The Relaxation Room

16/09/2026

MEN LIKE REFLEXOLOGY?
YES! Like women, men get stressed, feel 'out of sorts', and they can have trouble switching off - so when they try reflexology most appreciate it.
Generally, men are less likely to seek out complementary therapies like reflexology. When they do, they are often quite surprised at their feeling of deep relaxation.

LONGER ANSWER:
I think that men are under represented as reflexology clients for a number of reasons.
Socially, I think that it is more 'acceptable' for women to access complementary therapies - although some are more acceptable than others :) Perhaps as an extension of this, promotion of reflexology tends to be directed towards women, so men are also less aware of reflexology as an option for supporting wellbeing.
I wonder if men are more likely to 'battle on' when feeling under pressure? and if so, when help is sought they prefer a solution that can provide a more immediately reliable and measurable outcome?

My own experience as a Reflexologist is that men prefer not to chat and 'share' when they come for a treatment. I'm completely fine with that. The great thing about reflexology is that you don't need to talk - you are giving your body a chance to slow your heart rate, for your central nervous system to calm, for your muscles to relax, your breathing to become deeper and for your blood flow to improve. In doing this, you are reducing all stress, not just the physical but also the mental and emotional.

www.relaxation.co.nz
The Health Hub Firmly Fit Pilates

09/09/2026

IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE REFLEXOLOGY?
Anytime! ... and as often as your resources allow :)
Booking in for reflexology monthly is a great contribution to maintaining your wellbeing, helping to even out the ups and downs of life, and gives you the feel-good factor of something enjoyable to look forward to.

LONGER ANSWER:
I wish that everybody could have reflexology whenever they wanted. However, Reflexology is not subsidised in NZ, and the reality is that many people are struggling with the cost of living. This makes it difficult to spend money on what is often considered a luxury. I understand that.
This is what I tell a new client who asks me the question of when they should book in again:
Try and notice how you feel over the next 24-48 hours. If you feel quite a noticeable difference and if you're able to do so, then book in for next week or the week after next. This is because it's quite good to keep up the momentum on strong positive effects.
If you feel good, and you liked it, then book in for next month :)

I do ask that people consider having 3 sessions before deciding reflexology isn't for them. This is because it can take a few sessions for you and your feet to get the hang of it, switch off your brain, and let your body do its thing.

Finally, if you are not in a position to have reflexology regularly, please consider booking in when you feel like you might be 'coming down with something'. A reflexology session can help with supporting your immune system.

www.relaxation.co.nz
The Health Hub Firmly Fit Pilates

02/09/2026

WILL REFLEXOLOGY MESS WITH MY MEDICATION OR OTHER THERAPIES?
The wonderful thing about reflexology is that it 'plays nicely' with other therapies.
This means that you can safely have a reflexology treatment while taking prescribed medication, or while also receiving other treatments e.g. accupuncture, chiropractic, or osteopathy etc.

LONGER ANSWER:
The worst thing that can happen from a reflexology treatment is nothing!

Reflexology cannot manipulate your body into doing anything it doesn't want to do. For this reason, reflexology will not override the effects of medication or any other therapies - it will simply support your body with how it is adapting to the effects of those treatments. An example of this is recent research done in Australia indicating that reflexology provided alongside chemotherapy treatment (often done while the person was actually receiving chemotherapy) reduced symptoms and symptom related distress. (source:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9515520/)
Reflexologists are clear that reflexology is a complementary therapy and does not replace medical care.

From a safe practice point of view, a well trained reflexologist will know how to check with you what pressure to use, will check for skin irritations or bruising before starting, and will ensure that they are following good hygiene protocols.

As a Reflexologist, I am clear with my clients that I do not diagnose or prescribe, and I always suggest that they seek advice from other professionals if I notice anything of concern on their feet, or if they have any concerns.

www.relaxation.co.nzlevin Firmly Fit Pilates

26/08/2026

HOW DOES REFLEXOLOGY WORK?
Some of it we can explain with anatomy, physiology and logic...some of it we can't.
There are approximately 7,000 to 10,000 nerve ending in each of your feet. When they experience touch or pressure, these nerves send information to the Central Nervous System (your spinal cord and brain) to be interpreted. Following that, a response is sent to the appropriate muscles or glands in your body.

