"It all starts with your feet"... this is what I say to clients time and again when I see them with many different issues. There are many phrases we encounter on a day to day basis that refer to how important our feet are: "Dip your toe in the water", "Jump right in", "One step forward, two steps back" Whilst these phrases may refer to life lessons, our feet are one of the most hard working parts of our body and through these, you can affect and improve all others areas of your body. They connect our body to the earth and through this connection lies the secret to body health.
This May, Ellen joined our team here at Rest and brought reflexology to our clients. We have
had lots of interest and questions about this incredibly powerful yet relatively unknown form
of treatment for the body and so I thought a blog post to demystify reflexology might be in
order.
Reflexology is a complimentary health practice which involves the application of pressure,
using various techniques, to different parts of the feet or hands. It is based on the belief that
every part of the body is “mapped” to a corresponding region of the feet, hands and that
applying pressure to them can promote healing and relaxation.
There are many potential benefits to Reflexology, including the following:
1. Pain relief
Studies have shown that Reflexology can be an effective tool for managing pain. By targeting specific pressure points, Reflexologists can help release tension from muscles and promote the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.
2. Improved circulation
Proper circulation is essential for maintaining good health. Reflexology can help improve blood flow, which in turn helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells. This can help to improve overall health and vitality.
3. Reduced stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health.
Reflexology has been shown to help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. This can
help to reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, and improve overall mental health. This is because nerve endings in the feet and hands are particularly sensitive to touch, and the application of pressure to these areas can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that help to reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being.
4. Enhanced immune function
The immune system is responsible for fighting off bacteria, viruses, and other harmful
organisms. Reflexology can help to stimulate and maintain the body’s natural immune
response, which can help to prevent illness and disease.
5. Improved digestion
Digestive problems can be difficult to manage, but reflexology may offer a natural solution.
By targeting specific pressure points on the feet reflexologists can help to improve digestive
function and reduce symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating and constipation.
6. Reflexology and the nervous system
The nervous system plays a crucial role in reflexology as it is responsible for the transmission
of signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When pressure is applied to specific
points on the feet and hands it activates the nerve endings in those areas. These nerve endings then send signals through the body, which helps to regulate various bodily functions such as circulation, digestion, and respiration. Reflexology has also been shown to have a positive effect on certain conditions related to the nervous system, such as peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that leads to numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Reflexology can help to alleviate these symptoms by stimulating blood flow to the affected areas and promoting the movement of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.
7. Conception
Reflexology is an excellent therapy for both women and men wishing to conceive.
Treatments can be used to enhance natural fertility in men and women, or it can be used with all forms of assisted conception to help prepare the body and mind. Reflexology can work in several ways to enhance fertility. It can help various medical conditions, reduce levels of stress, and help to address any psychological or emotional issues that may be affecting your fertility.
8. Pregnancy & Labour
Reflexology during pregnancy aims to optimise the physical and emotional health of the
pregnant woman. During pregnancy regular treatments provide time for intense relaxation
that's great for you and your baby and can help you to prepare your body for labour and birth. Reflexology can be used to help the body naturally prepare for labour, thereby reducing the need for medical induction in hospital.
Regular treatments can help with any pregnancy ailments such as eliminating oedema and
reducing swelling in the feet and ankles, morning sickness, preventing/soothing indigestion,
improving sleep quality, lower stress levels and clear headaches, to name but a few. Having
regular treatments at this time can leave women feeling more confident, calmer and better
prepared for labour.
9. Sleep
Research suggests that stimulating specific points on the feet and hands can help ease
insomnia and it produces significant improvements in sleep disturbances. Reflexology can
help support people to improve their sleep issues by calming the nervous system. Reflexology helps to clear away the stress and turmoil of everyday life and by easing both your mental and physical ailments, it works to eliminate distractions and help you achieve deep, restorative sleep.
In conclusion, Reflexology can offer a number of physical and mental health benefits. If you
are interested in exploring the benefits of reflexology, you can book an appointment here at
Rest with Ellen, a highly qualified practitioner, who can customize a treatment plan to meet
your specific needs and start you on a journey of healing your body through your feet.
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