Introduction

What Reflexology Offers: More Than Just Relaxation

What the Research Doesn’t (Yet) Show — Understanding the Limitations

Why Regular Treatments & Packages Matter

Because of those limitations, consistency makes a difference. When reflexology is only occasional, you might get relaxation, maybe a drop in stress/anxiety, but the deeper benefits—endocrine balance, immune support, resilience to future stress—often require:

• Multiple sessions over time to allow the body to “learn” deep rest, more parasympathetic tone, better regulation.

• A safe, calm environment (an ‘oasis of calm’) to allow deeper states of mind (theta brainwave etc.), not just the physical input.

• Self-care between sessions (hydration, good sleep, gentle movement, nutrition) so the work of reflexology can be integrated, not washed out by chronic stress.

That’s why I offer membership / package options (Power of 6; Wellbeing Boost) — they reward commitment, save cost, and help clients build in that regular support.

Reflexology in the Context of Modern Stress

Given how demands have multiplied (digital overwhelm, juggling work, family, social expectations), our baseline “stress load” is higher than many realise. What changes in our bodies when that load is high:

• Constant adrenaline / cortisol → raises blood sugar, suppresses immune function, causes inflammation, disrupts sleep, impairs mood

• Nervous system stays in a more sympathetic (“on”) state → harder to enter deep rest / repair

• Endocrine system (hormones regulating mood, sleep, metabolism) gets thrown off

• Risk of burnout, anxiety, depression, poor physical health (e.g. cardiovascular, metabolic, immune) rises.

Reflexology helps at multiple points in that cascade: easing anxiety, promoting parasympathetic activation, reducing physiological signs of stress, supporting sleep/mood, lowering “wear and tear” on body systems. While it’s not a miracle cure, many clients find that after a few treatments, life feels more manageable, emotions more stable, sleep deeper, body more resilient.

World Reflexology Week Promo & How You Can Benefit

Take-Home Tips & Self-Care Practices

Even if you can’t get to reflexology weekly or monthly, there are ways to deepen the benefit and integrate more rest & repair into your life.

1. Mini reflexology / acupoint massage at home – simple self-foot reflexology or reflexology on hands/face when stressed, even 10-15 mins, can help reduce immediate tension.

2. Mindfulness / breathwork / meditation to help the nervous system shift into rest modes.

3. Regular movement like QiGong or Nordic Walking helps modulate stress, support circulation & lymph flow, which reflexology complements.

4. Consistent sleep and sleep hygiene – reflexology supports deep rest, but you also need a calm environment, good wind-down routines etc.

5. Hydration, nutrition, rest breaks – to feed the repair work going on during reflexology sessions.

If you’d like help installing a healthy routine in your life, I can assist with advice in all the ways mentioned above.

Conclusion

In a world that demands more and more of us—emotionally, physically, mentally—what we need most isn’t more busyness or pushing through. What we need is rest, repair, rebalancing. Reflexology offers a gentle but potent pathway toward that. It helps lower stress, calm the nervous and endocrine systems, ease anxiety, improve mood, support immune resilience, and bring us back into balance.

I hope this World Reflexology Week gives you permission to pause, receive, and invest in your wellbeing. I look forward to welcoming you at MindBody Oasis—your body, mind and spirit will thank you.

Beyond the Surface – The Transformative Power of Essential Oils in Massage & Facials

At MindBody Oasis, our treatments are designed to work on a deeper level — blending skilled therapeutic touch with the healing properties of nature to help restore your whole being. Whether you’re easing into a soothing massage or indulging in an holistic facial, we intentionally combine touch, scent, and plant-based ingredients to nourish body, mind and spirit.

And one of the most powerful elements we use to elevate every experience? Aromatherapy.

With carefully chosen essential oils and expertly formulated blends, our treatments offer more than relaxation — they support your well-being through the natural intelligence of plants. It’s not just a massage. It’s not just a facial. It’s a journey into balance, calm, and renewal.

Aromatherapy: More Than Just a Lovely Scent

Smell is our most direct connection to the limbic brain — the seat of emotion and memory. But aromatherapy goes far beyond this emotional impact. The essential oils used in our treatments contain active botanical compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, calming, energising, detoxifying, and skin-renewing effects.

