frequently asked questions

'Foot Alchemy' and 'Hand Alchemy' are terms and services developed by Samantha after observing the transformations in clients during reflexology and reiki/crystal energy healing sessions.  An integration of various healing modalities are used in  'Foot Alchemy' and 'Hand Alchemy' sessions to reduce tension in the feet, hands, ankles, wrists and lower legs and arms, to bring about balance & relaxation to the entire body, mind & spirit.  

Reflexology is the study of the reflexes of the feet corresponding to every part of the body.  Working on these reflexes relaxes tension and helps the body seek its own equilibrium.  Reflexology uses the art of touch and pressure/reflex points.  It can be done on the feet, hands and ears.  I primarily focus on the feet and/or hands.

When the reflex points are stimulated the body’s natural energy works through the nervous system, meridians and other mechanisms to clear away any blockages helping those corresponding areas to normalize. The pressure applied to the reflexes on the feet or hands encourages the body’s natural functions to relieve tension, improve circulation and promote the body’s natural healing.

From scientific studies, reflexology has shown to:

- increase circulation, 

- lower blood pressure, 

- reduce stress/tension

- induce relaxation

Technically, Reflexology is not a form of massage. It's a separate practice that applies pressure to reflex zones on your feet, hands or ears.  That pressure affects the nerves, which then carry signals to other parts of your body. Reported benefits include relaxation, improved lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. These benefits help relieve the effects of stress, which in turn helps your body find balance and heal itself.  Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue, while applying pressure to reflex zones isn't an attempt to manipulate soft tissue of larger muscle groups on the entire body.

Crystal reflexology combines the advantages of reflexology with the powerful healing energies of crystals.  Using crystals to perform the reflexology, as well as placing the crystals on, around and underneath the body, can bring about a different reflexology experience including peace, relaxation or a release.

The use of Sound Therapy, Reiki and Crystals fused with Reflexology deepens your treatment experience.  The sound waves of the Singing Bowl and Tuning Forks on and around your body and soles of your feet gently resonate within your cells, enhancing your vibrational energy.  Your nervous system stress will be reduced allowing your body, mind and spirit to find some equilibrium and peace.

Samantha received Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Certifications in Classic Occidental Style, Traditional Asian Style and Integrated Methodology which included over 80 hours of in-class training and 80 hours of case studies.  She is a life-long learner and continues to learn new reflexology protocols and foot reading practices to support her clients in their healing journey.  The goal of her sessions is relaxation and feedback during the sessions are important to ensure appropriate pressure and relaxation.

Hot stone massage helps relieve tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation.  It promotes healing by targeting the deeper layers of muscle through the use of heated stones.  

If you'd like to calm your mind, get happier feet and relax your body, any of the sessions will benefit you!

If you'd like the session to focus only on your feet OR only on your hands, choose a Foot and/or Hand Alchemy session and let your practitioner know of your focus and goal for the session.  Try out a 60 minute session OR If it's been awhile since your feet or hands have had some love, try out a 90 minute session.

If you'd like the session to focus on your feet AND hands, choose a 'Foot &/or Hand Reflexology' session.  A 90 minute session may be appropriate to give enough time on each area, but keep in mind that both feet and hands can be done in 60 minutes.

If you are coming from work or you know that it takes a bit of time for you to unwind and relax, you may want to try out a 90 minute session, however a 60 minute session will also relax you.   

If you'd like a full body massage with added focus on feet or hands, try out a 90 minute Hot Stone Massage.