Americans spend more than one billion dollars every year on nonprescription medicines, and a vast majority of them are the elderly. And not only are they expensive, the medications provide only temporary relief and in no way address the root of the problem. What can you do about arthritis, constipation, fatigue, loss of muscle control, and other common complaints by the elderly sector of society? There are some easy and effective holistic treatments that do alleviate symptoms. One of them is reflexology.

Reflexology is one complimentary treatment that is beneficial for everyone and especially for people suffering from muscle, joint and circulation problems. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to areas of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. Reflexologists see the hands and feet as an open door to the bodies systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. It helps reduce body tension and definitely brings a sense of relaxation.

Independent studies have shown that using reflexology in the areas related to the adrenal glands, one could reduce the need of cortisone, a common treatment for arthritis. The body also produces its own natural painkillers during reflexology treatments, known as endorphins, which inhibits the transmission of pain through the spinal cord. There are many areas that a trained reflexologist may pay special attention to including the kidneys, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands and solar plexus.

In a society that relies on chemically laden prescription drugs to cure the sick, especially in the elderly sector of society, reflexology is providing success stories worth examining. Did you know that elderly patients that routinely get reflexology treatment could reduce cholesterol, lower and maintain blood pressure and treat painful digestion better than drugs? Not only that but elderly patients that have reflexology mats in their homes experience less pain and a greater sense of control when walking.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Studies have shown that patients that received reflexology treatment after surgery experienced far less pain than the patients that received painkillers alone. Moreover, reflexology was shown to be more effective than catheterization in patients with retention of urine after surgery.

Reflexology also appears to have a positive affect on patients with arthritis according to many case studies. However, it is good to note that the affects on mobility in particular, only last a short time. It is most beneficial to have treatments on a regular basis. On a good note, reflexology definitely was beneficial to problems relating to swelling and oedema, because of an improvement in circulation reflexology brings. Elderly patients have many health complaints that can be successfully helped with reflexology treatment.

ADHD affects 10 percent of children in todays society. It has been accepted as a genetic disorder, although no one really knows the cause. If these symptoms look familiar to you, your child may be suffering from ADHD.

Common complaints and problem areas include
Fidgeting and squirming
Rocking and jiggling legs
Fears Sleep and often wakes up crying or unable to get back to sleep
Frequent nightmare and terrors
Excessive talking
Easily excitable and demonstrates unpredictable behaviors
Impulsive (regardless of consequences)
Does not follow directions
Tendency toward daydreaming
Very short attention span and very distractible
Defiant and does not obey rules
Sees himself or herself as a failure
Destructive or aggressive toward others
Unorganized and often loose things
Clumsiness, uncoordinated (for example, finds it very hard to ride a bike)
Poor hand eye coordination, difficulty tying, writing, drawing, cutting etc
Some have speech difficulties like stuttering and problems with pronunciation.

There are many kinds of treatments for ADHD. Some of the most common conventional treatment regimens include occupational and play therapy, child and clinical psychiatry (which usually results in medication), physiotherapy, remedial practice, speech therapy, and educational therapy. A few holistic approaches that have been shown to work include supplementation, diet intervention, reflexology and homeopathy.

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to reflexes of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. Reflexologists see the hands and feet as an open door to the bodies systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. It helps reduce body tension and definitely brings a sense of relaxation. This can be very beneficial to someone suffering from emotional disorders or manic episodes.

So why is this technique so beneficial to children? The most obvious reason is because it works. However, it is also known that reflexology is so beneficial to children because they have not yet been programmed to societies way of handling sickness. When the mind is more receptive and does not contain the boundaries that many adults have, it is understood that the body works more effectively and efficiently. It is true, we get programmed to using drugs and surgery to take care of our problems, when the truth is, and therapies such as these have been used successfully for thousands of years. Why? Because they work!

Research has found that not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, detoxification, recovering from surgery, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; behavioral disorders; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

There are many natural approaches to combating one of the most common pregnancy complaints, morning sickness. Most people have heard of the age-old ginger remedy for upset stomachs and intestinal gas. It is an effective remedy that is cheap to use and has no side effects, which is very important to most expectant mothers. However, there are many more natural remedies that you can use not only to ease the stomach, but also to ensure a smooth, faster labor. Yes, it is true, say hello to reflexology.

