Reflexology in Bromsgrove

Hello and welcome to Pumpkin Holistics

I’m Sarah, a qualified reflexologist based in Catshill in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

At Pumpkin Holistics I offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience designed to support your overall health and well-being by applying gentle pressure to specific areas on the feet.

My aim is to provide a calm, comfortable and safe environment for your visit. I have a dedicated treatment room which is private and overlooks our garden, facing away from the road and with plenty of natural light.

I received my training at the Cotswold Academy and am a full member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists and the Association of Reflexologists

Portrait of Sarah Gillespie, qualified reflexologist

“I welcome and support everyone”

Reflexology £48

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am-7pm
A selection of other days are also available. Please see my booking page for up-to-date availability

(other days may be available upon request)

What is Reflexology and how can it benefit me?

Reflexology is a complementary holistic therapy based on the principle that specific points on the feet correspond to different organs and systems within the body. There are 7000-7200 nerve endings in each foot. Reflexology uses thumb and finger movements to stimulate these nerves. This helps to restore balance in the body and encourages its ability to heal both physically and emotionally.

Reflexology in different forms has been practiced for thousands of years! A wall painting discovered in an Egyptian tomb – dated between 2500-3000 BC – depicted reflexology being carried out on hands and feet. Its evolution can also be traced to early practices in Chinese medicine, North American indigenous tribes and numerous cultures in Africa, India, and Japan, highlighting its widespread historical significance and the universal human interest in holistic healing methods.

Reflexology is suitable for people of all ages, supporting:

  • Release of tension
  • Reduction of stress, anxiety and emotional strain
  • Improved sleep
  • Boosting relaxation
  • Supporting your menopause experience
  • Enhancement of overall health and well-being

What to expect during your reflexology appointment at Pumpkin Holistics

Initial consultation

During your first appointment we will have a relaxed discussion about your  reasons for seeking a treatment. In order to be able to conduct your treatment safely and effectively, I will gather some information about your medical history and lifestyle. We will discuss any areas of concern you may have and what you hope to achieve from your reflexology.

There is no extra fee for the initial consultation however please allow up to 75 minutes for the whole appointment. The normal appointment time is 60 minutes.

Once the consultation is complete you will remove your footwear and then get comfortable on my treatment bed. During your treatment I will be noting any areas of imbalance on a foot chart. After your first treatment is complete, we can discuss if a course of treatments will be of benefit. 

The reflexology treatment

I only require your feet and lower legs – from the knees down – to be exposed and you are welcome to cover yourself with a blanket if you prefer. The bed also has a heated under-blanket which can provide warmth if required.

Your comfort is my priority, so I always provide a glass of fresh, filtered water for you to sip during and after the treatment. I am happy to chat or you can enjoy a quiet session.

Once the treatment begins you can relax while I begin working on your feet. I will use a small amount of vegan reflexology wax and apply gentle but firm pressure to specific points and you may feel sensations as I work around the various areas.

Glass of fresh filtered water sitting on a gold-rimmed stone coaster

After the treatment

Once the treatment is complete you are welcome to enjoy a bit more downtime in the treatment room if you wish.

When you are ready to leave, I can remove any leftover reflexology wax from your feet, or it can be left to soak in as a balm. I will also provide an aftercare treatment form.

Subsequent treatments

As a holistic therapy reflexology is able to support your wellbeing and keep you balanced when undertaken on a regular basis.

Some clients enjoy regular monthly sessions, whilst others come every few months or when they feel they need a top-up treatment. We can discuss any future appointments before you leave but please note, you are never tied into having more than one treatment.

Decorative wife-frame pumpkin

My holistic journey

My first experience of a holistic treatment was in my early 20s, when my grandmother took me to see a homeopath to get help with a flare-up of eczema. I have been hooked ever since.

I feel blessed that I’ve since been able to try a variety of different therapies whilst travelling around the world over the past two decades.  After having  a series of reflexology sessions  to help alleviate pain of a herniated disk,  I decided it was time to take the plunge and study the subject myself…. and what a fascinating subject reflexology is!

Reflexologist Sarah Gillespie sitting on boat on the river Nile

“So calm, relaxing and peaceful.
The room is beautifully decorated. Lovely chats”

KAYLA

“Wonderfully relaxing.  I didn’t want it to end.  A really peaceful but informative treatment”

KELLY

“Came in feeling OK, left feeling fabulous”

MARGARET

FAQ

iTEC qualification certificate for Sarah Gillespie at Pumkin Holistics

I trained at the Cotswold Academy in Cirencester and am qualified to iTEC Level 3 in Reflexology for the Complementary Therapist. This training required more than 100 in-person treatments, plus academic coursework and examinations. After a year of study and practical work I earned the grade Distinction. A secondary requirement of this qualification was the study of iTEC iUCT38 Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies.

Reflexologist Sarah Gillespie during training at Cotswold Academy
Me on the first day of training at the Cotswold Academy

The letters ‘AOR’ after my name indicate that I am a full member of the Association of Reflexologists and represent excellence in reflexology. I am also a full member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists. These memberships are only available to therapists with a recognised qualification, professional insurance and require ongoing CPD (continuing professional development).

