About Reflexology

Foot Reflexology (with Catherine Whittaker, Reflexologist)
This relaxing foot treatment is very holistic in its approach but effective at rebalancing your body to promote healing of the entire body, release tension and improve circulation. Reflexology is ideal for everyone of all ages and is a great tool at achieving and maintaining excellent health.

Reflexology works directly with the nervous system. Therefore, if pressure is applied to the shoulder reflex, for example, the message will be sent to the brain and then to the shoulder for a response.

Reflexology does not treat one specific issue. All sessions focus on all reflexes of the body, paying extra attention to areas that could help speed up the recovery of the health issue(s) in question.

The beauty of reflexology, besides being enjoyable, is that it is holistic. It helps boost your body’s ability to heal itself naturally, without drugs or side affects. For this reason, reflexology is ideal for almost everyone of all ages.

Benefits of Reflexology
Major benefits of reflexology are relaxation, increased circulation and reduced tension. Most importantly, by rebalancing the organs of the body, the body then becomes in a better position to heal itself.

Reflexology is ideal for relaxation, to kick start a detoxification program, for general health maintenance, and/or, if you have a specific health issue that you would like to target. Reflexology is also excellent at boosting your body’s health prior to a surgery for quicker / easier recovery.

How many treatments will I need?
If you have a specific health issue that you need addressed, it normally takes 3-10 sessions. Although many health issues can be targeted with good success, sometimes this is not the case. The general rule of thumb is that if, after 3-6 sessions, you do not see an improvement, another method may be more appropriate for you.

There is simply no way of knowing how effective a reflexology program will be for you until you try it. The nature of the issue you are addressing will sometimes affect the results, but most often, your willingness to heal and energetic balance has an even stronger influence. This is an excellent topic to discuss with your reflexologist prior to your first appointment.

How often should I have a reflexology session?
When you first start a reflexology program, it is best if the sessions are spaced 48-72 hours apart, especially for the first 3 sessions.

The ultimate goal is to gradually decrease the number of sessions to one per month for general well-being and preventative health maintenance!

What can I expect during the treatment?
Your first reflexology treatment should be relaxing and enjoyable. However, it is very common to have some reflexes that are tender to touch. As your health improves, your practitioner will be able to re-introduced the pressure, making your experience much more enjoyable!

For ideal results, there should be little to no talking during the session to maximize your relaxation and healing potential. The whole goal of reflexology is to relax your body into parasympathetic mode (more commonly known as rest and repair), which is that state where the body’s heart rate decreases, digestion decreases, and the body can utilize all its energy towards healing. This may make you feel sleepy during the treatment.

Cozy Corner reflexology sessions include a complimentary initial assessment (first treatment only), consultation, foot bath, reflexology treatment, foot massage and approximately 10 minutes of energy healing. The first treatment can often take about 2 ¼ hours. Once the initial assessment has been done, follow-up treatments take approximately 1 ¾ hours.

Reflexology sessions are done with client fully clothed on massage table, complete with blankets, pillows and music for a very relaxing experience.

After the treatment
Reflexology is a very detoxifying treatment. For that reason, it is possible that you will feel thirsty / dry after a session, have random soreness / tender spots in your body for the first 24-48 hours, and that you may feel sleepy for part of the day. For that reason, it is best not to book any strenuous activities immediately after the session, to keep your body in that healing mode as long as possible.

To enhance the results, an effort should be made to increase your water consumption, at least for the first few days after the treatment.

About the Practitioner
Catherine Whittaker, B. Sc., Certified Reflexologist / Reiki Master
Catherine is a Member of the Reflexology Association of Canada and the Nova Scotia Association of Reflexology Practitioners. She is also the Newsletter Editor for the Nova Scotia Association of Reflexology Practioners. She is fascinated by holistic healing and is constantly learning new skills to help her clients heal faster. Having seen the combined results of Reiki and Reflexology, Catherine also makes sure that each Reflexology session includes about 10 minutes of energy healing. This mini energy session boosts your energy field and helps release energetic blockages, therefore speeding up the results.

If you are looking for a Practitioner that is open minded and willing to give you a relaxing / healing experience, you have found your match. Catherine works with many health professionals in the Halifax Regional Municipality and is more than happy to refer is she feels it is to your best advantage.

Please do not hesitate to call Catherine if you have any questions or concerns!

Testimonials
“For me, bringing a reflexologist into the treatment plan after many years of applying different forms of alternative applications for environmental illness was a blessing. Most beneficial was the gradual release of pain referred to as a "contracture" after a surgery procedure in the 1980's. Also, the burning pain and swellings in my ankles have been removed, as well as toxins that were locked in muscles due to environmental illness.

Catherine's open mindedness added an additional help. It helped me to overcome the resistance that we meet and are seemingly forced to endure with certain chronic illnesses. That emotional pain began to be released when I combined a Buddhist breathing practice called “Tonglen” during the treatment when it became more intense.

I am very pleased with the results and would gladly recommend this procedure to family and friends who are struggling with chronic pain.”

    Ina T., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

“My wife Marina finally booked the reflexology treatment that I got her as a Christmas present last week, and she has raved about the results. Granted she's not doing backflips, but she feels so much better after the session you gave her. She mentioned specifically that she felt the treatment "released" the negative effects that painkillers impose on the digestive system.

I just wanted to extend my thanks for your kind and extended attention to Marina's holistic needs. It made her feel better than she has for a long time. I think that your manner of treating a patient/client was the key. ”

    C. Burns, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Catherine both as a student of mine and a client of hers. It is always such a pleasure to spend time with her positive spirit. She approaches everything she does with a genuine passion. She instinctively knows how to make a person feel comfortable and supremely well cared for. Catherine's integrity makes her stand out above the rest. I never hesitate to refer my friends and clients to her as I am certain their experience will be one that will be thoroughly enjoyed. Her smile and enthusiasm are always infectious! Thank you Catherine for caring so much!”

    Ann Perry, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia

“The reflexology treatments were very helpful with my sinuses and gave me a sense of peace. After each session, I couldn’t get over how thirsty it made me. Catherine explained that it was my body detoxifying, so I knew something was happening to my body. Catherine also taught me certain pressure points on my hands. I refer to them on a regular basis and I find it very calming.”

    Tina S., Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia

“My daughter convinced me to try reflexology once I was diagnosed with Plantar Fascilitis. The pain in my feet was really starting to affect my mobility, and I had already stopped my exercise routine as a result. But even the thought of having my feet touched seemed like torture, since I am extremely ticklish.

Despite my resistance, I did make an appointment with Catherine, expecting it to be a complete waste of time. She explained what to expect during the session and made me comfortable enough to give it a shot.

I must admit, I didn’t want to be there at first. However, by the third treatment, I started to relax and realized that my feet were starting to feel much less sensitive and caught myself walking with little to no pain. I completed 6 treatments in total, and I’m happy to say that despite by initial resistance, my Plantar Fascilitis has disappeared and I’m now walking 4-5 times per week as I was prior to my diagnosis!”

    D. Dupuis, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

All services are by appointment only.
Please call us today at (902) 463-COZY (2699) to book your time!