I have a relaxing and calming therapy room in Orpington, Kent, but why should you try reflexology and how can it benefit you? It can boost your circulation - do you have poor circulation, are your feet often cold? Reflexology focuses on applying pressure and gentle massage techniques to the foot and lower calf, it can improve circulation to this area even just in one session but with regular treatments you would see a big improvement. It can help restore calm - our lifestyles can be so stressful, whether you are working full time or juggling a family or just finding things a bit too much! Any therapy that involves massage will help with relaxation, it can lower blood pressure and reduce the levels of stress hormone within the body. With the release of tension and stresses within the body and mind it can also promote better sleeping patterns too. It could help with fertility issues - although reflexology does not claim to ‘cure’ infertility or guarantee results it is thought that it helps couples due to its balancing and calming effects at a time which can be particularly stressful. It can also be hugely beneficial for pregnant clients at a time when their bodies are changing and they are going through such physical and emotional changes. It can help with mobility - reflexology involves a variety of warm up techniques which help mobilise the feet and muscles and aid relaxation. If your job involves being on your feet a lot or if you have poor mobility in your feet and ankles reflexology could be particularly useful. It leaves...
Why do I keep recommending you all to drink plenty of water? Up to 60% of your body is made up of water, and when we are dehydrated it affects how your body performs. So how much water should you be drinking? This varies depending on weight and also how active you are, but generally if you drink between 1.5-2 litres a day you are doing well. Another good indication is the colour of your urine, if it’s very dark yellow in colour then you clearly need to be drinking more! Some people find water too bland, if this is the case then add some fruit or lemon/lime juice to add some flavour. Alternatively, ditch the caffeine and have a fruit tea or green tea as these both contribute to your water intake. Top 10 Benefits of Drinking Water. 1. Flushes out toxins - By drinking more water you are flushing through your kidneys and reducing the risk of UTIs. After reflexology or a massage the blood flow is increased and it’s even more important to rehydrate and eliminate those toxins. 2. Makes you happy ☺ - dehydration can affect your mood and can make you irritable and confused. When your body and cells are hydrated and functioning at their best you will feel great! 3. Increases energy and relieves fatigue - your brain is made up of mostly water so drinking helps you think, concentrate and be more alert. Your cells will be more hydrated and circulation improved therefore nutrients are able to be transported more efficiently making you feel more energised. 4. Glowing skin - skin is...
As with any profession there are always certain books that are great to refer to, both for interest and to learn or refer to when treating clients. I have listed below books that have been invaluable to me both when I was training and those I use on a weekly basis now. I hope they may inspire you to find out a bit more about reflexology. 1) Anatomy & Physiology (by Ruth Hull) – this is a must for any therapist and one I used throughout my training and often refer to now. As a member of the AoR I have to undertake training every year (CPD) to keep my membership ongoing, but I also feel it’s really important to maintain that understanding of the human body. This was the first book I purchased for my studies and something I refer to on an ongoing basis. 2) The Reflexology Bible (by Louise Keet) – this was written by my tutor, Louise Keet. She has a wealth of knowledge and has treated a range of people from celebrities to people in drug rehabilitation. It’s a great book to pop in your therapy kit and refer to. It has a section on hand reflexology, and the style is comprehensive with plenty of helpful images, including charts of reflexology points and zones. The content layout is easy to dip in and out of and for looking up information. There are also lots of practical holistic health tips, alongside adaptations for treatments to treat certain conditions. 3) The Reflexology Handbook: A complete guide (by Laura Norman with Thomas Crown) – If you are...
In my opinion reflexology is a very underrated treatment, you sometimes can’t feel the benefits straight away and you certainly can’t see them like some other treatments, but here are 10 reasons why you should book an appointment today. 1. It is suitable for everyone! From birth to the elderly, everyone can benefit from reflexology as it is a gentle non invasive therapy. The clients stay clothed and even if the feet are too sensitive to touch, reflexology can also be practised on hands. Reflexologists love all feet, both young and old! 2. Promotes sleep and deep relaxation. Reflexology induces a sense of deep relaxation, which in turn de-stresses and restores calm., this enables the body to relax and promote a better sleeping pattern. If you do suffer from insomnia an evening treatment is highly recommended. 3. Balances the body and mind. In reflexology each area of the body is worked through reflex points on the feet or hands. Each time the reflex points are massaged, it encourages the body to self heal and over time brings the body into balance. I always work the body as a whole, and balance the whole system. 4. Reduces Stress. Reflexology helps the nervous system to function normally whilst freeing the body to find its own balance and harmony. When the body is in a deep relaxed state it can heal itself more readily. Reflexology is a powerful way of relaxing the body and balancing the systems of the body. 5. Reflexology Makes for Healthier Feet. Reflexology can help stimulate the muscles around the feet, lessen stiffness and can reduce pain/swelling around...
