Alena Standova Reflexologist Stroud

Alena Standova

Personal Profile
I developed a strong love and admiration of Nature as a child. This love of Nature and interest in how to interact with her in a healthy and healing way led me from my academic studies to travel around Europe, gaining hands-on experience on organic farms. My journey brought me to England, where I trained in bio-dynamic agriculture and have been working as an organic grower. I am currently developing a medicinal herb-flower-bee garden at Stroud Slad Farm. My passion is supporting wildlife by growing herbs and flowers which are native to Britain and Europe and are therefore very beneficial for native insects, especially all kinds of bees.
I have found the contact with the Earth, both therapeutic and healing, and have been inspired to find a way to help others to deepen their relationship with the Earth. Our feet are in constant contact with the ground, but not many people (especially those in the western world) are aware of this connection. I have found that reflexology is a perfect tool for bringing awareness into our feet and thereby bringing awareness into our relationship with the Earth. This awareness often brings a sense of belonging and a sense of being more in touch with our inner core as well, deepening our awareness of our own bodies, emotions, thoughts and spirit, which is all essential for any healing process

Professional Profile
Alena trained as a holistic reflexologist with the Maitri Foundation and completed her training with distinction in May of 2009. Alena has been working as a reflexologist since September 2009, starting her practice at Ruskin Apothecary in Nailsworth and joining Cotswold Health Centre in October 2010. She was also practising voluntarily in Inishfree (home for people in transitions) from December 2009 till August 2010. Alena is a member of the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists (APNT) and the British Complementary Medicine Association (BCMA) who are responsible for maintaining her strict code of ethics and continued professional development. Alena has been continuing her professional development by studying further reflexology materials, doing exchanges with other professional therapists, broadening her knowledge about nutrition, herbs and completing shiatsu foundation course and Reiki 1. Alena completed Reiki 2 in July 2011.

Training
Maitri Foundation, Whiteway, Gloucestershire as part of Association of Physical and Natural Therapists, 10 + 6 months, qualified in May 2009
Shiatsu Foundation Course, Shiatsu4Health, Stroud, 6 days from January 2011 till May 2011
Reiki 1 and I will do Reiki 2 in July '11 with Miriam Luckhurst, Usui/Tibetian Reiki Master and Shiatsu practitioner, Stroud

Experience
Practising professionally since September 2009 from Ruskin Apothecary, October 2010 Cotswold Health Centre, April 2011 Nailsworth Natural Health Centre

Current memberships
Association of Natural and Physical Therapists (APNT), British Complementary Medicine Association (BCMA)

Recommended links

www.apnt.org
www.bcma.co.uk
My website

Reflexology

Modality	HOLISTIC
Availability	THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS
PRICES
Chat		15 mins	FREE
1st appointment	Adults	90 mins	£45
Follow-up app	Adults	60 mins	£38

To book please call 01453 767600

What to expect
The first session includes an initial consultation. You will be asked about your overall health, lifestyle and diet, your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment you have received, your emotional and mental state and the reasons why you have come for reflexology.
The first session usually consists of a general treatment of all the reflexes on the feet but even so the approach is very muchtailored to each individual (for some people lighter/firmer pressure on the feet is more suitable, also the sequence may vary etc.) The time at the end of the session is dedicated to the feedback and aftercare advice where possible reactions to the treatment will be explained. The follow up sessions consist of 5-10 minutes at the start to check in and reflect on the healing process, a 45 min reflexology treatment tailored to your needs and a few minutes at the end for the feedback. I work mainly with the feet, but may use the hands or the head where it is appropriate or on your request

Reflexology & My approach
Reflexology is a very gentle form of therapy which originates from various ancient healing techniques using the feet to promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Today's modern reflexology has developed from the research and practice of American doctor William Fitzgerald and his student physiotherapist Eunice Ingham and their followers. A core principle of reflexology is that the entire body is mirrored within the feet. Stored emotions and mind states are likewise mirrored in these places. By working on the feet, it is thus possible to access and bring healing to any of these aspects within the body.
My approach to reflexology is gentle and intuitive. I tailor every treatment to the needs of the individual. My focus in the session is on promoting deep relaxation in which the body and the soul have time and space to recharge and replenish themselves. I believe that each of us carry a source of healing energy within, but the pathways leading from the source which supply the body and mind with the vital energy get blocked and obstructed from various different reasons – whether it might be unhealthy diet or lifestyle, behavioural patterns, emotional or mental stress or various traumas. I believe that reflexology helps to unblock these pathways so the vital energy can flow freely again. My clients often experience various sensation in their bodies (e.g. tingeling up the spine or pleasant feeling of warmth) as their energy starts to flow.

Special Clinical Interests

Emotional and mental health
Emotional and physical congestion
Pain in chronic conditions
Stress and consequences of stress
Fatigue
Digestive problems
Breathing problems

Womens health

The Cotswold Health Centre 01453 767600

Stroud's natural health and complimentary therapy centre