Hi Julie, Can you please tell us more about yourself? How did you become interested in reflexology?
My name is Julie Bradshaw. I personally discovered reflexology whilst going through an illness that left me feeling exhausted, lacking in confidence and dispirited. Reflexology helped me regain a healthy sleep pattern, totally relaxed me, improved my physical and mental well-being which helped lift my spirits and self-confidence. I began the study of Anatomy Physiology Pathology and Reflexology in 2014 I qualified as a Reflexologist in 2016, also enhancing my qualification in order to support Cancer and Palliative Care patients. 2017 – I again added to my reflexology qualification to help clients through the Fertility and Maternity Journey. More recently I qualified as a therapist in Body Massage, which provides me with the opportunity to offer several Holistic Therapies.
So what is reflexology and how does it work with the body?
Reflexology originated in the East some 5,000 years ago, it is a hands-on pressure point therapy.
Modern Reflexology was developed by Eunice D. Ingham in the 1930s who discovered reflexes
in the feet related to different areas of the body: the Chinese believe that Meridians (energetic
highways in the human body) allow for the flow of energy to circulate through the body.
Sometimes our energy highways become blocked resulting in our feeling ill or “below par” using
pressure point therapy techniques through specific points and reflexes in the feet these channels can be unblocked or specific areas within the body can be rebalanced to help aid recovery and help to maintain homeostasis (a relatively stable internal environment) within the body, which is important for mental, physical and spiritual health.
How can reflexology help with fertility?
Receiving reflexology can help to stimulate the reproductive system. The endocrine (hormonal)
system can be stimulated helping hormones to be released to aid with production and release of
ova to help with conception. Receiving reflexology also increases healthy blood flow increasing
oxygen to travel and work to energise cells efficiently. Reflexology is also effective in reducing
tension and stress initiating the relaxation response, this whole combination is helpful in
balancing and relaxing the body helping to offer the best environment for natural conception
alongside essential nutritional health and exercise.
Can reflexology support other female health conditions?
The way in which Reflexology works and impacts the body, it is a supportive therapy for the menstrual cycle and menopausal concerns. A number of women struggle with pre-menstrual issues such as stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, headaches. Reflexology works on the parasympathetic nervous system encouraging the body to heal itself and recover.
Reflexology works, in the same way, helping with peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms such as heightened anxiety, lack of confidence, disturbed sleep, hot sweats. Reflexology simply helps to re-balance the body and clear blocked channels, creating homeostasis within the body.
"Self-care is NOT selfish, it is imperative. "
What is your favourite aspect of your job as a reflexologist?
I simply enjoy helping people in a holistic way, it is gentle yet effective, offered in a calm environment.
What’s one common piece of advice that you give to clients to help them take care of their wellbeing?
Self-care is NOT selfish, it is imperative. Beauty comes from within, look after the inside and glow on the outside.
What should prospective clients look for when searching for a qualified reflexologist?
In the search for Complementary/Holistic Therapist the following two sources have registers of
legitimately qualified therapists: The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) www.fht.org.uk or
The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) www.cnhc.org.uk
How can prospective clients contact you?
I work in the Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire area; I can arrange home visits, however, this incurs travel costs which can be discussed. My contact details are as follows:
email: relaxologytherapy.co.uk
Telephone: 07960 720583
