I have always been interested in massage and various forms of alternative health care since I can remember. So when I had the chance, after having been abroad for a few years, I came back to the UK and began to study. I have been practicing in Edinburgh since 2002 and now have a variety of qualifications and therapies under my belt. Reflexology is my primary qualification and over the last few years I have broadened my understanding and developed my skills by taking courses in different areas of Reflexology - Maternity Reflexology, Thai Reflexology, Adapted Reflextherapy for spinal pain and whiplash, Precision Reflexology etc. Through treating clients with Reflexology I found that I wanted to balance this treatment with other forms of alternative treatments. I have added Hopi Ear Candles, Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot Massage and Neuro Linguistic Programming. Through my treatments I feel I give a rounded and balancing treatment which treats the whole body, mind and spirit.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a gentle form of natural healing that involves treatment by massage to the reflex areas of the feet and/or hands. The reflexes correspond to all the various parts and organs of the body and, therefore, reflexology offers a means to treat the whole body. It is a supportive and caring complimentary therapy which is based on the body's meridians. Meridians are invisible lines of a type of energy known in the east as chi or ki, which nurture and hold our entire being. Blockages in these pathways can lead to physical, mental or emotional problems. By massaging the feet or hands in a certain way the blockages are cleared, leading to better health. In this way illness can also be prevented from happening, as the treatment helps to boost the immune system. Regular reflexology treatments, covering the whole person (in body, mind and spirit) can be one of the best ways to restore balance, health and vitality.

What can Reflexology help with?

• Stress and tension
• PMT
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Muscular pain, swelling and discomfort
• Hormone imbalance
• Headaches and migraines
• Toxin problems
• Respiratory problems
• Allergies

What can a client expect from Reflexology?

• Pain reduction
• Improved well being and balance
• Reduced stress levels
• Re-energisation and improved sleep

What happens during a treatment?

During the first treatment session a consultation will take place. This will give an incite into the general health and well being of the client. After this the client will be asked to take both shoes and socks off and to lie on the bed. The treatment will then commence - normally using talcum powder as a massage medium the therapist will work firstly on the left foot and then the right. Passing over all the reflex points which will indicate to the therapist where the blockages are. By working on the congested areas the therapist will be able to release these areas in the body. Thus restoring health and vitality back to the body. This is the beginning of the process. The client must take responsibility for the healing process and must be aware that changes in diet and daily habits can along side Reflexology lead to better long term health.

Praise for Reflexology: "My doctor recommended reflexology to me, after I had suffered for months with insomnia. I had tried various other remedies, from hot baths to aroma therapy oils to sleeping tablets, but with no luck. I was a bit dubious about reflexology in the beginning. I couldn't see that I would feel any benefit from having my feet rubbed, and it all seemed a bit hocus-pocus to me. However, I was desperate so I made an appointment. I spoke briefly with Meriel about my insomnia, and within minutes I was on the table, shoes off and still feeling a bit dubious. That feeling disappeared soon after as, for the first time in months, I felt myself actually relax. It was wonderful. Within about 20 minutes I was asleep.

I don't understand the science behind reflexology, but I definitely believe it to be beneficial. Not only has it helped no end with my lack of sleep, but it allows me to relax and drift away, and gives me a feeling of calmness afterwards. Reflexology has definitely helped me regain a normal sleep pattern, and has relieved a lot of the everyday stress and anxiety that I didn't realise I was carrying around. I feel lighter, happier and more balanced. I have, and will continue to recommend Meriel to anyone who wants to relax and unwind." K. in Edinburgh

For further information my website is http://www.headandfoot.co.uk