My friend, Theresa Thompson, has moved to a new treatment room above hair@bespoke on Foxdenton Lane, Chadderton and I’ve booked in for a reflexology treatment.
She meets me just inside the door and leads the way upstairs. It’s the first time I’ve been here and I like it already. The room has a nice aroma, plenty of natural light and a warm cosy feeling.
Before long I’m nestled under a fleecy blanket in a comfy chair, feet wrapped in a soft towel ready for some much needed ‘me time’. I don’t often get the chance to chill out and we chat a little, while she gets organised.
After cleansing, Theresa starts to work through a routine that involves applying pressure to my feet, ultimately concentrating on the areas that will bring me the most benefit.
As I settle down, my mind turns to the sounds outside and floating up from the salon below. They seem distant. There’s some background music playing; barely a whisper.
“Is it my feet that are cold or are your hands warm?” I ask her. “No” she says, “I’ve got naturally warm hands. Don’t know why, they just are.”
Before long my mind drifts off again. Now and then I can feel when she’s concentrating on a key pressure point but it’s oddly relaxing. The hour passes in a half dream and before long my feet are wrapped up again in a warm towel and I sit there while she tidies up.
As I slip my shoes on she tell me she’s done “a sweep of your lymphatic system, so drink plenty of water.” I’m baffled but promise to anyway.
So, just what is reflexology? The Association of Reflexology (AOR) define it as:
A complementary therapy based on the theory that different points of the body (not just on the feet but also hands, face and ears) correspond with different areas of the body and …working these points or areas aids relaxation and helps improve wellbeing.
Since gaining her initial level 5 diploma, Theresa’s continued to attend further courses to expand her knowledge and expertise.
I’m interested in why she chose this career path. She’s ex-RAF and spent over 20 years in the aviation industry; so it’s very different from anything she’s done before.
“I just started reading about it and was completely fascinated” she tells me. “I like helping people. Getting feedback from clients and realising that I’ve been able to improve someone’s life is the best feeling ever. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.” She’s on a roll
“We concern ourselves so much with looking better on the outside that we don’t attach enough importance to how we are on the inside. Our inner wellbeing needs attention too.”
She’s clear that a good reflexologist will never diagnose or claim to cure. Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works very well alongside conventional medicine and should not be used in place of seeking medical advice. If she can help you though, she’ll try. Take it from me; you’ll be in safe hands.
That’s my foot in the photo. In recent years, she’s helped me personally to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease, improve sleep quality and reduce back pain.
Theresa also volunteers at The Christie Hospital in Oldham where she treats patients and their family members to some Hand Therapy to aid relaxation and sometimes, more importantly, provide a listening ear.
To find out more visit Theresa’s website. It lists the different types of reflexology she practises, how much it costs and how to contact her. Or, you can follow her on Facebook.
And, don’t just take my word for it, click here for testimonials from past clients.
What have we done?
Another person who is passionate about the centre is Michael Green. Michael’s been involved here for many years and we’ve built on his walking group and coffee mornings. It’s safe to say you won’t meet many kinder people than Michael. His groups are thriving but always looking for new members.
We also have a monthly Night Owl Walking Group, our sensory room is amazing and we’re planning a Halloween Party later this month, as well as a coach trip to Blackpool.
My vision
There’s an air of awkwardness while people work out what the order of play is. I was late, announced my arrival by spilling water across the floor, so thank god Failsworth Community Choir hadn’t quite started. I like a choir, that feel good factor again. They kicked things off with songs like ‘Lean on Me’, ‘One Day Like This’ and successfully broke the ice.
There were free cakes and biscuits as well as hot drinks on tap. I filled my boots, it’d be rude not to. Most of the stands had freebies on offer. Lucky I’d brought a carrier bag.
Action Together, Age UK and ROAR (Rochdale and Oldham Active Recovery) were also full of enthusiasm. I picked up a brilliant booklet listing all the activities for the over 50’s in Failsworth. Well worth a look and I reckon you can pick up a copy at the library or click 
There were groups offering support for people struggling with issues such as anxiety and depression, amazing to talk to and all local. The organisers are getting ready for next year’s Failsworth Carnival and have set the date, 16th and 17th May. The Girl Guides were inviting new members/volunteers and, back where we started, Failsworth Community Choir want your voice.