Balance Therapies

by Kate O'Sullivan

Holistic Health Treatments

Reflexology in Harpenden

Thank you for visiting Balance Therapies. Please note I am currently no longer taking clients.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle, direct pressure using the fingers or thumbs to specific points on the feet, in order to stimulate the body’s own healing processes. These points are called ‘reflexes’ and reflect the organs or structures of the body. It is a safe, gentle and natural therapy, which brings about a state of deep relaxation.

The theory underlying reflexology, is that every body organ and structure, has a reflex point that can be located on the soles, top or sides of the feet. Through careful massage of these points, the organs or structures that they reflect will be either stimulated or relaxed, depending on what we are trying to achieve.

In reflexology, the right foot and hand represent the right side of the body, whilst the left foot and hand represent the left side. The position of the reflex points generally reflect the corresponding position of the different body organs and parts. For example, the big toes at the top of the foot, represent the head.

There are ten different longitudinal zones which run from each of the toes, up through the body to the head and down the arms to the fingers. The energy in each zone needs to flow freely – if there is congestion in a zone, this will cause an imbalance within any organ or part of the body which lies in that particular zone.

A reflexologist will feel different sensations under their fingertips whilst working over the various reflexes. They will often feel crystalline deposits which indicate a congested reflex – this can be a sign of a problem, or a congestion of energy in the related body area. By applying pressure to these crystals, the reflexologist will break them up so that they dissolve and are carried away in the blood.

Reflexology focuses on bringing balance and harmony in order to restore the body to homeostasis, which in simple terms, is a process in which the body’s internal environment is kept stable, despite changes in external conditions.


Reflexology is deeply relaxing and helps the body cope with stress whilst improving the circulation of blood and lymph. When the body is relaxed, it starts to heal itself. This is important as the parasympathetic nervous system only functions when the body is in a relaxed state.

In addition to relaxing the body, reflexology also greatly relaxes the mind, which is necessary in these modern, fast paced times.

If stress is not managed well, the body’s natural defense mechanisms will be out of balance making us prone to illness.

Reflexology can help with a wide range of conditions. Each treatment is specifically tailored to your specific physical and emotional requirements.

If you have any questions about reflexology, please contact me for a chat.

Improves sleep

Helps relieve tension

Aids relaxation

Lifts mood

Well-being booster

Promotes happiness

Helps balance emotions

It is usually safe to have Reflexology alongside conventional medicine, but if you are currently having any medical treatment please speak to your GP before booking an appointment.


Your treatment

Reflexology treatments usually last for about one hour. However, the first session usually takes an hour and a half, as I record personal details and medical history, which will, of course, remain strictly confidential.

The treatment will be conducted in my warm, softly lit treatment room. You will be cocooned in my heated, reclining treatment chair surrounded by relaxing music. I will begin by deep cleansing your feet, using hot towels prior to a warm up massage, using a special blend of natural beeswax and grapeseed oil. This is the point where the reflexology treatment begins; I will apply gentle pressure to the various reflex points using my fingers or a hot stone. In doing so, I may discover points of congestion which I will work on to restore balance. I encourage my clients to take advantage of the environment, to close their eyes, and escape to a serene place, in order to maximise the benefit of this treatment.


A treatment schedule may be discussed at the end of the session, and a course of treatments may be recommended depending on your body’s needs.


Please note that reflexologists do not diagnose, or prescribe for a specific condition.

Get in touch

Thank you for visiting my website. I am currently no longer taking clients.

My location

I am based in Harpenden and see clients from nearby St Albans, Redbourn, Wheathampstead and the surrounding villages.