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. Sallys deep interest in how we can best support our clients mental as well as physical health began about 7 years ago when her daughter was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression.  This sent Sally on a journey of discovery – what is the physiology and how can we adapt our reflexology? And what self-help techniques are effective?

Sally will be sharing with you a holistic approach looking at what we can do as reflexologists including reflexology techniques 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 (MAR) is a reflexologist and an experienced retreat and 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. 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 from her therapy room in Orgiva and at various retreat centres in the area as well as at one off events. She is very experienced in providing reflexology to clients dealing with grief, anxiety, depression and stress.

Host and facilitator Jane Bartholomew MAR ART (reg’d) trained at the Oxford School of Reflexology. 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; Maternity and Fertility reflexology; Baby reflex and Palliative and Supportive Care.

She worked, for 8 years, at a Holistic Health Centre in Cheltenham where she gained a broad knowledge of complementary therapies and experience of co-treating with professionals of other disciplines. She now lives in Manchester where she works primarily with maternity and fertility clients and those suffering from pain, stress and anxiety. She also works for a cancer charity.

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.

Are you low on energy? Anxious and stressed? Suffering from brain fog In recent years, many pioneering studies, as well as neuroscientific research, has revealed a connection between the brain and the gut in a way that was simply unthinkable just a few decades ago. The gut effectively functions as your second brain.

This workshop will explore the “brain-gut axis” in relation to the intestinal microbiota and the many neurotransmitters that balance your mood.
You will, not only understand this fascinating area of your physiology, but learn how to look after your precious gut flora, keeping you healthy in body and mind.

Unfortunately, the modern Western diet is rather unfriendly towards our gut flora and this workshop will suggest methods you can use to correct this imbalance.

We will be discussing healing and protective foods, preparation methods, bacterial cultures and specific supplements for gut health.
Starter cultures will be provided to take home as part of this workshop.

David is a yoga practitioner, instructor and therapist, and an Ayurveda practitioner, trained in India and Turkey (RYT 500 in Hatha/Power Yoga & Yoga Therapy). Through years of practice and study of many different styles of Yoga, he has developed a unique practice, with a simple and effective method of teaching, with an emphasis on adequate body alignment, breathing & mindfulness. Spiritually inspired by the wisdom and compassion of the Buddhist tradition, each practice becomes a holistic journey that cultivates awareness & acceptance, authentic and universal values that give us the opportunity to discover who we really are, and to find our true place.

Because David’s style is enhanced by his experience as an Ayurveda Practitioner and Yoga therapist, all classes, from a restorative/relaxing approach to the more powerful and challenging practice, are designed according to the students’ levels and needs (especially during Yoga Therapy individual sessions).

http://casapantha.com