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.

This article is released to coincide with Stress Awareness Month. I have given multiple talks in workplaces and in the community to explain what stress is and how it affects our health and well-being. And more importantly, what we can do to mitigate and overcome the damaging effects of long-term or chronic stress.

A New Look at Stress

Stress is a physiological response in our body to a challenge, threat or danger. It activates the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

The ANS system works automatically to control 99.99% of everything going on in the body at any given moment. For example, we have 5 trillion bits of information coming to the brain every second, but we are only aware of about 10,000 bits.

There are 2 parts to the ANS: the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). Both have to be in balance for the body to work efficiently and effectively. Just like the accelerator and brakes on a car: the accelerator is the SNS (revving us up to get out of a tight spot or a difficult situation) and the brakes are the PNS (slowing us down and alleviating the strain and heat from the engine, aka our body). Essentially the SNS response is supposed to save our life from a critical threat. It’s like a fire alarm system, that’s only supposed to go off in an emergency. The PNS, on the other hand, helps our cells and tissues to repair, heal and grow.

Stress is a manifestation of an imbalance in the ANS – the SNS is revved up too much relative to the PNS. And we’ll discover shortly what is actually fuelling this imbalance or stress. But first let’s discover more about what happens in the body when we’re in the fight or flight response (SNS) and how it impacts our physical health and well-being.

Whilst in the SNS response, the blood flow changes and no longer moves to the stomach to support digestion, it no longer goes to the frontal lobes of the brain to stimulate creative thought and it no longer goes to the liver to clear toxins or to the kidneys to balance electrolytes. PNS activity is curtailed. Most of the blood gets diverted to the muscles of your limbs to allow you to escape danger or contend with threats. It also narrows your focus (you get tunnel vision, i.e. you lose peripheral vision and only see what’s directly in front of you).

The other very important impact of stress is that the immune system is put on hold whilst we’re in fight or flight (SNS mode). That’s fine if our immune system doesn’t have to fight bacteria or fungi for 5 minutes, but the issue today is that we’re either in prolonged phases or in continuous states of fight or flight.

Stress is an energy problem – we deplete the battery of our cells – the mitochondria. Where there is an energy shortage in the cells, there will be cellular damage and eventually disease. That’s why we so often hear that stress is the biggest killer. It can lead to greater toxicity and inflammation in the body and it compromises our body’s ability to fight off viruses and harmful bacteria. And the tricky thing is that stress is not always easy to recognise – it shows up in many guises – nor is it simple to “turn off” in our modern times.

Guises of Stress

Stress or energy depletion in the body can occur when…

1. We over-medicate

Antibiotics will frequently kill mitochondria along with bacteria. Too often we use antibiotics for respiratory tract infections, which are viral. But we know that antibiotics have no effect on viruses, yet they are frequently prescribed. And a study was published that show women who received eight or more doses of antibiotics before their 18th birthday had a dramatic increase in breast cancer.

So it’s important to refuse antibiotics for the common cold and ear infections or when we know it’s not going to have any major effect. And what’s important to note is that all medication or pharmaceutical drugs only really treat the symptoms and not really address the cause of illness (an imbalance in our nervous system and the breakdown of our endocrine and immune system).

2. We are over-active

We subject ourselves to physical or mental over-activity. We’re often rushing around, trying to be all things to everybody as well as over-exert the body. Plus we’re mentally overstimulated by electronic gadgets (TVs, cell phones, computers) or with content overload, setting tasks or goals. The problem arises from “DOING” – which is an SNS function. We’ve forgotten about the “BEING” element of “human being” and the vital role of PNS, which is a BEING function.

3. We submit to a broken program of limitation & not enough

We are part of a societal or cultural program and conditioning that creates fear of insufficiency and inadequacy (aka limiting beliefs): we’re not good enough unless we achieve certain goals or certificates and then we set ourselves new goals and standards to chase. We think we’re not happy enough unless we have material riches. We’re not valued enough unless we’re recognised and validated by others. We’re always on a quest for “more”: to do more and have more. All this momentum and fear of “not enough” creates an energy drain and puts huge stress on the body.

4. We focus on the negative

We are mostly focused on the negative: it’s a tendency of the mind to ruminate on the past (be angry, sorrowful, regretful) or be anxious about tomorrow (FEAR – false evidence appearing real). What we now understand is that thoughts and feelings are creative energy. When we focus on negative thoughts and feelings, we have a negative or low vibration in the body. This is a contracting or depletion energy, which obviously has a direct impact on our mitachondria. And in the quantum field like energy attracts like energy. We get more negativity happening to us when we’re in this low vibration state.

