Category: Uncategorized

We all know that stress is a natural response to life’s demands and challenges. It gets us out of bed in the mornings and motivates us to create change in our lives. However, if left unchecked, it can also become overwhelming, negatively impacting our physical and mental health.

What is stress?

Stress can be defined as the body’s biological and physiological response to a perceived threat or stressor that we feel we do not have the resources to deal with. This response triggers a series of physiological reactions aimed at preparing the body to confront the perceived challenge, commonly referred to as the fight or flight or stress response. These reactions are part of the body’s natural mechanism for dealing with potential threats and challenges.

The stress response is essential for survival in acute situations, however chronic stress, where the body is constantly in a heightened state of alertness and tension, can take a toll on our health.

What is relaxation?

Relaxation is a state of being – free from arousal, tension and anxiety. When we talk about relaxation, we generally mean a state of peace, a feeling of calm and contentment.

Relaxation is our ally against stress and anxiety. The relaxation response, commonly referred to as rest and digest, is the physiological state that occurs when the body returns to a state of calm and balance after the stress response has been activated. It is primarily controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the effects of the sympathetic nervous system responsible for the stress response.

Throughout my years as a reflexologist, I’ve seen how stress affects people. It’s a common reason why they come for sessions, and it shows up in various ways – from physical issues like headaches, tiredness, and muscle tension to mental challenges like anxiety and sleep problems. While reflexology is a powerful tool to promote deep relaxation and balance, I want to be able to support my clients further. That’s why I’ve been training as a relaxation therapist this year. I want to give them tools they can use between sessions to manage stress better and feel more in control of their well-being.

What is Relaxation Therapy?

Relaxation Therapy is all about reducing stress and enhancing relaxation. Through the teaching of effective, proven techniques, it empowers individuals to transition from the stress response to the relaxation response. The practice of these techniques over time offers numerous benefits, such as decreasing stress and anxiety levels, reducing muscle tension and blood pressure, improving sleep and increasing feelings of calm, concentration, and self-confidence.

Volunteers Needed!

I’m now looking for case study volunteers for a 5-session programme. During the first session, we’ll look at your health and lifestyle and explore how stress affects your life. In subsequent sessions, I’ll guide you through personalised relaxation techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, guided visualisations, mindfulness, and breathing exercises. These techniques can be integrated into your daily routine, together with lifestyle changes you may wish to consider, to enhance your overall well-being.

These sessions are free of charge. If you are interested, please contact me (info@sharonhantonreflexology.co.uk or 07976 219083) and share with others who you think might benefit.

Mental Health Awareness Week 15-21^st May 2023

It is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme this year is anxiety. This is one that is close to my heart, having lived with anxiety for most of my life. My experience of anxiety has been different at different times, but the most common thread has been social anxiety. I love spending time with my friends and family, but social events can trigger feelings of anxiety in me. Parties, nights’ out, weddings, work meetings and events – pretty much any situation where I’ll have attention on me, be talking to people or be in a very busy environment, will trigger anxious feelings ranging from nerves and sleepless nights, to full on panic attacks and avoidance. I haven’t had a birthday party since I was in single digits, and we kept our wedding small (23 including us) to manage my anxiety.

I often see clients in the treatment room who are also living with anxiety and, sadly, we are not alone. In March 2023, the Mental Health Foundation worked with Opinium to conduct an online survey of 6,000 UK adults aged 18+ to look at anxiety in the UK population, its causes, and popular coping mechanisms. You can read their findings here https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/anxiety-report and it makes for sobering reading, with nearly three-quarters (73%) reporting that they had felt anxious at least sometimes in the previous two weeks, with one in five people (20%) anxious most or all of the time.

Another statistic that caught my eye was that 45% of the people in the research said that they were keeping their anxiety secret. That resonated with me, as I kept mine secret for many years, often making excuses to miss events, or relying on Dutch courage to help me through them, or hiding in a corner until I could make an early escape.

Dealing with anxiety can be hard but there are some things that we can do to manage the feelings. The Mental Health Foundation outlines 9 ways to help us cope in their helpful guide “What can we do to cope with feelings of anxiety”, which you can download from their website here:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/what-can-we-do-cope-feelings-anxiety

I have tried many of these suggestions myself over the years and have found them to be helpful.