Each oil brings its own therapeutic value:

• Lavender relaxes the nervous system and promotes better sleep

• Frankincense supports skin healing and boosts oxygen flow to the brain

• Rose uplifts the heart and nourishes the skin deeply

• Geranium helps balance hormones and ease anxiety

• Marjoram soothes muscles and calms overactive thoughts

When paired with massage or facial work, these oils do more than smell good — they amplify the therapeutic effects of the treatment, working on a physical and cellular level to restore balance and well-being.

Aromatherapy invites you to come home to yourself — to slow down, breathe deep, and let nature do what she does best: heal. – MindBody Oasis

Massage That Works With You, Not Just On You

In our aromatherapy massages, we use two powerful, plant-rich blends:

• Gya Labs Relaxing Massage Oil, a luxurious formula infused with lavender, ylang ylang, rose geranium, bergamot, and rosewood — designed to relieve muscle tension, calm the mind and leave skin beautifully hydrated.

• Neal’s Yard Aromatic Massage Oil, a grounding and replenishing blend with geranium, lavender and marjoram in a nourishing base of sunflower and almond oil — perfect for calming the body and supporting circulation.

These are not just massage mediums — they are active partners in your wellness journey, helping you release tension, improve circulation, and deeply relax from the inside out.

Facials That Heal From Within

Our holistic facials are elevated through the power of high-grade oils with therapeutic properties — working not only to improve skin tone and texture, but also to calm the nervous system and support emotional balance.

• Facial Reflexology is enhanced using Ziggie Bergman’s Facial Reflexology Oil, a silky blend of organic jojoba, argan, pomegranate and rosehip oils, infused with rose and frankincense — chosen for their skin-regenerating properties and ability to soothe both skin and spirit.

• Zone Face Lift from Ziggie Bergman uses the exquisite Zone Face Lift Elixir, a potent combination of 15 essential oils and plant extracts. This elixir doesn’t just lift the skin — it uplifts the entire energy of the face, supporting emotional release and inner radiance. Learn more about this beautiful blend by reading the earlier blog article The Face and Spirit Lifting Elixir.

These treatments don’t just work on the surface. They engage your whole system — calming the mind, lifting the mood, and encouraging your skin to glow from within.

Aromatherapy Awareness Week — A Perfect Time to Reconnect

We’re proud to mark Aromatherapy Awareness Week, taking place 9th–15th June 2025 — a week dedicated to celebrating the powerful benefits of essential oils and plant-based healing.

This national campaign aims to:

• Raise awareness about how essential oils can support both physical and emotional well-being

• Share reliable, science-based knowledge around safe use

• Inspire more people to integrate aromatherapy into their daily routines

• Celebrate the growing community of holistic practitioners, makers, and advocates

It’s the perfect reminder of what we already know at MindBody Oasis: Nature has the power to heal, and when we invite her in — through scent, through touch, through intention — something shifts.

Essential oils are the soul of the plant — when we breathe them in, we connect to something ancient, intuitive, and wise. – Unknown

🎁 £10 Off Aromatherapy Treatments This Week Only

To celebrate Aromatherapy Awareness Week, we’re offering £10 off all aromatherapy-enhanced treatments when you book by Sunday 15th June (for appointments until 31st July).

Use discount code: AROMA-BLISS when booking online.

Included treatments:

• Aromatherapy Full Body Massage (usually £55 → now £45)

• Aromatherapy Back & Leg Massage (£48 → £38)

• Aromatherapy Back Massage (£35 → £25)

• Facial Reflexology (£46.50 → £36.50)

• Zone Face Lift with or without cupping (£65 or £55 → £55 or £45)

Aromatherapy is more than a nice extra. It’s a therapeutic powerhouse — and it’s waiting for you.

Introduction

Understanding Reflexology: Beyond a Physical Practice

The Stress of Modern Life: Why Are We So Anxious?

• Media-Induced Fear: Every day, we are bombarded with negative news stories. Whether it’s global conflicts, economic downturns, or social unrest, the media thrives on feeding fear into our lives. This constant exposure can make the world feel unsafe, contributing to chronic stress and heightened anxiety

• Consumerism and Comparison Culture: We live in an age where we are continuously encouraged to want more – more material possessions, more success, more validation from others. Social media has only intensified this “comparisonitis,” where we measure our lives against the highlight reels of others. This creates feelings of inadequacy, leading to stress as we strive to “keep up with the Joneses.”

