Reflexology with Catherine

25/09/2025

I'll be at tomorrow to chat about all things reflexology! 🧁☕️

24/09/2025

Auricular reflexology

Auricular or ear reflexology is the stimulation of the auricle or surface of the ear to support the optimal functioning of the body. It is based on Chinese acupuncture and acupressure points, and also incorporates points relating directly to organs and systems of the body.

The proximity of nerve endings in the ear to the brain, and specifically the vagus nerve, is thought to contribute to the effectiveness of this treatment in alleviating pain and helping to calm the nervous system.

After the reflexology massage, ear seeds are placed on acupressure points on the ear. The seed applies a constant, gentle pressure on the specific point, extending the effects of the treatment beyond the session. You can also press the seed to further stimulate the area, and are advised to keep them on for 5-7 days. They are tiny black seeds from the vaccaria plant, held in place with sticking plaster. Metallic beads on clear stickers can also be used.

Sessions can be completely focused on the ears, or in combination with a foot reflexology treatment.

The client in the photo had a 90 minute treatment, starting with ear reflexology to induce deep relaxation, followed by 60mins of foot reflexology, then placing of ear seeds. The points were chosen based on areas of imbalance that were apparent during the foot reflexology session.

Curious? Get in touch for more information or to book a session.

23/09/2025

What is reflexology?
A complimentary therapy which treats the whole person by stimulating reflex points on the feet, ears, or face, using gentle pressure. It is based on the theory that we can access body systems and organs through the over 7000 nerve endings in the feet, or direct neural pathways in the ears and face, helping to remove energy blockages, stimulating blood flow and encouraging the movement of lymph - the body's own detoxification system.

How does it work?
Unless it is overwhelmed by disease, our bodies have the amazing ability to heal themselves by repairing or regenerating damaged cells and rebalancing body systems.

Unfortunately, our modern lives give our bodies lots of 'noise' to deal with, distracting them from doing the repair work needed to keep us at our optimum.

Reflexology works by helping you slow down and relax, giving your body the chance to focus on what it needs. It encourages you to let go of stress and tension, breathe more deeply, settle your busy mind, and simply take time out to recharge.

What can I expect during a treatment?
You can lie down or sit slightly raised on a massage couch or reclining chair, depending on your needs and comfort. The room is softly lit with relaxing music in the background. You may want to chat, or close your eyes and drift away, or a bit of both, whatever you feel like at the time.

Foot reflexology - The treatment starts with a short foot cleanse, then a reflexology routine suited to your particular requirements using an organic, nurturing reflexology balm or cream. It will last 60 minutes.

Auricular reflexology - A full session includes 25 minutes of ear massage, covering the entire ear surface to stimulate acupressure and functional reflex points. This is followed by the placement of ear seeds to continue the therapeutic effects of the treatment. No cream or balm is used on the ears.

Fancy giving it a try?
Get in touch to book an appointment or to chat about how reflexology could support you.

👣 Foot reflexology, 60mins, £40

👂Auricular reflexology and ear seeding, 45mins, £30

👣👂Combination Treatment, 60mins or 90 mins, £40 or £60.

22/09/2025

It's World Reflexology Week! 👣

That time of year when I suddenly become active on socials for 5 days in a row 😅

This year i'm kicking off with something I get asked by people who don't really take time to relax - how is one hour of reflexology going to help with my stress when it's not taking my stressors away?!

Reflexology and other therapies that focus on relaxation and wellbeing are all similar in that they want to help your body go into its parasympathetic state - switching off your flight or flight response and allowing your body to rest and restore itself. It's only when it does this that your body can put its attention onto making everything work properly. This is also when your brain can use logic and rational thinking as it isn't in survival mode.

Reflexology interrupts the pattern of stress, breaking the cycle of constant reaction and high alert. When you come out of this state, things seem a lot more manageable.

Why not give it a try? 👣

04/09/2025

It's been a while since I put one of these up!

Message me if you'd like any of the slots, and remember I can also do local home visits which may be available outside of these times, so just get in touch and we can arrange it 👣

05/08/2025

25/06/2025

Can a foot Reflexology help with migraines?
Science says YES! 🧠✨
A new randomized controlled trial has revealed something remarkable:
Foot reflexology significantly reduced migraine pain in participants — offering a safe, natural, drug-free option for relief.
For the millions navigating chronic migraines, this isn’t just pampering — it’s evidence-based support. 💆‍♀️
Imagine reclaiming your day, your energy, your calm — one step at a time.
🔬 Explore the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40486630
💡 Looking for reflexology experts? RCRTs™ are trained, certified and registered professionals delivering reflexology that works — rooted in tradition, backed by research.

12/06/2025

All feet welcome!

09/06/2025

Have you ever fancied trying ear reflexology or ear seeding?

I've known about it for a while, and wasn't particularly interested in it, feet are definitely my thing 👣 but then a course popped up from an amazing therapist in New Zealand who was coming all the way to Scotland to deliver it and I thought I'd see what it was all about.

I am thrilled I did because it was amazing!! We learned a deeply relaxing ear massage that stimulates all the reflex points, similar to what we do when working on the feet. Then, we delved into positioning tiny ear seeds onto specific points to further support healing, pain relief, and overall wellbeing long after the treatment has finished.

