Reflexology
Be Still: The quieter you become, the more you can hear. - Ram Dass
Embracing Relaxation
The Essential Role of Reflexology in Modern Healthcare
As a nurse for over 10 years, the one thing I saw again and again was the negative effect long-term stress is having on our lives. Stress in the short term is beneficial. It helps us achieve our goals and protects us when we are in danger, but over time it can be dangerous to our mental, physical and emotional health. Scheduling time for relaxation is not a luxury, it's an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
This way of thinking is gaining popularity. Doctors and other healthcare professionals are among the growing number of people who are advocating positive lifestyle choices, including relaxation and complementary therapies for optimum health. With so much research now being done to confirm the positive benefits reflexology can have on our health, it is becoming the first choice complementary therapy for preventative as well as restorative care.
So what is Reflexology?
It is a deeply relaxing treatment, with its origins dating back thousands of years. Based on the theory that all organs and systems are mapped on the feet, it uses non-invasive techniques to bring balance to the body - supporting the amazing and complex job it does every day. How exactly does it work? There are many theories, but consider that the feet have over 7000 nerves endings which connect to every organ in the body and this will begin to explain how communication is possible from feet to head and everywhere in between.
The Reflexology Experience
All reflexology treatments begin with a consultation. From here, we will form a plan that suits you. I will cleanse your feet with warmed, soft cloths and begin your session with relaxation techniques. Using alternating pressure and rotations, I will work both feet looking and feeling for any imbalances. These imbalances will be revisited at the end of the session and we will conclude with a relaxing foot massage and endocrine balance. Extra training in Orthopedic Reflexology, Vertical Reflexology Techniques (VRT), Reflexology for Immune Health and Reflexology for Menopause mean I have lots of techniques in my toolbox to choose from, depending on what you need. I will answer any questions you may have at any time. Come and try it...with a treatment plan tailored to you, free parking and the added bonus of not having to go into the city, I promise you will not be disappointed.
Reflexology for Menopause
Chronically elevated cortisol increases the liklihood of severe menopausal symptoms. Cagnacci etal, 2011. Menopause, 18,3, 273-8)
Menopause can be a new beginning: a time when priorities change, leading to transformation and growth. Unfortunately, until fairly recently, this phase of a woman's life was poorly understood. Can you believe that the hormone oestrogen was only identified in 1929 and it took just over 30 years following that for research into menopausal conditions to begin? 8 out of 10 women in the UK experience some menopausal symptoms. Most common are hot flushes and night sweats but others include: anxiety; palptiations; mood swings; insomnia; poor memory; depression; itchy skin; achy joints; weight gain; hair loss; incontinence; low libido; headaches; dry vagina; tinnitus; dizziness and more. Quality of life can be severely affected and postmenopausal women are at increased risk of a number of long term conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Hormones are extremely influencial in the body (remember how you felt going through puberty?) and changes in their levels can have big effects. The good news is that educated, there is plenty that can be done to help.
I offer support for menopausal women using reflexology, but part of my role is to educate and empower women to have the best menopause possible, by making small lifestyle changes that can run alongside my treatments to help with symptoms day to day. I will focus on the five pillars of menopause health:
Diet
Sleep
Exercise
Relaxation
Purpose
Supporting You Through Menopause
By looking at where improvements can be made, each woman can explore what works for them. If hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the route they want to take, reflexology works well with that too. I am here to support all choices, but feel passionately that my clients should have as much information as possible to do so. Of course, some will prefer to just come for treatments and look at their lifestyle in their own time and way, which is fine. Stress is a major factor when it comes to menopausal symptoms. Oestrogen actually acts as a buffer for cortisol (the stress hormone) in the younger years, but the reduction of oestrogen can make it much harder for women to regulate their emotions when stressors come their way.
The combination of regular relaxing treatments and an actionable plan can really help with this. Think about who you want to be for the next phase of your life. I would love to help you achieve this.
Research
Useful Links
Balance
A fantastic menopause app created by GP Dr Louise Newson
Dr Louise Newson also has a highly acclaimed podcast
Megs Menopause
Meg Mathews was a well known public figure in the 90s, working in the music industry, but when she started to suffer with the symptoms of menopause she was shocked by the lack of information available.
Dr Lisa Mosconi
a scientist with a strong family history of Alzheimers has dedicated her life to looking at how the sex hormones have unique impacts on female health. Her book - The XX Brain looks at the female brain and offers steps that can be taken at any age to help prevent decline.
Menopause Exchange
Norma Goldman and Victoria Goldman offer free quarterly newsletters that that can be sent to your email box. They contain menopause news, the latest research and articles from experts in the field. Definitely worth signing up if you are the type of person who likes to keep up to date with the latest developments.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) is an innovative and award-winning reflexology technique focused on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes in the feet and hands. Developed by Sally Kay, whilst working in cancer care, RLD aims to encourage the body's natural lymphatic drainage, potentially helping to reduce swelling and improve overall well-being.
What is the Lymphatic System and Why is it Important?
The lymphatic system is a vital part of your body's immune system and plays a crucial role in:
- Fluid Balance: Collecting excess fluid (lymph) from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream, preventing swelling (lymphoedema).
- Immune Function: Transporting white blood cells (lymphocytes) that fight infection and disease.
- Waste Removal: Carrying away waste products and toxins from the body's tissues.
When the lymphatic system is not functioning optimally, it can lead to a build-up of fluid, causing discomfort and other health problems.
How Does Reflexology Lymph Drainage Work?
RLD applies gentle pressure to specific reflex points on the feet and/or hands that correspond to different parts of the lymphatic system. Like Lymphatic Drainage before it, the aim of the technique is to:
- Encourage Lymph Flow - Helping to move stagnant lymph fluid.
- Reduce Swelling: Alleviate some of the discomfort caused by fluid retention in affected areas.
- Support Immune Function: Potentially enhance the body's natural defence mechanisms.
- Promote Relaxation: Like traditional reflexology, RLD can induce a state of deep relaxation, which can further support the body's healing processes.
Who Might Benefit from Reflexology Lymph Drainage?
While RLD is not a cure for medical conditions, it may be a beneficial complementary therapy for individuals experiencing:
- Secondary Lymphoedema: Swelling caused by damage to the lymphatic system, often after cancer treatment (e.g. mastectomy with lymph node removal).
- Primary Lymphoedema: Swelling caused by congenital abnormalities in the lymphatic system.
- Fluid Retention: General swelling or puffiness.
- Post-Surgery Swelling: Swelling following surgical procedures.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Some individuals with inflammatory conditions may find RLD supportive.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME: Some clients report feeling benefits related to energy levels and well-being.
- Autoimmune Conditions: RLD may offer gentle support for clients with certain autoimmune disorders.
Of course everyone is different and I can never predict how your body will respond to RLD. The only way to find out is by trying.
If would like more information about the research and incredible results achieved by using this technique Go to:
https://ww.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk/research.html or Contact me here
Get in touch
For more information about my treatments or my approach, please call me at 07853 577866. To book an appointment, please contact 01603 452320. Alternatively, you can reach out directly using my secure and confidential online contact form.
I am based in Norwich and see clients from the surrounding areas