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The Ancient Healing Art of Reflexology
I have always been fascinated and inspired by the history of diverse cultures who have worked on the hands and feet to promote health & wellbeing. Let’s be honest, most people have no idea what it is or what it does so I absolutely love introducing my clients to all the wonderful benefits.
Since around 8000BC the Incas, Cherokees and Native American tribes practiced foot massage to ease pain and suffering. The altar at Copan in South America is said to have engravings that show the Mayans practicing a reflexology treatment. In Egypt evidence on the walls of the tomb of Ankmahor in 2500BC also suggests the same.
Around 5000 years ago in ancient India the feet of Buddha and Vishnu were shown to have symbols representing life and the flow of energy. In addition the shrines and temples of Vishnu have a painting referring to the ancient Sanskrit symbols, corresponding to today's reflex points.
It was said to be the Chinese that identified the energy pathways called meridians that connect internal organs with other parts of the body. The theory that if one of these meridians becomes blocked, it causes pain or illness, the theory of which both acupuncture and reflexology are based.
So, it came as no surprise to me when I found it to be a powerful tool to restore balance in the body alleviating many of my clients mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression and insomnia.
How does it work?
There are over 7000 nerve endings in the feet, every nerve is connected to the brain via your body.
I am able to detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet and by applying pressure with finger and thumb movements, working on these points I can release blockages and restore the flow of energy through the meridian channels in the body. This activates the relaxation response and encourages the body to maintain homeostasis, enabling the perfect environment for the body to heal from within. If this all sounds a bit woo woo for you, hear me out…
Our bodies have the amazing ability to heal themselves if the environment is right.
Let's look at Swedish scientists who recently succeeded in measuring the rate at which our heart’s muscle cells are renewed during our lifetime. About 1 percent of our heart muscle cells are replaced every year at age 25, and that rate gradually falls to less than half a percent per year by age 75, this was a study found by a team of researchers led by Dr. Jonas Frisen of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. The upshot is that about half of the heart’s muscle cells are exchanged in the course of a normal lifetime. So this settles the long standing debate that the human heart has the ability to regenerate itself.
If the body is placed in its optimum state of homeostasis it has the unique ability to regenerate and heal. Reflexology induces deep relaxation and works to create that state of homeostasis, balancing hormones, removing toxins, increasing circulation and allowing the free flow of energy around the body.
Our busy hectic lifestyles challenge this state of homeostasis, high levels of stress mean high levels of cortisol running around our bloodstreams for long periods of time. This can have a detrimental effect on our blood pressure, our heart rate and may even lead to weight gain, disrupted sleep, mood swings, reduced energy levels and can contribute to diabetes.
This reinforces the importance of challenging your lifestyle and making time for deep relaxation. I’m not talking about watching TV which for some is a form of relaxation, I’m talking about the deep sense of inner calm and relaxation that can be achieved with a reflexology treatment which can be hard to explain until you’ve experienced it for yourself.
So why not give it a go. Your body deserves it!
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is a powerful healing technique based on the ancient system of medicine known as Ayurveda. It is believed that the ancient Rishis or seers of India received the gift of Ayurveda from their Hindu gods about 5,000 years ago. They recorded important information for how to achieve a balanced and healthy life in their sacred texts, the Vedas. From birth to old age this Indian tradition has been passed through the generations and is incorporated in special rituals for birth and weddings.
Marma Points
In Ayurvedic medicine, marma points are anatomical locations in your body where a concentration of life energy exists. Marma points are said to contain the three doshas: vata (air and space) kapha (earth and water) and pitta (fire and water). These doshas are believed to be linked to your physical and emotional well-being.
Much like traditional Chinese acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine believes that stimulation of the marma points can improve your physical and mental health. There are 107 marma points in the human body, 37 of which are in your head and neck region.
Energising Effects
This wonderful massage to the head, upper back, shoulders and scalp has an energising effect by encouraging the supply of oxygen to the brain, melting away any stress and tension and is especially effective for relieving fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine, sinusitis and tinnitus.
Suitable for all ages, performed whilst sitting in a chair and can be carried out over clothing or directly on the skin using specially blended essential oils. Perfect for an office lunchtime break after sitting at a computer for hours.
Promoting overall health & wellbeing with:
Clearer thinking, calmness, aids concentration and memory
Relief from depression, anxiety and mental strain by stimulating endorphins
Lymphatic stimulation, assisting in the removal of toxins from the body
Increased mobility of the joints in the neck and shoulder area
Restful sleep by activating the parasympathetic nervous system
Relief from eye strain, nasal congestion and jaw ache
Improved hair growth and strength
Immune Boosting Massage
We all know how amazing it feels to have a massage. Many of us view it as a luxury treat that we only deserve once in a blue moon but would you make more time for self care if you knew that regular massage could prevent you from getting sick?
In a recent study with BBC 2, Prof Fulvio D’Acquisto, an immunologist from the University of Roehampton and the Bodyology Massage School found that massage boosted the amount of white blood cells in patients by a huge 70 per cent compared to those who didn't have a massage.
Regular massage increases your blood circulation and boosts your lymphatic system to help flush out toxins from the body. The increase of white blood cells not only helps our body fight diseases it also helps reduce the levels of cortisol, a hormone which can be responsible for weight gain, high blood pressure, disrupted sleep and reduced energy levels.
So it's no surprise that the ancient Indians have used massage for thousands of years, passing down the generations to heal injuries, relieve pain and prevent and cure illnesses.
8 Reasons why you need a massage:
It’s important to receive a massage when you’re feeling healthy too, incorporating it into your regular self care routine along with other holistic therapies will contribute to you looking and feeling great.
When we feel our best we are more productive at home, work and in sports so we owe to ourselves and those around us.
If you’re considering a massage here’s 8 reasons why you may need one…
You’re having trouble sleeping
You can’t switch off
You’re stressed and/or anxious
You haven’t had a massage in over a month
You can’t remember the last time you had some ME time
You’re feeling run down or lethargic
You have aching tired muscles
You’re experiencing pain in the body
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