A purple sign reading Hands-on-Harmony, Astrology, Consultations, Reflexology, Reiki, Massage, eliminates any doubt I have about where I am. This is the Francis Street home and business of Jane James, a local alternative therapist.
A purple sign reading Hands-on-Harmony, Astrology, Consultations, Reflexology, Reiki, Massage, eliminates any doubt I have about where I am. This is the Francis Street home and business of Jane James, a local alternative therapist.
As the sign suggests, James is a bit of a do-it-all. In addition to what’s boldly advertised, James is a mother of two, a former art teacher and runs pottery classes from her studio in the back garden. But it's in the healing arts that she has found her calling.
As the sign suggests, James is a bit of a do-it-all. In addition to what’s boldly advertised, James is a mother of two, a former art teacher and runs pottery classes from her studio in the back garden. But it's in the healing arts that she has found her calling.
“It’s very rewarding to work in a very direct hands-on way with people,” she says, describing how relaxed and energised her clients are when they emerge from a session.
Reflexology is James' most popular therapy. “It’s one of the more accepted alternative practices,” she says, explaining that it works on the principle of a stimulus-reflex relationship. Using different pressure points located in the feet, reflexologists correct imbalances in the body, from the back to internal organs. “If you look at the feet, they represent the body,” she says, “If there’s any tenderness on a particular reflex, there’s an imbalance of energy in an organ.”
The toes represent the head; the arch, the spine and the right and left feet correspond to each respective side of the body and all its organs. To begin a treatment in reflexology, James starts by soaking the client’s feet. She then instigates relaxation by rotating the ankles, flexing and moving the feet. James then massages the pressure points using circular movements, working from the toes to the heels.
“Often the first treatment is quite painful,” says James who says that the pain becomes less intense after a few sessions. She adds that emotional benefits often accompany the physical treatment, but reiterates that it isn’t a once-off, quick-fix.
“This is a holistic therapy, which means it works on the whole body, trying to balance the energy field. It kicks off the body’s own healing mechanisms.”
Most of James’ clients have various muscle injuries or internal ailments such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. More serious injuries and diseases cannot be fully addressed in a reflexology session, but often they can be pin-pointed. “We’re not allowed to diagnose, but if there’s tenderness in an area we can suggest you go to a doctor,” says James.
James can be contacted on 046 622 7842.