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster? Yes, it is true. According to the results of an in-depth study, women that undergo reflexology treatment during pregnancy also appear to have fewer complications during labor. These benefits are great, but what about the nine-months of uncomfortable, often painful symptoms?

If you are new to reflexology, here are the basics. Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And it is not only limited to the feet and hands, although they are the most widely used areas. Reflexology can also be used on the face and the ears as well.

Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. Reflexology has been known to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems such as acid reflux.

Of all of the pregnancy complaints, nausea, or morning sickness is one of the most uncomfortable. Not only can it last all day and can onset in the blink of an eye, but also can lead to problems holding down food if it becomes severe. Here is what I would recommend if you are having trouble with nausea on a regular basis.

Start a reflexology treatment schedule and stick to it. In a very short time you will feel like you are on top of the world.
Eat frequent, small meals throughout the day. This is a common recommendation, but one worth mentioning at anytime.
Do not eliminate your carbs but rather take in complex carbs instead of simple, sugar-laden carbs. They will only make matters worse.
Because prenatal vitamin contain a lot of iron, that can be a cause for upset stomach. I always got in the habit of taking it later in the day or before bed versus in the morning.
Another common recommendation, and a good one at that, is to have some saltine crackers on your bedside. When you wake up in the morning, wake up slowly and munch on some before you rise. One sure fire way to get nausea going is to jump up out of bed. Just dont do it, I learned this the hard way! It is better to be late than to be sick all day!
Avoid strong odors and smells. If you cant hack a smell, go out and take a light walk in the fresh air. That will usually do the trick.

Although you do not need to be on a special diet to get benefits from reflexology, it is always highly recommended to watch what you put in your body. As many holistic nutritionists would agree, you will find that it is very beneficial to consume as much whole foods as possible. Keep in mind that processed foods are one of the biggest sources for the toxins we build up in our systems; the very toxins that reflexology strives to rid the body of. Outside of a whole foods diet, the basics of a good diet always apply. Make sure to drink plenty of water, cut down, or better yet eliminate caffeine, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise and get adequate rest. Reflexology will help take care of the stress!

Research has found that reflexology is not only beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, detoxification, recovering from surgery, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

In my research I have also found it very beneficial to combine nutritional therapy with reflexology, in particular, as it relates to the nutritional properties of the goji berry. Their healing properties are an added benefit when combined with the reflexology treatment.

Extensive research has been done on the goji berry and the evidence remains clear, the goji berry is one of the worlds most healthy foods. The goji berry contains 19 amino acids, including 9 of which are essential for proper body functioning. This vitamin rich berry also contains 21 trace minerals, more protein than a serving of whole wheat, and more vitamin C than an orange.

The goji berry contains many essential fatty acids, which are necessary for the production of hormones and proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. It is also considered one of the worlds most powerful anti-aging foods. In fact, research has shown that people that consume the goji berry daily are the longest living people on the planet.

So what can the goji berry do for you specifically? The list is very extensive, however this list will serve as a brief outline of the benefits berry goji juice can have on specific ailments and illnesses.

Allergies-The Goji berry is known to reduce antibodies associated with allergic reactions.
Anti-Aging- The Goji berry has a unique LBP polysaccharide complex that has been proven to be a powerful secretagogue.
Arthritis-The enzyme superoxide dismutase is a necessary enzyme that counteracts the enzyme superoxide anion, the root cause of arthritis. However, most people do not produce enough of the good enzyme to counteract the bad. The Goji berry has been shown to dramatically increase the amount of the inflammatory enzyme.
Cancer Prevention & Management-The Goji berry have been shown to inhibit the gene mutation of cancer cells induced by TA98 and TA100. In addition, several studies have shown that cancer patients that were given goji LBPs stayed in remission significantly longer than patients who were given no goji.
Goji berries also showed significant benefits for cardiovascular health and overall blood health, non-insulin dependent diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, high blood pressure, energy production, infertility, obesity, periodontal disease and sexual dysfunction.

The overall health benefits of drinking berry goji juice are phenomenal. There are very few, if any, foods known to man that can make this claim. Reflexology and consuming goji berry juice is one of the best ways to achieve the health you deserve.

