Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Reflexology


Reflexology is used to activate the healing powers of the body by pressing on reflex areas on the feet, hands or ears. It is mainly a process of treating points & areas on the feet that relate to corresponding parts of the body, mind and spirit. The soles of the feet reflect the whole body, the organs, the skeletal, nervous, circulatory, endocrine & lymphatic systems. It can enhance fertility & also helps mothers during pregnancy (after first trimester) to be comfortable in all aspects. It can help with nausea, gestational diabetes, reduces swelling in hands, feet & ankles. Reflexology has been found to ease common symptoms of pregnancy and facilitate the smooth progress of labour. It is deeply soothing and encourages the body to naturally heal itself & eliminate toxins and negativity. Reflexology is great for reducing stress, soothing emotions increasing energy levels, inducing relaxation & bringing the body back into balance.

Reflexology History 

Most ancient cultures had some form of foot therapy. The Native American Indian cultures, Egyptians and Chinese independently developed methods which were all based on the same principle. In Ancient Egypt dating around 2500BC, there are hieroglyphics on the tomb wall of Ankmahor a famous physician documenting a type of massage on the hands and feet. In Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish traditions shoes are always removed when entering into a Holy space. Feet have always had a special significance biblically. The Chinese have used pressure on acupressure points as a healing method for over 5000 years. Centuries and social change saw much of these techniques lost to time.

Reflexology as we know it today began as a theory called Zone Therapy, conceived by a throat and nose surgeon Dr. William Fitzgerald in the USA in the early 1900s. He had discovered a Chinese method whereby applying pressure to one part of the body created an anaesthetic affect on another part of the body. He did extensive testing and developed a map dividing the body into 10 longitudinal zones; 5 either side of the midline. Everything in each zone is connected so pressure on the head at one end will affect a toe on the other. This demonstrates the meridians of energy used in acupuncture and the interrelationship between all the different parts of the body.

In 1930 a US Doctor called Dr. Jo Selby Riley, alongside his wife began with Dr. Fitzgerald’s findings. They were joined by their assistant in their research, a Physiotherapist called Eunice Ingham. Through much testing they began concentrating on the hands & feet understanding their sensitivity. Eunice Ingham travelled all over the US, adapting her methods and teaching her findings of this new Foot Therapy. Later re-naming the therapy to ‘Reflexology’. Ingham, took the concept further by researching positioning and effects of certain points ultimately leading to an anatomical map of the body being overlaid onto the foot. In 1938 she published her works in “Stories the feet can tell” and later followed with another book “Stories the feet have told”.
Reflexology finally came to the UK in 1960’s with one of Ingham’s students a lady called Doreen Bayley.

Book a Reflexology session with Loretta at Nurture Therapies on 087-1267 427



























Thursday, November 11, 2010

Stress: Ease Holiday Pressure Tips

I hope you are all well and enjoying the beauty of the snow!!! I just wanted to send you some tips I received from my trainer Patricia Crane as they are very useful especially at this time.

In our already busy lives, the holidays are often a time of more stress rather than more joy and fun. Buying presents can stretch the family budget, demands on time increase, and family gatherings can be a challenge. This year simplify your life with these tips and enjoy the season more!

1. Begin with affirmations that this season is a fun and enjoyable time for you and your family. When you become aware of any negative thoughts about the holidays, tell yourself, 'stop!' Affirm that everything will get done easily.

2. Practice stress management! Remember to breathe deeply and easily, letting your shoulders, neck, and back relax and let go.

3. During the holidays the average person gains 5 pounds and then has to do a New Year's Resolution to lose them! Set an intention to maintain your weight. Plan lower calorie desserts- or don't even serve a dessert. Eat less the day before you are going to a party or big meal. Do simple things to move more, like dancing to your favorite songs or parking further away from the office so you walk more.

4. Simplify your gift giving by setting a theme. For example, make this a music year where you buy everyone a CD of their type of music. You can do all your shopping in one store! Or purchase gift certificates online. Now that's really easy!

5. Rather than buying gifts for friends, suggest that you spend time with each other instead. Go to a movie or share a meal. You'll save hours of trying to decide what they want, shopping, wrapping, etc.

6. One poll in an American study discovered that 83% of people (and I'm sure this is true of people in Ireland & other countries as well) wanted more time to spend with their families. Set a time to go to a fun holiday activity with your family and consider it as a present to each other.

7. Set a budget for not only gift giving but decorating and entertaining as well and stick with it. In January you'll be glad you did.

8. If family gatherings are something you look forward to, wonderful!! However, if they tend to be a challenge, prepare emotionally ahead of time. Visualize yourself staying calm. Remember Don't Take It Personally.

9. Contribute to a community agency that is helping others with food and presents during the holidays. Volunteer to help.

10. Plan ahead. Make a list of priorities and stay focused on them. Spend a few minutes at night deciding what's most important to get done the next day. Be reasonable in your expectations! Set boundaries for yourself. It's OK to say no to something you don't want
to do. Respect your own need for time.

11. Remember that letting someone know you care is the greatest gift of all. This season, say I love you as much as possible to family and friends. Let people know why they are special to you. And also remember to love and appreciate yourself.

Enjoy!

Loretta :)