When it comes to health conditions, overly focusing on symptoms, creates more fear, more tension and stress in the body and therefore generates more symptoms to be worried about. Google can therefore be your worst enemy if you feel that something is wrong with you. Information can be helpful to expand the mind and knowledge, but if we’re using it to contract the mind into fear paralysis or psychosis, then we are helping to create more damage in our mind and body.

5. We store trauma in our cells

We now have a better understanding of epigenetics (the energy environment of our cells) and quantum physics (look up Dr Bruce Lipton – The Biology of Belief and Alexander Loyd/Ben Johnson – The Healing Code). These authors articulate very clearly that all cells have a cellular memory (captured as images) and this applies to past trauma. Moreover, trauma experienced by our ancestors can also be passed on energetically in the cells. Dr Lipton even goes as far as saying that all congenital diseases originate from stress further down the ancestral line. What this tells us is that trauma and the energy drain or stress it creates can be insidious and difficult to detect. Just like some of the limiting programs we’re not always conscious of.

5 Effective Ways to Reduce Stress

So what are we to do about stress? Well we know now that anything that activates the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) is good to re-balance the Autonomic Nervous System and take us into the healing and growth cycle. It will also boost the immune system and make us less prone to infection or illness.

And we also know that anything that helps to release emotional trauma and energetic resistance generated by limiting beliefs in our cellular memory will help raise the energy in our cells. We will find that our energetic frequency changes and moves from a low vibration to higher vibration: which underpins manifestation and the Law of Attraction.

So the following are my top 5 recommendations for combating stress:

1. Activating the Vagus Nerve through Vagus Nerve breathing.

The Vagus Nerve (10th cranial nerve) is a key component of the Parasympathetic Nervous System. It helps to transmit signals from the brain to the body and from the body to the brain. When we undertake Vagus Nerve breathing we help the Vagus Nerve send signals to the brain that indicate that we are calm and relaxed. We do this by breathing in through the nose for a count of 4, holding in for a count of 7 and breathing out through the mouth for a count of 8. And as you breathe out make a shhh sound (like that of the ocean waves). It’s a white noise that induces calm and relaxation. You repeat the breathing sequence at least 6 times.

2. Self-love and self-empowerment mirror affirmations

Put the following affirmations on a sticky note and apply it to your preferred mirror (bathroom/bedroom). Stand in front of this mirror, look deeply into your own eyes and read and repeat out loud (try and memorise in time so you don’t have to read it from the post-it note):

“I am an amazing human being, I am truly blessed, I am God’s living enterprise and God cannot fail [you can switch out God for Spirit, Source or Universe]. I love myself just as I am. I am good enough and capable enough. I am right where I need to be right now. I am powerful beyond measure if I simply let be and allow the Universe/God to guide me in every moment of every day.”

This affirmation is meant to be said regularly, preferably 2-3 times a day. The words may feel awkward and alien at first, but in time your subconscious mind will adjust to them as will your conscious mind. This affirmation will help combat many self-sabotage and self-limiting belief patterns. It will help create a sense of ease, and invite a powerful surrender to flow energy (which is creative or source energy). What’s important is that you feel the energy and power of the words and let them become your mantra, your “go-to”, whenever you’re feeling less than worthy, disappointed, upset or frazzled.

3. Mindfulness in Nature

Sit in your garden or go for a gentle walk in a park, along a country lane or in a woodland, and begin to notice small details. This is when you activate all your senses. So start by listening to whatever sounds are out there: birds calling or tweeting, a stream or water running, the rustling of leaves by the breeze, the sound of the wind, the pitter-patter sound of raindrops, the call or movement of an animal, the drone of a bee. Then notice what smells you can pick up: pungent earth, newly cut grass, salty tang of the sea, far-off smells of cooking perhaps. Then activate the sense of sight: notice the different hues of green on different types of grass, see how many shades of colour you can see in a flower, dragonfly or butterfly, see the different tones and textures of the tree trunks and branches, notice the colour and texture of the sky and the clouds. Then move to the sense of touch: thread some grass through your fingers, pick up and scrunch some leaves, touch the bark of a tree or even pick up some earth or a stone and roll it between your fingers. Then finally move on to taste. This is a more difficult one, but perhaps find a herb or grass that has a pleasant taste and suck on it.

