Back then, my decision to train was a mixture of interest and pragmatism, as a 30-year old I don't think I considered a long career as a therapist. I knew I wanted to train in something hands-on, understanding the power of touch. I liked feet, they interested me (and still do): 26 bones, 33 joints, the complex interaction of muscles, tendons, ligaments and tissues that support the body, enabling us to walk, run, dance and play. I toyed with chiropody but decided that it was too mechanical, I was after something more healing, where I could have a deeper connection with clients, perhaps. I liked the interaction between Chinese Medical Theory and the development of Reflexology in the west, which produced the map of the foot that is most recognisable in the UK, today. At the time I trained there weren’t any Reflexologists in the area (which made training good business sense to me), and I didn’t need to travel far from the Dyfi valley to go to college. I qualified as Covent House Natural Health Centre was in the making and it has been the yellow door on Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth ever since. It’s been a hugely supportive and enriching experience to work alongside so many talented colleagues over the years but in June 2023 I moved premises to London House, next door to Dyfi Wholefoods. I have been practicing Reflexology for over two decades, now. Many therapists train in other areas too but I have never felt the need. Reflexology has held my interest and my practice has deepened over the years through experience and ongoing Continual Professional Development. While there is a basic sequence to a treatment, each is tailored to the individual whether that is easing muscles in spasm, helping a mum prepare for the birth of her child or relaxing an anxious mind and body. Reflexology is deceptively simple, and I’m so pleased I chose it as a therapy all those years ago.
