Addressing imbalance in our mind & body is essential for our health & well-being.
By combining my 15 years of nursing & clinical experience with reflexology,
I created SoleMap.
I seek to help you find a depth of
relaxation that will allow your body to recognise imbalance & begin the process of self-healing
So, who am I?
My name is Carla Astles. As a reflexologist I am registered with the Association of Reflexologists (AoR, having trained at level 3, diploma) & I combine my own high standards with their Code of Practice promising you an individual, holistic, rewarding & professional service. In addition to my private practice I am also a Reflexology Assistant at the Calming Influences School of Reflexology in Southampton and a member of the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners. I have attended professional development courses in Maternity Reflexology and ART (Advanced Reflexology Techniques).
I am also a Registered (and practicing) Nurse with a background in a variety of settings, but mainly as a Practice Nurse with post registration diploma modules in Asthma and COPD. Nursing (and being a mum) has afforded me a sound knowledge-base in health & the effects of disease & stress across all ages
Reflexology is as great a pleasure for me to give, as it is for you to receive. I very much look forward to discussing potential treatments with you soon.
A brief history of Reflexology
Reflexology has origins dating as far back as the 4th century BC, the Chinese having used it in conjunction with acupuncture applying firm pressure with the thumbs for several minutes to the sole of the foot in order to release healing energy in the body of the patient, whilst Ancient Egyptian civilisation provides pictorial evidence from the 3rd century B.C.
From middle age history in Europe, evidence can be found relating to theory and practice associated to pressure techniques.
It was not until the late 19th century that momentum gathered to rediscover the science and art of pressure techniques and reflex actions. Following significant research in the field of neurology in the late 19th century,
Dr William Fitzgerald in 1913 published work detailing
zone therapy which mapped 10 longitudinal zone lines
in the body.
By applying pressure to points along a zone line, a reflex effect occurred within that zone line. Fitzgerald’s work was brought to the public in 1915 in “Everybody’s Magazine” entitled “To stop that toothache, squeeze your toe”.
Dr. Shelby Riley worked closely with Fitzgerald and developed the Zone Theory further. His work added horizontal zones across the hands and feet, which together with the longitudinal zones determined individual reflexes and produced the first rudimentary foot chart. Both Doctors advocated continual pressure on the reflex or point of contact.
Eunice Ingham was a physiotherapist working with Dr Riley and recognised now as the pioneer of modern reflexology and the first person to use the term “Reflexology”. She began her research in the 1930’s and through continued dedication her work culminated in a map of the feet and hands correlating to the organs, glands and parts of the body. Her thorough and methodical approach of checking each reflex point led her to confidently determine that the reflexes on the feet were a mirror image of the organs of the body
Can Reflexology treatment help me?
If you have any of the following conditions, Reflexology can make
a big difference:
Stress & stress related problems
Women’s health: PMS, preconception balancing, pregnancy to post natal & beyond
Chronic conditions:
Migraine, IBS, neck & back pain, respiratory conditions, endocrine imbalances, MS, arthritis & many others.
Its always worth calling
to ask if reflexology is suitable for you. It often
is and for ALL ages too, including babies
Useful links
Amanda Denton:
Doula & Maternity Nurse
The Association of Reflexologists
A Reflexology school offering training for those interested in Reflexology. They are based in Hedge End, Southampton
SoleMap
The route to self-healing
Reflexology & well-being
“I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of attention paid to individual needs from the treatments and as a client, i do feel that between sessions, Carla gives thought to further development to achieve the intended goals of the treatment. “ PF 2008
Her treatments are always utterly relaxing and I know they have contributed to my health not only generally but also through pregnancy. I would highly recommend her.
LK 2009