FAQs

What is Reflexology, and why would I choose it?

Reflexology is a remarkable complementary health therapy which involves working gently on specific reflex points on the feet, face or hands, in order to encourage a sense of well-being and relaxation. Reflexology treatments are used to support clients with a wide variety of conditions including Cancer and Menopause. It is important to note Reflexology is not a medical treatment and cannot be used to diagnose or treat any conditions. Learn more: https://www.aor.org.uk/

How do I know what treatment to book?

Have a read of the descriptions and see which appeals. We can discuss on the day of your appointment and I can always advise if I think a different treatment might be more suitable.

What should I consider when booking a treatment?

• Think about the time of day you would most like your treatment – morning sessions can be uplifting or you may prefer an evening session to wind down before your night’s sleep.
• I would recommend wearing something comfortable. If having a facial treatment on the massage bed, I will provide towels and a sheet / blanket for you to lie under. For foot treatments I will need to access the feet and ankles.
• If you are having a treatment at home, try to identify a quiet space in your home for the treatment, where you are unlikely to be disturbed. I will need enough room to fit a reclining chair or massage bed for you to be treated on.

Where can I have a treatment?

Treatments are available at The British Engineerium in Hove, where there is free parking on site and a lovely calm waiting room. I also offer mobile treatments in Shoreham by Sea and within a 3-mile radius of BN43. Please note the minimum mobile facial treatment time is 90 minutes. Foot reflexology treatments are from 60 minutes. I also offer mobile treatments to New mothers within a 6 mile radius of BN43 and can cover Worthing and Hove for an additional £5 to cover extra travel.

If you live outside these areas, but are interested in treatments, please get in touch as I may be able to travel to you for an additional travel fee.

What does the treatment time include?

‘Length of treatment’ is your time on the treatment table. Added to this is the consultation time at start and feedback and holistic lifestyle suggestions at the end*.

*Please note, it also takes approximately 20 minutes at the start and 10 minutes end of a mobile treatment to set up and clear away the equipment so please allow for this extra time when planning your day if I am treating you at your home.

What happens once I’ve booked?

Before your first treatment I will email you a short questionnaire to fill in and return before we meet, so that I can make sure you get the most out of your session.

Do you bring everything with you for mobile treatments?

I will bring all products needed, towels and a reclining chair or treatment bed as required. To aid relaxation I provide music, pillows and a blanket to make you comfortable. I have a heated bed cover for when it's cold. For Facial treatments I bring facial products, my crystal facial tools, equipment for hot towels. If it’s possible for me to use a dining chair to sit on, that would be helpful. I will need access to a sink to wash my hands before and after your treatment. If you are very sensitive to the cold, you may wish to have an extra blanket to hand.

What products do you use?

All products and brands used are carefully chosen to be effective, free of parabens/ sulphates/synthetic fragrance/ silicon, cruelty free, vegetarian and sustainable. BRANDS USED: Facials & facial Reflexology - Olixa, Pai, Face Theory and Nini organics Foot and Hand Reflexology - Songbirds natural reflexology wax

Please advise if you are Vegan so I can ensure I use only Vegan products for your treatment.

What aftercare will I receive?

After your treatment I will email you within three working days of the treatment with personalised suggestions for holistic lifestyle advice or skincare as required. You can always email with any questions between treatments.

Can I give this as a gift?

Absolutely - everyone deserves some time for a holistic treatment! You can buy Personalised gift vouchers for any denomination or treatment

Do you treat during pregnancy or fertility treatment?

I offer foot reflexology treatments during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Although I have not completed specialised training in pregnancy reflexology, being a qualified reflexologist means I am qualified and insured to treat during pregnancy. I offer facial reflexology treatments during the 2nd trimester only, but not any of my other facial therapies. This can be combined with foot reflexology for a lovely relaxing treatment.

I don't offer treatments during IVF treatment or Embryo transfer. There are reflexologists locally who specialise in this area, and I think at such an important time, you need someone who specialises in this area.

Do you offer Treatments for men?

Although The Sanguine Smith is primarily set up to treat women, I am more than happy to treat men on referral from an existing female client.

Can you treat people with sensitive skin or allergies?

Please let me know ahead of time if you have any specific allergies or sensitivities. I cannot treat you with a facial if you have a diagnosed skin allergy due to insurance restrictions. For those with sensitive skin, I have a range of products to use that are usually suitable and designed for sensitive skin. For those with sensitivity having Reflexology, Organic grape seed oil is generally suitable for all skin types and can be used on both feet and face.

Can I have a treatment if I have an illness or take medication?

Please reschedule if you feel unwell, have a cold/flu or a temperature / vomitting / upset stomach. I cannot treat you if you have a cold sore (facial) or verrucae (foot).

There are very few contraindicated conditions which would mean I could not treat you. These include a high fever, any contagious illness, severe cellulitis, DVT or pulmonary embolism or clients currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please note that if you use injectables on your face you will need to leave a period of at least 4 weeks before Gua sha and 4 months before cupping. It is important to note Reflexology can be given safely alongside standard healthcare but is not a replacement for it.

• I still wear a face mask at all times during facial treatment and during foot treatments with higher risk clients.
• All equipment is washed / sterilised thoroughly between clients and I wash my hands frequently.

What methods of payment do you accept? What is the cancellation policy?

The Sanguine Smith treatments are card payment only (or exact cash as I don't carry change). Cancellation within 24 hours of appointment will be charged at 50%.

Why The Sanguine Smith?

A ‘smith’ is historically a master of their craft, and that’s something I will always aspire to be. It’s also rather conveniently my surname! ‘Sanguine’ was originally a Latin word meaning blood and this is particularly important in Facial massage and Reflexology, as the work I do stimulates a healthy blood flow. Rather nicely too, ‘sanguine’ today means cheerfully optimistic and hopeful about the future.