October is Menopause awareness month.  I would like to share my experiences over the past year or so in the hope that some or all of them may help you or someone you know.  At the beginning of the year I felt a bit like it was the end of me as I once knew! but thankfully I'm starting to see a great new beginning in front of me!

'Menopause: not an ending, but a new beginning'

To be honest, it took me a while to get my head round this phrase. For me, acceptance was difficult. I found it hard to accept that my body was no longer functioning the way it used to, I found it hard to accept that I could no longer eat whatever I liked and I found it hard to accept that I was no longer as confident doing things I had previously found easy and enjoyable.  In short, it was a bit of a blow, shock to the system and very confusing. I was very resistant to what was happening, I didn't want my life as I knew it to end! 

Gaining a better understanding of what was going on physically was the first step in starting to accept this 'change'.  Once I started to understand that fluctuations in hormones impact our body systems and result in many of the symptoms I was having, I gained some hope that indeed perhaps this was not the end 😅. I could help my body cope with this, and adjust.

So, slowly starting to accept that this was really happening I researched my symptoms one by one and how I could support myself via lifestyle changes.  

Diet, was a whopper, having always been able to eat anything I wanted, I discovered that the coffee and cake habit I had been coping with easily 😋 was now causing sugar spikes and in turn causing all sorts of resulting symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, hunger/cravings. Also, my blood pressure suddenly rose. Tweaks to my diet, ie less salt and balancing carbs with other foods types have helped return my levels to normal. 

Exercise, another biggy. I had always been naturally fit but suddenly I started to experience aches and joint pain, I felt tired all the time, sluggish and so on. I knew the only way I could help myself was to become stronger and fitter. Strength training, running and yoga/tai chi help greatly. 

Relaxation, I have put this last but it is sooooo important!! Without rest and giving ourselves time out to relax, our bodies and mind can become defunct, literally!! Ongoing stress, tension and fatigue adversely affect the physical body (pain, inflammation etc) and our minds (anxiety, depression). During menopause anxiety can become more common and this is due to lowering oestrogen levels, which normally act as a buffer against the stress hormone cortisol. So, the lessen I learned here was stop! Stop, when I feel too tired, too anxious, too down. Take myself out of the situation and do something enjoyable and relaxing instead. I've learned to schedule in regular self care to avoid getting to this stage in the first place, realising the importance of this to my ongoing health and wellbeing.

It's definitely an ongoing process with it all but I am starting to see that small lifestyle tweaks to support the new me are working. I am starting to feel more like me again and probably even stronger, I did my first 10k run recently and it felt amazing. I see each day as a fresh new start with lots of exciting opportunities ahead.  Finally accepting the old me has gone but a great opportunity exists to become whatever new me I choose. 

Everyone will have their own, unique experiences and their own ways of coping.  If you would like more information on how reflexology may help you visit www.relaxheel.co.uk/menopause.  I am trained in supporting women on their menopausal journey and am passionate about helping and encouraging you towards your best future self 💪😊

Hello everyone

I hope you are enjoying the lovely summer weather and having some time off with friends/family and lots of self-care too!

Just a little update as it's been a while since my last newsletter in April, where does the time go!  I have been busy working away in Winchburgh, seeing lots of you lovely clients for relaxation and wellbeing.  I mentioned in April that there may be a price increase and after much thought I have decided to implement this as from 1st September 2025.  My last increase was over three years ago, so this small increase will be to help with the rising running costs over that time.  I am, as always very very grateful for your kindness and support since my opening in 2018.  September onwards bookings already in the diary will be at the current prices.

The new prices are as follows, from 1st September 2025
30 minutes £25 (£67 for x3 block booking)
60 minutes £44 (£119 for x3 block booking)
90 minutes £60 (£162 for x3 block booking)
10% discount on block bookings (x3 appointments, full payment due at first appointment)


I have also updated my Terms and Conditions on the website, these include information on booking, prices, discounts, vouchers etc, so worth a look before booking/buying a voucher etc.

I will be back very soon with some different and more exciting news!  In the meantime, happy summer and thank you again for all your support.

Hello and happy Spring time.  It's so nice to have some warmth and sunshine for the start of the Easter holidays.

After the realisation at the start of the year that I needed to take regular time out for self care, and also after travelling around Vietnam (again)! I have been able to reflect and gain new perspective on what's important for myself and the business going forward!  I am really excited about the future at Jamieson Reflexology!