I tend to experience more anxiety when my daily life is hectic. I imagine that, like me, many of you also find that in today’s fast-paced world it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected, as we rush through our days without stopping to notice what’s going on around us. At the times in my life when things have felt out of control and my anxiety has been running rampant, I’ve found that the practice of mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps me to stay calm and centred.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines mindfulness as:

“The practice of being aware of your body, mind and feelings in the present moment, thought to create a feeling of calm:

• Mindfulness can be used to alleviate feeling of anxiety and depression.”

We can become so caught up in our heads that we stop noticing the world around us. Mindfulness encourages us to pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment, to reconnect with our bodies and the sensations they experience and to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings. It encourages us to be present in each moment.

Here are some easy ways to incorporate moments of mindfulness into your daily routine.

Start your day mindfully. Instead of reaching for your phone, caffeine-charged coffee, or your to-do-list first thing in the morning, take a few minutes to set an intention for your day. You can do this by taking a few deep, belly breaths or focusing on a positive affirmation, for example, ‘all I need is within me right now’.

Focus on your breath. Throughout the day, take a few moments to connect with your breath. There are many different breathing exercises you can try – even just noticing your in and out breath can help.

Here is a breathing exercise for stress, outlined on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/

• Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it.
• Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5. You may not be able to reach 5 at first.
• Then let it flow out gently, counting from 1 to 5 again, if you find this helpful.
• Keep doing this for at least 5 minutes.

Take a mindful walk: Instead of rushing through your commute or daily walk with your earphones plugged in, take some time to notice your surroundings. Focus on your breath, the feeling of the ground beneath your feet, and the sounds, sights and smells around you.

Eat mindfully: How many times have you gulped down a hasty lunch or grabbed something on the go and not even really noticed what you’ve eaten? Take some time to really focus on the experience of eating. Sit down without distractions, chew slowly and notice the flavours and textures of your food. When you eat mindfully, you may find that you make different food choices too.

Practice gratitude: At the end of each day, take a little time to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus from overwhelm and negativity to positivity and appreciation.

Reconnect with your body: When life is busy, we often prioritise external responsibilities over our internal well-being. This can lead to ignoring the physical signals and cues our body is sending us. Take time out to tune into your body and listen to what it needs. Body work therapies like reflexology and massage offer us a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with our bodies. They invite us to press pause on our hectic schedules and become more present to the sensations of our bodies, and more attentive and caring towards ourselves.

Incorporating a few mindful moments into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By taking a few simple steps to become more present throughout the day, you may reduce your feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being.

NB: I am not a trained mindfulness practitioner, and these are my personal thoughts and reflections only. Reflexologists do not diagnose, cure or treat specific conditions. Reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult a GP or other health professional for medical attention and advice.

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992. This annual event is designed to raise awareness about the negative effects of stress on our physical and mental health and to provide information and resources to help people manage and reduce stress in their daily lives.

Stress is a natural part of life. It is the way we respond to the demands and challenges we face each day. It is our body’s way of preparing us to face a threat or challenge, and it helps to motivate us to be productive and perform at our best. However, if it is ongoing, it can start to get on top of us and become overwhelming and can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health.

Stress can cause a range of physical symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. It can also lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. In addition, chronic stress has been linked to a range of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Fortunately, there are many things that we can do to manage and reduce stress in our daily lives. Here are some tips:

Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. Try to establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Try Reflexology: Reflexology is a gentle, hands-on, holistic therapy that aims to support the whole person; mind, body and spirit. It promotes deep relaxation and this may help reduce the negative effects of stress.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day.

Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to support our physical and mental health. Focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Take a break: Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help to reduce stress and improve productivity. Try to take a few minutes to stretch, walk around, or engage in a relaxing activity.

Seek support: If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, your GP or a mental health professional.

Happy Spring Equinox!

The spring equinox marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere and is celebrated as a time of rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings. It’s the time of year when the hours of daylight and darkness are almost equal.

Spring is my favourite season. As a keen (but often fair-weather) gardener, I’m delighted when I start to feel the air getting warmer, see leaves and flowers emerging, and hear the birds chirping away.