Foot reflexology is not foot massage. The distinct difference is that foot massage is ultimately to benefit the feet and reflexology is not. Massage therapy is applied to the whole body for the purposes of local muscular relaxation, to improve circulation and to reduce muscle tension. Reflexology is applied to the reflex points in the feet, hands or ears using specific hand and finger techniques in order to affect the corresponding body part or organ.

Although reflexology is proven to be beneficial for a multitude of problems, your reflexologist cannot diagnose or claim to cure any diseases. They are not medically trained. Reflexology is meant to bring your body to a state of well-being. Only in this state is your body able to heal itself. If your body is full of toxins, your immune system is severely compromised, making you much more likely to succumb to sickness.

So what can you expect at a reflexology treatment? The reaction to a reflexology session varies greatly from person to person. Your therapy session will begin with a questionnaire or one on one question and answer session. This is, of course to get your personal history and determine where your therapy should be most concentrated. For example, if you are going in suffering from frequent migraines and neck pain, your reflexologist will concentrate on the areas of the feet and sometimes the hands, in areas that deal with the head and neck. Of course, you will be treated in all areas of the feet. In order to bring your body to a state of well-being, you must detoxify your organs and this is exactly what happens during reflexology therapy.

After the initial interview, your ears, feet and hands will probably be thoroughly looked over for discolorations and tender spots. According to the theories reflexology stems from, these things can be warning signs that correlating body parts are not functioning, as they should.

Reflexology should not be painful (overall). The reflexologist does apply firm pressure deep enough to reach the reflexes, however the feeling mimics a deep tissue massage. If sensitivity is felt, it is an indicator of where tension is in the body, and that is a good thing. Without locating these areas, you cannot take care of the problem. The areas that show the most sensitivity usually form a pattern that corresponds to the medical condition reported before the therapy.

The reflexologist should work within your comfort level and if not, find another one. Reactions, which may occur between sessions, are usually mild and last only a day or two. In actuality, this is a good thing, as it indicates the body is returning to a state of balance and is eliminating the toxins the therapy released. Overall, clients usually feel energized and naturally more positive after a reflexology session.

Success with reflexology depends on the level of commitment you are willing to contribute. The more often you go for therapy, the more energized you will feel and longer lasting results you will have.

Reflexology practitioners work towards helping patients feel better by performing a specialized type of massage to areas of the feet and hands. The art has been shown to be helpful in eliminating numerous symptoms that occur in other places throughout the body, and reflexology is beginning to be more and more popular of a choice for those seeking a type of alternative or complementary treatment. The basis of reflexology is that there are thousands of nerve endings located in the feet that connect to organs found throughout the body. By manipulating these nerve endings, practitioners hope to gain a significant improvement in symptoms for several different types of illnesses. Certain parts of the foot are described as having different effects on the health, and reflexology charts have been created that help to explain how specific areas of the foot correspond to other organs. In that respect, in order to be a fully qualified reflexologist, you need to know all that you can about the anatomy of the foot. In this article, well work towards giving you a basic understanding of how the foot works in order to increase your knowledge.
The foot has many different bones. The toes consist of bones that are called phalanges, and there are proximital phalanges at the base of the toes, middle phalanages in the middle, and diatal phalanges at the end. Attached to the phalanges are the metatarsal bones, which are quite long and make up a good portion of the bone structure found in the foot. The metatarsals connect to a series of bones at the base of the foot: the cuneiform bones and the cuboid bone. Behind these bones are the calcaneous bone, the talus bone, and the navicular bone, comprising the complete bone structure of the foot.
The nerve endings of the feet are the part of the body which responds the most to reflexology treatment. There are roughly fifteen thousand nerve endings in the feet, and many reflexologists refer to the feet as a hologram of the body since so many nerve endings are linked to them. Manipulating the nerve endings can increase blood flow to the area and help to break up any waste particles that may be located in the tissues, helping to flush them from the body.
All in all, there are twenty eight bones in the feet. Nineteen muscles help the foot to move properly, and there are a full one hundred and seven ligaments located in them as well. There are over a hundred thousand sweat glands in the feet, thirty separate joints, and thirty one tendons. Clearly, the feet are quite the compact system! They compose the largest mass of energy in the whole body, so it is easy to see why reflexology can be a helpful practice when it comes to helping someone to stay in good spirits and health. If you are interested in which parts of the body correspond to which locations in the foot, it would be in your best interests to purchase a reflexology chart which will give you a great basic idea of where the special reflexology points are.

