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Louise McHale - Wellness
Mindfulness Coach, Reflexologist
What I offer
I am a Reflexologist affiliated with the Irish Reflexologist's Institute (IRIL) and the Association of Reproductive Reflexology (Advanced Member).
I have additional training in Antenatal (Maternity) Reflexology, Oncology Reflexology, Fertility Reflexology, Reflexology for Perimenopause and Menopause and Reflexology for the treatment of pain (TOP).
I am also a trained Mindfulness coach accredited by the Irish Mindfulness academy. I offer courses in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)/Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). I am a trained Buteyko Breathwork Practitioner having trained with Patrick McKeown
Reflexology
Healing of the body and mind
Reflexology is an ancient holistic therapy which promotes wellness within an individual. It helps naturally create balance (homeostasis). It involves applying firm but gentle pressure to points on the feet or hands that correspond to organs and systems of the body. It promotes a state of relaxation within the individual which is optimal for healing of the body and mind.
See below for information on Reflexology for Fertility, Antenatal and Perimenopause/Menopause
Mindfulness and Meditation
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment - Buddha
Mindfulness is practice of awareness of the present moment, it is intentionally noticing thoughts and emotions as they arise, non-judgementally. By living in the present moment we avoid getting sucked into negative thinking patterns caused by dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness incorporates the formal practice of meditation and the informal practice of awareness of your thoughts and emotions as they arise from moment to moment.
Positive Psychology
Neurons that fire together wire together - What you focus on grows
Positive Psychology helps us rewire our brains to focus more on the positive things in our lives and therefore helps us to thrive which in turn makes us more resilient in times of stress. It's primary focus is to help the individual become happier and more fulfilled. It involves making individuals aware of all they currently have to be grateful for without having to seek happiness outside of themselves.
Worry does not rob tomorrow of its sorrow, it only robs today of its joy
- Corrie Ten Boom
Reproflexology™, Antenatal Reflexology, Perimenopause and Menopause Reflexology
Reproflexology™
Reproductive/ Fertility Reflexology
Reproflexology™ (Reproductive Reflexology) is the study of and treatment of male and female reproductive conditions and fertility issues using reflexology.
Reproductive Reflexology (or Reproflexology™) can be used as a stand-alone treatment to enhance your natural fertility, or with all forms of assisted conception including Clomid, IUI, IVF and ICSI. It can also be used to support individuals and couples using surrogacy or donors in IVF cycles.
Treatment involves using structured and prescriptive treatment protocols, to support couples through all phases of their assisted conception programme.
- It uses specific & prescriptive treatment protocols to address fertility health for both men and women.
- It aims to regulate menstrual cycles and ensure that each stage is functioning at its best.
- It aims to improve sperm production and functionality.
- It aims to assist any underlying conditions – male or female.
- It uses structured and prescriptive treatment protocols supporting all forms of assisted conception.
- It is one of the most effective forms of integrated medicine using results from medical testing to measure improvements.
Reproflexology™ specific protocols aim to regulate the menstrual cycle, it is commonly used by individuals with underlying reproductive issues such as;- Irregular cycles.
- Amenorrhea - An absence of periods usually created by a hormonal imbalance.
- Menorrhagia - Heavy but regular bleeds.
- Oligomenorrhoea - Infrequent bleeding.
- Dysmenorrhoea - Painful periods.
- Progesterone anomalies - A deficiency in progesterone during the second half of the cycle has been associated with infertility, early miscarriage , short menstrual cycles and pre-menstrual spotting.
- Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) - PMS is a combination of cyclical, physical, emotional and psychological symptoms.
- Polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Polycystic ovaries occur when egg sacs within the ovary fail to develop properly, causing benign cysts on the surface of the ovary. This can interfere with ovulation. PCOS occurs when a woman with polycystic ovaries also has raised levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and the 'male' hormone, testosterone.
- Endometriosis - A condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity.
- Andenometriosis - Distinct from endometriosis in that additional endometrial tissue grows within the muscular layer of the endometrium, causing an enlarged uterus, pain and heavy bleeding.
- Fibroids.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Salpingitis - Infection and inflammation of one or both of the fallopian tubes.
- Vaginismus - Muscle spasm in the vagina.
- Cervicitis - Swelling or inflammation of the cervix.
Male conditions which may be helped through reproflexology™- Acute prostatitis - Sudden onset of infection in the prostate gland.
- Hormone imbalances.
- Varicocele - A varicose vein affecting the testicle.
- Hydrocele - A collection of fluid around the testicles, in the scrota.
- Epididymitis - Inflammation of the epididymis.
- Orchitis - Inflammation of the testicles caused by a case of the Mumps.
Antenatal Reflexology
Maternity Reflexology
Regular reflexology during pregnancy relaxes the mother-to-be's mind and body; it consequently facilitates and eases the birth process.
The benefits of Antenatal reflexology include;
- Reduced morning sickness, all day sickness and vomiting which persists past month 3. Reflexology is recommended by the national maternity hospital, Holles Street, Dublin.