The spring equinox also marks the start of the astrological new year, and personally I find this the best time to set my intentions for the rest of year. I have more energy and motivation as we head into spring, rather than in the depths of winter when I’m still in hibernation mode!

I have a little ritual I like to follow around the time of the spring equinox (I do this at the autumn equinox too). I make myself a cuppa, grab a notebook, settle down in a comfy chair and reflect on the previous 6 months. What were the highlights? What would I like to change for the future? What am I grateful for? This is a huge one for me. So often I can get caught up in worrying that I should be doing and achieving more but concentrating on what I’m grateful for in my life can help shift my focus from what I don’t have to what I do have.

Then I like to set some intentions for the next 6 months and I don’t mean the ‘get the perfect beach body’ or ‘I’ll never eat junk food again’ type of unrealistic and punishing New Year’s Resolution type goals we often see bandied around at the start of the year. I have long-since learned that this restrictive approach to goal setting doesn’t work for me. I do much better when I focus on how I want to feel in 6 months time and what steps I can take to help me achieve this.

This spring my intention is to feel more joy in my life. It is often the small things that bring the most joy so these are a few of the things I will be focusing on:

? Spending more time in my garden – it’s my happy place! As the poet Alfred Austin is quoted as saying, “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.”

? Listening to music – I’ve got into the habit of listening to podcasts and audiobooks and out of the habit of listening to music but I realise that I miss the way music makes me feel so it’s time to make room for my favourite tunes again.

? Dusting off my sewing machine – another hobby that has faded into the background as life has become busy but I love losing myself in a creative sewing project and I’m planning to start by making some eye masks for the treatment room.

? Laughing – laughter really is the best medicine but over the last few years it doesn’t feel like there’s been much to laugh about. Life will always be serious but remembering to see the funny side of things helps to make the tough times more bearable and has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. I’ll be making time to watch my favourite comedians and funny films and spending time with the people who make me laugh.

What excites you about the change of season?  What seeds will you plant in your life?

Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being because it plays a vital role in a wide range of bodily functions. Here are five benefits of getting adequate and quality sleep:

1. Boosts immune system. Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system. When we sleep, our bodies produce proteins called cytokines that help fight off infections, inflammation, and stress. Lack of sleep can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illness and diseases.
2. Enhances cognitive function. Adequate sleep is essential for optimal brain function. During sleep, our brains process and consolidate information, which can help to improve memory, attention, and decision-making skills. Getting enough sleep can also enhance creativity, productivity, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Improves mood. Lack of sleep can negatively affect our mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, and depression. Getting enough sleep can help regulate our emotions and reduce stress, leading to a better mood and overall mental health.
4. Supports weight management. Poor sleep can disrupt the hormones that regulate our appetite and metabolism, leading to weight gain and obesity. Getting enough sleep can help regulate these hormones, promoting healthy eating habits and weight management.
5. Reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Sleep plays a critical role in preventing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Adequate sleep can help regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and other vital bodily functions, reducing the risk of developing these conditions.

Therefore, we should never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep on our physical and mental well-being. However, a recent study carried out by Direct Line Life Insurance (Sleeping dangerously: 7.5 million Brits have under five hours’ a night – Direct Line Group) revealed that “over 7.5 million people (14%) sleep for less than five hours a night on average” and “more than 37 million (71%) people across the country do not get the recommended seven to nine hours per night”.

Do you struggle to get to sleep or maybe to stay asleep? As someone who has battled with insomnia for several years I can sympathise. My personal sleep gremlin is waking up around 2-3am and not being able to get back to sleep again. Thankfully, I’ve turned a corner with it recently after making lots of changes, including a lot of the tips outlined below.

So, what can we do to improve the quantity and quality of our sleep?

