Funny how a ‘foot massage’ turned into my passion – but it wasn’t just a massage it was reflexology and it didn’t just change my feet, it transformed my entire life.
Here’s my story…
I don’t think I’ve shared my full story before on my page, but this World Reflexology Week feels like the right time. Reflexology has completely transformed my life and the life of my family, and I want to share how I found my way to it, even though it was through one of the hardest experiences.
In December 2018, I had my very first reflexology session. It was a difficult time for me—I was mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. Earlier that year, in July, our second son was born sleeping after I contracted the slapped cheek virus. It was an unimaginable loss. Before this I had already had four miscarriages. We were desperate to grow our family, to give our little boy a sibling, but each loss made that dream feel further away.
By December, I was barely holding on. I had a wonderful 3-year-old son who was healthy and happy, and for that, I was endlessly grateful. People often said, “At least you have him, you’re lucky to have him.” And I knew they were right, I was so lucky to have him, he is the absolute best but it didn’t stop the grief or the deep pain I felt. I was struggling to understand how to move forward. That’s when my beautician suggested I try reflexology. She booked me in, and although I wasn’t sure about it—I didn’t even like feet—I agreed to give it a go. After all, I had nothing to lose.
I went in thinking it was just a “foot massage” and couldn’t possibly see how it would help. But the experience changed everything. I was blown away by what she could tell from my feet but I walked out of that first session feeling something I hadn’t felt in a long time: calm. It wasn’t just a temporary relief—I felt more in control of my emotions and more connected to myself. I couldn’t fully explain it, but something had shifted.
A couple of months later, I became pregnant with my daughter, and while we were both so overjoyed, I struggled —both emotionally and physically. I felt guilty for moving forward, I had hyperemesis and severe pelvic pain that made it hard to even walk. Reflexology became my lifeline during that pregnancy. It didn’t just ease my physical pain; it soothed my anxiety, boosted my mood, and reduced my sickness. It was a complete game-changer.
I did more and more research about it and thought I would love to know how it works. I also found training in Loughrea with the wonderful Maureen Fynes I told so many people about the course. I was in awe of how much it had helped me, but even then, I never thought I could actually train to become a reflexologist myself. I never thought I would be good at it, I didn’t think I was good enough. But at the last minute After my daughter was born, I decided to sign up for the course. I wanted to learn more, even if it was just for myself. And that decision changed everything.
Training to become a reflexologist was the best thing I ever did, not just for me but for my family. Through that journey, I found myself again. I reconnected with a sense of purpose I thought I’d lost forever. And now, I get to do what I love every single day—helping others experience the same benefits I did.
It’s incredible to think about how much has changed in just six years. Six years ago, I was struggling with PTS. I hated leaving the house, and I felt lost in the grief. But through reflexology, and with the support of my husband, I began to feel like me again. My husband believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and he supported me in creating the beautiful treatment room that I have to hold space for my clients to come and recieve the benefits of reflexology just like I did.
Yes, I went through a dark, painful time, yes sometimes I feel that sadness and that pain, it hits me sometimes when I least expect it but I believe we all have two choices when life throws the unimaginable at us: we can let it consume us, or we can find a way to grow from it no matter what the situation. We all have something different in our life and whatever it maybe, it is not about forgetting what happened; it’s about finding the courage to step out of the shadows of your story and into the light where you can blossom again. It doesn’t happen over night but to take small steps every day to keep you moving forward. Reflexology was my stepping stone to which I found aromatherapy, mediation, grief coaching, tapping, energy healing and much more and they are all in my toolbox to support me and my family when things knock us out of balance. So whats in your toolkit?
We all have good days and bad days and it’s not always roses but what I do want people to know that even in the muddiest of waters in the hardest of times we can Still continue to blossom and grow into something wonderful.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. I am so proud to hold space for others now – and most of all thank you to my clients. Thank you for trusting in me to hold space for you.
If you have been affected by baby loss in any away Féileacáin are an amazing support. Féileacáin is a not for profit organisation that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy. Please reach out to them or my messages are always open.