The aim of reflexology is to use purposeful touch on specific points on your feet to send signals to the brain that all is well, your body is safe, and now is an excellent time to relax and do some self-repair.

LONGER ANSWER:
Reflexology also supports blood flow. The stimulation on your feet can help dilate blood vessels which assists with oxygen and nutrients getting to the very tips of your toes (which is why we recommend reflexology for neuropathy - e.g people with diabetes). Increased blood flow then supports your immune system by helping with the transport and removal of cellular waste.

Now for the less logical part! I think if you asked a room full of Reflexologists how reflexology works you will get many different answers that range from my logical explanation above to the healing power of touch, and the clearing of energy flow throughout the body.

As a Reflexologist, I tend towards logics, but I have witnessed (and receive consistent feedback) that has convinced me that the power of touch, of having a safe space to truly relax, to have the total focus of a person wishing you well, and the freedom to just 'be', can all have a powerfully positive effect on your body and your sense of wellbeing.

www.relaxation.co.nz
levin Firmly Fit Pilates

12/08/2026

IS REFLEXOLOGY JUST FOR STRESSED PEOPLE?
You don't have to be 'stressed' to benefit from reflexology.

Reflexology is about supporting your body systems to work together for your positive benefit. Your nervous system plays a coordination role in this process, so we tend to notice the symptoms of stress from this system first.
Because reflexology has a big focus on soothing the nervous system, it is a great help with stress - but it's equally important to support your nervous system in times of calm as this can promote long-term resilience.

LONGER ANSWER:
I find the definition of stress to be difficult. My personal opinion is that we have normalised a certain level of stress, especially in the last 10 years. Our thinking brain can explain stress away, but our bodies can't. Our body systems just keep compensating and trying to adapt - with varying degrees of success.
It is estimated that 70-80% of visits to health professionals are related to stress, or stress-related conditions; we just tend not to make the connection between stress and autoimmune diseases or IBS etc.

As a Reflexologist who cares about wellbeing, I am happy to see anyone who is taking a step towards self-care in response to feeling stressed, or as a proactive measure to maintain wellbeing. I suggest to people that they think about reflexology as they would massage; they might book in either as response to discomfort, or as a way to regularly gift their body with an hour of calm.

My preference of course, will always be that a person chooses reflexology - but I would say that, wouldn't I? lol
www.relaxation.co.nz

05/08/2026

WHAT HAPPENS IN A REFLEXOLOGY SESSION?
No two reflexology sessions are the same. That's because your reflexologist works with how you are feeling when you walk in the door.

But a typical session will likely involve taking off your shoes and socks, lying (or sitting) back, taking some deep breaths and then just relaxing. You may choose to talk, to stay silent, to ask questions, or to empty your mind. You might even sleep (yay). You don't need to make small talk or 'be polite'. This is your time for your body to take a break from the world.

LONGER ANSWER:
Most people are just curious, but some people can feel a bit anxious about their first reflexology treatment. They're not sure what to expect, and what if they really don't like it? They might worry if their feet aren't presentable, or if it's going to hurt. What if they discover they're ticklish?!

As a Reflexologist, the most important thing to me is that you feel comfortable and safe. If you have any concerns you just need to let me know, and we can adjust or stop. It doesn't worry me if your pedicure is out of date, or you dropped a hammer on your big toe and it's never looked quite the same since, (although, OUCH!). I'm not here to judge, I'm here to give your body time, space and encouragement to do what it wants to do naturally - to self-repair.

I think of it like being on a swing. Sometimes you just want to sit there with your feet on the ground and just gently sway. You might want to chat with the person on the next swing over. Sometimes you might just lean back and look at the sky, waving your legs in the air. Other times, you might swing high and fast, enjoying the rush of air, the sense of movement, and the sheer exhilaration of feeling like you're flying. If you're like me, you never know what you're going to do until you actually sit on the swing in that given moment.
That's what a reflexology treatment is like.
www.relaxation.co.nz

29/07/2026

IS REFLEXOLOGY SCIENCE OR WOO-WOO ENERGY?
Why can't it be both?
Reflexologists do not claim to cure anything, we do not diagnose, nor do we prescribe. However, our practice is strongly based in human biology - which includes anatomy & physiology, and also how the body produces, transfers and utilises energy to sustain itself and achieve homeostasis (the balance of all your body systems working together as they should).