When we activate the senses in this way and begin to notice our environment (nature provides a calming, soothing environment), we become more present in the moment. We being to release the thoughts of yesterday and tomorrow and anchor ourselves to the present moment (breathing facilitates this too). In the present moment, there is no stress, there is no fear, there is no “not good enough”. Deep diaphragmatic breathing and a gratitude practice in nature amplifies mindfulness and peace. All this helps move you into PNS (anti-stress response).

4. Gratitude Practice

Gratitude as a practice is so often underestimated in its efficacy to reduce stress. That’s because we don’t always understand that stress has different origins, including the origin of fear of insufficiency and limitation.

Gratitude is about becoming aware and expressing thanks for what we have, no matter how minor. We can start to notice that we have access to running water in our homes, we can be grateful for our pet or our child, we can be grateful for the clothes on our body and so on. We can be grateful for the many people that make up the food chain: putting food in our supermarkets and offering us so much choice. Even if our health is not 100%, we can always be grateful for something in our bodies. We are breathing, we are able to read, we are able to listen to music and so forth. Start a gratitude journal or start a mental and emotional gratitude practice in nature (nature is a great reminder of abundance from the plethora of flora and fauna).

Gratitude creates an instant shift in consciousness and in emotional frequency. We move from a lack consciousness to an abundance consciousness. And we move from a low vibration frequency of feeling inadequate, feeling poor, deprived and anxious to a high vibration of having and being enough right in this very moment. Gratitude showers us with many blessings. We attract more things to be grateful for. Being grateful is a great antidote to low mood, stress and anxiety.

5. Energy Healing

There are many forms of energy healing to deal with stress and trauma. In my capacity as therapist and energy coach, I offer 2 main services:

Reflexology

I believe reflexology (foot or facial) to be the most efficacious touch therapy to reduce stress in the body. It instantly activates the PNS and allows the body to enter a deeply relaxed and meditative state. This creates the optimal environment for the body and mind to rest, heal and regenerate. All my clients, without exception, feel lighter after a treatment (their energy vibration has been raised) and they feel more rested and at ease. Better quality sleep also ensues, which is another sure way to raise energy levels. The Federation of Holistic Therapists undertook a survey of its members and their clients to determine the most effective therapy to reduce doctor visits. It turns out that reflexology topped the bill and was also the most efficacious in dealing with stress and anxiety. Check out the following blog post: Reduced Doctor Visits After Complementary Therapy.

Energy Alignment Method & Healing Code Therapy

The Energy Alignment Method (EAM) is a form of energy kinesiology – using the body sway to tap into and diagnose energy blocks in the body (whether limiting beliefs, heavy emotions or trauma). I help my clients to uncover what is creating resistance in their energy (conscious or unconscious), release it and align to higher vibration / emotional energy.

Then to cement the effect further I apply the Healing Code created by Alexander Loyd & Ben Johnson. It’s a 6-minute practice that releases all stress from the body on a conscious and unconscious level. I help you to apply this practice, but in a way that is uniquely mine. I call it the joy activation method of the Healing Code (where I use joyful music to enhance the effect of healing the heart of any stress issues).

Conclusion

If you are interested in having a reflexology treatment, you can book here or save on a package – check this out on the Packages-Offers page.

And if you are intrigued or interested in energy healing using EAM/The Healing Code, please book a taster session at a special price of just £65.

Introduction

In our pursuit of health and wellbeing, we often overlook a powerful and transformative practice that not only enriches the mind, but also unlocks the beauty that resides within.

Meditation, a gateway to self-discovery and inner peace, holds the key to physical radiance that complements the benefits of holistic treatments. This article explores how incorporating meditation into your self-care routine can enhance the efficacy of massages, reflexology, and holistic facials, helping you unlock the true potential of your body and spirit.

The Art of Meditation: Discovering the Inner Harmony

Meditation is a profound shift from the hustle of everyday life to the serenity of simply “being.” Just as walking, dreaming, and deep sleep are natural states, meditation is an innate capability of the human mind. It involves separating oneself from the incessant chatter of thoughts and emotions, enabling us to be fully present in our emotional and physical surroundings. This practice brings clarity to the mind, liberates us from the past and future, and unveils the patterns within, allowing us to explore the depths of our being.

Research indicates that meditation strengthens awareness, attention, and concentration, imparting psychological and physical benefits. It opens the channels for energy flow within the body, releasing emotional tensions, knots, and tightness, bringing harmony to both mind and physique.

