About Me
Anna Rivers BSc CRM5 MAR MARR
Coming from a high-pressured finance background, working long hours for a big corporate in London, I have personal experience of work-related stress. For me it manifested as allergic reactions and constant sciatic pain; despite regular exercise, yoga and eventually physio and steroid injections. While travelling with my job I stumbled upon reflexology during trips to the far east, where it’s the ‘norm’ to go and have weekly treatments. Curious, I gave it a go and couldn’t believe its effects. My pain lessened, my stress dissolved, and I can only describe it as feeling amazing after my treatments.
For me it just worked.
This was my lightbulb moment!
Reflexology made a massive difference to me, and I felt strongly that I wanted to help others to feel the same. So, I left my finance job in London, moved up to Leamington Spa and trained with Allison Walker at the Contemporary Reflexology College to obtain the highest qualification of Practitioner Reflexology available in the UK (level 5 Diploma). This comprehensive qualification has given me extensive Anatomy, Pathology and Physiology knowledge (at a level recognised by the NHS) and allows me to offer treatment plans bespoke to your needs.
Since qualifying I have extended my training to learn more for supporting women. Helping support young women, as they begin hormonal changes through to their fertile years, and onto Menopause. I have undertaken courses for support with Menopause symptoms, allowing me to draw what I need from them to offer the most benefit to the client.
I am a member of the Association of Reproductive Reflexologists, which means I have skills to support women with reproductive health issues (Endometriosis, PCOS etc) and support them through their fertility journey, be that natural conception or assisted (ICSI/IVF etc).
In 2024 I added another course to my extended skills, RLD – Reflexology Lymph Drainage. It was originally designed to help women with arm swelling post breast cancer surgery being proven to reduce swelling and improve quality of life for these survivors (who are often discharged from clinic with a compression stocking and little support for their secondary lymphoedema). More can be found on the RLD website, please do take a look to see learn more, view the research results and papers.
https://www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk/
I loved this training, it really opened my eyes to how much women suffer post breast cancer surgery and what we can do to give them the support they deserve. I also find the technique so beneficial for other clients coming to me with other conditions like arthritis, headaches, PMS, Fibromyalgia (see the RLD for the complete list). I often incorporate it into treatments if I think the client will benefit.
My depth of training means I can tailor your reflexology treatments for a range of conditions, covering the whole body and all the body’s systems, for whatever your body needs.
I have extended my training to allow me to incorporate essential oils in my reflexology treatments and harness their beneficial properties. Reflexology is a relaxing treatment, supporting your body to heal, achieve well-being and bringing it back into balance. My hope is that reflexology has as profound an effect for you as it has for me.
The treatment experience is immensely relaxing, not only reducing stress but also refining the skin's appearance by smoothing lines and boosting its elasticity.
Since qualifying as a Reflexologist I have attended various workshops to extend my Reflexology knowledge. I have also broadened my understanding beyond reflexology into other types of therapy in order to be able to incorporate different techniques and enhance my treatments. In September 2024, I attended CranioSacral Therapy 1 training, which allows me to incorporate these profound techniques.
My Qualifications
- Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology, trained by Allison Walker at the Contemporary Reflexology College.
- Trained to use Reflexology on the Feet, Hands, Ears, Meridians and Acupressure points, depending on where would be the most effective at the time.
- NEPIP – NeuroEndoPsychoImmunoPody – a specialised treatment to help clients with anxiety and stress (only level 5 practitioners are trained to offer this powerful treatment)
- Specialised training for Enhancing Fertility and Maternity Care Reflexology. I am a certified Reproductive Reflexologist
- Specialised training in Adapting Reflexology for Palliative and Cancer Care
- AromaReflex trained - allowing treatments to incorporate a bespoke blend of essential oils
- Trained in Reflexology for Menopause - support for menopausal women
- Approved RLD practitioner - enhanced lymph drainage techniques
Memberships
I am a registered member of the Association of Reflexologists, requiring adherence to strict codes of practice. Giving you peace of mind of my qualifications and commitment to professionalism and high standards.