About

Who is Teresa Meekings MAR?

I am a parent of 4 children, 2 of whom were born deaf (now young adults!)

I am a fully qualified reflexology, Reiki, massage and aromatherapy practitioner  living in Hammersmith and Fulham, London. I enjoy working with people, especially those who are unable to easily access services through disability, caring, income or age. To date I have been fortunate to work within the charity sector in positions in which I have be able to do this.

What has this to do with being a complementary therapist?

Not a lot; but it is part of the life journey that makes me who I am. In 2004, following a cycle accident, I experienced first-hand the healing effects of reflexology, not only on physical pain but on general sense of well-being. My personal experience of reflexology encouraged me to learn the art myself.

Through my case studies and practice, I have seen the powerful effect touch has on those I have treated, on colleagues at work, family, friends and especially those whose main role has been thinking and doing for others.

I qualified as a reflexologist in London with the Association of Reflexologists in 2007;  since then I have gained  qualifications in Reiki, Massage and Aromatherapy. I have gained certificates in Reflexology Lymph Drainage,  massage for the head and hands, Thai foot massage, Natural face-lift massage and baby and toddler reflex.

• I am a registered member of the
• Association of Reflexologists (AOR)
• Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
• Complementary Therapists Association (CThA)
• Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for Data Protection
• I am registered with the DBS Update service
• I am fully insured with FHT/Hiscox insurance
• I hold a current first aid at work certificate

I provide a weekly reflexology/massage service for the local Carers Service and private clients,

I provide a weekly reflexology/massage service for people with disabilities or long term health conditions  in Kensington & Chelsea and parts of Westminster

I undertake regular continuous professional development to improve my knowledge and skills.

other Life in Balance services

Talk and tips sessions for adults

practical self help reflexology sessions

Baby and Toddler Reflex workshops.

Pamper Parties

Staff and community Wellness days

Why Life in Balance?

In July 2010, The Hammersmith and Fulham Carers Centre was shut down, so in December that year, I spoke with council officers, and discovered that complementary therapies were also no longer being provided to carers.

According to a survey carried out by Tom MacInnes and Peter Kenwa for Trust for London 2009

Between 22-25% of pensioners in Hammersmith and Fulham receive the income guarantee element of pension credit

Carers Strategy for Hammersmith and Fulham 2005-2010

• Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) has an estimated population of 11,500 carers (based on national figures from the 2001Census).
• There are 8,261 people in the borough who care for under 20 hours a week
• Nearly 1,363 care for between 20 and 50 hours a week,
• 1,976 care for 50 hours and above

Carers and older people often suffer from:

• Isolation, often leading to depression, poor eating habits and increased stress.

• Mobility issues, whether from age related degeneration or from difficulties arising from their caring role, leading to a reluctance/inability to participate in an activities to improve/maintain health and a reliance on medication, prescribed and non prescribed

• Inability to relax and over-tiredness leading to stress and difficulty coping.

• Lack of physical, caring touch.

• Lack of an holistic approach by statutory and health services to catering for their needs

Being a carer myself, having benefited from receiving reflexology sessions and having qualified as a reflexology therapist in 2007, I decided to set up reflexology sessions for carers.

Subsidised Reflexology for London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham

Since April 2011, Life in Balance has been working together with London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham carers support service, to provide subsidised reflexology sessions, for carers in the borough.

To date more than one hundred sessions have been offered.