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday, even at the weekend. This helps to regulate your body’s internal clock and improve the quality of your sleep.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down and prepare for sleep. You could try taking a warm bath (add your favourite Neal’s Yard Remedies bath foam or salts!), reading a book, listening to calming music or a guided meditation (I’m currently using the app InsightTimer which has a large selection of sleep meditations).
3. Unplug from technology. Avoid digital technology for at least an hour before bed as studies suggest that using devices tends to delay the time you actually go to sleep and stimulates the brain making it harder to fall asleep. The blue light emitted by many screens disrupts the natural production of melatonin, a hormone that is essential for sleep.
4. Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening, as they can interfere with your sleep. Instead try drinking herbal tea or water.
5. Don’t go to bed on a full stomach. Aim to leave a few hours between eating your main meal and going to bed. This allows enough time to avoid discomfort and indigestion. Some types of food may help improve sleep. Foods containing, complex carbohydrates, protein and tryptophan (an amino acid that the body uses to make sleep-inducing hormones serotonin and melatonin) may help you sleep better.
6. Make your bedroom conducive to sleep. Create a sleep sanctuary by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet and cool. Use blackout curtains, earplugs or an eye mask if necessary.
7. Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can help improve the quality of your sleep but try to avoid exercising too close to bedtime. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as walking, running or yoga.
8. Book your reflexology treatment! Last, but by no means least, if you are struggling with sleep, why not try reflexology? A lot of my clients say they have the best nights’ sleep following their reflexology treatment. It provides a natural way to relax and balance the mind and body. The only way to find out if it will work for you is to give it a try!

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed and energised.

NB: Reflexologists do not diagnose, cure or treat specific conditions. Reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment and if you have any concerns about your health, including any persistent sleep issues,  you should consult your GP.

Staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are key elements of a healthy lifestyle. Water makes up about 60% of our body weight, and it’s essential for many bodily functions, including regulating temperature, digestion, and circulation. When we don’t drink enough water, we can become dehydrated, leading to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and dry skin.

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, which are vital for maintaining good health. Eating a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. A diet high in fruits and vegetables has also been linked to improved digestion, better skin health, and a reduced risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

I always advise my reflexology clients on the importance of keeping hydrated and getting plenty of fruit and veggies into their diet but it’s often easier said than done when life is busy. Here are some simple tips we can all try to help build healthier habits:

Staying more hydrated:

1. Carry a water bottle. Keep a refillable water bottle with you and make sure to sip on it throughout the day.
2. Eat water-rich foods. Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as fruits and vegetables, which can help keep you hydrated.
3. Flavour your water. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, cucumber, ginger or some mint leaves to give it some flavour. Tea and coffee also count! It used to be thought that tea and coffee were dehydrating due to their diuretic effect on the body, but it is now believed that this does not offset their hydrating effect.
4. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. If you’re feeling thirsty you could already be dehydrated. Try to drink regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
5. Set reminders. If you find it tricky to remember to drink regularly, try using an app or setting reminders on your phone to prompt you.

Eating more fruit & veg:

1. Start small. Begin by adding just one extra serving of vegetables or fruit to one meal per day, and gradually increase from there.
2. Make a smoothie. Blend your favourite fruits and vegetables into a smoothie for a quick, easy and delicious way to get your daily servings.
3. Eat a rainbow! Include a wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in your diet, as different colours indicate different nutrients (e.g. red fruits & veggies, such as tomatoes, strawberries and red beans are packed with vitamins C & A, potassium and antioxidants).
4. Swap out snacks. Try replacing your mid-morning chocolate biscuit with some fresh or tinned fruit or chopped veg with hummus.
5. Sneak them into recipes. Up your daily portions by adding extra veggies to pasta sauces, stir-fries, soups and even cakes!

Over the last few weeks, many of my clients have told me that they’ve been fighting off bugs or been floored by viruses and are feeling generally run down and lethargic. It’s not surprising as we come to the end of a long winter season. Our immune systems and vitamin D levels are depleted and we are all craving more daylight, warmer weather and some spring sunshine to throw open the windows and enjoy time outside.

Spring is a time for renewal, growth and rejuvenation. As the days get longer and warmer, many of us feel a renewed sense of energy and vitality. However, sometimes it can feel difficult to shake off the winter blues and get into the springtime spirit. Try these tips to spring-clean your energy for the coming season:

1. Get Moving: One of the best ways to boost your energy in the spring is to get moving! Take a brisk walk or go for a bike ride. The fresh air and sunshine will help lift your mood and increase your energy levels.
2. Get Plenty of Sleep: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night to help your body recharge and feel refreshed. Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down.
3. De-Stress: Spring can be a busy time, but it’s essential to take time for yourself to de-stress and recharge. Book your reflexology treatment to help to reduce stress and boost your energy.
4. Eat Seasonally: Spring is the perfect time to start eating lighter, fresher foods. Incorporate more fruit and vegetables into your diet, and avoid heavy, fatty foods that can weigh you down. Some seasonal veggies you can add to your plate this month are cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli and spring greens. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and energised throughout the day.
5. Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors in nature can help boost your energy and improve your overall well-being. Take a long leisurely walk, visit a park, or simply spend time in your garden to reconnect with nature and feel more energised.

