STEP UP

Reflexologist Cheryl Cartwright suggests a more holistic approach to health

Having spent almost 30 years working as a registered nurse, people often ask how I made the leap from nursing to reflexology, but to me, it’s all part of the same story - caring for people, holistically and with compassion.

I’ve supported individuals at every stage of life, from young children to women navigating hormonal changes to older adults managing complex health needs. What has always mattered most to me is seeing the whole person, not just their diagnosis.

Over the years, I saw how modern medicine can do incredible things, but I also noticed its limits. People often came in with stress-related symptoms, emotional strain, and burnout, and while their conditions could be managed, the deeper need for balance, calm, and restoration often went unmet.

Growing up, I watched my mum find comfort and calm through reflexology, it truly helped her both physically and emotionally, especially in her later years. Inspired by this and through my own experience of how reflexology helped me reset and find balance, I chose to train at the Complementary Therapy School, where I earned the highest-level qualification in the UK. Since then, I’ve deepened my skills with specialised Menopause Reflexology, Ziggie Bergman Facial Reflexology, and Hand Reflexology — all meaningful ways I can help others feel supported and balanced on their own wellness journey.

What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural therapy based on the idea that areas of the feet, hands, and face correspond to different parts of the body. By applying gentle pressure to these reflex points, the aim is to stimulate the body’s own healing systems, reduce stress, improve circulation, and bring a sense of balance.

More than just a foot massage, reflexology works on the nervous system, encouraging the body to shift out of "fight or flight" and into a state of rest and repair. Research has shown its potential to help with sleep issues, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, and pain management.

How can it help women in midlife?

If you're navigating perimenopause or menopause, you might be dealing with fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, night sweats, joint pain, or digestive discomfort. Reflexology offers a gentle, drug-free way to support your body’s natural rhythms. It gives you permission to slow down — to breathe, reset, and feel more in tune with yourself.

A 2016 study found that reflexology significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women, improving their overall quality of life.

You can take all the HRT in the world, but without restoring physical and emotional balance - without supporting your whole system, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Essentially, balance doesn’t come from hormones alone , it comes from calming the body, mind, and nervous system together.

Learning effective ways to immediately calm ourselves in times of anxiety, stress, insomnia etc (by using pressure point stimulation) is a powerful tool. It gives us back control, which is empowering at this stage in our lives.

What are your TOP 3 TIPS?

1. Focus on Hormone Balancing Zones

Ask your reflexologist to target reflex points linked to the endocrine system — especially the pituitary, thyroid, ovaries, and adrenal glands — to help rebalance fluctuating hormones.

2. Make Time for Regular Sessions

Just like exercise, consistency is key. Prioritising regular reflexology sessions helps you build lasting wellbeing, making self-care a sustainable habit, not a one-off treat.

3. Support Yourself at Home

Try simple techniques like pressing the centre of your hand while breathing deeply, rolling a tennis ball under your foot, or walking barefoot on a textured surface. These easy actions stimulate reflex points, can improve circulation, ease tension, and activate your body’s relaxation response, helping your nervous system feel calm and safe.

How can people connect with you?

You can find me at:www.solelyaligned.com

Or on Instagram @solelyaligned

Natural Progression subscribers can enjoy £10 off their first treatment — just mention this article when booking