The Beauty of Stress Reduction: A Fountain of Youth Unveiled

One of the most significant gifts that meditation offers is stress reduction. Modern life’s constant stressors trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to a host of health issues, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and digestive problems. Long-term exposure to stress may even compromise the immune system.

Scientific studies, such as one published in Psychology Research and Behaviour Management, have shown that meditation can effectively reduce stress and emotional responses, thereby enhancing the body’s response to complementary therapy treatments. By teaching the mind to disconnect from stress and embrace deep rest, meditation counteracts the body’s stress response, fostering a more robust immune system and improved overall health.

Revealing the Radiant Skin Within: Beauty Unveiled

As stress diminishes through the practice of meditation, its profound impact on the skin becomes evident. Skin issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea can be alleviated, giving way to a healthier and clearer complexion. Additionally, meditation’s ability to reduce stress aids in slowing down the skin-aging process by curbing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting collagen production.

Another beauty-enhancing aspect of meditation is its influence on sleep quality. The deep, rejuvenating slumber achieved through mindful meditation facilitates body repair and cell regeneration, leading to a visibly refreshed and radiant appearance.

Beyond the Surface: Empowering Self-Image

While meditation can work wonders on the physical aspects of beauty, its true power lies in its capacity to address the root causes of poor self-image. By cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion, meditation helps individuals embrace their inherent worth and beauty, regardless of external standards.

Unlocking Your Radiant Beauty: Integrating Meditation with Holistic Treatments

Imagine elevating your holistic treatments to new heights by incorporating the transformative power of meditation? By taking advantage of an additional 15 minutes of guided meditation practice to complement your massage, reflexology, and holistic facial treatment, you can experience a deeper sense of relaxation and self-awareness.

In conclusion, as you embark on your journey of self-care and beauty, don’t overlook the holistic benefits of meditation. It is not merely a practice of the mind, but is a transformative journey that reveals your radiant inner beauty. Embrace meditation as an integral part of your wellness routine and you’ll not only experience improved physical appearance, but also a newfound sense of harmony and serenity within.

Why not add the Meditation Enhance service to your treatment today? Book via Fresha today.

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.

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

This article is released to coincide with Stress Awareness Month. I was invited to talk about how to cope with stress at home and at the office by a group of professional women employed by a leading bank in London. This post is a more detailed account of my understanding of stress and some of my own strategies for handling stress applicable to both the work and home environment.

What is Stress?

Stress, according to an online dictionary, is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Stress is our body’s natural response to danger, threat or uncertainty. It causes the body to flood with hormones, specifically cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These hormones form part of the sympathetic nervous system and are called in to prepare the body to evade or confront danger or challenges. It’s a survival instinct. It’s commonly known as the fight, flight or freeze response mechanism.

The physical impact of stress is that it:

• increases our heart rate and blood pressure
• accelerates our breathing
• activates the sweat glands so that you sweat more
• tenses our muscles (ready for action)
• increases alertness (therefore counters drowsiness and sleep)
• inhibits the rest and digest mechanism (the parasympathetic nervous system).

Types of Stress

There are 2 forms of stress.

Acute stress is short-term stress connected to an isolated incident or event, such as a one-off argument with a colleague or spouse, moving house, changing jobs or even meeting an important deadline.

Chronic stress is more prolonged and serious in nature. Sources of chronic stress can be around lack of time or money, losing a job, persistent family problems, an unhappy marriage or a strained business alliance, divorce, bereavement or some other traumatic experience, such as abortion or pregnancy loss.

Long-term Effects of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can have devastating effects on our health and well-being.

The physical effects can cause:

• unexpected weight gain or loss
• tension headaches and migraines
• muscular tension, cramps, pins and needles
• tightness in the chest and constricted breathing
• excessive sweating and body odour
• nervous spasms or twitching
• disturbed sleep or insomnia
• tummy upsets, constipation, diarrhoea

And over a sustained period of time, chronic stress can:

• compromise the immune system and make us susceptible to autoimmune diseases and infection
• make us more prone to heart disease and heart attacks
• make us more susceptible to strokes
• increase the risk of diabetes
• cause stomach ulcers, IBS and other digestive tract issues
• lead to adrenal fatigue, which has implications for women going through the menopause (possibly exacerbating symptoms of peri-menopause – check out this earlier blog post).

