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Experienced reflexologist, healer & mindfulness practitioner offers sessions to help with stress, feeling ‘stuck’, low energy, chronic pain & illness
Welcome to Free Flow Healing
ALISON MENDOZA
Welcome to my NTP page. I am an experienced practitioner of reflexology massage (feet and hands), energy-field healing, shiatsu techniques and mindfulness. I offer these different approaches to healing either on their own or in combination depending on the needs of the individual concerned. Sessions are usually held in my therapy room in NW Bristol although I also offer home visits.
FREE FLOW HEALING
What I call Free Flow Healing is a range of therapeutic approaches that not only helps to relieve specific problems (see below) but can also lead to a better quality of life. Throughout my healing work I have found that one therapeutic technique alone is sometimes not enough to create the conditions for lasting change.
How can it help?
Broadly speaking, sessions aim to alleviate 3 types of condition: 1. STRESS & TENSION Muscular tension e.g. neck & shoulder stiffness, head & back ache. Stress-related ailments e.g. IBS, PMS, insomnia. Anxiety, worry, poor concentration. Over-doing.
2. FEELING ‘STUCK’ Physical and emotional blocks: e.g. sinus congestion, constipation, fluid retention; e.g. feeling of not going anywhere, frustration, indecision, feeling ‘flat’.
3. LOW ENERGY Fatigue, tiredness, low immunity, feeling ‘run down’. Recovery from or learning to cope better with injury, surgery or serious illness. Low mood, sadness, grief, loss.
Please see below for more information on the range of approaches offered.
To go directly to a particular section, please click on one of the following links:
Reflexology || Energy-field Healing || Mindfulness || Breathworks Mindfulness Course ||
Qualifications || Appointments & Prices
REFLEXOLOGY
About
Reflexology is a specialised form of massage applied to reflex points on the feet or (less commonly) the hands. The reflex points correspond to all of the body’s organs, systems and parts. By massaging the feet, the therapist is able to release blockages in the flow of subtle energy (caused by illness, stress, pain, worry, emotional upset, poor diet, toxins, etc), helping to balance the whole body and promoting overall health and well-being.
What to expect
After removing any footwear you recline comfortably on a massage couch. As your feet (or hands) are massaged you begin to relax deeply and let go of tension. Occasionally you may notice some slight tenderness at certain reflex points - a sign of energetic blockage in the corresponding area of the body. The therapist will give extra attention to these points in order to release the congestion.
Benefits
Reflexology has a calming and grounding effect on the body and the mind, naturally reducing nervous tension and stress. Treatments induce a deep state of relaxation and also increase vitality. Reflexology improves the circulation of the blood thus facilitating the better transport of nutrients around the body and waste products to the organs of elimination. Many health problems have been successfully treated, including: anxiety, sleep problems, PMS, infertility, constipation and IBS, sinusitis, fatigue, headaches and non-specific back pain.
ENERGY-FIELD HEALING
About
Energy-field healing is any form of healing that positively and directly influences the so called “subtle bodies”, the aura, and energy centres (chakras) that interpenetrate and surround the physical body. This type of healing has been practised for centuries and is still widespread today throughout the world. Although non-religious in its essence, in the West it is often called ‘spiritual healing’. In Christianity, the healing practices of the ‘laying-on of hands’ or ‘faith healing’ have similar characteristics. Reiki practitioners call it Rei-ki, healing with universal-energy. Tai Chi, Chi Gung, acupuncture and shiatsu etc., also direct Ki or Chi - the energy of life – around the body to achieve health and wellbeing. Due to the, as yet, incomplete understanding of the source and process of energy-field healing, its terminology is often metaphysical. However, modern attempts to be more scientifically accurate now refer to the “bio-field”, a field of bio-energy that permeates the physical body and functions at the lower end of the electro-magnetic spectrum.
Although the placement of the hands is central to most methods of energy-field healing, the hands are only focal points through which healing is directed. The mobilisation of the energy itself is brought about through the healing attitude or state of mind of the practitioner. With good intent, a combination of caring, empathy, love and non-judgement, the healer becomes attuned – both to the client and the healing life-force. This energy-flow, either naturally or with the direction of the healer’s hands, focuses itself where it is most needed. As the ‘attunement’ progresses, the healer is drawn toward specific areas (often chakras) in need of repair or balancing. The healing effect however is not limited to the physical. Emotional and mental patterns can also be affected for the better, enabling the body and mind to return to a more harmonious state.
