Ste. Anne's Family of Spas | Spa Service

Your feet are the foundation of your body and carry you through every aspect of your life. It's not just that they deserve a break - your entire mind and body will feel unbound from tension and freed up to make the most of life. After a reflexology treatment many people are surprised to discover how much tension is stored in our feet. You may realize your feet actually had been numb or felt wooden compared to this new sensation. Reflexology is more than just a foot massage; it is a massage created from traditions in foot zone therapies from around the world (Native American, European, Egyptian, etc). The Ontario College of Reflexology describes it as �a focused pressure technique, usually directed at the feet or hands. It is based on the premise that there are zones and reflexes on different parts of the body which corresponds to and are relative to all parts, glands and organs of the entire body.� Reflexology triggers the nervous system to clear blockages in those zones when the reflexes are stimulated through thumb pressure and manual massage. You will feel this as a gradual or sudden change in relaxation during the session and undergo a state of balance that can last up to five days.

Your reflexology treatment begins with you seated in a soft chair with your feet in a basin of warm water and Aveda�s energizing cleanser. The smell of peppermint refreshes tired feet and awakens your senses as your reflexologist answers any questions you may have. Your feet will be invigorated and refreshed as dead or dry skin is scrubbed away with Aveda�s Dead-Sea salts and coconut oil or hydrating formula. Next, you are invited to lie on a warm table covered with luxurious blankets while your head and knees are supported by soft pillows.

Firm pressure is used but we always work within your comfort level and tolerance. We encourage communication and feedback as this is how you become aware of which reflexes are tender and what part of the body they relate to. Please inform your practitioner of any health concern(s) you may have before your session begins. Your sense of touch and level of pain tolerance can all be affected by levels of stress, certain medications, as well as injuries or surgery on areas of the body other than the feet. Your spa technician is a good listener should you wish to converse during the massage, although restful silence is also perfectly acceptable. You may even enjoy the session so much that you fall asleep. The session concludes with your feet covered in Aveda's Intensive Hydrating Masque, Peppermint Foot Relief, and an essential oil of your choosing. Lastly, your feet are enveloped in warm steamed towels as your hands are briefly massaged with Aveda's Hand Relief. You'll breathe a sigh of relief as you walk away amazed at how different your feet and body feel.

You should try our Extremity Reflexology if:

Your feet are tired and sore, especially from standing or walking a lot due to work or travel
Your stress is held in neck and shoulders - Reflexology brings relief and draws your attention downward
You�ve had any recent life changes (job change, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, move, travel, illness)
You have a pre-existing condition or injury that prohibits a full body treatment or if you need a deeply restful experience without movement during the session
You're having other therapeutic treatments later that day or in the week. Reflexology makes you more receptive to those sessions (also beneficial pre or post-surgery)
You are pregnant

You'll want to avoid our Extremity Reflexology if:

If you have had a recent foot injury or foot surgery
You want a specific condition �treated.� It is beyond a reflexologist's scope of practice to diagnose or treat medical conditions
You have just begun the first few weeks of cancer treatment (reflexology is otherwise very beneficial in assisting body to eliminate toxins)

(Please note: you will be referred to other health care modalities if you require services that are outside the reflexologist's scope of practice)

What to bring/prepare:

Robe, bathing suit, pants, or shorts can be worn (the majority of the session is performed with you lying on a massage table, covered with sheet and blanket, with only calves, feet and hands uncovered so that they can be worked on)

Details: 1 hr. ~ $115

John Ireland began practicing as an Alternative Therapist at Ste. Anne's Spa in 2005. He graduated with Honors in Shiatsu Therapy from the Shiatsu School of Canada and is a Certified Shiatsu Therapist (CST) with the Shiastu Therapy Association of Ontario (www.shiatsuassociation.com). He studied Thai Massage with Pejman Ayoubzadeh at The Academy of Traditional Thai Massage and became a Registered Reflexology Practitioner (RRpr) through the Ontario College of Reflexology (www.ocr.edu/). John also graduated from Trent University with a B.A. degree in Anthropology and Development Studies.