The mental and emotional fallout of stress include:

• long-term anxiety
• depression
• other mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• lack of focus and mental perspicuity
• poor recall and memory
• lack of motivation
• lack of self-esteem.

Stress on the Rise

Stress is on the increase due to changes in culture and global events.

Women and men are now in interchangeable roles switching between breadwinner and care-giver. Whilst we have more technology at our fingertips to reduce the burden of mundane, repetitive tasks both at work and in the home, we also have the distraction of IT and growing consumerism that puts pressure on us to “have” more, rather than “be” more.

Terrorist attacks (Lockerbie, 9/11, London 7/7, Manchester Arena), Covid-19, the environmental degradation of our planet and even more recently the Ukrainian War are all examples of large-scale stressor events which have affected the global psyche and global stress levels.

Stress, especially for working parents, often arises from:

• multi-tasking in the office/work environment and at home
• conflicting priorities
• feelings of guilt
• overwhelm
• burnout
• perfectionism
• pressure to have and do more
• tight or unrealistic deadlines.

The 4A Strategy to Cope with and Manage Stress

1. Aware

• Be aware of your emotions. How are you expressing yourself? Do you feel angry, impatient, worried, overwhelmed? These are all low vibration energy emotions. Start a journal to determine how you are feeling morning, noon and night.
• Be aware of your body’s response to stress: tightness in the upper back or chest cavity, clenching of the stomach or gut area, constriction in the throat or nasal passages, fogginess in the head or tiredness around and dryness in the eyes.
• Be aware of your focus – what is your self-talk? Is it negative? Are you judging yourself and others? Are you focusing on what you haven’t achieved rather than what you have? Are you focusing on lack of time and money, rather than being grateful for what you already have?
• Be aware of how you’re spending your time: are you getting easily distracted by family or colleagues gossiping, are you succumbing to social media pressure and over-exposure. Is being sucked into social media a form of procrastination or self-sabotage? Acknowledge and be truthful with yourself. No judgement, just curiosity and awareness.

2. Avoid & Adapt

Avoid the following and adapt your perspective and approach accordingly.

• Multi-tasking – do one thing at a time and give it your fullest attention before moving on to the next. Setting clearly defined, manageable goals for the day and week ahead.
• Information and assignment overload – we can get easily overwhelmed and stressed by expecting too much of ourselves and setting ridiculous targets. Be realistic. Take a step back and assign importance and urgency ratings to each task you plan to do each day. Start the task with the highest score and work your way down. This can apply to work-related tasks or jobs at home.

• Compromising your energy by not communicating your wants and needs – this is your need for balance, creativity and self-expression. Communication and leadership when interacting with others are key components to self-regulation.
• Long periods of physical inactivity – leads to lymph stagnation and restricted blood flow (causing all sorts of physical ailments, such as swelling of joints, high blood pressure, headaches). Try switching your mode of transport to involve more walking. Take a lunchtime break that involves walking. Take the stairs, not the lift. Get your 10,000 steps in or go to a workout/fitness class. Dog walk or offer to dog walk. Walk to the shops. Start swimming before work or after work (great to de-stress).
• Insufficient water intake – as with lack of physical activity, this will cause more physical (and therefore more mental and emotional) stress. Our body is mainly made up of water and water is vital for the efficient flow of blood, transport of nutrients to our cells and lymph flow (a vital part of our detoxification and immune system). Have a thermos flask on your desk with some herbal/fruit tea or with some (lemon) water or low calorie squash.
• Poor eating habits – avoid sugary or fatty foods (junk food is often the first port of call when stressed). Processed foods and our guilt around eating less nutritious foods add to the stress spiral. Instead eat complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, fatty acids found in fish, meat, eggs and nuts and more fruit.
• Over-exertion and lack of rest – know your physical, mental and emotional limitations and boundaries. Take regular 10-15 minute breaks throughout your day (2-3 x am and 2-3 x pm), You will benefit in terms of greater productivity when you do come back to your tasks.
• Toxic environments, people and media – move away from negative talk (yourself and other’s dialogues), reduce consumption of sensational media (tabloids, social media and TV in particular). Listen to news in a short, succinct format (radio). Listen to inspirational podcasts or books on audible. Some great podcasts include: Dare to Lead by Brene Brown, Oprah’s Super Soul, Say Yes with Carla Hall, The Marie Forleo Podcast.

