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Reflexology with Gail Harrison

 


New Clients – what you need to know
When coming in for your first reflexology session, please arrive a few minutes early to fill out my New Client forms or you can
download them at the bottom of this page.

Each appointment begins with a foot bath as we review your health history and discuss any issues you would like me to address during the reflexology session. You will remain fully clothed during the session – only the shoes and socks are removed. You then have the option of receiving reflexology lying down on a massage table or sitting in a reflexology recliner (great for relieving low back pain). If you would prefer the reflexology recliner, please let me know in advance of your session.

 

If you have any questions before your session,

Please feel free to contact me.     Please review Our Policies, below.

 

 


A Quick Walk through a Reflexology Treatment
Walk Through of a Reflexology Treatment
Never had a Reflexology Treatment? Wondering what the experience is like…
Reflexology with Essential Connections is a very relaxing, revitalizing experience. Here is what you can expect:
When you first arrive you will enter a quiet room with soothing music playing.
 


Prior to the Treatment
We will have a brief conversation about any ailments, allergies, injuries to your feet or other health concerns you are addressing.
Before your first treatment the basics of Reflexology will be explained so you know what to expect and what to share. An important thing to know, the pressure is such that even if you are ticklish, you will not be “tickled”.
The most important thing is to communicate painful or uncomfortable points right away. In my practice the key is to induce your relaxation response. Your body cannot be in complete relaxation when it’s in pain. I am able to adjust my pressure and technique to work on a tender point without causing pain. You do NOT have to experience pain to have a valuable treatment.*
NOTE: Although “clean” feet are greatly appreciated, you do not have to be concerned with the shape, texture or overall appearance of your feet. This is about your health. It is never a beauty contest. Even if you have to come to your appointment from the gym or from work it’s not a problem! Do not fret. Just take care of yourself.
 


The Treatment
The entire treatment lasts 40-45 minutes.
You begin by removing your shoes and socks and lying back comfortably on a massage table. There is a soft pillow for your head and a bolster under your knees, so your back is supported. There’s also blanket so you feel warm and cosy.
An eye pillow is used to block out light and allow you to relax even further.
Although you are encouraged to simply rest and relax (many fall asleep), it is your treatment. If you choose to chat or ask questions you are welcome to do so.
Treatment starts with a nice set of relaxation techniques for your feet.
The “Reflexology Treatment” is a firm and specific pressure over your feet & ankles. You are encouraged to communicate any painful or uncomfortable areas so I can adjust my technique and pressure. Pain is to be avoided during treatment. It does not make it “more helpful”; it detracts from the relaxation response being achieved. *
Dependent upon particular findings, issues and allergies, I may use essential oils at certain times during the treatment.
Treatment ends with more relaxation and deep breathing techniques. You are given time to just relax and absorb the treatment. Then it will be time to remove the eye pillow, get down from the table, and slowly re-enter reality.
 


Post-Treatment
You are encouraged to drink plenty of “empty” water (tea, coffee, juice & soda do not count!) to assist your body in moving the lymph and getting rid of toxins. Failure to drink water may result in an achy feeling.
Most clients will experience improved sleep, a feeling of general relaxation, decreased pain, as well as an increased use of the bathroom following a reflexology treatment.
 

Frequency of Treatment
This is totally dependent on how you wish to use Reflexology in your health goals.
 

Many receive a weekly or bi-weekly treatment specifically as a defence against stress and to assist the body in shutting it off regularly.
 

When utilizing reflexology to help your body deal with a health crisis (illness, pre- or post-surgery, etc), 2-3 treatments a week for 2-3 weeks can be beneficial.
 

A monthly treatment, in reflexology terms, is considered maintenance, and is recommended only when you are happy with your health and have a regular stress management routine in place.
 

If you choose to use reflexology regularly as a tool for your health, find out more about multiple treatment plans that allow you to make the most of your health investment.
 

The Experience
The best way to understand the benefits of Reflexology is to try it. A treatment is worth a thousand words!
I look forward to “treating your feet” and hearing your feedback after your treatment.
 

There are many thoughts applied to Reflexology and we believe there are many paths to an end, so in no way do we wish to put a negative spin on how others practice.

This is simply the philosophy associated with how we Reflexologist practice.

 


Our Policies
Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. Expect your reflexology session to begin and end at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, your appointment will still end at the originally scheduled time, in consideration of any other booked clients. We require 24 hours advance notice to reschedule or cancel an appointment. No-shows or cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may incur a $30 non-showup fee charged at our discretion. Thanks for your consideration. If you need to contact me on the day of your appointment, please call my mobile 0427 255 929.


 

We respect your privacy and will never divulge your personal or health information to other parities whatsoever without your written permission.

All sessions are kept strictly confidential.