Students who are interested in becoming a certified reflexologist need to learn a lot about the practice in order to do so. The American Reflexology Certification Board offers an exam that should be passed by anyone who is seriously considering a career in reflexology. The certification exam consists of three separate parts: a written exam, a practical exam, and documentation showing the results that you have gotten from performing reflexology on patients. In this article, well give you a basic idea about some of the things that you should study for if you are considering taking the written exam in the near future. The exam consists of three hundred multiple choice or true and false questions, and you need to successfully answer two hundred and forty of them correctly in order to pass the exam. Hopefully, the following information will help give you a good point to start on when it comes to studying for the exam.
- In addition to learning about the actual methods of performing reflexology on a patient, there are many other aspects of the business that you will need to learn in order to successfully pass the certification exam. The study guide created by the American Reflexology Certification Board stresses that candidates should learn the history of reflexology as one of their principle studies so that they can see where the practice came from and where it is going.
- Additionally, candidates are required to learn about the different theories on why reflexology works the way that it does. There are several theories that are being propagated regarding reflexology, including the Qi hypothesis which states that there is an invisible energy that flows through the body. When this energy flow is disrupted, illness occurs. Reflexologists who believe this theory state that blockages in the energy flow system often originate in the feet, and by performing reflexology, the blockages can be removed so that the energy can flow more freely and the body can begin to heal itself to the best of its abilities.
- You will also need to familiarize yourself with contraindications. Contraindications are health problems that may result in a person being unable to receive benefits from reflexology treatment. If you work on someone who has contraindications that should prevent them from receiving the treatment, you may actually be doing them more harm then good. Some common contraindications that might prevent an individual from receiving reflexology treatment include recent fractures, open wounds, or an active case of gout.

These are just a few of the things that you are going to have to study up on in order to successfully pass the exam. It currently costs one hundred and fifty dollars to take the exam, so be sure that you are well-prepared going into the exam or you may find yourself disappointed. That being said, having a certification in reflexology is one of the most important things that you can do for your practice and for reflexology as a whole, ensuring that you are performing the art exactly the way that it should be performed.

Reflexology is a certain type of alternative treatment that many people choose to undergo in order to help them to feel better from suffering from many different symptoms. It is quite unique in terms of its methodology; reflexology is often performed by a practitioner who massages certain areas of the feet and the hands in the hopes that a different part of the body will be affected. Reflexology charts are used in order to determine which areas of the feet and the hands pertain to which parts of the body. Many people wonder about exactly how effective reflexology can be in terms of treating illness, so in this article, well study some research that has been conducted in the past in order to determine if reflexology is a practice that is worthy of your time.
Traditionally, reflexology has been practiced in Asia for centuries. One study that has been conducted in order to weigh the efficiency of reflexology was the China Reflexology Symposium Report, which was composed in 1996. Over eight thousand separate cases of reflexology treatments were consulted in order to draft the report, and the findings stated that reflexology massage involving the feet was useful almost ninety four percent of the time for treating sixty three different types of disorders. The report further stated that approximately forty eight percent of all of the cases that were examined resulted in the condition being completely cured by reflexology, while in about forty five percent of the cases, the symptoms were improved but not completely healed.
A separate study, conducted in Britain involved the study of fifteen different women who received half-hour long reflexology treatments for a period of eight weeks. After the study was completed, it was shown that the women that were test subjects stated that they had noticed physical and emotional improvements in their life, with an increased sense of self esteem and a better sense of concentration.
Many other studies have been conducted across the world, many of which have stated that reflexology has marked benefits for the individuals who are partaking in it. A study conducted by the American Cancer Society Journal showed that approximately one out of three individuals with cancer underwent reflexology therapy as an alternative form of medicine. Studies in Australia and South Africa have shown that reflexology can be a useful methodology for an anesthetic effect when an individual has arthritis, neck or back pain, or headaches. Other studies have measured reflexologys efficiency when it comes to helping diabetics to reduce their insulin levels as well as blood flow to the feet.
Without a doubt, reflexology has been proven to be useful for many different problems that people can have with their health. More studies will be conducted in the future as we continue to learn more about this exotic alternative therapy. If you are thinking about visiting a reflexologist, be sure that you do as much research as possible in order to discover exactly how the therapy can be of benefit to you.