• The Pressure to Always Be Better: In modern society, we are conditioned to believe that we are not enough. There’s always a pressure to be more successful, more productive, more beautiful. This creates a never-ending cycle of striving, leaving us depleted, anxious, and disconnected from our true nature as an individualised expression of divine, universal energy manifested in physical form.

But beneath all of these societal pressures, the truth remains that spiritually, we already have everything we need within us. We have the capacity for joy, peace, and fulfilment – but these qualities can be clouded by stress and anxiety. Reflexology, with its holistic approach, helps us tap into this inner well of serenity, allowing us to reconnect with our core and feel whole again.

How Reflexology Helps Tackle Stress and Anxiety

The soothing power of reflexology comes from its ability to calm the nervous system and bring the body back into a state of balance. Here’s how reflexology works its magic in reducing anxiety and stress:

• Stimulating the Happy Hormone Cocktail (DOSE): Reflexology has been shown to activate the release of our natural feel-good hormones: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins (DOSE). This “happy cocktail” is essential for balancing our mood, uplifting our spirit, and counteracting the physiological effects of stress. Through gentle pressure and touch, reflexology helps trigger the release of these hormones, improving our emotional well-being and creating a sense of bliss and calm.Scientific Evidence: Studies support these claims. For example, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that reflexology significantly reduced anxiety in patients undergoing heart surgery. Participants who received reflexology treatments experienced reduced heart rates and lower anxiety levels compared to those who didn’t receive the treatment. This finding reflects reflexology’s power to not only relax the mind but also physically regulate the nervous system.

• Calming the Nervous System: Reflexology primarily works on the parasympathetic nervous system—our body’s “rest and digest” response. It helps to shift us away from the fight-or-flight mode that is so often triggered by stress and anxiety. This deep relaxation helps to soothe frazzled nerves and promote a sense of safety, allowing the body to heal and regenerate.A 2002 study published in Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery revealed that reflexology reduces anxiety and improves the overall well-being of cancer patients. The patients who received regular reflexology sessions reported feeling more calm and relaxed, demonstrating the therapy’s ability to address both physical and emotional stress.

• Tackling the Physical Manifestations of Stress: Chronic stress often manifests physically in ways we may not even realise. Many people suffer from digestive issues (such as IBS), unexplained weight fluctuations, poor sleep, chronic fatigue, and an overactive or anxious mind. Reflexology addresses these physical symptoms by stimulating reflex points that correspond to the organs affected by stress. For example, reflex points for the digestive system can help ease bloating, cramping, and discomfort associated with stress-induced IBS.Reflexology also improves sleep patterns. By calming the nervous system and stimulating specific reflex points, the body moves into a state of relaxation conducive to restful sleep. Those with insomnia or disrupted sleep cycles often report that regular reflexology treatments help them fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.

• Providing a Spiritual Reset: Reflexology is more than just a physical practice – it’s also a spiritual experience. By tapping into the body’s energy flow, reflexology can open up pathways of healing that extend beyond the physical. When we experience deep relaxation, we enter a state of “spiritual flow,” where our resistance, fears, and mental blockages dissolve. In this state, we are better able to access clarity, handle challenges, and find creative solutions to our problems.This spiritual component of reflexology allows us to connect with our higher selves, experience true relaxation, and remember that we are complete just as we are. It helps us clear away the mental clutter and self-imposed limitations, creating space for inner peace and deep fulfilment.

The Power of Touch: Energy Healing Through Reflexology

The profound sense of relaxation that reflexology offers can be attributed not only to the physical pressure applied to the reflex points but also to the energetic exchange that occurs during the session. The simple act of touch can have a powerful impact on the body and mind. Human touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or the “bonding hormone.” This hormone promotes feelings of trust, connection, and calmness.

In fact, according to a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, physical touch activates parts of the brain associated with reward and emotional regulation, further proving how powerful it is in reducing stress and anxiety. Reflexology takes this healing touch and amplifies it by working with the body’s energetic pathways, helping individuals restore balance and foster a deeper sense of well-being.