 


Download The New Client Form
 

New Client Form (doc)    New Client  Form (PDF)


 

 

 

Added Support Information Client Resources.

Choosing a complementary therapist

If you are considering using complementary therapies, the following suggestions may help you:

  • Talk it over with your doctor or nurse and ask for their advice, especially if you are going to have a therapy which involves taking pills or medicines.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse if there are complementary therapies available at your hospital, or through your GP's practice, or if they can recommend any therapies or practitioners.
  • Always use a qualified therapist who belongs to a professional body. Complementary therapy organisations can give you names of registered therapists and advice on what to look for.
  • Ask the organisation what level of qualification and training practitioners must have before they are allowed to register.
  • Check if the organisation has a code of practice and ethics, and also a disciplinary and complaints procedure (the better complementary organisations will have this).
  • Check the cost of treatment beforehand to make sure you are being fairly charged. Complementary therapy organisations should be able to give you an idea of what is usual. Therapies can be very expensive but some complementary therapies are provided free of charge by the NHS. Some meditation or relaxation organisations provide free sessions. Many yoga classes are reasonably priced.
  • Ask the practitioner how many years of training they've had and how long they've been practising.
  • Ask if they have indemnity insurance (in case of negligence).
  • Don't be misled by promises of cures. No reputable therapist would claim to be able to cure cancer.
  • Choose the complementary therapy that suits your individual needs. If you are not sure and would like to know what other patients have found helpful, contact a patient support group. Support groups often offer complementary therapies.
 

PLEASE HELP BY
SUPPORTING SOLARIS CARE

These People make a difference 
right here in Perth WA.

IN WITH BOTH FEET:

Developing an evidence base for Reflexology in a Cancer Day Unit

A.S. Petterson, D.J.L. Joske

SolarisCare Foundation, Nedlands, WA, Australia

Recently the Board members of the International Psycho-Oncology Society unanimously endorsed the concept that Distress be named the 6th Vital Sign in Oncology. Pain is the 5th Vital Sign.

Vital signs are an essential part of a patient’s case presentation. Prevalence rates of Distress in cancer patient populations have been well documented in the literature along with the impact of distress on cancer patients and their carers.

Stories from cancer patients revealed that receiving chemotherapy treatment in a Cancer Day Unit of a major teaching hospital was for many a distressing experience. Crowded waiting rooms were a highly anxious environment. First time chemo-patients were distressed and they told of treatments being physically and emotionally draining.

In response to this Solaris Care began a pilot project of providing Reflexology to patients and their carers in the Cancer Day Unit. As a means of introducing the project reflexology was administered to all staff as a way of experiencing the relaxation response to this therapy. Reflexology was offered two mornings a week, due to its success, it is now offered three mornings. On average ten patients each morning received reflexology whilst receiving their chemotherapy treatment.

In documenting this project a qualitative questionnaire seeking the nurse’s perceptions of providing reflexology for patients has provided evidence of reduction of distress for patients. Data from patients was gathered by an interview prior to their fist reflexology session and after their sixth. They completed a Symptom Assessment Scale (SAS) and a Quality-of-Life assessment, both are validated instruments. Physical symptoms such as lower blood pressure, lower pain scales and psychosocial measures including distress levels have shown marked reduction. This raises the question about how the provision of complementary therapies, in this case reflexology can be integrated into conventional practice to improve patient’s outcomes. Reference from http://www.solariscare.org.au/research/papers/

Read more of these Article

 How complementary therapies can help

People often speak of feeling that they have lost control of their life when they have cancer. It may be bewildering to spend time in hospitals, which can seem frightening and impersonal, and to meet so many different health professionals, as well as coping with the high-tech machinery and techniques used in cancer treatment. At the same time, it can be difficult to cope with the implications of the illness itself.

Complementary therapists usually work with the person as a whole, not just the part of the body with the cancer. This is called a holistic approach and is something good health care practitioners also do. A complementary therapist who listens and cares may help you cope with some of those difficult feelings, which can be an effective way of getting back some control.

Some hospitals and hospices provide complementary therapies alongside conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy| or radiotherapy.

Complementary therapists may claim that their therapies:

  • help you feel better and improve your quality of life
  • improve your general health
  • give you a sense of control over what is happening to you
  • reduce stress, tension, sleeplessness, anxiety and depression, and make you feel more relaxed
  • help to reduce the symptoms of cancer, such as pain, feeling sick, breathlessness, constipation, diarrhoea, tiredness and poor appetite
  • help to reduce some of the side effects of cancer treatment.

There may be complementary therapies that are not suitable if you have a particular type of cancer or during a particular treatment. It is important to tell your hospital specialist if you are having any form of complementary therapy. You also need to let your complementary therapist know that you have cancer.

