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.

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

National Feet Week is a time to celebrate the often-overlooked parts of our body that keep us grounded and moving forward. Our feet are truly magical, carrying us an average of 115,000 miles in a lifetime, supporting our weight, and allowing us to walk, run, dance, and jump. But did you know that our feet are also connected to the rest of our body through a network of nerves and energy channels? That’s where foot reflexology comes in, as a powerful and natural way to promote health and well-being.

As a foot reflexologist, I have seen firsthand the transformative effects of working with the feet. Reflexology is a holistic therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet (also the face, hands and sometimes ears), which correspond to different organs, glands, and systems of the body. By stimulating these reflexes, we can help to restore balance and harmony in the body, reduce stress and tension, and improve circulation and immunity.

One of the key principles of reflexology is that the feet are a microcosm of the whole body, meaning that each part of the foot represents a different part of the body. For example, the big toe relates to the head and neck, the ball of the foot to the heart and lungs, and the heel to the lower back and pelvis. By working on these reflexes, we can access the corresponding parts of the body and encourage healing and rejuvenation.

Another important aspect of reflexology is the idea that the feet are a gateway to our emotions and psyche. This is because the feet are innervated by the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response in the body. By activating this system through reflexology, we can help to reduce anxiety, depression, and other emotional imbalances.

In addition to its therapeutic benefits, foot reflexology can also be a deeply relaxing and enjoyable experience. Many clients report feeling a sense of calm, warmth, and tingling in their feet, as well as an overall sense of well-being. It’s a great way to pamper yourself and take care of your body and mind.

Studies Underpinning the Effectiveness of Reflexology

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomised controlled trials found that foot reflexology was effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in patients with chronic illnesses (Chen et al., 2020).

A study of 50 patients with hypertension found that foot reflexology was associated with a significant decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, compared to a control group (Grossman et al., 2003).

A randomised controlled trial of 150 postmenopausal women found that foot reflexology was effective in reducing hot flashes and improving sleep quality, compared to a control group (Kim et al., 2011).

A study of 36 patients with multiple sclerosis found that foot reflexology was associated with a significant decrease in fatigue and an improvement in quality of life, compared to a control group (Kordi et al., 2016).

These studies suggest that foot reflexology may have a range of benefits for physical and emotional health. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of reflexology and its effects on the body. Unfortunately, until Big Pharma releases its political and financial grip on the healthcare industry, very little money and time will be allocated to researching and documenting evidence of the effectiveness of alternative/holistic therapies, such as reflexology. It was only recently that the Federation of Holistic Therapies undertook to do its own research on the effectiveness of complementary therapies, where reflexology topped the bill. Check out the results of their research shared in a previous blog article: Reduced Doctor Visits After Complementary Therapy – MindBody Oasis.

Pamper and Save ££

So this National Feet Week, why not treat your feet to some extra love and attention? You can try massaging your own feet with a tennis ball or foam roller, soaking them in warm water with Epsom salts and essential oils, or booking a reflexology session with a qualified practitioner. Your feet will thank you, and so will the rest of your body!

Save £15 on a treatment today, by purchasing this Fresha voucher (£30, instead of £45) for a 45 minute foot reflexology treatment with 15 minute consultation. Vouchers are valid for up to 30 days. Vouchers are on sale the entire National Feet Week 17th April to 23rd April 2023.

I thought it appropriate to release a post in the run-up to National Feet Week about the incredible power of your feet to tell a story. Did you know that a person’s entire life history is recorded on their feet? Your feet harbour and express a secret language all of their own.

Visual vs Palpation Reflexology

I’m currently studying Visual Reflexology – something I’e been meaning to do for the past year or so. I intend, with client consent, to gradually integrate this into my standard reflexology practice.

Standard reflexology is different in that it is about touching and feeling the reflex of the feet – what reflexologists call “palpation”. Visual reflexology on the other hand is more about recognising the appearance, contours, structure, shape, colouration, markings and patterns on your feet and using these as visual clues to interpret your personality as well as gain some insight into your current and past health, physical and sometimes emotional.

Personality Foot Reading (Solestry)

Are your feet inverted and tense or are they loose and relaxed? Inward-turned and tense feet could be a sign that you are a shy or retiring person. If they are loose and more outward turned, it could be an indication that you are more outgoing and laissez-faire, i.e. easy-going.

