Imagine the human body had a secret panel, where almost any ailment could be healed with just the push of a button. Meet Therapeutic Reflexologist, Maria Goretti who can – quite literally – push all the right buttons for a healthier you!
What’s therapeutic reflexology you ask? Think pressure on foot reflex points that connect to organs and body systems which help the body relax and find balance on a mental, physical, emotional and spiritual level. More than just a foot massage, it triggers the body’s natural healing response.
Maria Goretti has always had a healing energy. Something she believes has run in the family for many generations. Growing up with her mom, aunts and grans always ready with a natural remedy for anything from a fever right through to a spastic colon, she was bound to pick up on a few tips and tricks of the trade. Think kombucha, olive oil massages and potato slices on the forehead.
“I’ve always had the desire to help others, initially envisioning a path in law during my younger years. It wasn’t until my sister explored aromatherapy and reflexology through some short courses that my curiosity for natural health really sparked.”
Even though Maria dabbled in photography, party planning, child daycare and child psychology after school, she could never shake the feeling that she was meant to work with her hands. Even while she was in her 20s and working in her parents’ liquor store, Maria felt a surge of warmth flood through her hands whenever someone unwell stood in front of her.
After a decade at the family shop, and motivated by motherhood, she decided to call it quits and focus on her family. Once again, she started feeling the inevitable pull towards the intriguing world of natural healing. And so she got her Therapeutic Reflexology qualification and opened Colourful Hummingbird Wholistics not long afterward. Because, rather late than never, right?
“I am a giver by nature and I really came to enjoy helping people in this way. Everyone is dealing with high levels of work, personal and environmental stress, and fast-paced lifestyles. We need to interrupt that cycle of stress, cultivate a relationship with our health and well-being and understand our body and how it functions better. Therapeutic Reflexology is a good kind of therapy to do all of these and support our well-being on all levels.”
The crazy part? She can look at someone’s feet – the shape of their toes, condition of nails, tone of skin – and determine which part of the body needs some TLC. Although she cannot diagnose or treat a condition, Maria offers lifestyle guidance and facilitates the body’s innate healing response.
Experienced in a host of therapy treatments with impressive names – Therapeutic Reflexology and Meridian Therapy, Reflexology Lymph Drainage (Sally-Kay method), Biochemic Therapy (with Allisone Tissue Salts), Gentle Release Therapy, Enerqi Facial Rejuvenation therapy and Rife Therapy – Maria treats everyone, from new-borns to seniors.
Lately, she’s been delving deeper into peri-menopause, menopausal women, individuals with auto-immune conditions or chronic pain, anxiety and neuro-diverse children, adding that; “I just love helping clients reach a deep state of relaxation they weren’t aware was even possible. Some even feel like a different person after the first session, which is what I strive for.”
When Maria isn’t busy working her healing magic, you’ll most probably find her outdoors in a quiet space with a good book. Because for her it’s about the simple things in life. Her golden rule? To make self-care a priority. Being mindful of your thoughts and releasing as much as possible.
“Always end your day with a calm mind and peaceful heart. Our mental and emotional state of being filters and affects our physical wellbeing and vice versa.”
And that’s exactly what she and hubby, Paulo are teaching their 10-year-old twins, Gabriella and Raphael. She adds that they eat as healthy as possible – always opting for naturally grown produce and avoiding any hormone, antibiotic fed meats.
“Knowledge is power. And we try to equip them with as much knowledge as possible to make their own informed decisions. We teach them that health is a balance between the physical, mind, emotions and spirit.”
Maria believes nature’s got us covered on all levels – like it’s our ultimate alignment toolkit. So, in a world of stress and chaos, perhaps a little therapeutic touch could be the soothing balm we all need.
Visit colourfulhummingbirdwholistics.com
7 Ways to love yourself in the new year
• Self-care. It’s the highest form of self-love and a good way to reconnect with yourself.
• Move your body. Movement energises you and the more you move the more you appreciate your body.
• Start your day with gratitude. Research has shown that practicing gratitude builds new neural pathways, which help you reconnect to your essence.
• Bless your food. It sustains you. By doing so you become more aware of what you are eating and how it energises or depletes your body of energy. Chew slowly to support your digestion.
• Practice grounding to reconnect to your body and improve your overall well-being.
• Have a good sleep routine. Avoid screen time two hours before bed as blue lights interrupt the release of your sleep hormone called melatonin.
• Make time for a hobby, learn something new, or get involved in community projects. Anything that inspires you will increase your confidence and give you a sense of purpose.
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. • Photographer: SHAUN-DOUGLAS STEYNBERG. • Make-up & hair: HEIDIE FOURIE.