Anecdotal Evidence: The Human Experience

While the scientific evidence supporting reflexology’s benefits is promising, perhaps the most compelling argument for this therapy comes from the countless individuals who have experienced it firsthand. Many people report feeling a profound sense of calm and well-being after a reflexology session. Their testimonials often highlight not just relief from physical ailments but a sense of emotional release and spiritual rejuvenation.

Take Sarah, for example, a busy professional who began reflexology sessions to cope with work-related stress. “I had constant anxiety, couldn’t sleep, and felt like I was always on edge. After just a few reflexology treatments, I felt like a different person. My sleep improved, and I started feeling more in control of my emotions. It was like a reset button for my mind and body,” Sarah shared after experiencing significant relief from her symptoms.

Or another client, Jackie, who only last week reported having 2 great nights of sleep after her Zone Face Lift treatment (which incorporates Facial Reflexology). Not only did her skin feel amazing, but she said she felt the transformation from the inside-out too.

These personal stories show how reflexology can create space for healing on all levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Reflexology: A Path to Inner Peace and Well-Being

In a world filled with constant distractions and pressures, reflexology provides a sanctuary of peace, helping us to reconnect with our true selves. It is an holistic practice that not only alleviates physical tension but also addresses the emotional and spiritual aspects of our well-being. By soothing the nervous system, releasing happy hormones, and unlocking the body’s energy flow, reflexology offers profound benefits for anyone struggling with the weight of modern-day stress and anxiety.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, consider exploring reflexology as a powerful tool to restore balance, foster relaxation, and reconnect with the deep well of peace within you.

Special Offer – World Reflexology Week 2024

Introduction

The Daily Grind: How Burnout and Overwhelm Affect Us

1. Pressure to Achieve: In today’s competitive society, the relentless pursuit of success can lead to chronic stress and burnout. The constant drive to outperform can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
2. Deadlines and Multitasking: The demand for efficiency often results in juggling multiple tasks and strict deadlines. This multitasking culture can lead to mental fatigue and heightened stress levels.
3. Always Online: Our addiction to digital devices and the pressure to be perpetually connected exacerbates the issue. The overexposure to blue light disrupts our circadian rhythms, affecting sleep quality and overall well-being.

Symptoms of Burnout and Overwhelm

1. Insomnia: The stress and anxiety associated with burnout can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to chronic insomnia.
2. Restless Leg Syndrome: Constant stress can manifest as restless leg syndrome, causing discomfort and sleep disturbances.
3. Tension Headaches: The pressure to perform often results in tension headaches, which can be debilitating and hinder productivity.
4. Back and Neck Strain: Prolonged periods of stress contribute to muscle tension, particularly in the back and neck, leading to discomfort and pain.
5. Constant Fatigue: Burnout drains your energy reserves, leaving you feeling perpetually tired and lacking vitality.
6. Feeling Run Down: The cumulative effects of stress can leave you feeling physically and mentally drained, making it challenging to cope with everyday tasks.
7. Inability to Focus: Burnout can make it difficult to concentrate, diminishing your ability to perform at your best.
8. Reduced Productivity: Ultimately, burnout and overwhelm can hamper productivity and hinder personal and professional growth.

The Healing Power of Reflexology

Benefits of Reflexology for Stress and Burnout

1. Promotes Relaxation: Reflexology induces deep relaxation, allowing the body and mind to unwind.
2. Reduces Stress Hormones: Research indicates that reflexology can reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.
3. Improves Sleep Quality: Regular sessions of reflexology have been associated with improved sleep patterns and reduced insomnia.
4. Relieves Muscle Tension: Reflexology can alleviate muscle tension, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders.
5. Boosts Mental Clarity: By calming the mind, reflexology can enhance focus and concentration.
6. Restores Energy: Many individuals report feeling more energised and rejuvenated after reflexology treatments.

Limited Period Reflexology Offer

Conclusion

A growing number of both men and women submit to the Botox needle in a bid to turn back the hands of time: to erase the worry creases above their forehead, to remove the picket lines between their brows or the crow’s feet from around their eyes.

