Reflexology - What is it good for?

At one time Reflexology was not as popular as it is today.  It was lumped into the category of "alternative medicine" and some where leery about trying it out because it did not fall under the area of traditional medicine.  Now Reflexology is even being done in some hospitals.  One article mentioned that it has become the most popular complimentary therapies available today, because it works. 

So what is Reflexology good for?  Reflexology has many benefits.  See if any of these benefits appeal to you and contact me for a free session today.  Reflexology is pleasant and soothing and relaxes the body which in turn reduces tension and stress. (Some people experience extreme relaxation, tiredness and some even experience tearfulness)   

• Reflexology has been proven to help relieve pain associated with migraine, sinus problems, breathing disorders and digestive problems. 
• Helps circulatory problems and back problems. 
• Separate studies show that reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines 
• Aids post-operative recovery: Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post operative analgesics.
• Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI)
• Enhances medical care: Reflexology helps where nothing else can for many: phantom limb pain sufferers, neuropathy patients, and hemodialysis patients to name a few.
• Benefits mental health: Research demonstrates that reflexology can reduce depression (11 studies) and anxiety (9 studies).
• Complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following reflexology work as shown by16 studies fom 7 countries.
• Eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects: Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labor times and used less anesthesia. In addition, reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements

Foot Reflexolgy & Sleep

Along with sufficient water intake as well as healthy food options, your body needs sleep to function properly.   Sleep appears necessary for our nervous systems to work properly. Too little sleep leaves us drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day. It also leads to impaired memory and physical performance and reduced ability to carry out some everyday activities.  Some experts believe sleep gives neurons used while we are awake a chance to shut down and repair themselves. Without sleep, neurons may become so depleted in energy or so polluted with byproducts of normal cellular activities that they begin to malfunction. Sleep also may give the brain a chance to exercise important neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate from lack of activity.

Deep sleep coincides with the release of growth hormone in children and young adults. Many of the body's cells also show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for repair of damage from factors like stress and ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may truly be "beauty sleep." Activity in parts of the brain that control emotions, decision-making processes, and social interactions is drastically reduced during deep sleep, suggesting that this type of sleep may help people maintain optimal emotional and social functioning while they are awake.

Infants require a huge amount of sleep -  16 hours.  That's why many babies are sleeping when you see them.  Those growing beauties need sleep as their brains and other functions develop.  Toddlers need between 9 and 10 hours of sleep.  Their bodies and brains are growing as well.  My little munchkins go to bed at about 8:30pm and wake at 7am - when we deviate from that schedule they are Cranky - with a capital "C"  :)   proving the need that toddlers need their rest a few hours more than adults but less than infants.  Teenagers need about nine hours on average.   Most adults need seven to eight hours a night for the best amount of sleep, although some people may need as few as five hours or as many as 10 hours of sleep each day.  Women in the first three months of pregnancy often need several more hours of sleep than usual because along with other hormonal changes,  their amazing bodies are fostering and nourishing the growth of a fetus and creating a placenta.

So how are you fairing?  Do you get enough rest at night?  Do you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep?  Do you wake up and feel rested or groggy like you never really slept at all?

Did you know Reflexology has been shown to promote relaxation and relieve stress promoting a better nights rest?  Reflexes in the pineal gland can be worked and stimulated to help the production and transmission of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep patterns.  In addition, Reflexology promotes balance of other systems in the body which will also help your body to relax and help you sleep better.

Contact me today to discuss more about how Reflexology can help you to sleep better.

I found this interesting article about foot Reflexology and sleep.  Enjoy!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/163800-foot-reflexology-sleep/

Allergy season is on its way...

I'm really excited about the arrival of Spring in a few weeks - actually Sunday, March 20th (only 13 days away) marks the start of Spring.  Yippee!  We'll have longer warmer days, all the beautiful variations of flowers will begin to bloom, the grass will grow in lush and green from all of the saturation from the Winter snow.  The sun will be up when you wake up for work or school.  The birds will also be up greeting you with their chirping and singing.  Certain insects and some animals that we haven't seen all Winter will begin to reappear.  With all these glorious reappearances, allergy season will also make its 2011 debut and for many will wreak havoc on the mornings and days as they encounter allergies or hay fever symptoms.  Feelings of sinus pressure which causes massive head aches as well as ear and neck pain.  Watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose.   Reflexology works wonders for clearing sinus pressure and congestion.  It also works well for seasonal allergies.  Reflexes for the ear, eyes, neck, throat as well as the glands are found on the foot and can aid in helping you combat allergies and sinus pressure.  Contact me to set up an appointment to enjoy the many benefits of reflexology.  (For contact information see the 'About Me' section in the margin)  Hope to hear from you soon.