What to expect
Healing takes place either in silence or with soothing music. After deciding whether the couch or chair is more suitable, your healing session will begin. The healer will position their hands in the energy field – either on or off the body. Time is then taken for you and the healer to relax into the situation. During the course of the session, you may feel various sensations and feelings as you relax into a meditation-like state. The healer will work intuitively, through a set sequence of hand placements, or a combination of both. The length of each session will last anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes, leaving ample time to re-adjust and/or discuss any matters arising from the treatment.
Benefits
Energy-field Healing aids the process of recovery through times of illness, stress and low vitality. It also provides a psychological holding space: a state of calm and deep stillness. In this state, healing is made possible through the gentle letting go of emotional fears. Once these fears are loosened and released, then there is more energy available to help restore overall health. Depending on the depth of the problem, the full benefit of this process may take place after a few sessions or with regular treatment over a period of months.
MINDFULNESS
About
The practice of mindfulness: Mindfulness is a life-skill that leads to a way of being that improves the quality of our lives. Mindfulness practice involves becoming more actively aware of our everyday experiences and how we react to them. In particular, it involves paying attention in a non-judgemental way to our feelings, thoughts and physical sensations so that we become less caught up in them. This practice creates a ‘mental space’ in which we can make more carefully considered decisions and life-enhancing choices.
Origins and development of mindfulness: The practice of mindfulness originated within the Buddhist tradition approximately 2500 years ago. Over the past 35 years or so, certain Westerners have been teaching mindfulness in a secular setting to help people manage the stresses and strains of modern life. One of the founders of this work is Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn who, in the late 1970’s, established the Stress Reduction Clinic at the Medical Centre of the University of Massachusetts. The main application of mindfulness in this setting was to help people lessen their suffering from chronic pain and illness. There have been some 16,000 participants through this programme since its inception, with proven beneficial outcomes.
What to expect
For those who want to engage with mindfulness practice, the following options are available:
Mindfulness 1 to 1 sessions: For those who wish to learn about mindfulness in more depth. The 1 to 1 format allows sessions to be adapted to individual needs. Sessions can be in person, on the telephone or SKYPE.
Breathworks course: An 8-week course that offers a wide range of mindfulness skills to ease the suffering associated with chronic or long-term pain, illness, stress or fatigue. Please see below to find out more.
Benefits
Mindfulness helps us learn how to be with and relate to our difficulties in a way that is both compassionate and healing.
Practitioners, course participants and researchers have reported the following benefits: - Better mind–body integration. Many of us have a tendency to live “in our heads” and ignore what is happening in our bodies. Mindfulness makes us more aware of what is happening both in our bodies and in our minds.
- Greater insight. By taking a mindful perspective, we observe our experience but don’t get caught up in it. Mindfulness, therefore, helps us gain greater clarity.on what is happening in our minds, and in our lives
- More acceptance. Through mindfulness, we see that events, thoughts and feelings always change, and we can learn to bear experiences more lightly, and let them go. We are more able to enjoy well-being that does not depend on things going “right”
- Greater enjoyment of life. We can become more aware of pleasant experiences that were previously unnoticed because of our mental focus on the past and the future
- Less “beating ourselves up”. Mindfulness reduces our identification with negative thinking patterns – we stop thinking we are our thoughts, and we can be kind to ourselves when we have negative thoughts about ourselves
- Improved problem-solving. By slowing down and investigating our thoughts, feelings and experiences more carefully, we create space for coming up with wise responses to the difficulties in our lives. We create space between the urge to react and our actions themselves, and we can make considered and creative decisions about how to behave
- Better attention. We can concentrate better on tasks, maintain our focus and reach goals. We are less distracted. Experience can become fresher, lighter, clearer, richer and more vivid
- Less selfishness. We are less wrapped up in our own thoughts and feelings and so have greater ability to take others into account. We can be more considerate, empathic, compassionate, sensitive and flexible in our relationships
- Less neurosis. We experience the world in an open way that is not so weighed down by unhelpful psychological patterns. We are better attuned to ourselves, to others, and to the world, and able to act more skilfully, based on present need, rather than past conditioning
BREATHWORKS MINDFULNESS COURSE
Mindfulness for Health - An 8-week course introducing mindfulness-based strategies for living well
- For people with chronic or long-term pain, illness, stress or fatigue
- Learn new ways to manage your condition and improve the quality of your life
About
The course: The Breathworks Mindfulness for Health course offers a wide range of mindfulness skills to ease the suffering associated with persistent pain, ill health and the stress that often arises as a result. Breathworks programmes are a development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ( MBSR ) adapted to suit the needs of those with chronic pain or illness, and incorporate key elements of mindfulness approaches such as MBCT and pacing.