The points relate to specific parts of the body, or they have a functional benefit, supporting an overall system or condition such as high blood pressure, inflammation, and stress.

I'm so excited to bring this treatment into my practice and will be offering it as either a stand-alone option or as an add-on to your usual foot reflexology appointment.

If you'd like to know more, just ask at your next appointment or get in touch in the usual ways.

I'll let you know how my ear seeds have made a difference for me this week! I've got them positioned to help with hip and shoulder pain, liver detox, hormone balancing, and general calming.

14/05/2025

10/05/2025

Another reason why Reflexology is great for your entire system 👣

👣 The Lymph in Your Feet: Why Your Toes Might Be More Important Than You Think
When we think about circulation and detox, most of us picture the heart, the liver, or the kidneys. But here’s an underrated truth: your feet are lymphatic powerhouses, silently working to detox your body, regulate inflammation, and support immune function—all while you walk, stand, or even wiggle your toes.
Yes, your feet do far more than take you places—they help keep you alive, clean, and balanced.

🧬 What Is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is your body’s second circulatory system, consisting of:
* Lymphatic vessels (similar to veins)
* Lymph nodes
* Lymph fluid
* Immune cells (lymphocytes)
Its key roles include:
* Clearing waste and cellular debris
* Transporting fats from the digestive system
* Regulating inflammation
* Carrying immune signals
Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a central pump (like the heart). It relies on muscle contractions, gravity, and movement to circulate lymph.

👣 The Lymphatic System in Your Feet
Your feet contain a dense network of superficial and deep lymphatic vessels, all designed to transport lymph upward against gravity. These vessels drain into larger lymphatic trunks in the ankles and calves, then continue their journey toward inguinal lymph nodes in the groin, iliac nodes in the pelvis, and ultimately into the thoracic duct, where lymph rejoins the bloodstream.
Key lymphatic components in the feet include:
* Dorsal digital lymphatics (between the toes)
* Plantar lymphatics (bottom of the foot)
* Posterior tibial lymphatics (deep inside the ankle)
* Superficial lymph capillaries (just under the skin)

🔄 How Lymph Moves Through Your Feet
Because gravity pulls lymph downward, the feet are particularly prone to lymphatic congestion. Movement is essential to drive fluid back up the body.
Lymphatic flow in the feet depends on:
* Walking or toe flexion (muscle pumps)
* Ankle movement (activates venous-lymphatic synergy)
* Proper footwear and posture (restrictive shoes may impede lymph flow)
* Manual stimulation or dry brushing (boosts superficial lymph movement)

🧪 What Happens When Lymph Doesn’t Flow?
When lymph becomes stagnant in the feet, you may experience:
* Pitting edema (swelling that leaves an indentation)
* Heavy, tired legs
* Cold toes or poor circulation
* Skin changes (hyperkeratosis, dryness, thickening)
* Increased susceptibility to infections (e.g. cellulitis)
Lymphatic stagnation in the lower extremities can result from:
* Sedentary lifestyle
* Prolonged standing or sitting
* Post-surgical trauma (especially orthopedic procedures)
* Venous insufficiency
* Chronic inflammation or autoimmune disease

💃 Fun Facts About Foot Lymphatics
* 🧦 Compression socks support both venous and lymphatic return—your lymph loves them!
* 🌙 Lymphatic drainage is slower at night, which is why many people wake with puffy feet or ankles.
* 🔄 The plantar fascia (thick tissue in the sole of your foot) influences lymphatic flow by stimulating movement when walking barefoot.
* 🌿 Foot reflexology points correlate with major lymphatic pathways in the body.

🌿 How to Support Lymph Flow in the Feet
1. Move often! Rebounding, walking, and calf raises are your lymph’s best friends.
2. Hydrate well. Lymph is 95% water—thicker lymph = slower drainage.
3. Use a massage ball. Rolling the soles stimulates deep plantar lymphatics.
4. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Gentle hands-on therapy can mobilize stagnant fluid.
5. Elevate your feet. A few minutes of elevation each day helps reverse gravitational pull.
6. Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)

🧠 Final Thought
Your feet might be the furthest thing from your head, but when it comes to immune function, inflammation regulation, and fluid balance, they’re front and center. A healthy lymphatic system starts from the ground up—and that includes your soles, toes, and ankles.
So next time you stretch your feet or walk barefoot in the grass, remember: you’re doing your whole lymphatic system a big favor. 👣💚

Disclaimer:�This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness or therapeutic routine.

©️

01/05/2025

If you want to learn some reflexology routines to use on your little one, get in touch 👣😌

📢 New study alert: The Effect of Massage and Foot Reflexology on Sleep in Newborns.
This study conducted in Turkey looked at 108 premature infants divided into three groups Massage group (n = 36), Foot reflexology group (n = 36), and Control group (n = 36). Foot reflexology was administered to the respective groups twice daily (Morning: 07:00-09:00 and Evening: 19:00-21:00) for 15 minutes each session over two consecutive days. Sleep duration in the foot reflexology group increased compared to pre-intervention (268 minutes).
The findings indicate that foot reflexology is an effective non-pharmacological methods for improving sleep duration and sleep efficiency while reducing wakefulness duration and the number of awakenings in premature infants.
Learn more about this study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40229193/
🌟 Stay tuned for more benefits of reflexology and find your RCRT™ - www.reflexologycanada.org.