Rooke Holistic Therapies

17/08/2026

10/08/2026

FAQ: What is the difference between qigong and yoga?

Qigong is sometimes described as Chinese yoga because qigong and yoga share many similarities despite having developed in different cultures.

They are both based on the same underlying principle that the mind and body are connected and can be influenced by certain practices, such as breathwork, holding postures, flowing movements, meditation, etc. When we become skilled at these practices we can become aware of the living energy that flows through us, known as ‘qi’ in qigong and ‘prana’ in yoga.

A key difference is that qigong tends to be practised standing, while yoga is more floor based.

And of course, the theory behind each is different, for example in qigong we work with three main energy centres (the lower, middle and upper dantians) whereas in yoga there are five (the root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown chakras).

Qigong and yoga are different means to the same end: promoting health and wellbeing.

To experience qigong for yourself, book here https://oceanwellnesshub.co.uk/ocean-wellness-hub

Beginners welcome 🙂

03/08/2026

This month we will start working with the energy of late summer.

The element for this season is earth, and energy is descending as we move from the peak of activity of high summer towards the fruitfulness of autumn.

The spleen and stomach are the organs of the earth element.

The spleen is associated with thought and transforming ideas into action, also with empathy.
Harmony in the earth element results in good concentration and analytical skills as well as compassion.

In disharmony it results in overthinking, worry and becoming stuck.

As Kenneth Cohen explains in his book Qigong: the art and science of Chinese energy healing “We are pensive when we are preoccupied with ourselves; we are overly empathic when we are preoccupied with others.”

Trust and acceptance can help counter pensiveness and over-empathising to bring balance in the earth elements.

Book here https://oceanwellnesshub.co.uk/ocean-wellness-hub

Based in Sidmouth 🏖

27/07/2026

Want to give yourself some time out from all the busyness of the summer?

Stop for a while and recharge with a reflexology treatment...

Book here https://www.rookeholistic.co.uk/contact

Based in Sidmouth 🏖️

20/07/2026

Something a client said recently reminded me of a treatment that I had from a colleague at a particularly challenging time for me, when I was feeling physically tired and emotionally out of sorts...

I had been really looking forward to the opportunity to relax and recharge, only to find my head too full of thoughts to switch off.

My initial reaction was frustration and annoyance, but after a while I decided to stop fighting the thoughts and let them flow instead in the hope that they would eventually dissipate. And so they did. Leaving me to zone out and make the most of the treatment.

In our busy lives, which can get even more hectic over the summer months, our poor brains don’t get the chance to process everything. When we finally stop is when that can happen. The important thing is not to hold onto any one thought, not to ruminate, but to acknowledge each thought before letting it go.

So the next time you are on the couch with a head full of bees, don’t try to keep the lid on them, take it off so that they can fly free leaving you to enjoy and fully benefit from your self care.

If you would like to schedule some time out for yourself for a restorative reflexology treatment, book here https://www.rookeholistic.co.uk/contact

I offer reflexology sessions in Sidmouth, welcoming clients from across Devon and West Dorset as well as those on holiday in the area.

13/07/2026

My feet are very ticklish, will reflexology work for me? 👣

Reflexology uses precise techniques and fairly firm pressure, for example alternating pressure technique, which is also known as on/off pressure or thumb walking.

In my experience, even people with sensitive feet can relax into and enjoy a reflexology treatment without it feeling tickly ☺

Want to give it a try?

Book here https://www.rookeholistic.co.uk/contact

06/07/2026

The solar plexus, or coeliac plexus, is a network of nerves located behind the stomach that plays a key role in regulating involuntary bodily functions through the autonomic nervous system.

Acting as a central communication hub between the body's stress response and relaxation systems, it helps maintain balance and supports the functioning of internal organs.

In reflexology, the solar plexus reflex—found beneath the ball of the foot—is considered particularly important for promoting deep relaxation and reducing the effects of stress.

Practitioners often work this reflex at the beginning and end of treatments to encourage calm, enhance wellbeing, and support nervous system balance.

Funnily enough I found just writing about the solar plexus very relaxing!

To learn more, read my latest blog post

An explanation of what the solar plexus is, its role in the body and its importance in reflexology

29/06/2026

Qigong can have many potential benefits to health and wellbeing, including improvements in:
🫶Body awareness
🧘‍♀️Posture
🏌️‍♂️Co-ordination
⚖Balance
💪Strength
🙇Concentration
🔋Vitality.

Come and find out for yourself at one of my classes at the Ocean Wellness Hub in Sidmouth.

You can choose from a Wednesday evening or a Friday morning class, whichever suits you best. Or you can join both!

Book here https://oceanwellnesshub.co.uk/ocean-wellness-hub

15/06/2026

So what do attendees of my qigong classes appreciate most about the sessions?

Here are some the benefits that have been reported to me over the years:
💁‍♀️the social aspect of being in a small, friendly and welcoming class
🔋that the exercise is gentle but powerful
🦶the variety of movements
⚖️improved body awareness and balance
💪feeling stronger
☺️relaxing me time
🙇‍♀️the concentration and focus
🙏a sense of calm
🙂feeling good afterwards in mind and body
😴sleeping better at night.

Want to give qigong a try?

Book here https://oceanwellnesshub.co.uk/ocean-wellness-hub

📍 Based in Sidmouth