October marks Menopause Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness around the natural stage in a woman’s life when her hormone levels decline, and her periods cease.

Historically, menopause has been a taboo subject. “The Change” was a topic discussed in whispers, if discussed at all. Symptoms, such as hot flushes and brain fog, were to be endured in silence. Thankfully, this is changing and over the last couple of years many celebrities have spoken out about their experiences of menopause, including Davina McCall, whose 2021 groundbreaking TV documentary, Sex, Myths and The Menopause, was reported to have been watched by more than 2 million people.

I am currently studying Reflexology for Menopause (developed by renowned reflexologist Sally Earlam), a course designed for reflexologists to develop additional skills to support women through menopause, both in terms of reflexology techniques and self-help advice.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far…

• Every woman and her experience of menopause is unique.
• A woman is said to have reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
• The average age of menopause in the UK is 51.
• Perimenopause is the transition time before menopause during which a woman may experience symptoms of falling oestrogen levels but is still having periods.
• Perimenopause generally starts between 40-50 years of age and typically lasts 4 years but it can last anywhere from 1 to 12 years.
• 8 out of 10 women in the UK experience some symptoms, the most common of which are hot flushes and night sweats. However, there are said to be around 34 recognised symptoms of menopause and perimenopause including insomnia, mood changes, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, poor concentration, memory lapses, incontinence, itchiness, joint pain, aching muscles, headaches and weight gain.
• Post-menopausal women are at an increased risk of long-term conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
• Symptoms no longer need to be endured. There are lots of effective treatments available, whether you decide to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or not.

The role of oestrogen

Oestrogen is one of the main female sex hormones and plays a vital role at every stage of a woman’s development, from puberty to the menstrual cycle to pregnancy. It also plays a role in bone strength and other functions of the body. In fact, women have oestrogen receptors around the whole body, including the reproductive organs, breast tissue, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, skin, cardiovascular system, thyroid, central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, so you can see how falling levels of oestrogen in the perimenopause and menopause can play havoc with every area of a woman’s health and her quality of life can be seriously affected.

The impact of stress on menopausal symptoms

Menopause happens at a time in her life when a woman may have higher stress levels. Often she is focussing on looking after others and not always prioritising looking after herself. She may be dealing with the following: 

• A demanding job
• Teenage children or children leaving home
• Ageing parents

A study has shown that chronically elevated cortisol (a stress hormone) increases the likelihood of severe menopausal symptoms. (Cagnacci et al, 2011. Menopause, 18, 273-8) Therefore lowering stress levels may help to reduce menopausal symptoms.

How can Reflexology support women through menopause and help ease symptoms?

As a gentle, hands-on, holistic therapy, Reflexology aims to optimise physical and emotional well-being by:

• Aiding sleep
• Improving mood
• Releasing tension
• Promoting relaxation
• Improving your sense of wellbeing

If lowering stress levels can reduce menopausal symptoms, why not see how the deep relaxation from reflexology makes you feel?

In her course, Sally Earlam emphasises that menopause is a time to pause and reframe: a time to ask “who do you want to be for the next phase of your life and how can you achieve that?”.

Whilst Reflexology offers one element for taking a natural, holistic approach to menopause, Sally believes that viewing menopause through a positive lens and looking at lifestyle is also key for well-being and healthy ageing. She outlines five main ‘pillars’ of menopause:

1. Diet and nutrition – a more plant-based diet, high in vegetables and fruit, low in processed food and added sugar.
2. Exercise – including weight bearing, strength training, aerobic exercise, flexibility and balance.
3. Relaxation – stress can make menopausal symptoms worse but deep relaxation allows the body to heal and repair which can ease symptoms. This is where reflexology can help, as well as building in daily relaxation practices, such as meditation.
4. Sleep – sleep disturbance is common in menopause. Cultivate a good sleep routine to ensure you are getting adequate, good quality sleep.
5. Having a sense of purpose – finding your flow. What lights you up? What is your reason for getting out of bed in the morning?

