Gentle Touch Reflexology

... is a wonderful form of reflexology that is gentle, subtle and may be greatly beneficial to all ages.  It is a refined adaptation of the age-old practice of Reflexology.  The whole approach of the Gentle Touch Technique is designed to enhance the client’s own healing ability by using a very light and soothing massage. 

Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology can be used to help people of all ages and levels of health and may be applied to either feet or hands.

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Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology

I became interested in Reflexology when my son was born in 1986 as a result of my Mother gaining benefits from it. Over time I tried a number of different forms of reflexology and became passionate about Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology.  I have been in practice since 1992 having been involved in the healing arts prior to that.  Reflexology quickly came something of great importance to me as I witnessed what is possible.  I now teach and also practice Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology and advanced classes in reflexology and energy medicine both in the UK and abroad.

Gentle Touch™ Reflexology (GTR) is slightly different to standard or traditional Reflexology, as it uses a unique and specifically applied lightness of touch. A Gentle Touch Reflexology practitioners approach to a treatment is also very important. In offering treatments and providing training courses in Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology, I aim to provide you with the highest levels of care and attention, backed up by many years of gathering knowledge and experience in the field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I developed the name of Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology in the early 1990’s to provide the public with awareness that there are many varying types of reflexology. The whole spectrum of techniques offered in Reflexology can be confusing or it may be that some people are unaware that there are different levels of pressures used by different practitioners. By using the name Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology my aim is to help you to have choices about what type of reflexology is right for you today.

 Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology is as its name implies, is gentle; it is a form of appropriate touch and it is reflexology -as the treatment involves accessing the reflex points in the person’s hands or feet, in order to uniquely help each individual in any way possible.

Reflexology

Reflexology, in its traditional form, dates back to the times of all the ancient cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, North American Indians and Chinese.  It was reintroduced in the 1900's, when Dr. William Fitzgerald, (an American ear, nose and throat surgeon) is reported to have discovered that pressure applied to one part of the body (foot) could affect another area, and produce a significant reduction in pain.  This discovery was further developed with the use of extremely hard pressure applied to the hands or feet to obtain relief from pain.  The method was expanded a few years later by Eunice Ingham, who devised the basic reflexology map of the body, which is still the basis for techniques in use today.

The Effectiveness of Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology

The extensive use of the Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology has shown that its subtle application has potentially assisted individuals towards some extremely effective results. It may be superb for adults, children and those of advancing years.  I have taken part in clinical trials and taught at University and in hospital and had the wonderful opportunity to see its result in action.

Wendy Rolf (Holistic Health Specialist, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital) says “the power of this technique is amazing, we are seeing its results daily”.

Daniela Centola (Reflexologist, Southampton) says “Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology has given me some incredible tools to increase what I offer to my clients”

Gillian Walker (client, Derby says “Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology has given me back my life. I was really struggling and now lead a completely full life, I am totally sure that my treatments make a real difference”.

Over the years it has become increasingly obvious that the effectiveness of the gentle technique may be the essential nature of the subtle approach.  The gentler the application, the more powerful the technique seems to become.

 How it works

Every area of the body has an associated reflex point on the foot or hand that reflects an area, system or part of the person’s body.  The information gained from looking at a clients feet, feeling their skin and the quality of the reflex points can provide valuable information for the Practitioner and client.  The ability of the Gentle Touch™ Technique is not to be confused with a medical diagnosis from a doctor or consultant.  The qualities are proven in the use of the Technique to identify reflex points and systems that are not working to peak efficiency.  No guarantee is ever made to locate any disorder, condition or disease and if anyone has any concerns then a medical practitioner, GP or consultant should be contacted in every case.

Client and practitioner feedback provide consistent reports of results that may prove the effectiveness of this therapy.  In many cases people literally vote with their feet and return for more treatments. It is also common for clients to come for treatments, feel a benefit and therefore do not need to come again for some time. Maybe sometime later they have another health or emotional trouble and so return for more treatments many years later. 

Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology - a Treatment

A treatment of Reflexology using Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology  lasts for approximately one hour.  On the first visit, each client is asked for some details about their health in order to work out the most effective form of treatment available. 

Once we have gone through the information about what brings you along to the clcinc for your treatment, then you will be settled comfortably into a reclining chair.

I use a very light oil to gently massage both feet (or hands).  A Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology treatment feels extremely light, pleasurable and soothing.  Contrary to some people’s expectations it does not tickle or hurt.  Not only is it a lovely foot/hand therapy, but it is particularly good for you too! Every Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology practitioner will assess your feet to give indications of how best to help and then gently use a soothing touch to all areas of your feet or hands.  During a treatment with me I will be feeling for minute variations in your skin, and tissue. The treatment varies according to information gained from you and observations of your feet, (including shape, temperature, colour and general appearance). Some clients find the treatments so relaxing that they go to sleep, whilst others take the opportunity to talk.  All clients are encouraged to have a rest in the chair after the treatment, to allow the healing to continue before they leave to continue their lives. Sometimes relaxing music may be played during their rest.

 

Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology for Babies and Children

Both Babies and Children may gain some excellent benefits from Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology too.  Previously the therapy had been thought of as only being appropriate for adults. Luckily that has all begun to change now.  In my book The Gentle Touch of Reflexology for Babies and Children I have put information about the huge range of benefits that a young child may have with the therapy.

It may be helpful to a baby who is experiencing: Colic Problems feeding Inability to Relax Discomfort Respiratory  Challenges Bowel problems

It may be helpful to a child who is experiencing: Being agitated or hyperactive Lack of confidence Discomfort Fear and stress of procedures Disconnection from family

Potential

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are an enormous range of possibilities for the effectiveness of treatments, however again it is stressed that no promises are ever made to "cure" a condition.  My experience has shown that some marvellous results m ay be achieved. 

People have found a wide range of benefits including:

Greater flexibility Comfort and relaxation Increased confidence Pain relief Faster recovery Peace and contentment

Ease and mobility Suppleness Sense of well being Strength Quicker recovery Enjoyment

Reflexology may assist people with many condtions ranging from:

Aches Anxiety Joint discomfort Breathing disorders Bowel conditions Chest complaints Fatigue Grief Feeling low Head Aches Hormonal disturbances

Lack of energy. Migraine. Neck and Back problems Non specific ailments Pregnancy issues Sinus conditions Skin conditions Sporting ailments Stress  Hyperactivity

The list is practically endless.  In addition, many find that this technique may help them with how they feel about themselves and their lives.  They report feeling greater self-confidence and an inner peace.

Research. Hospital research has indicated the validity of the techniques, and a research programme has been undertaken in a Cardiff Hospital.

The Gentle Touch™ Technique.

There are some differences between the Gentle Touch of Reflexology™ and some other forms of Reflexology.  Gentle Touch Reflexology™ uses the following to enhance the benefits, experience and results of this therapy.

• An extreme lightness of touch.
• The incorporation of flowing movements into the treatment.
• Use of oil.
• Treating both feet at one time to achieve ongoing harmony.
• Using the way the body actually works when treating the client.
• Using the skill of the Practitioner to pick up information, rather than requiring the client to express or show pain/discomfort before being able to assess where problems lie.  (The Practitioner is a constant, whereas client pain perception levels vary.)
• It is a very soothing and effective foot treatment that assists clients emotionally, physically and with  energy levels

The emphasis with the use of this Technique is in high standards of training.  This is especially important. The Gentle Touch™ Technique of Reflexology training courses are intensive and thorough, and give students and Practitioners an extensive and wide range of knowledge. 

The Sue Ricks School of Complementary Therapies offers a variety of training courses.

There are courses on a wide range of introductory level and advanced courses. Click here to see all the available courses.

Training in Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology

The Sue Ricks School of Complementary Therapies offers training in Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology and also is the only appointed trainer of trainers in Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology

Gentle Touch ™ Reflexology is the registered trademark of Sue Ricks

Hands Foot devise is the registered trademark of Sue Ricks