Reflexologists often get feedback about how 'lighter' the person feels after a treatment, that they feel 'a release' or a 'sense of having more energy'. This is because the focus of reflexology is to support all aspects of your wellbeing - the moving parts and the energy that moves them.

LONGER ANSWER:
Recent research of people receiving reflexology while having a functional MRI shows areas of the brain responding to specific reflexes on the feet. Reflexology dates back to the Egyptians, but we're only now getting the technology to scientifically study it. We also know that every cell in our body has its own little energy source - the mitochondria.

From my perspective as a Reflexologist, I see my treatments as being a blend between what I know of the structure of the human body - the systems and the cells; and the role that energy levels play in driving these systems and contributing to a positive sense of wellbeing.
I guess it's a bit like when I would fall off my bike as a child. My mother would stop the bleeding, apply an antiseptic cream and put on a bandaid. Then she would give me a hug and cuddle. Science? Woo-woo? or Both?
www.relaxation.co.nz

Appointments available in Levin at The Health Hub and in Feilding at Firmly Fit Pilates

22/07/2026

IS REFLEXOLOGY JUST A FLASH NAME FOR A FOOT MASSAGE?
No! Reflexology involves applying precise pressure to reflexes using thumb, finger, or hand techniques that target specific points on your feet based on your health concerns.

So while you're left with the feeling that you've had a lovely foot massage, you've actually had an individualised treatment that has stimulated and encouraged self-healing.

LONGER ANSWER:
In New Zealand, both massage and reflexology are unregulated. This means that anyone who feels they have the ability to do so, can offer and advertise massage or reflexology services. In many cases, you will find both services advertised in the same place, which can lead to the assumption that reflexology is mostly a foot massage.
From my perspective as a Reflexologist, the biggest difference is that when I'm giving a reflexology treatment I am utilising my full knowledge of anatomy and physiology (A&P is a significant component of reflexology training). As I work on your feet I am considering how each reflex connects to your different body systems (e.g. lymphatic, endocrine, digestive etc.), I'm mentally mapping to see if one system is more represented than others, and I'm adjusting my treatment as I go along, depending on what I discover on your feet :) I'm also aware of the bones, tendons and muscles in your feet - they can also be tense or tired - and I soothe them where needed.
When I'm giving a foot massage, my focus is on general relaxation and muscle work, easing feet that may have been in tramping boots all day, or feet that are wanting to absorb supportive lotions or creams.
www.relaxation.co.nz

02/07/2026

Great tips from Sarah Jane Reflexology

01/07/2026

I also find it hard to practice what I preach 😂👣. Sending my friend and colleague lots of healing thoughts 💙

Three weeks ago I broke my ankle in six places.

Surgery followed, and since then my world has shrunk to one room, two elevated legs - one broken, the other badly sprained, - and a lot of time I didn't plan for.

I won't pretend the stillness has been easy. But here's what I've been doing with it.

Every day I work on my good foot - gently, carefully, the way I would with any client who needed something while tender and still healing. The sprain on that side is improving and I can feel the difference that gentle, consistent attention makes.

And my broken ankle? My toes stick out of the cast. So I work those too. Carefully. With the intention of keeping circulation moving and supporting blood flow to a limb that can't move on its own right now. It's slow, and sometimes awkward - but it feels important.

I'm eating as well as I can. Resting properly. Letting healing be the only job.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I ask my clients to do - to slow down, to let the body lead, to trust that rest is doing something even when it doesn't feel productive. It turns out that's easier to say than do.

But I'm living it now and it's reminding me why this work matters.

I'll be back in the treatment room in August. In the meantime, I'm here learning what my own body has to teach me.

Sarah