Pure Soles Reflexology
Have you tried reflexology? I had my first ever reflexology treatment this week with the lovely Francesca from Pure Soles Reflexology. Francesca runs her business from her home in Letchworth, and also runs baby reflexology classes at various local Children’s Centres.
When I first met Francesca, she couldn’t believe I had never tried reflexology, and immediately offered me a treatment. Now I do love a foot rub but I rely on hubby for these, and they’ve become quite rare, so I was really looking forward to my appointment.
Did you know that we have 7,000 nerve endings in our feet? Even as babies! It made me realise that I do neglect my feet and that I should take better care of them.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology can be carried out on your feet, hands and face – gentle pressure is applied to reflex points and this corresponds with different areas of your body. Stimulating these reflex points can promote a positive response in the corresponding part of the body.
Francesca said that reflexologists treat the person, not specific conditions. Reflexology doesn’t claim to cure or diagnose, but it lowers your stress levels and makes you feel very relaxed. A lot of our conditions and illnesses are made worse through stress. Reflexology aims to relieve your tension and promote your wellbeing, stimulating your body’s own healing processes.
Francesca Bickerdyke BA (Hons) MAR, owner of Pure Soles Reflexology
Francesca trained at the London School of Reflexology and is also qualified in pre-conception, pregnancy and post-natal reflexology, as well as advanced facial reflexology.
As a mum of two, Francesca understands first hand how busy and stressed mums can be, and really wants to help other busy mums relax and take time out for themselves.
She told me that she even gives her children reflexology before bed. Children can feel very stressed and anxious after a full-on day at school, and she finds the reflexology helps them to relax and fall asleep calmly. I love this idea and wish I could try it on my son, who seems to have some kind of crazy energy surge right before bedtime!
The treatment room
Pure Soles Reflexology is located in Francesca’s home on Hillshott in Letchworth. It’s a lovely street and I was able to park directly outside – you’re given a permit to display in your car.
The treatment room is set up as part of Francesca’s beautiful living room. It’s a very tranquil space, with comfortable chairs. There’s a hot water bottle waiting for you, and while you fill out your consultation form, you soak your feet in a tub of warm water.
The treatment: foot reflexology
When you’re ready to start your treatment, you transfer to a Lafuma chair in the middle of the room. You’re wrapped up in soft blankets (as you relax, your temperature can drop a little) and then tilted back slowly so that your feet are elevated. It’s surprisingly comfortable!
Francesca applies a balm to your feet (mine was Woman’s Blend which was divine) and begins the treatment. Now is the time to close your eyes, listen to the soothing music, and focus on how the treatment feels. It really is blissful!
The pressure was just right, never painful, although some areas of my feet felt a little more tender than others. At the end, Francesca shared the areas where she felt more tension and they were spot on. In particular, she highlighted the inside of my feet, which maps to your adrenal glands. This is where cortisol (your stress hormone) is made. This made sense – it was the end of the Easter holidays and I had arrived at the appointment feeling exhausted and spent.
At the end of the treatment, you’re given a few minutes to wake up (Francesca said that many clients fall asleep!). You’re advised to drink a lot of water to help flush out the toxins. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol for the rest of the day, so as not to put the toxins back in.
Cost
An introductory general reflexology treatment, which includes an initial consultation, lasts 90 minutes and costs £40 (price is correct at time of press).
Find out more
I can absolutely see why Pure Soles Reflexology is doing so well. Francesca is very experienced and is clearly passionate about what she does. She also has such a calming and peaceful presence. You can’t help but relax as soon as you step through the door. All mums need to try this. Give yourself this time. You deserve it.
For more information on Pure Soles Reflexology, please visit the website.
Disclaimer: Mums Off Duty received a free reflexology treatment for the purposes of review. Reviews are always completely honest.