3. Accept

• We are not victims, we are creators of our reality, so be “response-able” (read Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”). If there is a situation that we don’t like and it’s causing us stress, look within to see what’s activating this. The Law of Cause & Effect works to create an external reality that is a reflection of our internal state. If we’re ill at ease, feeling constrained, lacking, stressed and worried, then you will create or rather manifest more of the same on the outside. Also read “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen.
• We are all human and deserve forgiveness, compassion, kindness and validation. We all can deviate and follow the wrong track in life when misguided by ego self or others’ demands and expectations. Offer support, encouragement and give compliments regularly. Not only the person receiving this will benefit, you too will raise your energy vibration in doing this.
• Negative thinking gets you nowhere: it’s a fixed mindset. Embrace positivity and a solutions-focused, not a problem-focused mentality – a growth mindset.
  As an example in relation to money. Instead of thinking, “I am terrible with money, and I will never be able to control my finances or get out of debt,” try this new thought and manifestation mantra:
  “I’ve not made very wise choices in the past with my money, but I’m resilient and I learn fast. I am willing and able to adopt a more healthy mindset around money. Money is a beautiful expression of energy and worth. It flows to me effortlessly when I think grateful, appreciative thoughts about myself and others in my life. Do read The Having: The Secret Art of Feeling and Growing Rich by Suh Yun Lee and Jooyun Hong.
• Your body needs to rest and recover sufficiently to be able to function optimally (mental and physical rest are intertwined). Find yourself a calm setting to just be on your own for a bit during the day. Sit out in the garden if working from home and the weather is clement, or sit on a park bench, or go out to a café in a garden centre or a pub with a beer garden or conservatory. Just absorb the environment, look at and listen to the birds, observe the flora and fauna. Don’t feel the need to do anything. Book yourself in for regular reflexology treatments (foot or face). Reflexology is an incredible, yet extremely underrated, way to de-stress and re-energise.
• You only have 24 hours in a day and a third of that should be allocated to sleep or some form of rest. Being all things to everyone serves neither yourself nor any member of your family or work community.

4. Amplify

• Your well-being and self-care by doing a yoga and/or breathing practice, booking in a complementary therapy (massage/reflexology). Why not indulge in a scented bath or listen to calming music in a room by yourself. Fragrance the room with a diffuser incorporating essential oils: lavender, geranium and bergamot are great to calm and restore mood.
• Your joy by doing creative things. If your job does not provide a creative outlet and is fairly mundane, adopt a sideline interest or a hobby that draws on and satisfies your creative spirit (we all have this urge to create within us and this is expressed in different ways depending on our talents, abilities, knowledge, insight).
• Your contribution – helping others helps you. We are wired to feel good when we help others. Offer to mentor, to be an accountability partner or just be a considerate, attentive listener to someone else. Alternatively, do volunteer or charity work.
• Community spirit – build or join a community of positive-thinkers and share your experiences and expertise. Look for or create a networking group that supports working women’s self-development and fosters work-life balance.
• Your capacity to self-regulate – start a meditation practice (in particular a body scan meditation which involves progressive muscle relaxation), try out journalling and deep heart-centred breathing.
• Your self-love, by treating yourself to verbal/written compliments (write a self-love and self-appreciation journal daily or several times a week) and give yourself little gifts/rewards for achieving both minor and significant milestones. Listen to this self-love meditation I created.
• Your self-belief by saying positive, self-affirming affirmations: I am capable, I am strong and resilient, I appreciate myself, I am good with money, I manage my time effectively, I look after my health and know it to be an expression of self-love and self-worth. What I focus on, I grow.
• Your ability to manifest positive things in your life – start visualising morning, noon and night (best time is just before sleep or immediately after waking, when your subconscious mind is most receptive to positive manipulation from the conscious mind). But instead of thinking of your ideal life, think from your ideal life. Embody being the person who is in your ideal life scene: feel their feelings, their higher vibration energy of having everything they desire accomplished. Look at the big movie screen and also components of it (enact in your mind individual scenes or scenarios, injecting positive emotion into these). Einstein said imagination is more powerful than knowledge and is the “preview of life’s coming attractions”. I recommend you read Neville Goddard’s Awakened Imagination.

If you need more help or support in tackling a stressful situation or environment, do not hesitate to reach out and connect with me one on one. I do not have a medical or psychology degree or a counselling background, but I am trained in holistic therapies and as an Energy Alignment Method mentor (someone who specialises in releasing resistant energy from the head, heart and body and guides you to embrace a more positive, higher vibrational state).