Logo for Federation of Holistic Therapists
Association of Reflexologists Logo

I conduct treatments in a dedicated treatment room in my own home. The room is located on the first floor, requiring you climb stairs.

If you are currently taking a course of antibiotics then a treatment cannot be provided until the course is complete. Any other medication will be discussed during your initial consultation.

I welcome and support everyone. Under 16’s will need to come with a parent or guardian.

You cannot receive reflexology for the following:

  • If you have a current thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism
  • If you’re on a course of antibiotics

If any of the above apply to you I will be unable to provide a treatment.

Reflexology is generally considered safe for most people, but like any therapeutic treatment, there are certain contra-indications and potential side effects to be aware of.

You cannot receive reflexology for the following:

  • Current thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
  • On a course of antibiotics

Before undergoing reflexology, individuals with specific health conditions such as heart conditions, undiagnosed pain or other severe or rare medical conditions may be ask to seek medical advice from their GP or consultant.

Below are some common possible side effects:

  • Temporary Discomfort: During a treatment, some individuals may experience temporary discomfort or tenderness, particularly when certain reflex points are sensitive.
  • Fatigue: Reflexology is known to promote a deep level of relaxation and – as a result – some people may feel fatigued or drowsy afterwards. Rest and hydration are recommended.
  • Emotional release: Reflexology, like other complimentary therapies, may lead to emotional release. Some clients might experience unexpected emotions during or after a treatment.

The simplest way to book a treatment is to use my online booking calendar.

https://pumpkinholistics.co.uk/book/

Once you’ve chosen your selected date and time, you will get an automated confirmation email. I will send a personal message via SMS text to ask if you would like a quick phone consultation prior to the appointment to discuss any particular issues you feel are relevant.

Appointments at Pumpkin Holistics are £48 and can be paid in cash or via BACS transfer. Payment is required upon arrival before the treatment begins.

If you require a receipt to claim on a health care plan or private insurance, a PDF receipt will be emailed to you after your treatment.

As a registered member of the FHT (the Federation of Holistic Therapists) and AOR (Association of Reflexologists) I am able to provide you with a receipt to enable you to claim some or all of your treatment, depending on your provider.

Full payment is still required on the day of your appointment. A PDF receipt will be emailed to you after your treatment to enable you to claim from your health insurer.
 
Some of the Health cash plans and private insurance providers that include reflexology in their plans are:

BHSF
Bupa
Paycare
Simplyhealth
UK healthcare
Medicash
Health Shield

This is a guide only. Please consult your health cash plan or private health insurance directly.

The normal treatment time is 45 minutes, so you should allow a little extra time to get settled in, and to prepare to leave. Expect to be here for approx 1hr. This allows you to rest after the treatment itself, if you wish. If this is your very first treatment with me, please allow an additional 10-15 minutes for the initial consultation.

During your first appointment I will gather some information regarding your medical condition and lifestyle, which will take 5-10 minutes. I only ask for information that is relevant to the treatment.

You’ll then remove your footwear and get comfortable on my treatment bed while I will begin the treatment using a small amount of natural vegan wax.

The initial consultation is so I can provide the best treatment for your health status or condition. The initial consultation only takes 10-15 minutes and there is no extra charge for it.

I will require your feet and lower legs to be exposed from the knee down. Leggings or loose trousers that can be rolled-up would be ideal.

I try to keep the treatment room at a comfortable temperature for both of us. I have a blanket available if you’d like to cover up. In addition, the treatment bed has a heated under-blanket which can provide extra warmth for you if required.

Reflexology is a holistic therapy and is able to support your wellbeing and keep you healthy and balanced when undertaken on a regular basis. However the number of appointments depends on the reason why you are seeking a treatment.

Some feel immediate benefits from their reflexology treatment and for others it can take a few more sessions.

Others benefit from an initial course of treatments to help return to a good level of homeostasis. This may include weekly visits over 4-6 sessions.

For overall well-being, some clients enjoy regular monthly sessions, whilst others come every few months or when they feel they need a top-up treatment.

We can discuss this on your consultation appointment.  Please note, you are never tied into having more than one treatment.

I always recommend the following:

  • Drink plenty of water to help flush out waste products.
  • Try and rest to allow the body time for self-healing.
  • Avoid drinking stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol.
  • Eat healthily with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

I will use firm movements to apply pressure to various parts of your feet. I have worked with people who have ticklish feet and they have enjoyed the experience.

No. If you require such work please see a qualified Chiropodist.

All reflexology appointments are in my dedicated treatment room at my home in Catshill, Bromsgrove.

Portrait of Sarah Gillespie, qualified reflexologist

Appointments available on

Tuesdays 10am-7pm
Wednesdays 10am-7pm
Occasional Saturdays

(other days may be available on request)

pumpkinholistics@gmail.com

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Location

I am in the village of Catshill close to M5 J4, M42 J1 and A38

Golden Cross Lane, B61 0LE
(full address supplied upon booking)

Map of postcode B61 0LE

Catshill is just a short drive from Redditch, Lickey, Clent, Barnt Green, Blackwell, Belbroughton, Bourneath, Romsley, Rubery, Hagley, Lickey End and Alvechurch.

I welcome and support everyone