A Moment to Pause
Welcome to Galvinology. Your local reflexologist, based in Stoupaine, Blandford Forum within the beautiful North Dorset. Bringing to you an holistic approach to your health and wellbeing needs by providing you with a safe and calm space to help you relax and unwind.
Welcome to Galvinology
My name is Anna-Maria and I am a fully insured, Level 3 (Distinction) ITEC qualified reflexologist living in Stalbridge, North Dorset. I work from my beautiful and calming space at Cattlebyre One, located in Ash Farm Courtyard in Stourpaine, Blandford Forum. All within easy access from across Dorset and Wiltshire.
Whether you are looking for support with an existing health condition, want to reduce your day-to-day stress levels or would just like a little "me" time, my aim is to get you feeling happier, healthier and energised with specially-tailored reflexology treatments.
I am a full member of the Association of Reflexologists (AOR). To read more about how I became a reflexologist, click here.
Why I Became a Reflexologist
My own journey started in 2016 after being unwell for two years, I was diagnosed with M.E/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Cluster Headaches. This was the result of pushing myself to the limit, ignoring my own health , working through constant physical and emotional stress and taking care of everyone else. For far too long, I ignored the warning signs - exhaustion, headaches, recurring colds and infections, I just kept on powering through working three different jobs within the NHS. It was actually on my birthday in 2015, my body could not keep up anymore. I had reached breaking point and I just couldn't physically function, I was broken.
When I sort help from the NHS, I found myself at loss. Despite my deterioration and ability to function I was simply offered pain killers and anti depressants with no real plan for recovery or support. I was even told 'there is no service provision for someone like you'. These words have stayed with me ever since. It felt like I was invisible- fighting an invisible illness and no one seemed to know what to do with me.
That's when my irish stubbornness kicked in. I wasn't willing to accept that there was no way forward . I wanted to be better and get better. The lack of support and answers left me feeling isolated, as if my struggles were not valid but I refused to give up. I began to search for ways to manage my condition on my own.
Through this search, I discovered Reflexology. A gentle treatment that left me feeling physically and emotionally lighter and the general malaise that I was feeling also seemed to be lifting. It became a very important tool in my keeping well toolbox.
After failed attempts at trying to get back to work in the NHS, I explored the idea of re-training in reflexology. It was a way that I could continue to help others with out being too taxing on myself. Through this search I found my reflexology tutor and mentor Teresa Rich. A lady that I will be forever grateful to for giving me the confidence to believe in myself again and also giving me hope when I thought I had none. Whilst studying in this field, I began to look at myself in the mirror and dig deep internally. Reflexology not only opened the door to helping others but also pushed me to confront my own healing journey- emotionally and physically. It really opened my eyes to the importance of balance and self care in a way that I never understood before. This holistic understanding has been at the very heart of my healing.
Today, I am proud to be in a place where I not only manage my conditions more effectively but also empower others who are facing similar struggles. I believe that healing is not just about the physical treatment - its about nurturing the whole person : mind, body and spirit.
Burnout is real and so is the reality of living with a chronic illness. While my health is something I still manage daily, I have discovered that with the right mindset and the right tools it is possible to lead a fulfilling life despite the ongoing challenges.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural therapy founded on the belief that your feet, face and hands are a reflection of the systems in your body - where specific areas correspond to organs, glands and structure. By applying gentle pressure to areas of the feet, face or hands: reflexology can help the body restore its own healthy balance. Evidence has been found that foot and hand therapy was being practised in China and Egypt more than four thousand years ago.
Reflexology aims to treat the individual as a whole, creating a state of harmony in both body and mind. It has the benefit of also being a deeply relaxing therapy, and during periods of relaxation the body takes the opportunity to heal, restore and energise itself.
Reflexology is suitable for all ages, from baby to adult, and can be especially helpful for long-term and recurring conditions. Reflexology does not diagnose and does not cure; as a complementary therapy it should not be considered an alternative to conventional medicine.
The Benefits of Reflexology
Balance
Reflexology is a natural way to help restore balance in your body and mind. It is a deeply relaxing treatment that can help you cope with the demands and challenges that todays world can put upon us.
Relaxation
Reflexology can induce a deep state of relaxation, which improves the effectiveness of the treatment. Relaxing helps relieve tension and aids circulation, increasing the flow of nutrients, oxygen and energy to all parts of the body, and helping with the removal of toxins.