According to an article in the Guardian newspaper (September 2021), approximately 900,000 facial injections of Botox are carried out every year in the UK.

But if you’re one of them, you may want to know a little bit more about what Botox is and does and how there may be a more pleasant and natural way to slow down and even reverse ageing.

What is Botox?

Botox is actually a brand name of a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are other brands called Dysport and Xeomin, but Botox is mostly used (just like Hoover for a vacuum cleaner), because it was the first injectible botulinum toxin.

So yes, it is a toxin or poison, and in a large enough quantity is extremely hazardous. Some scientists have estimated that 1 gramme of trusted source of a crystalline form of the toxin could kill 1 million people and that a couple of kilogrammes could kill every human on the planet. However, when Botox is applied correctly in a therapeutic context, the dilution is so great that it is safe and has a few side effects only.

It’s interesting to observe that Botox has both cosmetic and medical uses. The cosmetic are well known and the medical applications can be to treat eye spasms or eyes that point in different directions, excessive underarm sweating, an overactive bladder and chronic migraine.

Botox is a neurotoxin so it targets the nervous system. It disrupts the signals of the nerves by inhibiting the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. This chemical stimulates the muscles to contract or shorten. So Botox in effect causes temporary muscle paralysis by preventing this process of contraction. It’s these contractions that lead to wrinkles. So paralysis of the muscles in the face stop the wrinkling effect, but it can also lead to the feeling that you are not totally in control of your facial expressions. You won’t as easily be able to indicate when you’re displeased (by frowning) or when you’re surprised (by arching your eyebrows).

Some Interesting Facts About Botox

It may surprise or shock you to learn the following:

• Botox is more preventative than restorative. It’s not really the face iron that people expect. It simply freezes the muscles to prevent you from using them in a way that can cause premature ageing. This is a reason why Botox is on the uptake for a growing number of younger people, even as early as their 20s.
• Botox effects are temporary, lasting on average between 3 and 4 months with a shorter cycle for those that exercise more or tend to be expressive.
• Botox injections can be more painful than you expect and certainly more than the equivalent of a mosquito bite. You may expect to feel pain up to 30 minutes afterwards. An ice pack is likely to be applied. Be prepared for the weird sound of the contents being syringed into your face (someone likened it to boots crunching on snow or the crack of bending a glow stick).
• Botox will prevent you from doing certain activities immediately afterwards, such as exercise, lying down or taking blood thinning tablets (ibuprofen or aspirin) within the first 6 hours. All these could increase the risk of bruising to the face at the injection points. The idea is to keep your head level and not bend forward for at least 2 hours.
• Botox is affordable and not just for celebrities – it costs anywhere between £199-£399 in the UK, depending on how many areas on the face you wish to treat and where you get treated.
• About 1 in 6 people who have Botox injected into their face suffer complications such as bruising, headache, nausea and “frozen” features. A study into the anti-ageing treatment has found that of 188 Botox recipients 28% had flu-like symptoms or a chill, while 27% had a headache or migraine. Additionally, one in five reports mentioned skin reactions such as bruising, or muscle stiffness, weakness or pain, or dysesthesia, which is a tingling or burning sensation. More seriously, 1 in 8 detailed cardiovascular symptoms ranging from high blood pressure to an abnormally fast heart rate and heart attacks. Check out this Guardian newspaper article.
• A recent study by Cardiff University actually discovered that Botox could prevent women from orgasm because it stops them from being able to communicate their enjoyment of sex. This is a prediction similar to why not smiling can actually make it difficult to feel happy. According to Dr Michael Lewis, the research lead:

  ‘They [facial expressions] are an integral part of the feeling of pleasure and are important in the process of achieving orgasm. This demonstrates an important role for facial feedback within sexual intercourse and it is potentially a significant negative impact from BTX treatment.’

  Check out the surprising article here.

Whatever your view is of Botox, there’s always a bit of controversy.

As far as my opinion is concerned as a therapist, a key issue is around the inhibition of facial expression. The social impact of not being able to communicate effectively has the potential to curb our own sense of self-expression and identity as well as impair the relationships we have with others.

What is Zone Face Lift?

