My name is Alison Clayton-Smith and I have been having
reflexology with Karina over the last few months. As someone who is managing a
chronic condition, taking time out for complete relaxation is hugely important.
Though I do regular yoga and meditation practice, there is something different
about receiving 1:1 attention from another human being.

When I first went to Karina I immediately felt relaxed in
her company and a sense of genuine connection. Her gentle, supportive manner
and humorous nature helped create a warm environment. Some years ago I tried
reflexology with someone else and we just didn’t seem to click. I didn’t have
that same sense of instant calm when I walked through their door.

The physical environment in which Karina practises supports
her approach. The room at the front of her house is full of light and yet
simply screened with natural blinds. I love this. Many times I’ve been for
treatments in other places and there are no windows, no natural light. Now ok,
normally you have your eyes shut so it shouldn’t matter, but it does. Even
through closed eyelids you can detect lightness.

Sitting in the reclining chair is also a different
experience to lying on a massage couch (which was my previous experience). In
the chair I feel supported, physically and mentally. And her choice of music,
often with singing in languages other than English, also helps soothe the mind.
None of the tweeting birds and sounds of ocean that you often get, though I
admit I have a fondness for the ocean sounds. Instead, rhythmic, beautiful and
ethereal sounds, that I haven’t heard anywhere else.

There’s a branch of psychology called Ecopsychology, which
focuses on the interrelationship between us and the natural environment. It
emphasises how much our wellbeing is affected by the environment we are in and
the more we can feel connected with the natural world, the more whole we feel.
The reason I enjoy going to Karina for reflexology is she manages to bring a
sense of the natural environment into her room. When I’m there, I become more
at peace and leave being more mindful of my impact on myself and the world
around me.

Alison Clayton-Smith
is a facilitator and writer with a particular interest in eco/environmental
psychology and sustainable living.

Email: info@growinginsights.co.uk

Website: www.growinginsights.co.uk

Reflexology is based on the division of the body into ten energy zones which run the length of the body, from head to toe and down through the arms to the hands. Qi energy (pronounced ‘Chee’), flows through these zones when we are in good health.

When we are not in good health, Reflexology can help to identify areas of the body where the energy is not properly balanced. By using a caterpillar-style or gliding stroke of the thumb or finger, and by applying light pressure over the reflex points, it is possible to detect energy blockages. These present themselves in the form of discomfort and crystalline deposits. Working generally over the reflex points may effectively treat any blockages or imbalances, thus helping the body heal itself.

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