Happy Reflexologist in training :)

I am loving working on clients feet and learning as I go!

I can't wait to for the next class in April to learn more.  Call me today

for your complimentary session as I learn and perfect the skill of Reflexology ;)

(See about me for my contact information).  Meanwhile I found this informative article about the benefits of Reflexology - enjoy: http://www.naturalnews.com/027649_reflexology_stress_reduction.html

Article on Reflexology

I found this article very useful
Reflexology sessions = Happy Feet = overall well being: 
http://www.reflexology-usa.org/assets/HappyFeet_Big.pdf

What to Expect at a reflexology session

1. At the first visit the client will complete a health history form. The Reflexologist will not be treating for a specific disease or illness, but instead working with the body holistically. It is important to include medications, surgeries, illnesses and accidents the client has experienced on this form. Th first appointment will be about an hour for adults and about 30 minutes for children,
2. The Reflexologist will first inspect the feet and toes for infection, cuts, bruises, in grown toe nails, etc so as to be mindful of these areas to avoid irritating them.
3. If the feet or hands of the practioner have excessive perspiration corn starch may be used to absorb some of the moisture.
4. The feet will then be warmed and relaxed using various relaxation techniques.
5. The Reflexologist will then work on one foot at a time with finger and thumb techniques to cover the entire foot and toe reflexes. Varied forms of steady pressure will be used. The Reflexology client should be comfortable and relaxed for the session and therefore should communicate with his practitioner if the pressure is too intense. Brief discomfort over some reflexes is common but the client should not be in pain as this can reduce the benefits of the session when the body reacts out of great discomfort or fear of harm.
6. Adequate water intake after a session is encouraged to aid in the elimination of toxins from the body. The Reflexologist may offer a bottle or glass of water to the client after the session or simply remind him to stay hydrated over the next 24 hours.
7. Reflexology can get the body’s eliminatory functions moving and it is quite common for the client to have increased bowel movements and urination up to a couple of days after the session. Some people will feel sleepy or tired after their session while others will be energized and ready to take on the day. It is best to take a gentler approach to the day’s activities after a session to allow time for the body to rest or cleanse.

Leszita Townsend

Trained in the Ingham Method ®of Reflexology

at the International Institute of Reflexology ®

lt.healinghands@gmail.com

908.566.8394

FAQ about reflexology

What Is Reflexology?

REFLEXOLOGY is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on these reflex areas. Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way, a type of preventative maintenance. REFLEXOLOGY is a serious advance in the health field and should not be confused with massage.

Is Reflexology New?

The idea behind REFLEXOLOGY is not new – in fact, it was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. By the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham, the pioneer in this field. Her book on the subject was published in 1938. And since 1942, REFLEXOLOGY workshops have been conducted year round.

What Is The Ingham Method® of Reflexology?

It is the combined work of the late Eunice Ingham and her nephew Dwight C. Byers, the world's leading authority on foot and hand REFLEXOLOGY. Mr. Byers, President of the International Institute of Reflexology, and/or his hand picked instructors conduct on-going workshops on a worldwide scale to both laymen and professional s alike.

What Does Reflexology Do?

The Ingham Method® of REFLEXOLOGY is used primarily for relaxing tension. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. REFLEXOLOGY induces deep relaxation, promotes homeostasis or balance, improves nerve and blood supply/circulation, and unblocks nerve impulses.

What Special Equipment Is Needed?

Only the hands are used, making it a safe, simple, yet effective method without the use of gadgets. I let my fingers to the walking.

Can Reflexology Make a Condition Worse?

No, it will not make any condition worse. REFLEXOLOGY helps the body reach homeostasis or balance and this thus normalizes body functions. A reflexology session relaxes the stress that can effect your health. If is a safe and effective way to better heath and overall well being.

Who Should Try It?

People of all ages can enjoy the benefits of reflexology – from newborn to geriatrics and everyone in between. You do not need to be ill to enjoy a session.

How Often Should I Come?

Everyone is different but here is a general rule of thumb:

• Weekly for goal oriented sessions
• Monthly for general stress and strain on the body and mind.

Many clients incorporate this therapy into their wellness plan – coming in for reflexology sessions weekly or bi-weekly to create balance and monthly or seasonally for a “tune-up.”