- Helps relieve heartburn and indigestion, constipation and haemorrhoids, low back pain, labour sciatica, and sympysis pubis diastasis.
- Prepares the body for labour by balancing the body systems, especially the endocrine system which governs the labour process.
- The length of the labour can be very much reduced by having regular reflexology treatment in the weeks prior to the expected date of delivery.
- During labour, Reflexology can be used to boost energy levels and aid in relaxation between contractions. It helps with pain control by stimulating the production of endorphins.
- Reflexology can be used either to stimulate regular contractions in labour or to sedate contractions when labour is in co-ordination.
- Babies born to mothers who have had regular reflexology are very calm, suckle better and are less prone to colic.
- Using Reflexology after labour can help expel a retained placenta, can promote healing of episiotomies, will encourage breast milk production and can help relieve urinary retention.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Going through 'the change' can be a very challenging time for women. Reflexology can help women to cope with the changes that are happening within their bodies and their minds during this transition.
Perimenopause means 'around menopause' the time leading up to menopause. Its onset will vary from person to person but its symptoms can least for a least a decade.
Women are born with every egg they will ever have. The speed at which the reserve declines increases after the age 35. This decline in ovarian reserve can fluctuate. It isn’t a steady reduction in the number of eggs available, so symptoms and menstrual cycle function will fluctuate alongside this hence why it can last for a decade.
As the number of follicles available decrease we start to see some changes;
- Oestrogen and progesterone levels fall
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone rise, the bodies way of trying to increase follicle activity
- Women start to experience anovulatory cycles
- Menstrual cycles become irregular
- Hot flushes and night sweats are common
- The endometrial thickness reduces due to lowered oestrogen and progesterone
- Bleeds can become closer together and then further apart
- And then stop altogether
Once menstruation has stopped altogether then the female in question has now entered the menopause (a pause in menstruation)Reflexology is used to help manage the hormonal changes and the many side affects the ensue from these hormonal changes. It is a very relaxing treatment that helps to reduces stress which is important as stress can result in triggering and intensifying the many symptoms of menopause.Mindfulness and You
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction/ Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindfulness in the classroom
I provide an 4 week mindfulness course to national and secondary school students
Benefits include
- Improves focus, concentration and productivity
- Reduces anxiety
- Increased self worth and self acceptance
- Provides self help tools to calm down when faced with worries
- Improves positive coping strategies
- Quietens and calms the mind
Mindfulness in the workplace
I provide half day and full day courses for businesses
Benefits include
- Development of self help tools to de-stress and prevent burnout
- Improved focus and productivity
- Increased well-being
- Improved relationships
- Increased happiness
- Enhanced resilience
Mindfulness for families/groups
I provide weekend courses for families
- 2 x 4hr days over two days.
I provide an 8 week course for groups
-8 x 1.5hr sessions one evening a week over 8 weeks.
Benefits include
- Increased well-being
- Improved relationship with self and others
- Provides self help tools to calm the mind and body in times of stress
- Improved mental clarity and focus.
- Improved happiness
- Enhanced resilience
I am an old man and have know a great many troubles, but most of them never actually happened.
- Mark Twain
Forget yesterday - it has already forgotten you.
Don't sweat tomorrow - you haven't even met.
Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift - today.
Steve Maraboli- S
The Blog
Thoughts, musings, and ruminations.
13 de mayo de 2020What is mindfulness and why is it essential for the classroom ? Mindfulness is a practice of awareness, it is being tuned in to what is occurring in the present moment. Humans are natural time travelers, moving from the past to the future with very brief pit-stops in the present. When we spend...26 de mayo de 2022There is freedom in the ability to live your life mindfully. To attain freedom from the prison of your own mind is not an easy task. Why would I make the analogy that our minds are like a prison? Not having awareness of your minds constant chatter leads to you getting stuck in repeated...18 de noviembre de 2019Reflexology is an ancient healing therapy dating back centuries with roots in many different cultures. It encourages stimulating the bodies natural healing ability through applying pressure to and massaging the feet. This gentle pressure and massage induces relaxation and creates greater harmony...Reviews
Louise provided mindfulness classes in our school and the feedback from all members of the school community was overwhelming positive. The pupils really enjoyed it, the teachers learned from it and the parents were really happy with it. We look forward to having further sessions with Louise in the future and I would recommend her to any school.
James Feeney, School Principal
Louise provided mindfulness classes in our school this year. Each session was so informative and Louise educated the children about how the brain works at their level. She provided the children with numerous tools and strategies for coping with worry and anxiety. Louise's sessions had fun, visual, tactile and creative activities to help the children relax and concentrate. Each session was accompanied by handouts to enable the children to practise at home. We have all drawn on Louise's activities for the children to practise mindfulness during the lockdown.
Celine McCole 3rd & 4th Class Teacher
Get in Touch
Located in San Antonio, Ballina, County Mayo and Blue Lotus Centre, Celbridge, County Kildare. Contact me if you would like to make an appointment.
F26K5D2 Lord Edward Street, Ballina, County Mayo
Blue Lotus Centre, Main street ,Celbridge, County Kildare
Louisemchalewellness © 2019