Reflexology is an ancient art that can be used to help promote the body’s natural healing processes. This week Ruth Hodgkiss introduces us to this fabulous complimentary therapy.
Ruth is a practitioner and teacher of Reflexology. Before that, she was a secondary school teacher, teaching Business Studies and ICT. She stumbled across Reflexology and was blown away with what a powerful therapy it is. She became intrigued and wanted to learn more so signed up for a Level 5 course in 2015. After the first weekend she knew she wanted to practise Reflexology full time. Ruth loves her therapy and working with my clients but teaching never left her heart so she now also run a small college to teach Level 5 Reflexology Courses.
Her passion for Reflexology knows no limits and, whilst she loves supporting others, she also makes time for regular treatments herself as they really help her physically and emotionally. She lives in Lichfield, am married to Stuart and have two grown up children. Ruth loves walking, eating out, reading, keeping fit and listening to Wendy’s Podcasts!
What is it that attracted you to reflexology?
After her daughter suffered a back injury, a colleague recommended reflexology and Ruth was amazed by the speed of her improvement in symptoms. After just a couple of sessions her pain had gone and it didn’t return.
Ruth tells us that she had been looking for something new to learn, but each time she had enrolled on a course it had been cancelled. Her daughter journey piqued her interest, and this time when she enrolled on a level 5 reflexology course with Alison Walker it ran. After a studying reflexology Ruth realised that this had been what she was looking for and she wanted to make it her career. Personal events made her re-evaluate her work life balance and she took the plunge and became a full time reflexologist.
Now Ruth not only practises reflexology, she now trains other practitioners in a level 5 qualification. This seems a fitting and natural complement to her previous career, meaning she gets to practise both her passions.
What can you expect from a reflexology session?
Reflexology can be on the feet, the hands, ears and face. It has been practised for thousands of years and there are references to it in the hieroglyphs in Egypt. It was in the early 20th century that Eunice Ingram created the maps of the feet that we know now showing the different zones and body systems.
Reflexology is designed to encourage circulation and energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It can be used in conjunction with other modalities as a complimentary therapy
Your practitioner will ask you questions to find out your current health and your goals for your sessions. They will work with you to help create a plan that is relative to your symptoms and your aims.
How can reflexology help women in particular with perimenopause symptoms?
Absolutely! Many of the 36 symptoms associated with perimenopause can be eased by reflexology. Reflexology releases endorphins which promote wellbeing but more importantly it is a time to spend for yourself. Whether you want to be quiet, to talk, have music or silence the important thing is for the session to be about your health journey.
In particular reflexology has been shown to help reduce irritability, improve digestion. It helps reduce stress and activate the PNS and can help balance hormones through stimulating the adrenals and pituitary glands.
Ruth’s top tip
When you are sitting watching TV grab some hand cream and give yourself a mini massage. Whilst the hand is not as sensitive as the feet it can still help to improve many symptoms and promote feelings of wellbeing – and improve sleep if you do it at night time.
Quick fire!
- Jeans
- Pizza
- Beer
- Countryside
- Teriyaki Salmon cooked by her daughter for tea!
Ruth’s links
My links
Are you intrigued to find out more about reflexology, or do you already enjoy it as part of your health and self care routine?
Want to know more about ways to work with me?
There are many ways that you can work with me to balance your hormones and improve your health and wellbeing.
I have a fabulous free community on Facebook Fab Female Nutrition Club I offer lots of support and advice on female health and wellbeing. I also love to cook and create recipes and I’ll often be seen in the group cooking live and sharing all the wonderful health benefits of the ingredients used.
Several times a year I work with groups of ladies to transform their health and wellbeing. Appropriately called The Transformation Program they can help with many different issues and have had hugely impressive results – including up to 100% reduction in symptoms. If you suffer with IBS, fatigue, inflammation, hormonal imbalances or just want to spend some time concentrating on your health and wellbeing they are fabulous value and great fun.
If you feel like you need a more bespoke option, then I also offer 1:1 coaching and support. Working with your specific needs creating nutritional protocols that support your health goals. This is a fully supported program that last 6 months. We take a full health history, then create and refine protocols so that you learn about your body and how to support it. I will be with you every step of the way, and may aim is that you feel empowered to continue with the changes forever. Find out more here.