Zone Face Lift was created by Ziggie Bergman, a London-based reflexologist who’s treated A-list celebrities and royalty alike. I trained under her at the London School of Reflexology in 2018/2019.

Zone Face Lift is a non-invasive, truly holistic facial that incorporates the healing, rebalancing and soothing benefits of reflexology and the uplifting, revitalising movements of a stimulating facial massage. A special combination of invigorating finger/hand techniques and various tools, such as Gua Sha, dermaroller and crystals are employed to stimulate blood flow, lymph drainage and the release of elastin and collagen to restore skin elasticity and muscle tone. A special organic oil blend – Zone Face Lift Elixir – of 15 plant-based healing and conditioning essential oils combine to enhance the treatment further and provide extreme nourishment for the skin on every level. Also, the Elixir smells and feels divine.

Zone Face Lift at MindBody Oasis can be enjoyed as a one-off treatment or for best results it can be booked as a 12-week intensive course to reverse the signs of ageing, comparable to the effects of Botox, but without the associated risks or the pain/discomfort. At MindBody Oasis the 12-week course also includes the bonus of Chinese facial cupping and a free Gua Sha tool with customised demo to help you target any problem areas and continue to look after your skin’s health in between treatments and once the course is completed.

Zone Face Lift is unique because it not only works on the outside in, but also on the inside out. That’s why Ziggie nicknamed it a spirit and face lift. It produces a most calming effect on the psyche and spirit so that you leave the therapy centre more at peace with yourself and feeling more resilient and in control of your life. It is indeed a journey to access a more vibrant and authentic version of yourself (check out the Planet Mindful article).

After sinking into a blissful and drifting sense of deepest relaxation with facial reflexology, you transition to the massage and the lighter energy of feeling uplifted, recharged and revitalised, ready to take on the world with a different, life-reinforcing perspective. The combined effect is truly transformational.

If you haven’t yet tried Zone Face Lift, then why not give it a shot with our taster session? If you’re already a loyal fan, why not consider the 12-week course and give yourself not just a face lift but a spirit lift. If interested in the latter, simply drop me (Esther) an email at contact@mindbodyoasis.co.uk. Please do check out the testimonials below.

What Our Clients Say

Recently had a zone lift facial with Esther…..highly recommend treatment to lift skin and to combat ageing, it was also super relaxing. I found it so much more effective after 1 treatment than a course of CACI! 🙂

Alicia W

I recently had a zone facial with Esther which included the new ‘cupping’ technique. First of all the facial itself is so calming, I felt like I went on a lovely journey where I was able to leave all my daily worries for a while.
Then the cupping was like cushioned kisses kind of dragging across your face. I’m probably not describing it very well but it’s much better than how I’m making it sound! It’s definitely worth a try.
Overall the treatment is worth it as I felt lovely and relaxed when I left and my skin felt smooth and appeared more radiant somehow.
I’ll be back for more!

Michelle B

Relaxing and invigorating. Can see a difference immediately. Quartz stones were lovely. Thank you!

Deb A

All thoughts of Coronavirus disappeared when Esther gets to work with her magic hands. Another relaxing session.

Chris G

Such a talented therapist Esther is among the best. I’ve enjoyed her massage skills and her reflexology treatments are excellent. I’m pleased to be experiencing the recently introduced Zone Facelift and after just one treatment I can see the difference. Looking forward to completing my package and seeing the results. I can highly recommend Mindbody Oasis.

Cheranne K

Understanding Menopause as a Rebirth

Menopause in Western society is so often stigmatised and feared. We’re taught to see it as an extremely challenging period in our lives: as a time of pain, suffering and the erosion of our femininity, vitality and youth.

But the very fear of the menopause transition creates its own problems, because fear activates the stress response in our bodies (the adrenal glands and the sympathetic nervous system) and so can trigger and exacerbate the more unpleasant symptoms of going through the peri-menopause – the transitional period leading up to menopause.

What is needed is a change in our perspective in Western culture. We need to displace fear and substitute it with a more positive attitude of embracing change and transition. Change is normal and menopause, like puberty, is no different.

We are re-birthing and becoming a wise woman. When we embrace it and shift our energy (mindset) from fear and dread to one of self-discovery and re-invention, we can celebrate change.

What is the difference between Peri-menopause and Menopause?

