Reflexology and Mental Well-Being

Supporting clients who are living with stress anxiety and depression

Supporting emotional wellbeing is such a large part of our work as reflexologists. Sally’s deep interest in how we can best support our clients’ mental and emotional health began ten years ago when a close family member was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression.  This sent Sally on a journey of discovery! This included a delve into the physiology to consider which key reflexes we need to consider, through to greater understanding of the importance of intention.

Sally is an experienced and supportive tutor who is looking forward to this time of learning and sharing. She will explore the holistic approach for supporting clients living with stress, anxiety and depression including reflexology techniques, a look at the importance of grounding for us as reflexologists, and some evidence based self-help techniques that can be offered to clients to help support their journey towards emotional wellbeing.

Host and facilitator Anna Bartholomew, is an experienced reflexologist and retreat & events host. Trained in Thai Reflexology Massage in Krabi, South Thailand and later in Reflexology at the London School of Massage, she has also undertaken training in Advanced Reflexology Techniques (ART) and Advanced Spinal Reflexology and Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT). She has continued her professional development by attending workshops in Women’s Health, Mobilisation Techniques, Ayurvedic Reflexology and The Treatment of Pain.

She currently works with private clients in Orgiva, and is very experienced in supporting those with grief, anxiety, depression and stress. She also works at various retreat centres and events in the local area, in the role of therapist, organiser and educator.

Host and facilitator Jane Bartholomew MAR ART (reg’d) qualified as a reflexologist in 2005. Since then she has continued her professional development by attending courses in: Advanced Reflexology Techniques (ART); Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT); Pain Management Techniques and the treatment of pain; Clinical Reflexology; Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) Functional Reflex Therapy (FRT); Maternity and Fertility reflexology; Baby reflex and Palliative and Supportive Care.

She is also a Yoga Therapist and Somatic Practitioner, and her work is now primarily with those dealing with pain, stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and fatigue.

Having worked at a large Holistic Health Centre for a number of years, she gained a broad knowledge of complementary therapies and experience of co-treating with professionals of other disciplines.

Our mental health is under constant attack from the stress associated with the expectations of others, relationships, family, work and society, leading to insomnia, panic attacks, anxiety, depression and other forms of mental stress. Prescriptions for antidepressants, antipsychotics and sleep medications have risen dramatically over the past two decades.

As a herbalist, Sophie has seen a lot of this in her clinical practice. Herbs can provide a strong support for someone dealing with mental health issues. In this workshop we will discuss the effective use of herbs for depression, insomnia and anxiety medication withdrawal as well as covering core holistic strategies for dealing with these conditions.

Nutrition has a major impact on mental health, through the types of foods we eat, the nutrients needed for brain neurotransmitters and the balance of our gut microbiome. Modern life, and the way we eat, is a significant contributor to the rising rates of mental health disorders – and arguably the most modifiable.

The workshop will provide knowledge and practical strategies about the anti-inflammatory diet, the foundation for good mental health. We will discuss specific foods and nutrients that can effectively enhance emotional wellbeing and help to alleviate stress, depression and anxiety. We will also introduce the concept of nutrigenomics and how natural genetic variations modify our need for specific nutrients. Finally, the links between our gut microbiome and emotional health will be introduced, with explanation of the gut-brain axis and how this can be supported to achieve optimal physical and emotional health.

She will also be offering Thai Massage and with her capacity to hold you in a safe space , Arantza encourages a profound letting go of physical & emotional tensions.