‘Returning to your body,

     returning to earth’

 

 

 

The history of the feet for healing therapy

The first evidence of healing methods using the feet has been found in a script from the Yellow Emperor from the 3rd millenium BC. Ancient Egyptian wall paintings in the tomb of a physician named Ankhmahor (2330 BC) suggest that massaging the feet therapeutically may well have been part of a physician’s skills. In the ancient practice of Ayurveda in India ‘marma’ points on the feet are used therapeutically, whilst in America, the Cherokee tribe (amongst others) have a tradition of working with the feet for promoting healing.

Today’s modern refelexology has developed from the research and practice of American doctor William Fitzgerald and his student physiotherapist Eunice Ingham. It is not fully known where Dr. Fitzgerald developed his interest, but he is thought to have taken inspiriation from Native American tribes and from further medical training in Austria. Eunice Ingham developed the form of pressure techniques on the foot practiced today as reflexology, though practitioner’s today recognise that there are a number different therapeutic models to work from.

Alena’s practice

Alena’s training is as a holistic therapist, acknowledging the role that emotion, body and spirit can play in maintaining good health. Alena’s focus in a treatment is on supporting your own body’s healing ability. The feet are seen as a way to access and stimulate this process.

A core principal of reflexology is that the entire body is mirrored within the feet *. Stored emotions, trauma’s and mind states are likewise mirrored in these places. By working on the feet, it is thus possible to access and bring healing to any of these aspects within the body. Alena also uses the hands and the head for treatments, which provide alternative avenue’s ‘into’ the body.

*this could also be said of the hands, the head and the ears (as in auricular acupuncture).

An initial session lasts one and half hours, allowing time at the start and end for an initial consultation and aftercare advice. Follow up sessions are one hour, which also allows us time for reflection on your healing process.

‘…. Alena has a far reaching sensitivity and a deep sincerity that create an atmosphere where healing can take place’   K.N. 2009 (Art Therapist)

Coming back to earth

Our lack of physical contact with the earth (not least because of shoes and concrete!) may mean that we loose the constant reflection that the relationship between our feet and the ground give us. One only has to try walking barefoot to experience how much more we are able be aware of our body when are feet are in contact with the ground.

Alena believes that the lack of contact with the earth mirrors our lack of contact with our true selves.

It is therefore not surprising that a common experience of people following a treatment is of a sense of being more in their bodies and more in touch with their emotions.

          ‘I found Alena’s treatment grounding and profoundly calming. My mind slowed down and my body relaxed,   leaving me feeling refreshed and centred after the treatment’  Rose 2009                           

Benefits of treatment

Most people find reflexology extremely relaxing. Some go to sleep, others find they gain spontaneous insight (or images) relevant to their lives and health. Reflexology has a reputation for:

• Reducing stress and the consequences of stress
• Encouraging the clearing of emotional and physical congestion
• Reducing pain in chronic conditions
• Deep relaxation and the healing state this induces
• Stimulating circulation
• Increasing body awareness

The application of caring human touch is therapeutic on its own. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, your own process of healing can be greatly supported and stimulated.

Alena Standova

Alena Standova is a passionate gardener and therapist. She trained with reflexologist Sam Bloomfield and the Maitri foundation, completing the training with distinction in early 2009. Alena is a member of The Association of Physical and Natural Therapists and British Complementary Medicine Association and works under a code of professional ethics and accountability.
She is an organic and biodynamic horticulturalist and is currently developing a medicinal herb garden alongside running her practice as a therapist.

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Alena can be contacted on 07896 361 766 

Treatments are available in Stroud in the beautiful space of a wooden studio and in Nailsworth at Ruskin Apothecary.

Prices: Initial session (90 min) £35, Follow up (60 min) £30

(concessions available)