Menopause is the cessation of menstrual periods for a period of 12 months. It’s what I like to call coming through the end of the tunnel. Prior to this we are peri-menopausal.

The peri-menopausal period can last from 2-8 years. This period correlates to hormone change: drops in progesterone, testosterone and oestrogen levels as egg supply dwindles and eventually ceases.

The Symptoms of Hormone Changes during Peri-menopause

Progesterone is needed to support early pregnancy. It aids restful sleep and creates a calm mind. When progesterone drops, we can experience the following:

• breast swelling and tenderness
• mood swings
• brain fog
• irritability
• sleep disruptions
• fluid retention / bloating
• weight gain

When testosterone (an androgen hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands) drops, we can experience the following:

• decline in sexual appetite (libido)
• decreased sensitivity in the erogenous zones and fewer orgasms
• drop in sense of well-being
• increased lethargy / slumps in energy
• muscle weakness or pain and aching joints
• headaches and difficulty concentrating
• inclination towards low mood / depression
• thinning of pubic hair

By the age of 40 women’s androgen levels have halved.

Initially, oestrogen levels remain higher relative to the other 2 hormones (above), but eventually decline, giving rise to the following:

• hot flushes and night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• low energy and drive
• mood swings and depression
• anxiety
• dizziness
• confusion, mental disorientation
• urinary incontinence and proneness to urinary tract infections
• high incidence of vaginal infections
• acne.

The Significance of Adrenal Fatigue

Normally the drop in hormones produced by the sex gonads (reproductive organs) during peri-menopause shouldn’t present too much of a problem, because the adrenal glands take up the slack.

However, because of adrenal burnout (commonly known as adrenal fatigue), the adrenal glands are not able to compensate as well and give rise to a worsening or proliferation of (peri-)menopause symptoms.

Adrenal fatigue happens in our modern sedentary (office-based) culture because we’re often worrying and fearing and not able to physically and mentally remove ourselves from stressful situations or environments. it’s also about sustained levels of stress hormones over a period of time, exacerbating anxiety levels when the hormone levels naturally drop off during (peri-)menopause.

Remedies and Relief from Peri-menopause Symptoms

There is a lot you can do for yourself to relieve the symptoms of peri-menopause.

It’s all about embracing more positive, helpful habits around diet, hydration, sleep, your mindset and self-talk.

Diet has a big impact and avoiding spicy or sugary foods and caffeine can help, particularly with regard to night sweats and hot flushes. Try to drink more water (minimum 2 litres / day) and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish fish, and low-fat dairy products. Foods rich in phyto-eostrogens (organic tofu, tempeh, flaxseed, garlic, chick peas, pumpkin kernals, green or mung beans), vitamin C and zinc, will also help.

There are also lots of herbal remedies and supplements you may wish to consider. For a full guide, do refer to my Menopause Rescue talk slides.

Make sure you create positive sleep habits. Do read our earlier blog on things you can do to encourage restorative sleep.

As an Energy Alignment Method mentor, I talk a lot about your energy (your thoughts, words, emotions, behaviour and actions) as a barometer of your physical health.

Our thoughts, words, feelings, actions all have an energy frequency. If they are in low frequency (connected to worry, fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, grief), this will tend to negatively impact the electrical circuits in our body and the energy exchange in our cells. This low vibration energy activates the emotional system in our body (the endocrine system), leading to a stress response from our adrenal glands and our nervous system (the autonomic sympathetic nervous system). When all this is activated, our body is in tension and cannot rest, recuperate or recharge. Our immune system is compromised and we become more prone to sickness and illness.

Why Reflexology is so Beneficial

Reflexology as an holistic therapy is so very important, not just for women going through the menopause transition, but for our general health and well-being.

It works by stimulating and re-balancing reflexes in our body. These reflexes correlate to body structures, organs and systems that are mapped out on the feet, hands, face or ears. Here at MindBody Oasis we work on both the feet and face.

It is holistic, because we address all systems in the body, including the circulatory (blood flow), lymphatic, endocrine and reproductive (hormonal), musculoskeletal, urinary and digestive.