I hope to complete my practical studies in Reflexology for Menopause in the next couple of months to enable me to start supporting women going through this key transitional stage in their lives.

For now, I will leave you with this final thought from Sally:

“Menopause can be a new beginning: a time when our sense of purpose as women can change enormously.

An opportunity for transformation and growth”.

I’m delighted to have become a Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Independent Consultant which enables me to offer their beautiful range of natural skincare products, essential oils and supplements to support your well-being. Some of you will have noticed these iconic blue bottles appearing in my treatment room recently.

Since 1981, Neal’s Yard Remedies has been a pioneer in organic beauty and well-being. They were the UK’s first certified organic natural health and beauty company and have been certified by the Soil Association since 1991.  Their award-winning products contain ethically sourced herbs, botanicals, and essential oils. They do not contain parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, or other nasty chemicals and have never been tested on animals, only willing humans.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and an active barrier between our bodies and the environment. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what is in the products you use on your skin. NYR Organics follow the Precautionary Principle – you won’t find anything in their products they believe could cause you or the planet harm.

You can follow this link to find out more about the ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients used in Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic products and those harmful ingredients that are not included.

NYRO Ethically Sourced Ingredients

When you visit my treatment room you can sample some of these gorgeous products for yourself. I offer 1-1 skincare consultations to help you to find the perfect products for you or look out for one of my free product showcases or aromatherapy workshops where you can come along and indulge in some pampering and try before you buy.

You can browse my webshop and the full catalogue using these links:

Sharon’s NYRO Website

NYRO Catalogue

For those of you who don’t know me and even for those who do but don’t know the background to how I became a reflexologist, I thought I would share my story. My interest in feet goes a long way back. As a child, I was obsessed with feet! I was always barefoot and I loved my feet being tickled and stroked.  As a teenager, I wanted to be a podiatrist but when I told the careers advisor at school, she laughed at me and said it would be a horrible job and that put me off.

I became a vegetarian at 14 and I was very concerned with animal rights and the environment and later went on to become interested in holistic health therapies. I bought my first reflexology book in a health food shop when I was 18.

In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, a painful gynaecological disorder where tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus and can attach itself to other organs and tissues. Every month I would experience several days of debilitating pain that made it difficult for me to work and enjoy my day to day life. Whilst I was waiting for an operation, I started seeing a reflexologist and I found the treatments to be incredibly relaxing which in turn helped me to cope with the pain. Over time and with regular treatments, I also found that my hormonal-related headaches improved and I experienced fewer PMS symptoms in general.

After my experience, I wanted to find out more about this amazing therapy! There was a centre for healthy living in the next town and they were giving talks on holistic and complementary health therapies including reflexology. I went along and signed up that night for an 8-week introductory course. I enjoyed it so much that when it finished, I took the plunge and started a year-long practitioner course with the Aquarian School in Hertfordshire. I was working full-time as a manager in the NHS at the time but I knew I had to practice reflexology in some form. I qualified in March 2000 with a Practitioner Certificate from the Association of Reflexologists and for the next 15 years, I practised as a part-time reflexologist alongside other jobs. However, when my son started school I found I was struggling to manage the demands of a family together with an employed job and my reflexology clients and unfortunately something had to give. I took a break from practising for a few years but I really missed giving reflexology treatments and supporting clients.

In March 2020, as the pandemic hit, life was changing rapidly for me. I had recently made the decision to leave my job as a clinic manager where I had worked for more than 10 years. For a long time, I’d felt that reflexology was calling to me again and I had time during my lockdown walks to really think about the direction I wanted to take in the next stage of my life. I decided that what I really wanted was to start working as a reflexologist again so I relocated and redecorated my son’s playroom, bought a treatment couch, signed up for some CPD courses to update my skills and knowledge and finally opened the doors to my treatment room to welcome clients on 6th of May 2021.

Starting up during the pandemic was perhaps an interesting decision and some of the restrictions made things slightly more challenging but I’ve very much enjoyed my work over the past year and I am certain in my heart that I made the right decision.