There are many reasons for memory loss. One of the primary reasons is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain, especially the B vitamins and amino acids. In addition, the brain depends on substances called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that act like electrical switches in the brain and throughout the nervous system. If the brain does not have an adequate supply of neurotransmitters or essential nutrients it need to make them, your brains basically short circuits. If you find that your mind suddenly goes blank when you are talking or trying to recall a specific fact, it is likely that such a problem has occurred.

There are numerous factors that contribute to the deterioration of memory. One of the most important is probably exposure to free radicals. Other factors may include alcohol, drugs, allergies, candida overgrowth, stress, thyroid disorders, heavy metal intoxication, and poor circulation. Hypoglycemia can also be a factor, as the brain needs a constant supply of glucose to function properly.

The good news is that there are things you can do to treat and prevent further memory loss. One of those things is reflexology treatment. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to reflexes of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow, enhance circulation and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding areas of the body. Furthermore, reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system and encourages the release of endorphins, the natural feel good hormones that are well documented in relieving the effects of stress.

Reflexology is meant to bring your body to a state of well-being. Only in this state is your body able to heal itself. When your body is full of toxins, your immune system is severely compromised, making you much more likely to succumb to sickness. Reflexology is a beneficial tool for improving circulation, relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems; fibromyalgia; depression and even arthritis report significantly improved conditions as a result of the treatment.

It is also important to follow a wholesome diet rich in raw foods, brown rice, organically grown eggs, fish, legumes, nuts, soybeans, tofu and whole grains. As many holistic nutritionists would agree, you will find that it is very beneficial to consume as much whole foods as possible. Read your labels, avoid refined sugars and keep in mind that processed foods are one of the biggest sources for the toxin build up in our systems; the very toxins that reflexology strives to rid the body of. Outside of a whole foods diet, make sure to drink plenty of water, cut down, or better yet eliminate caffeine, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise and get adequate rest. Keep yourself mentally active by using your brain on a daily basis. Pursue activities such as crossword puzzles, reading, or even surfing the Internet. Reflexology will help take care of the rest!

If you have a child that suffers from colic, it is probably safe to say that you are desperate to find an effective treatment. If you are expecting and would simply like to be prepared in case you have an infant that suffers from colic, then these suggestions will help you also. Although doctors usually say there isnt much you can do except bear with it until it passes, I am here to tell you otherwise. There are some easy and effective holistic treatments that do alleviate symptoms. For example, putting a small amount of catnip, chamomile or peppermint in the babys bottle at the first sign of distress and giving the baby a warm lavender bath, both work well. If you breastfeed, eating a diet rich in fennel (a common household spice) can also help alleviate symptoms rather quickly.

In conjunction with the above recommendations, I would seriously consider reflexology treatment as well. Reflexology is safe for everyone and proven effective. If you are not familiar with reflexology, it is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow, reduce stress and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. With this, many forms of sickness and disease can be reversed or at the very least, the symptoms can be effectively treated.

So why should this technique be used on children? The most obvious reason is because it works. However, it is also known that reflexology is so beneficial to children because they have not yet been programmed to societies way of handling sickness. When the mind is more receptive and does not contain the boundaries that many adults have, it is understood that the body works more effectively and efficiently.

A study was done with ten colicky babies and their response to reflexology treatment for the alleviation of their symptoms. All of the babies in the study were significantly helped by the treatment. It took between one and six treatments to get the babies crying spells below the norm for a baby with colic. Some babies responded sooner than others, however they all improved with exclusive use of reflexology.

You may be wondering if you will need to learn reflexology yourself or if you will need to pay for professional services. That is a personal matter of preference. If you are not concerned with the cost of getting professional services, more power to you. However, most people simply cannot afford the services on a regular basis. One of the most attractive things about reflexology is that it is simple to learn. Not to say that there isnt a technique that should be followed, because there is. However, of the many forms of massage and healing techniques, reflexology is probably the easiest and fastest form of therapy to learn. Many believe it is part intuitive and part learned skill. For me, it comes quite naturally. There is nothing more powerful than the feeling you get from being able to help your child in such a way.