Reflexology Heaven with Denise Dobson
When the Association of Reflexologists contacted me to ask me if I'd like to have a complimentary reflexology session I was over the moon! I get some exciting offers, but as I genuinely love reflexology and think it does wonders, this has to be one of the best yet. This deeply relaxing, non-intrusive complementary health therapy works on points in the feet that correspond with different parts of the body. On the most basic level it's an amazing foot massage that usually nearly sends me to sleep, but it's also a fantastic treatment that can improve your sense of wellbeing.
The AoR hooked me up with Denise Dobson, and I was excited all over again to find out that her clinic is based at Hornsey Town Hall - a beautiful 1930's building that used to be Crouch End's municipal offices, but is now an arts centre and used as a film location. I first got to see inside when I went to Secret Cinema last year, and I loved the Art Deco design - many of the rooms still with original fittings and fixtures.
Denise came to meet me and sign me in at reception, then took me to her room which is SUCH a gorgeous bright space. It overlooks the front courtyard but it's in a very quiet part of the building. I loved the fixtures, like the original light switches, and a random doorbell inside the room that Denise says she has no idea what or whom it was used to summon.
Denise made me some mint and nettle tea and we sat down at her desk to have a brief chat about my medical history and anything in particular that was ailing me. If you want to see a Reflexologist I'd recommend finding one in your area through the Association of Reflexologist website. In order to join the AoR the therapist needs to take a qualification and jump through all kinds of administrative hoops that gives you peace of mind that they know their stuff. Side note: does anyone else think of Ross from Friends massaging the old man with wooden spoons when they think about dodgy complementary therapists? Just me, probably. But always do your research, avoid the Ross-spoon types!
Denise explained to me that reflexology cannot offer any cures or diagnoses, but she works with people to identify any problems they may be having - trouble with sleeping, symptoms of stress or anxiety, for example - and then works on the area of the foot that corresponds with the internal organ or central nervous system and tries to give support. There's not enough evidence to say that reflexology can make someone well if they're poorly, but there's no doubt about it, the treatment does have a physical affect. Each time I have it my stomach will start gurgling, and I'll feel sleepy during the treatment, and sleep really well the same night. Denise explained that this is because my digestive system has been stimulated (just through my feet! Amazing) and it's promoting deep relaxation to aid good quality sleep. The NHS is seeing more value in complementary therapies, offering free reflexology as well as acupuncture and others. My sister said that when she was in labour, about to give birth, an NHS reflexologist visited her hospital bed and gave her a treatment. Reflexology is relaxing, but I can only imagine the symptoms my sister was having at that point didn't really help her enjoy it as much I did my session with Denise.
After our tea and chat, Denise asked me to remove my shoes and socks (the rest of your clothes stay on) and lie on the bed. She covered me with a cosy blanket and put on some relaxing music. I'm not sure which combination of her products Denise used, but they all smelt amazing and were very calming. The treatment lasted for around forty-five minutes, in which Denise alternated between pressing and rubbing on each foot, finishing off with a soothing foot massage. We did talk a bit during the treatment (over the gurgling of my stomach) because I had some questions, but if you prefer to remain silent, Denise doesn't mind. She explained that reflexologists look out for bits that feel gritty in the feet, and this can indicate some problems with the corresponding area of the body - though Denise said this is usually done to confirm the types of ailments you discuss before the treatment, not to diagnose new ones. Denise asked if I had headaches a lot, I guess she felt some grit in the head area of my foot. I said I didn't, but as I drifted off into a relaxed state I remembered that the week before I'd hit my head when some hardback books fell off my shelf (whacked on the skull by Caitlin Moran!) and had a whole day of wretched headaches. I hope it's all okay now... I'm sure it is...
If you're in North London and can see Denise, I highly recommend her for the relaxing (and helpful) treatment, her lovely sunny self and expertise (over twenty years' experience) and the amazing location - if you're into old buildings as much as I am. I think if you had reflexology regularly you would definitely see some benefits, even if it's just to your quality of sleep and sense of relaxation. As a one-off treatment to give someone as a gift it's also fantastic, you leave feeling like a weight is lifted off of your shoulders, and my feet felt weirdly soft and cosy for ages, like I was wearing slippers. Denise also offers massage and craniosacral therapy, which I really want to try. I'll keep you posted if I do.
Have you ever tried reflexology? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments! x