Health
While it is not a cure, Reflexology can be particularly helpful in managing many health conditions, especially constant or recurring ones that we might have come to accept over time as being a normal part of life.
Other benefits of Reflexology can include:
Deep Relaxation
Better Quality Sleep
Release of Tension
Mood Improvement
Promotes Wellbeing
Having a reflexology treatment will provide you with a safe space to relax and unwind. It gives you that quiet time that we all deserve. Contact me today or click here to book an appointment.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
Reflexology Lymph Drainage is an award-winning reflexology technique that focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes. It’s a gentle, non invasive and calming technique that is carried out on your feet or on your hands. It is a unique sequence that has been researched and developed by Sally Kay BSc (Hons), whilst working in Cancer Care to help relieve the symptoms of lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer. To learn more about Sally Kay and her wonderful work, please click here.
As time has gone on, it has been discovered that this technique is just not limited to those who have had breast cancer related lymphoedema but it has also been found to be extremely beneficial to clients with primary lymphoedema and secondary lymphoedema through other causes. Studies have shown that with repeated treatments of Reflexology Lymph Drainage, the fluid build-up doesn’t return to the maximum level experienced by the client.
RLD is based on the same principles as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). As MLD is used for conditions other than lymphoedema, similarly, RLD can be used to relieve symptoms of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as:
Arthritis
Chronic Fatigue
Sinus Problems
Asthma
CFS/M.E
Migraines
Headaches
Muscular Tension
Aches and Pains
Premenstrual Tension
Fibromyalgia
Eczema
Questions & Answers
The initial consultation helps me to personalise your reflexology treatment plan and establish your wellbeing goals. When you book in for your first treatment, I will send you a simple health questionnaire. In some circumstances, GP permission maybe required before we book you in for your first treatment. When you arrive for your first appointment we will go through some questions on your health and lifestyle. This helps me adapt my routine to meet your health and wellbeing needs ensuring you to get the most out of your treatment. If you would prefer to have a chat with me to see how reflexology can help you, please feel free to contact me here.
Everyone is different and the response to reflexology can be immediate or sometimes can take longer than one appointment. Most of my clients find that a course of 4-6 treatments are extremely beneficial particularly if you are new to reflexology, have a specific health issue or have a long term health condition. Following your initial consultation and your first treatment with me, I will suggest the number of reflexology sessions I think we should undertake.
Reflexologists cannot claim to diagnose or cure. Sometimes reflexology will highlight a specific area which is struggling or working hard to maintain your wellbeing; if a particular reflex point shows this kind of reaction I'll discuss it with you at the end of your treatment.
- 60 minute Foot Reflexology Appointment-£50
- 40 - 60minutes Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) Appointment £45-£55
- 60 minute Hot Stone Reflexology Appointment- £55
- 60 minute Thai Foot Massage with Reflexology Points - £50
- 60 Minute Bergman Method Facial Reflexology £55
- 70 minute Aromareflex Appointment £70
- 90 minute Thai Foot Massage with Reflexology Points - £75
- 90 minute Blended Facial and Foot Reflexology Appointment-£75
- 90 minute Reflexology for Menopause £75
- 90 minutes Zone Face Lift coming soon.
- 40 minute Supine Indian Head Massage - £45
Yes, indeed we do. If you are looking for a gift for a loved one or someone special to show them how much you care, a Galvinology treatment voucher is a thoughtful and alternative gift that you know would be very well received. A reflexology treatment voucher is ideal for family and friends that you know are in need of a little 'me-time'. My space at Cattlebyre One provides the perfect environment for them to put their feet up, relax and enjoy the calming benefits of reflexology.
Buying a treatment voucher is quick and simple. They can be purchased at a monetary value of your choice by contacting me here. They can be collected in person from Stourpaine. I am also happy to deliver locally within a 5 mile radius of Stourpaine.
*All treatment vouchers come with an expiry date within 6 months of purchase.
Whilst I fully appreciate that life can get a little hectic, I ask that you please give me as much notice as possible if you wish to change or postpone your appointment. I request at least 48 hours' notice. This is so I can potentially offer your treatment time to another client that I have on my cancellation list
Failure to show to your appointment time, where no contact has been made, you will be invoiced 100% of the treatment fee.
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