The approach: Pain and illness are unpleasant sensations that normally we react to automatically, causing a host of other problems such as physical tension, emotional distress and various forms of negative thinking. We may not be able to fundamentally change the underlying unpleasant sensations but we can train ourselves to lessen or even overcome our unhelpful reactions to them. Over time we can learn to manage our responses to the suffering we experience, leading to a much improved quality of life.
Programme
Each week you will learn new strategies and approaches within a friendly group setting. The programme consists of an 8-week course with sessions lasting 2½ hours (including a break). The methods introduced include: - Body awareness & relaxation
- Breath awareness
- Mindfulness in daily life (pacing)
- Gentle mindful movement
- Mindfulness meditation practice
Who can benefit
People previously helped by this course include those with chronic back pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, post-operative pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and many other types of pain and illness. It is equally suitable for those with stress-related and other conditions which may not be defined by physical symptoms. Please feel free to contact me if you are unsure about the suitability of the course for you.
The only requirement for joining the course is a willingness and commitment to engage as fully as you can with the programme, which will involve practice at home between sessions (30 - 45 minutes a day).
Future course dates: from 2019 (enquiries welcome)
Venue: to be confirmed
Cost: £200 / £160 low waged / £120 unwaged. (Includes 3 CD sets of guided meditations & course handbook).
QUALIFICATIONS
COMP. THERAPIES FOR CANCER CARE (2014 – 2016)
Diploma in Complementary Therapies in Cancer and Supportive Care.
Integrative Therapies Training Unit, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
'M' TECHNIQUE® (2013 - 2014)
'M' Technique® Practitioner Course (accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists).
The 'M' Technique® is a method of gentle, structured touch. It is much lighter and more soothing than conventional massage and especially suitable for the very fragile.
MINDFULNESS (2008 – 2010)
Breathworks Living Well teacher training programme.
Breathworks CIC (member of the UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teacher Training Organisations).
HEALING (2004 – 2005)
Healing Accreditation Course.
The College of Psychic Studies (member of the Confederation of Healing Organisations, following the guidelines of UK Healers).
PG DIP. COMP. THERAPIES (1999 – 2001)
Postgraduate Diploma in Complementary Therapy Studies.
University of Westminster.
REFLEXOLOGY (1998 – 1999)
Practitioner’s Certificate in the Theory & Practice of Reflexology.
The Central London School of Reflexology (accredited by the Association of Reflexologists).
SHIATSU (1992 – 1997)
Practitioner’s Diploma in the Theory & Practice of Shiatsu.
The European Shiatsu School (accredited by the Shiatsu Society).
Professional membership:
Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists . The FHT is a professional body helping to ensure high standards of practice in complementary therapies.
APPOINTMENTS & PRICES
Appointments
Appointments are available Monday to Thursday.
Price
£35 per 1 hour session. For home visits an additional travel cost is charged.
Discount
A discount is available for a block booking of 6 treatments. Pay for 5 in advance and get the 6th one free!
Location
Conveniently located in north-west Bristol BS10 7BT. Easily accessible by car (A4018, M5) or bus (1, 40, 76).
Parking
Free on-street parking.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available. Please enquire.
Cancellations
24 hours notice is required for any cancellations or the full fee will be charged.
Please feel free to call me for a no-obligation discussion.
Contact Alison on: 07588 691193 / 0117 950 2543
Service Categories
Acupressure, Energy Healing, Meditation, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Spiritual Healing
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