The roots of reflexology stretch back thousands of years, but modern reflexology took shape in the late 1800s and early 1900s when researchers like Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington demonstrated the links between sensitive points on the skin, nerve pathways, and overall body function. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham refined these ideas, mapping the entire body onto the feet and creating the foundation of reflexology as we know it today. Her pioneering work continues to guide reflexologists in their understanding of the body’s natural systems.

Because it is a holistic therapy, reflexology takes the whole person into account. When one part of us is under strain, whether it’s physical pain, ongoing stress, or low energy, the rest of us feels it too. Reflexology aims to restore well-being across these interconnected areas, helping the body function at its best. While not a replacement for medical care, it can be a powerful complement to it, offering many people improved resilience, relief from long-term conditions, and a renewed sense of calm. In skilled hands, reflexology becomes a safe and supportive way to step back from daily pressures and let the body’s natural systems work together again.

Practitioners describe this as helping the body find its balance again. When we’re “off balance,” we may feel out of sorts, run down, or struggle with nagging conditions that don’t seem to shift. By working with the reflex points in the feet or hands, a reflexologist can detect areas of imbalance and gently encourage the body’s own natural healing processes. The aim is not to mask what’s going on, but to restore harmony, helping you feel more like yourself again.

Once you’re comfortable on the treatment couch, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes and socks so I can work on your feet, or your hands if that’s more appropriate. Using only my thumbs and fingers, I apply gentle, precise pressure to the reflex points, noticing which areas may need a little extra care.