WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?
Reflexology is a complementary therapy involving pressure massage to the feet (or hands), aimed at stimulating circulation and promoting deep relaxation in order to help the body achieve a state of balance and well-being. It is suitable for all ages and is a gentle, non-invasive therapy – if your feet are too sensitive, your therapist could alternatively work on your hands.
Reflexology does not diagnose, cure or prescribe.
Reflexology does not replace or substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Reflexology has a long history...
Reflexology has been around in one form or another for centuries (the earliest evidence is from Ancient Egypt) and appears in Indian and Asian cultures to this day. The foundation for modern Reflexology is “Zone Therapy” which was developed by Dr William Fitzgerald in the early part of the 20th Century as a means to create an anaesthetic, numbing effect on different body parts through applying pressure to the feet. This theory was further developed from the 1930s onwards by the physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of Reflexology (the “Ingham Method”), which involves using different techniques of pressure and massage on the feet in order to maximise the positive effects.
HOW DOES REFLEXOLOGY WORK?
During the treatment, your Reflexologist identifies sensitive areas on your feet and uses various massage techniques and differing pressures to work on those points and disperse congestion. This stimulates blood flow and the lymphatic (immune) system and opens up the neural pathways and energy meridians of the body.
The treatment is deeply relaxing – it aims to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which switches off the body’s "fight-or-flight" response, so it is a wonderful treatment if you're feeling stressed or anxious.
WHO I AM AND WHAT I DO
My name is Michelle De Angelis and I set up Renaissance Reflexology in 2023 after a 20+ year career in finance, during which I spent much of my free time using different complementary and holistic therapies to manage my stress levels. When I decided I was ready to take my career in a different direction, reflexology was an obvious choice. I have always found it incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating and it made me feel great, so I’m excited to be able to provide that experience for others now.
I trained with the London School of Reflexology, earning an ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology, and am a member of the Association of Reflexologists – this means that I have met (and continue to meet) the strictest standards for professional excellence in reflexology, and that I am committed to continually developing my skills and knowledge. To that end I am also qualified in Facial Reflexology, Zone Face Lift, Advanced Hand Reflexology, Healthy Eating & Wellbeing and Power Reflexology.
To find out more about the AoR, please visit www.aor.org.uk.
I hope you enjoy the treatments as much as I do!​