As always, my main aim is to support your health and wellbeing, using reflexology (and other therapies) to best meet your needs.  The future includes creating and maintaining a peaceful, relaxing environment for you to enjoy, and continuous professional development to bring new skills, knowledge and an enhanced experience to you.

I have made a few changes to the business since my last newsletter, including:

Change of location/hours
After 5+ happy years, I made the difficult decision to close the Thursday Linlithgow clinic at the beginning of March. I would like to thank all Linlithgow clients who have visited me there over the years and also thank those who have come with me to my Winchburgh premises.

The new opening hours in Winchburgh are:
Tuesday 10am-6pm
Wednesday 2pm - 8pm
Thursday 12md - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

NEW treatment - manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
MLD is a gentle, flowing rhythmic massage that aims to promote optimal functioning of the lymphatic system, by stimulating the movement of lymph fluid through the lymph vessels.  It can help with detoxification, improving energy, building immunity, reduced swelling and improved vitality and appearance.  The techniques involve a very light pressure, with gentle strokes, directing lymph towards the nearest lymph nodes around the body including neck, arms, underarms, legs, groin, abdomen, head, face.  The collarbone area and chest are also included to encourage drainage.  It is available to book now as a treatment on it's own (body or face), or in combination with reflexology or facial reflexology.  It's a really nice treatment to give and receive and I have had some positive feedback so far on how relaxing it is and it's effectiveness.

NEW treatment options
The treatment list has been updated with some new treatment options and combinations, including MLD, Reiki with crystals and singing bowls, very exciting! The new treatment list is below.

Prices
There will be no price increase for the moment, I will review this again after the summer.

Bookings
The diary has been really busy over the last couple of months, as always thank you so much for your support. With the new opening hours and some extra slots being added in, it should be easier to find suitable appointments at shorter notice.  If you have any trouble getting an appointment to suit, please get in touch as I can be flexible where possible.

Wishing you a nice Easter time with lots of sunshine, fun and relaxation!

Happy weekend! After a poorly start to the year, I am very grateful to be well again and excited to get back into a daily routine, phew. I'm ready!

Goodbye 2024
2024 was a busy year, with little time to stop and reflect. So here's a little summary. Clinical reflexology continued to be my main therapy through the year supporting clients with various chronic health conditions and other wellbeing concerns (including back pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, ear and sinus issues, mental wellbeing, MS, MND, cancer, stroke recovery, long Covid etc etc). The aim of reflexology is not to treat the condition but to support the person living with symptoms of such conditions. Seeing clients getting some relief/relaxation/time out from their worries and leaving with a happy glow and twinkle in their eyes again is why I love my job so much. 

I also continued to support women on their menopause journeys, during pregnancy and also preconception. It's always nice to see mums a good few months later returning with their new babies .  Also, lots of you had reflexology for general wellbeing. Reflexology is brilliant for stress relief and relaxation, and just keeping all things in balance. 

In 2024, I trained in Chinese Foot Massage and added this to the treatment list. It's very popular along with my other therapies including facial reflexology, Reiki and Swedish massage.

2024 has brought about some minor health challenges for myself. As some of you may know my maximum treatment time for Swedish massage is now 30 minutes and this is due to my ongoing joint pain. I've been working hard on improving my overall wellbeing by making healthy lifestyle choices. Exercise is amazing and really helps physically and mentally. Healthy eating is a bit harder, oh I miss my coffee and cake treats so much 

2025 - What's next!! 
Considering my start to the year, I realise that I must listen to my own advice! Therefore, my mantra for 2025 is to slow down and practice consistent self care! So that I can bring the best of me to every treatment. 

Also, keep learning!  At the end of last year I completed a course in manual lymphatic drainage.  This is a specialised form of massage that encourages the better flow of lymph throughout the body, thus improving overall wellbeing.  By improving fluid balance, removal of waste, boosting the immune system and encouraging fat absorption.   I'm currently doing a couple of case studies and also using the techniques on myself. The results are good so far, it's going to be a really good therapy to have on its own or combined with others. I hope to have it ready for you by end February /beginning March. 

In light of all mentioned above, I will be making some exciting tweaks to the treatments on offer and possibly opening hours. I will endeavour to keep regular client slots available.

I can't quite believe it's been over 5 years since I started my little business. I just have to mention again how grateful I am for everyone who comes along. Some of you have been with me right from the start, regular clients, one off clients, new clients, I am grateful to you all for choosing me on your wellbeing journey.

Here's to a happy, healthy, positive 2025!! 

Jo-Anne Jamieson