frequently asked questions

Reflexology is a study of the reflexes of the feet (or hands or ears) corresponding to every part of the body.  Stimulating these reflexes reduces tension and helps the body seeks its own balance. At The Foot Alchemist I focus on feet and hands. Samantha is certified in Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Classic Occidental Style, Traditional Asian Style and Integrated Methodologies of Reflexology 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.

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.

Working with crystals is an external process, however the energy and vibration contained within the crystals work with our own energy and vibration to bring about healing.

Samantha is a certified Crystal Healing Pracititioner.

Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that can provide healing through restoring and balancing natural energy.  By aligning the energy centres of our body we can be healthier and happier. Samantha is a Reiki Master/Teacher and is attuned to multiple styles of Reiki.

Vibrational healing is a process where vibrations are introduced to the body to bring balance to vibrations which have become unbalanced in the human physical or auric body.

Hot stones provide a deep relaxation to facilitate balance and relieve those areas of tension and congestion.

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  Reflexology session and let Samantha know of your focus & goal for the session. Try out a 60 minute session OR If it's been awhile since your feet & 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 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 focus on feet & hands, try out a 90 minute Hot Stone Massage.