These days, it’s all too easy to be consumed by stress, fear and worry. What you probably already know is that internalizing these emotions impacts your overall well-being: from your immune system, to your blood pressure, to your all-important sleep.
So what can you do? Well, perhaps, look to your feet!
Many cultures regard the feet as a sacred conduit connecting you physically and energetically to the earth: keeping you grounded – mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Your feet mirror your state of health, providing you with insight as to how your body is doing. When overwhelmed with stress, your feet might manifest dysfunction and send up signals of discomfort or pain. Reflexology is a non-invasive, holistic approach to bring about a restored, balanced you.
Reflexology is an integrative health practice in which all organs and systems of the body are reflected on the feet, hands and outer ears. Stimulating specific reflex points, via unique manual techniques, elicits a relaxation response which, in turn, creates a physiological change in the body and ensuing return to a state of homeostasis. The body can then function more optimally and more fully access its innate ability to heal.
Reflexology assists in improving blood flow, stimulates the metabolism and lymph system, and increases energy flow or chi in the body. It can help reduce pain by enabling the body to produce natural painkilling hormones, easing muscle tension. Because reflexology triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, it restores calm to the body, thereby reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This in turn helps to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. You might not appreciate just how “weighty” stress can be upon the body until you experience the “lightness of being” after a reflexology session.
The calming effect of reflexology assists in reducing mental overload, enabling you to center and focus – and sleep better. It helps oxygenate the brain which in turn improves critical and creative thinking, mental clarity and problem-solving abilities. By supporting the body’s inner foundation, reflexology can provide relief for such health challenges as: plantar fasciitis, emotional issues, pain management, digestive problems, autoimmune conditions, and digestive problems. And all that is required of you is to remove your shoes and socks, relax, and have an open mind.
In this technological age of cell phone relationships, bombardment of news and evaporating or limited social interactions, compassionate and appropriate touch is even more vital for the functioning and flourishing of your body, mind and spirit.
__________________________
To learn more about reflexology, check out Reflexology Association of America (RAA) at reflexology-usa.org and the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) at arcb.net
Gabrielle Zale, a Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist (NBCR) has been in practice for 15 years with Pilates Wellness and Therapy in Scarsdale, NY; 914-725-2170; www.pilatestherapyandwellness.com
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17 Jul 2020
0 Commentsthe power of reflexology
These days, it’s all too easy to be consumed by stress, fear and worry. What you probably already know is that internalizing these emotions impacts your overall well-being: from your immune system, to your blood pressure, to your all-important sleep.
So what can you do? Well, perhaps, look to your feet!
Many cultures regard the feet as a sacred conduit connecting you physically and energetically to the earth: keeping you grounded – mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Your feet mirror your state of health, providing you with insight as to how your body is doing. When overwhelmed with stress, your feet might manifest dysfunction and send up signals of discomfort or pain. Reflexology is a non-invasive, holistic approach to bring about a restored, balanced you.
Reflexology is an integrative health practice in which all organs and systems of the body are reflected on the feet, hands and outer ears. Stimulating specific reflex points, via unique manual techniques, elicits a relaxation response which, in turn, creates a physiological change in the body and ensuing return to a state of homeostasis. The body can then function more optimally and more fully access its innate ability to heal.
Reflexology assists in improving blood flow, stimulates the metabolism and lymph system, and increases energy flow or chi in the body. It can help reduce pain by enabling the body to produce natural painkilling hormones, easing muscle tension. Because reflexology triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, it restores calm to the body, thereby reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This in turn helps to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. You might not appreciate just how “weighty” stress can be upon the body until you experience the “lightness of being” after a reflexology session.
The calming effect of reflexology assists in reducing mental overload, enabling you to center and focus – and sleep better. It helps oxygenate the brain which in turn improves critical and creative thinking, mental clarity and problem-solving abilities. By supporting the body’s inner foundation, reflexology can provide relief for such health challenges as: plantar fasciitis, emotional issues, pain management, digestive problems, autoimmune conditions, and digestive problems. And all that is required of you is to remove your shoes and socks, relax, and have an open mind.
In this technological age of cell phone relationships, bombardment of news and evaporating or limited social interactions, compassionate and appropriate touch is even more vital for the functioning and flourishing of your body, mind and spirit.
__________________________
To learn more about reflexology, check out Reflexology Association of America (RAA) at reflexology-usa.org and the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) at arcb.net