From Sole to Soul: How Reflexology Makes a Difference for your child

This blog post is written by our Reflexologist Therapist Rosemarie O'Rafferty

For those who are not familiar with me and my work with DSCNE I thought I might re-introduce myself and explain a little of what I do.  My name is Rosemarie O’Rafferty and I live just outside Dundalk. I am a Holistic Therapist and I work with lots of therapies including Reflexology, Access Bars, Indian Head Massage and Meditation.  I specialise in Reflexology for children and adults with additional needs and have lots of experience working with children and adults in this field.

I have been working with DSCNE for over almost a year now and it has been a wonderful experience.  I would like to share with you some of my personal experience but first want to give a brief outline of what Reflexology is and how it is of benefit to people with additional needs.

Reflexology is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet. Everything in the body is mapped out on the feet for example the brain is represented by the big toe and the spine is represented along the whole of the inside of the foot.  As an experienced Reflexologist I provide a 30 minutes routine which is specifically targeted to work  certain systems in the body for example the nervous system to promote relaxation, reduces stress, improves circulation, and supports overall physical and emotional well-being.

The benefits of Reflexology for children and adults with Down Syndrome are:

1) First and foremost is the feeling of relaxation they feel during the treatment as often they are busy bees and always on the go.  Once they get used to me, the surroundings and why they are in the centre, they generally go with it and enjoy the experience.

2) Digestion Issues – Reflexology has direct access to the stomach, small intestine, large intestine and colon and is a fantastic treatment for those who are constipated and have difficulty with digestion.  A few sessions of Reflexology will almost always do the trick in this department.

3) Busy Minds – While working on the nervous system stimulates a reduction in stress levels in the body, grounding strokes and grounding movements are a very important part of my work. Grounding movement, I have learned through my experience, are one of the most important parts of my work with children and adults with Down Syndrome and I always spend lots of time on this aspect of the treatment.

4) Relaxation – teaching the child to stop and rest and giving them the experience of having rest and a little pamper session for themselves.  Usually in the centre they are doing some sort of learning or task but Reflexology is the one thing that they are required to do nothing only enjoy.

5) Boost to the Immune System – By working the different hormones in the body and paying particular attention to the Thyroid and Thymus reflexology can help boost the immune system in the body and build up the body’s own defence to promote health and wellbeing.

6) Hormone Balance – For the older children Reflexology can help with hormone balance which will help digest emotions and other triggers that occur for teenagers.

Personal Stories and Parental Feedback

I would like to share some of my personal stories while working with children and adults with Down Syndrome.  As a Holistic Therapist I am very much energy focused.  Children and adults with Down Syndrome are very energetic beings and with my calm nature and my ability to pick up on energies they seem to be drawn to my energy which is wonderful.  

From my experience I have learned the best thing is to “go with the flow” of the children in front of me.  Sometimes they would prefer to sit on a chair and put their feet on my lap which is absolutely fine.  Sometimes they are back to front and upside down on the bed and that also is fine!  I adapt to whatever situation presents.  I have been known to count the whole way through a session just to keep the child engaged.  I have also been known to sing the whole way through a session.  Whatever it takes I am “all in”.  I feel it is so important for me to connect on every level to make it a positive experience for the children.  The more information I gain about the child the more I know where I can help, be it emotionally, or physically

 I do my best to adapt my routine to every situation.  I get so many hugs afterwards it is amazing and the smile on their faces when they really have enjoyed the session is a joy to see! 

Image from Shutterstock

Feedback from Parents – Parents have reported that

• the child has stopped bed-wetting

• their digestion has improved

• their self confidence has improved. 

These are all positive situations.  Mostly parents are just so amazed at how relaxed their child is during the session and cannot believe they sit or lie for the time allotted. 

If I could say one thing it would be to never underestimate our children – they always amaze us!  Give them a go and see how they get on.  I have children who have gone from 5 minutes to the full 30 minutes.  So if in doubt I say “give it a go” – you will be pleasantly surprised.

Hope to see you soon at the DSCNE  and please reach out to me if you require any further information or need to ask me a specific question about your child.  I will do my best to answer all queries. 

Rosemarie

🌿 Subsidised Reflexology Therapy at DSCNE! 🌿

We’re excited to welcome Rosemarie to DSCNE on Tuesday, 15th April, from 1PM – 6PM, offering individual taster (or return) reflexology sessions for ages 6 and up.

✨ Spaces are limited and filling up quickly, so be sure to book your spot ASAP

✨ Heavily subsidised at €12.50 per session

👉 https://forms.office.com/e/4Pf6KdHDgu

For information about Easter Camp sign-ups, please contact our office:

📞 042 942 3181

📧 info@dscnortheast.ie

DSCNE currently has one Reflexology Therapist who works once a week on a Tuesday/Wednesday (TBC for Summer term) for 30 minute sessions.

For more information check out our Reflexology area: www.dscnortheast.ie/reflexology