Are your arches high or low? High could mean that you are independent and self-sufficient. Low arches on the other hand indicate that you are practical, but possibly look to others for decision-making guidance or provide a suggestion that you need to use your imagination more.

Jane Sheehan is an expert in personality foot reading, what she has called “Solestry”.

The Energy Story of the Feet

From my point of view as an energy healer, I’m more interested in what the energy story is of the feet – what picture do they paint of you from a physical and emotional health aspect?

Even a verruca (or any other type of viral infection), whilst on the surface suggesting a low immune system, could indicate some other underlying story, depending on which reflex the verruca is positioned on the foot.

Cracked heels could mean that you have obstacles in your path and that your roots are not stable. Or you may feel torn in different directions.

Swollen or puffy feet (apart from indicating a lymph flow issue) could suggest that you’re holding back and need to express your emotions and resolve past issues or burdens.

When I’ve worked with people in my energy coaching capacity to release limiting beliefs often associated with past emotional upsets and pain, I’ve inadvertently helped them resolve physical conditions, such as restless leg syndrome, or lower back pain. It’s because we’re highly complex creatures with an intricate emotional mind-body energy system of cause and effect and biofeedback loops.

Energy Chain Reaction

Things do not appear by magic on the feet. We certainly know this as reflexologists, because there is a whole intricate map of reflexes on the feet correlating to different body areas. Changes in the cells of the foot reflex correspond to changes in the cell of the body area that corresponds to that reflex. It’s a fascinating area of study. So there’s a whole chain reaction of prior events leading up to the energy change and the change in physical appearance of the foot reflex.

Significantly, energy we know is always in flux and is circular – it moves up from the foot reflex to the organ and not just down from the organ to the reflex. So the surprising conclusion is that external wounds on the feet will affect the corresponding part of the body connected to that reflex.

Variations and Anomalies

Moreover, the same condition can present itself visually in one client differently from another. This is because each person has a different genetic code and medical history as well as personality. Anomalies can occur as a result of different lifestyles and emotional experiences, including the person’s ability to handle emotional triggers.

Anomalies and variations in the appearance of the feet are invariably the result of imbalances in the energetic field of that person.

The Whole Story

After reading the Biology of Belief (Dr Bruce Lipton), You Can Heal Your Life (Louise Hay) and the Molecules of Emotion (Dr Candace Pert), I’ve understood there is an interesting correlation between the mind, the emotions and the body. There is an energy transference that cannot be ignored.

Therefore, to have a fuller picture of any of my clients’ health, it’s important to understand the circular transference of energy and attempt to understand cause and effect. Often our physical symptoms mask an emotional story.

Do your feet have a story to tell? Please comment and share.

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.

Reflexologists worldwide are celebrating and participating in World Reflexology Week, which takes place 21-27 September 2020, raising awareness and promoting the health benefits of reflexology.

Reflexology (foot version) is a popular and relaxing holistic treatment based on the principle that reflex points on the soles, tops and sides of the feet are connected to organs and glands in the body. When these reflex points are stimulated by the therapist through thumb and finger movements, the peripheral nervous system is activated and sends “calming” messages to the central nervous system. This in turn instructs the body to reduce tension. The practice is also thought to aid circulation and improve the symptoms of many health conditions.

One large, year-long analysis by Kunz and Kunz (2008) of 168 studies from 23 countries that included data available on the frequency and duration of reflexology practices found that reflexology is 93% effective in its application to 78 physical and mental conditions. These included the following:

Pain Reduction & Sleep Improvements

Kunz and Kunz’s assessment reveals positive outcomes for reflexology work ranging from “significant difference in pain” to “reduction in pain” to specific results such as “effective in eradicating or reducing the intensity and duration of phantom limb pain.”

• Through self-help use of reflexology (40 minutes twice per week for 4 weeks) female nurses experienced improved sleep.
• Improvements in sleep and mood as well as lessened aches and pains for mothers staying with their hospitalised children.
• Real-time reduction in pain for mothers during delivery.
• Lessened pain for sinusitis sufferers.
• Reduced pain for phantom limb amputees (weekly reflexology sessions for 6 weeks).
• Lessened daytime sleepiness, reduction in pain and improved control over falls for senior citizens (45 minutes 3 times a week for 8 weeks).
• Lowering of nausea and vomiting for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (three times daily for 20-30 minutes).
• A significant difference in depression, perceived stress, systolic blood pressure and natural-killer cells for middle-aged women (daily for 6 weeks).