 

"Check Therapy Costs"

It is a good idea to ask how much a therapy session will cost before you book, and to get some idea of how often you may need to have the therapy. Some complementary therapies can be very expensive if used over a long period of time.

Some hospitals and hospices offer therapies free of charge or you may be asked to make a small financial contribution. Cancer support groups may offer complementary therapies free or make a small charge. Some private practitioners offer a sliding scale of charges

 

 

Information on Complementary & Integrated Therapy


Australian Association of Massage Therapists
The Australian Association of Massage Therapists (or AAMT) is Australia's peak professional association in the field of massage therapy.


About the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [About NCCAM]
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). We are 1 of the 27 institutes and centres that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


Acubriefs.com - A Comprehensive Acupuncture Research Resource
Actuaries' purpose is to make available the most comprehensive database of references on acupuncture in the English language.


BO Cancer Agency: Unconventional Therapies Database


CAM on PubMed [NCCAM]
NCCAM and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) have partnered to create CAM on PubMed, a subset of NLM's PubMed. Your literature search will be automatically limited to the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) subset of PubMed. Your searches are free.


CAM Search - PubMed - U.S National Library of Medicine
A PubMed search within the limits of Complementary Medicine.


Complementary and Alternative Medicine Evidence On Line
The NHS Priorities/CAMEOL Project is a joint project between the Research Council for Complementary Medicine (RCCM) and the School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster (UoW), London and University of Plymouth, UK. It provides detailed reviews and critical appraisals of the published research in specific complementary therapies, focussing on key areas of NHS priority.


Healing Magazine on Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, Natural Therapy and Well Being
The Healing Magazine has a mission to inform and educate its readers about developments and emerging issues in alternative health, complementary healthcare/integrative medicine and healing practices, and to motivate people to become more self-empowered and responsible with respect to their wellbeing.


Journal of Complementary Medicine
The Journal of Complementary Medicine is a bimonthly journal providing specific information on the use of complementary therapies for treatment, as well as current information on health and medicine.


Macmillan Cancerbackup


M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - Complementary and Integrative Medicine and Its Use in Cancer Care


MedlinePlus - Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Medline's entry on the topic of complementary therapy, providing a starting point to finding further information.


Medlineplus - Complementary and Alternative Therapies Topics
A list of the topics linked to Medline's entry on complementary therapies.


National Cancer Institute - Complementary and Alternative Medicine
For the general public, patients, and health professionals, we offer consumer-oriented information on a wide range of topics as well as comprehensive descriptions of our research programs and clinical trials. This section looks at complementary medicine, and how it may be used in cancer treatment.


National Institute of Complementary Medicine [NICM]



National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [NCCAM] - nccam.nih.gov Home Page
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine conducts and supports research, trains CAM researchers, and provides information about CAM.


NLH - Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Welcome to NHS Evidence on complementary and alternative medicine: finding, evaluating and presenting quality information and evidence on CAM.


Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine
OCCAM aims to improve the quality of care of cancer patients, as well as those at risk for cancer and those recovering from cancer treatment, by contributing to the advancement of evidence-based CAM practice and the sciences that support it as well as the availability of high-quality information for the health care community, researchers, and general public.


Penny Brohn Cancer Care - Courses for complementary therapists
For qualified complementary therapists who are interested in pursuing an academic pathway to working with people with cancer the University of the West of England offers a validated work based learning module.


Penny Brohn Cancer Care - Getting started
As the UK's leading charity in complementary cancer care, the vision of Penny Brohn Cancer Care (formerly Bristol Cancer Help Centre) is to enable world-wide access to complementary care and support through the Bristol Approach. The Bristol Approach, developed by doctors, nurses, therapists and people with cancer, is a unique combination of complementary therapies and self-help techniques. It is designed to work alongside medical treatment and is supported by leading oncologists and others in the healthcare field.


Research Council for Complementary Medicine
Our aim is to develop and extend the evidence base for complementary medicine in order to provide practitioners and their patients with information about the effectiveness of individual therapies and the treatment of specific conditions.


Research Council for Complementary Medicine - CAM databases
RCCM's list of links to Complementary and Alternative Medicine databases.


Therapeutic Good Administration


CIT Website

Information on Therapies at SolarisCare


Australasian Cochrane Centre at the Monash Institute of Health Services Research


Australian and New Zealand Art Therapy Association



Reflexology Association of Australia



Reiki Australia
Reiki Australia is a Reiki association which has evolved from a mission to create professional Reiki treatment standards that preserve the traditional expression of Reiki as a spiritual and personal practice.



Australian Reiki Connection Inc.
National not for profit Reiki Association, established 1997.



Australian Traditional-Medicine Society



Qi Gong


Resource for Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine


Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association


Bowen Therapist Federation of Australia

Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association



International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association

 

 
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