Reflexology is all about releasing energy blocks in these systems and organs that prevent the flow of life force in our body. When energy flows freely and unimpeded, the body is able to function most effectively and optimally. We get to live longer and in greater health. When impeded, that’s when we create imbalance and stagnation, leading to discomfort, distress, pain and suffering.

Having just completed an Advanced Reflexology Course for Women’s Health, I’ve realised how important it is to regularly look after our health, particularly as maturing women, and to take an holistic viewpoint on this.

Our mind and body are so very interconnected and one impacts the other. When we learn to cultivate compassion and consideration for our life and our bodies, we create greater flow and life force energy in our body.

Sometimes modern medicine forgets how capable our own bodies are in being able to self-heal and Reflexology is the conduit or facilitator for this. Western medicine focuses too much on the symptoms, on the problems and the dis-empowerment of women going through the peri-menopause.

If we changed that attitude to one of empowerment (high vibration energy) and positive belief in our bodies to self-heal, and the active and regular practice of releasing stuck or blocked energy, we can do so much to contribute to restoration and healing for our mind, body and soul.

That is why my Menopause Rescue programme is so effective: it releases the energy blocks physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It considers the anatomical as well as the non-physical aspects of energy. It’s a 360 degree approach to health and well-being especially made for the women going through a major transition in the second half of their lives.

After going through this programme, my clients get to appreciate how important self-care and self-appreciation are to them on all energetic planes, not just the physical.

If this is something you would like to discuss in more detail, then please contact me (Esther) on 07864 056919 or email contact@mindbodyoasis.co.uk.

What is Facial Reflexology and Zone Therapy?

Facial Reflexology focuses on Reflex (pressure) points on the face, which help stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms and help improve circulation and nerve conduction. It encourages the release of toxins from the body via the lymphatic system. Balancing Reflex points in the face connect to and help balance the entire body.

The award-winning Bergman Method is clear and simple to understand; it has been developed over more than 20 years and is based on “Zone Therapy” which most Reflexologists will be familiar with as it forms the basis for modern Reflexology. It was created by Dr William Fitzgerald who studied Native Americans who used pressure point therapy to relieve pain. Dr Fitzgerald charted ten energy zones which start at the crown of the head, five on each side of the face and each side of the body extend down to the toes and fingertips. Zone Therapy uses the whole body including the face.

The Power of Facial Reflexology

Facial Reflexology is currently used to treat or ease common conditions, such as headaches, migraines, sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apneia, sinusitis; and less common ones, such as Bell’s Palsy.

It relieves pain through applying a compression technique to stimulate reflex points in which the thumb or finger applies pressure and also “walks” over a zone in a caterpillar motion by bending and straightening, whilst always maintaining pressure across the area.

The face provides a beautiful and precise tool to read what is going on within the body’s internal organs, central nervous system and neuro-biological systems. The face’s close proximity to the brain and cranial nerves make Facial Reflexology very powerful in impacting the body’s systems.

The Problems with Stress and How Facial Reflexology Helps

Stress is any interference that disturbs your physical, emotional or mental wellbeing, leading to an upset in the body’s natural balance and rhythm. When stressed, the body prepares for fight, freeze or flight. Whilst useful when there is real danger, sustained stress can have negative repercussions for our body.

Facial Reflexology helps rebalance the body and provides an invaluable tool to reduce the effects of stress. Symptoms of stress include anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, digestive ailments, insomnia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, hypoglycaemia, diabetes, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, and memory loss. Severe stress can also negatively affect the menstrual cycle.

Identifying the cause of stress is the first step in managing it effectively. Facial Reflexology helps open up neural pathway, assisting in the control of stress levels. It has an analgesic effect, reducing pain by releasing endorphins (natural painkillers) into the body. Thee Facial Reflexology sequence covers the major areas of the body affected by stress.

As part of the treatment at MindBody Oasis, you will also be given some simple to follow aftercare advice, such as walking in fresh air before an evening meal, giving you some reflex points to work in between treatments that focus on your specific problem areas, having an evening bath or listening to relaxing meditations and music daily.

Special Offer

During Tinnitus Awareness Week (3rd-9th February), take advantage of a half price treatment by booking online using the coupon code FacialReflex50. The offer will be available until the end of February 2020.

Below, before and after image of a client after one session.