Twenty-seven journal articles also showed that reflexology reduced pain in cases of diabetes, chest pain, AIDS, kidney stones and osteoarthritis.

Stimulation of Organs

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed that reflexology increased blood flow to the kidneys and intestines. Kidney patients receiving dialysis particularly benefited.

Relaxation

Electroencephalogram (EEG) readings suggested that reflexology decreases blood pressure and relieves anxiety.

Mental Health

Mental health workers report that reflexology work provides many advantages including facilitating communication and allowing for the client to be “touched during treatment in a safe non-intrusive/abusive manner.”

Kunz and Kunz note that specific groups benefitting from reflexology work include:

• aggressive and anti-social children;
• autistic children; individuals in need of emotional support;
• mentally ill individuals with severe and enduring schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder; and
• victims of post traumatic stress syndrome.

Sessions were applied weekly over a 6 week to 15 week period. Ten studies show reduction in anxiety. Effects were achieved with a single session of 30 to 60 minutes and from one, two or three times weekly up to nine weeks. Ten demonstrate a lessening of depression or improvement in mood. Individuals impacted by reflexology work range across all age groups from children to the middle-ages to senior citizens.

Our Offer for the Month of September 2020

To celebrate World Reflexology Week we are offering throughout the whole of September 2020 a very special deal for new and existing clients. Buy 1 foot reflexology treatment and get 1 absolutely FREE! Because that’s how much we love reflexology and believe in it as a therapy that’s so beneficial and good for the body, mind and sole (whoops reflexologist slip – soul).

There are a few stipulations. Both treatments must occur in the month of September. The offer can only be redeemed once per person. And this is not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Just book in as normal on our Covid-19 page for your first session and when it comes to your second treatment on checkout we won’t charge a penny.

What are you waiting for? Get booking today!

Sources:

How Does Reflexology Work? University of Minnesota 2016. Available at: www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/…/how-does-reflexology-work

https://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/11/prweb1631614.htm

The pancreas is one of three important organs that assist with digestion. The others are the liver and gall bladder.

The pancreas is a dual gland – it is both an exocrine gland that secretes enzymes to help with the digestion of food and it is an endocrine gland.

The endocrine part is that which regulates blood sugar levels in our body. It is made up of cell clusters called Islets of Langerhans. There are two types of cells in the Islets of Langerhans: alpha cells which produce the hormone glucagon and beta cells which produce the hormone insulin. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels and insulin lowers blood sugar levels. Together these two hormones play a mutually supportive role in glucose metabolism and regulation of sugar levels in the blood.

With our current lifestyle of carbohydrate-rich diets and with greater numbers of us working in sedentary occupations, we are more prone to increased levels of sugar in our bloodstream, putting our pancreas and liver into a state of stress and overwork.

When the pancreas stops working optimally, it can be the cause of two main diseases:

• pancreatic cancer; and
• diabetes.

According to Diabetes UK, “more people than ever are at risk of Type 2 diabetes. If nothing changes, more than five million people will have diabetes in the UK by 2025.” The majority (90%) are Type 2 diabetes sufferers, which can be controlled by diet and lifestyle.

To combat and overcome Type 2 diabetes, we recommend the following 2 steps.

1. Change in Diet
   This would include eating more healthy fats found in nuts, olive, fish, flaxseed oils, and avocados. Switching to whole foods and whole grains. Eliminating consumption of processed foods (fast foods/ready meals) and “white” foods (bread, rice, pasta etc) and opting for wholemeal versions instead. Reducing or minimising consumption of red meat, alcohol, sugar, dairy foods.

2. A Programme of Reflexology Treatments
   Reflexology is widely known for its healing powers in easing digestive problems, such as IBS and diabetes. By targeting the relevant digestive reflex points on the foot or face with light to moderate pressure and massage techniques, the reflexologist can rebalance glands and their secretion of enzymes and hormones. In this way, reflexology helps the body to self-heal and establish homeostasis, and in so doing control blood sugar levels. A programme of treatments is recommended due to the cumulative effects of complementary therapies: the more you have, the healthier and better you will feel as a whole.

Link to Reflexology Treatments

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