-invasive techniques that holistically support your overall wellbeing, EnerQi Facial Rejuvenation offers a transformational experience tailored to your own specific needs.
Perfect as the self-love pamper for a one-off treatment before a night out or special event, EnerQi is ultimately beneficial as part of an ongoing treatment schedule.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, the EnerQi technique uses tools such as Gua Sha, jade rollers and facial cupping for a totally bespoke facial experience.
Blending an holistic facial (which includes steaming hot towels and indulgent organic and vegan products) with the unique and powerful Gentle Release Therapy, the incredible synergy allows the body to unwind and release tension whilst enhancing the facial aesthetic.
The treatment aims to support energetically meaning it can be useful in helping people suffering with a wide range of conditions such as
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Brain Fog
Gentle Release Therapy~Spirit Points
With its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this modality is carried out by the Practitioner holding Acupuncture points to enable the client to release any tension, dis-ease or trauma. This promotes a deep sense of wellbeing, balance and harmony. A deep and powerful treatment.
There are 12 Spirit Acupuncture Points and each of the points helps to free you from constructs of your life that are stopping you living in the path of your true destiny. We use Gentle Release Therapy to intuitively clear the points rather than acupuncture, This treatment is deep very powerful. Life can sometimes get a bit messy as the world sorts things out to get you back on path. However, it is said the aligning with your destiny will bring you joy, so your destiny will be a place of contentment and happiness. Whilst it is of a spiritual nature we have seen physical ailments resolved with this treatment too, and found it supportive for depression and anxiety.
A treatment would normally be either one two hour session or a couple of shorter treatments. One or two sessions can bring about powerful and substantial change.
Facial Therapies
Your skin reflects your health. If you're stressed, your skin is more prone to break outs, flare ups and can become highly sensitive. A Facial treatment, whether a one off or a regular occurrence, can promote the circulation of blood, thus helping to remove impurities and rejuvenating the complexion.
Your skin holds onto pollution, and the elements of the weather. It needs hydration from inside and out, (drink water! You'll be amazed at how quickly upping your water levels can improve your skin!) and care to keep it healthy and glowing.
There are, literally, hundreds of pressure points in your face. These relate to various systems in your body, and by working these by way of a Facial, your body has a work-out of sorts.
A professional facial once a month is ideal
Facial treatments have the following benefits:
- Cleanses Skin
- Help alleviate jaw ache
- May prevent aging
- Improved skin tone/elasticity
- Rejuvenates complexion
- Helps de-stress by way of touch and scent
There are now 3 options for Facial Therapies - Express, Luxury or The Rose Luxury.
Crystal Foot Massage
Massaging with crystals combines the relaxing benefits of Massage/Reflexology with the healing vibrations of crystals and can give an experience that relaxes and balances the body.
It works on all levels - emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual. Crystals gently remove energy imbalances.
*If you wish to discuss which therapy may be of help to you, do make contact.*
About Me
Geraldine Lockyer-Sinden MAR trained and qualified in Reflexology with Gillian Soutar at the Kent School of Holistic Reflexology and is a full member of the Association of Reflexologists.
Geraldine has been trained by the founder of Vertical Reflex Therapy VRT™, Lynne Booth in both Basic and Advanced VRT™.
She practices Reflexology, VRT, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Therapeutic Massage, TFT Tapping (Thought Field Therapy) & is attuned to Level 2 Reiki.
As a Therapist she is bound by a code of Professionalism and Ethics. Confidentiality and client care are always of utmost importance.
Geraldine attends regular training and courses to keep her skills updated, and also holds a diploma in Spiritual Healing and is educated to Degree level.
With a life long interest in complementary therapies, and a passion for helping others, Geraldine aims to treat each of her clients with courtesy, respect and on an individual basis. Tailoring the therapy to the client ensures that they are treated holistically, thus enabling the persons own body to heal.
Geraldine has special interests in Neurological conditions, such as, MS, Ehlers Danloss Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Parkinsons Disease.
Geraldine finds her work very fulfilling & rewarding, having the ability to help people to feel better, reduce pain and stress.
Complementary therapists never claim to cure or diagnose any illness.
Covering North and East Kent including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Sturry, Canterbury, Faversham, Sittingbourne, Medway Towns and Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate.
Qualified AoR Reflexologist covering Sittingbourne, Faversham and all of East Kent