Clare Calvert Reflexology and Yoga

My approach

I am particularly interested in the close links between the principles of zone therapy (reflexology); meridian theory (chinese acupuncture) and marma points (yoga) and I believe that by integrating all of these, and drawing from the ancient traditions, which are based on thousands of years of observation, maximum benefits may be received.
I am also constantly interested in new ideas and approaches and, if relevant to the client, I may include some of these in the treatment:

acupressure points from Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory

marma points from ayurvedic theory

precision reflexology - linking different points to help balance the body

Benefits


Simply by providing time out to relax from the anxieties of modern life reflexology will help to reduce stress and avoid many stress- related sicknesses, including:

cancers

auto-immune illnesses

IBS and digestive problems

insomnia

headaches and migraines

PMT, infertility, menopause and other related hormone imbalances

asthma and respiratory problems;

arthritis and muscular and joint related conditions

it may also be invaluable during the time of pregnancy, labour and post-natal care.



Treatments

It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
In the first treatment your medical history and some questions on health and lifestyle will be taken. You will then be asked to either lie down on a massage couch or sit in a reclining chair with your feet up.
Shoes and socks will be removed and trousers rolled up.
The feet are examined to note any areas that may need special attention;
The feet are then wiped and treatment continues with light, but firm pressure, pinpointing certain areas. It is not painful, but tingling and sensitivity may be felt in some places which indicates a response to the treatment.

After treatment

It is advised to have time to rest in order to enjoy and maximise the benefits of treatment. Also to drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals, alcohol and caffeine.
After effects may be experienced up to 24 hours ater treatment. These may include: increased energy, euphoria, lightheadedness, drowsiness, nausea, increased urination or bowel movement, better sleep, increased emotional sensitivity.

Duration

Treatments last approximately one hour, except the first which is 1 1/2-2 hours to include the initial consultation (there is no extra charge for this).


Frequency

This varies with each client. If there is a specific complaint or for chronic conditions I would generally recommend 4-6 initial weekly treatments, which would then be reassessed and probably advise top-up treatments every 4-6 weeks afterwards.
Other clients may like to just enjoy a one off treatment to relax, rejuvenate and take time out from the busyness of life.


Location

I practise both at home in West Sussex and do home visits in W. Sussex, Surrey and London.

Cost

a) £30 per treatment
b) £25 per treatment with 6 booked in advance
c) £30 per treatment + free 1:1 yoga session (1 hour) with 6 booked in advance

(b & c are ideal if you’re working with a chronic condition and/or enjoy the profound benefits of regular treatments).

Gift vouchers are available for either one-off or a course of treatments.



For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Clare.

Reflexology is an ancient therapy developed over thousands of years of observation. It works on the basis that the whole body can be mapped onto the feet, and hands. Pressure and manipulation is made on certain points and areas called reflexes which correspond to specific organs, glands and systems in the body. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure and shiatsu, reflexology works with the idea that there is a network of interrelated energy pathways running through the body and due to a variety of triggers, including stress, injury, poor diet and insomnia, blockages may occur in them. If these are left uncorrected illness may result.
In reflexology blockages may show up as areas of sensitivity in the feet; applying pressure to these areas will help clear the sensitivity and in this way help to balance the body and restore health.

History of reflexology

Origins of Reflexology date back as much as 5000 years in China. It’s also believed to have been practiced in Persia, Tibet, India and drawings have been found on an ancient tomb in Egypt showing the feet and hands being treated.



Developments in the West

In Europe reflexology became known in the sixteenth century with publications on Zone Therapy in 1582. This was developed further in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries by Sir Henry Head who established ‘Head Zones', 1898 and by Dr. Cornelius in Germany who published ‘Pressure Points’, 1902. Sir Henry Head discovered that skin sensitivity corresponded, via the central nervous system, to diseased organs; while Dr. Cornelius found that applying pressure to painful areas could relieve pain and illness.

Developments furthered considerably with the findings of Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat surgeon. He discovered that applying pressure to the fingers could induce an anesthetic effect into the hands, arms, shoulders and right up into the face, jaw, ears and nose. He developed ‘Zone Therapy’, in which the body is divided into ten longitudinal zones, five on each side, running from the top of the head to the tips of the toes, each finger and toe falling into one zone. The idea being that all the parts of the body found in any one zone are linked together by a flow of energy and, therefore, congestion or tension may show up anywhere along the length of the zone, equally treatment may be effective anywhere along it.

Zone Therapy was taken up by 'alternative' practitioners and one man in particular, Dr. Shelby-Riley, a chiropractor, published 12 books on it. But it was Eunice Ingham, a massage therapist working in Riley’s office, that is largely responsible for reflexology as we know it today. She became fascinated by William Fitzgerald’s work. After many years of study and observation she mapped the feet with the reflexes that correspond to the organs and systems in the body, which many reflexologists use today.

Since then the science of reflexology has continued. in particular with two of Ingham’s students, Hannah Marquart in Germany (1960’s and ‘70’s) and Doreen Bayley in England (1960’s), who did much to develop reflexology still farther.

In 1985 reflexology was recognised as an accepted form of complimentary medicine in the UK by the Institute for complementary medicine.

It continues to be researched and expanded by many different practitioners world-wide today.


Developments in China

Similar to the zones in reflexology are the meridians in Chinese Medicine. These were discovered as long ago as 2500 BC. It is believed that the body contains twelve pairs of meridians as well as two ‘vessels’ and that, as with the zones theory, if blockages or areas of stagnation appear, flow of energy is impeded and dis-ease may occur.

In chinese acupuncture, pressure is applied to various points along the lengths of the meridians to relieve the blockages and restore health and balance.