Tag Archive | "reflexology"

Tags: , , , ,

Treating ADHD with Reflexology



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.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags: , , ,

Treat Pregnancy Woes With Reflexology


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.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags:

Tips for Boosting Your Reflexology Business


The following are some simple tips that can boost your level of professionalism and productivity.

Make sure you set up your business how you want it to run and stick with it. If a client comes in late and you go ahead and adjust your schedule and allow him the full session, he will have no reason to get there on time in the future. In the beginning, when you are building your business it may be more acceptable, but sooner or late you will have to make a decision not to bend over backwards for everyone if you want your business to succeed.
If you already have an established business, but dont have the stable clientele that you need to thrive, try the compare the feet technique, as I like to call it. When you are finished with one foot, kindly ask your client to stand up and compare how their feet feel. Not only does this put quality into your service right away, but also it sticks the wow factor into the equation. Soon your clients will be longing for the feeling they get after one of your sessions.
Make sure you are communicating effectively with your clients. In other words, you MUST know if you are being too hard on their feet or too soft. If you are too hard on their feet, and they leave in utter pain, you cannot expect them to return. In the same respect, if they leave feeling no different than they came, you did not do your job effectively enough to warrant a return visit. Make sure you tell them up front that you can change your degree of pressure to suit their needs. That is the only way they will know that you can accommodate them and are not just unknowledgeable and inexperienced.
Take an active approach in respect to customer service. Call your client the day after therapy and ask how they are doing. Furthermore, it is the perfect opportunity to get feedback and invite them back for a subsequent visit. You will build trust and better yet you will know how well the treatment went and if you will need to adjust your treatment the next time.
Make sure your prices match your skill level, experience and reputation. I wont go into great detail here because prices vary according to many factors, just do your homework before you set your prices and if they are too high, change them.
Create your environment carefully. The setting in which you do your therapy will add value to your service or it will break your service. If you choose to work out of your home, as many do in the beginning, price your services accordingly. Also, because reflexology is such a relaxing therapy, create your setting to compliment it. Avoid areas with clutter and set it up as comfortable as possible. Soft music and very soft essential oil scents are good compliments to your setup.
Finally, you should figure out how to deal with price increases before the time arises. The best thing to do is to plan months in advance and give ample warning to your customers. If you have loyal customers that you intend to keep on the lower rate, make sure you tell them what you are doing for them. It will build trust and loyalty in THEIR eyes.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags: , ,

The Next Step Reflexology: Treatment 101


Once you have looked into reflexology and decided that reflexology is a therapy that you would like to try, you will have to decide whom to go to for the treatment. There are many specialties in reflexology, so you may have the choice of seeing one that specializes in your symptoms. Keep in mind that most reflexologists see patients with all sorts of health issues. It is not vital that you go to one that specializes in your particular illness, however if it makes you feel more secure you can certainly do so.

Probably not surprisingly, the most common reason for seeing a reflexologist is for stress relief. Stress is literally killing us. And hey, who doesnt have stress? The effects of stress have been studied for quite some time and it is known that if you do not release stress from your body on a regular basis, it will eventually wreak havoc on your body in the form of one of many different sicknesses or diseases.

In the world of reflexology there are specialists for

Infertility & maternity
Insomnia
Menopause
Back pain
Stress relief
Depression
Autism
Children
Elderly patients
Now you may be wondering what you can expect from your reflexologist at your treatment appointment. You may also be asking yourself, what if I am embarrassed about my feet, or my feet are ticklish, how will I be able to handle the therapy? All of these are viable questions.

As far as the appearance of your feet, dont worry about them. This is a common fear for new patients. All feet are different and there is nothing to be ashamed about. The only possible thing that might come up in direct relation to the appearance of your feet may be if you have a severe problem with corns or something of that nature. In this case, your reflexologist may recommend treatment options.

Ticklish feet are not usually a problem for a reflexologist. Once pressure is applied, the sensation will quickly turn from a tickle to massage and you should be ok. However, if you are one that gets aggravated by the simplest touch of your foot, this therapy may not be for you.

Your therapy session will usually begin with a questionnaire or a 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. Next, your ears, feet and hands may 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.

Your therapy will usually start with rubbing of the ears, hands or feet and then will turn into a pressing technique. It closely mimics acupuncture, but without needles. By pressing in certain areas of the feet, hands and even the ears, the brain will send signals and release neurochemicals to stop pain and relieve tension. You will become very relaxed during the therapy. Believe it or not, some people even fall asleep. It is one of the single most powerful ways to relax and eliminate stress in your body. Once you try it you will be hooked for life.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags: , , , ,

The history of reflexology


Reflexology is a type of alternative therapy that has been used for centuries. As opposed to many types of conventional medical treatment, a reflexologist focuses on massaging parts of the feet and the hands in order to achieve results. In this article, well be reviewing some of the history of reflexology so that you can get a good idea of where the practice came from and where it is going.
Many feel that reflexology actually had its roots in ancient Egypt, as inscriptions found in the tombs of physicians appear to seem suspiciously like they pertain to reflexology. Experts in the field believe that the practice was taught to the ancient Egyptians by the Roman empire. Whatever the case, reflexology has been traditionally used in Asian countries, as well.
As far as modern day times go, reflexology was first brought to the publics attention around the year of 1917, when a man named Dr. William H. Fitzgerald published a book on Zone Theory, which contained many of the basic ideas that would lead to our modern understanding of reflexology. In the book, Fitzgerald stated that many of the problems that individuals have with pain are a result of a dysfunction of the body that can be aided via the manipulation of special pressure points or zones located throughout the body. He stated that by manipulating one part of the body, another part of the body might feel an anesthetic effect. Fitzgeralds works would be improved upon in the 1930s by a woman named Eunice D. Ingham, a physical therapist who stated that the reflexes that were located within the feet mirrored the organs of the body to a large degree. This idea created much of the basis of modern reflexology as we know it today. She created a basic system that could be used for individuals to practice reflexology on themselves or on other people, creating the first uniform treatment plan of reflexology. She continued to spread her knowledge of the procedure, touring throughout the rest of her life to help to bring reflexology to the masses. To this day, many people continue to follow
These days, more and more people are beginning to see the merits that reflexology can offer when it comes to helping to get over various symptoms. Hospitals and HMOs have begun to employ reflexology practitioners in order to provide a more complete service for their patients. Some insurance companies have begun to cover reflexology therapy on their plans, a clear sign that the procedure can be of merit when it comes to helping individuals to overcome problems with both the body and the mind. For all that we know about the procedure, however, there is still a lot that we have to learn. While we know that reflexology can be effective for treating problems, there are many conflicting viewpoints regarding exactly how the procedure works. The number of reflexology practitioners in the United States and abroad continues to grow, and in the future, we will hopefully have some better indications of how the reflexology procedure works to help the body so we can make the procedure even more useful than it already is.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags: , , , ,

The history of reflexology


Reflexology is a type of alternative therapy that has been used for centuries. As opposed to many types of conventional medical treatment, a reflexologist focuses on massaging parts of the feet and the hands in order to achieve results. In this article, well be reviewing some of the history of reflexology so that you can get a good idea of where the practice came from and where it is going.
Many feel that reflexology actually had its roots in ancient Egypt, as inscriptions found in the tombs of physicians appear to seem suspiciously like they pertain to reflexology. Experts in the field believe that the practice was taught to the ancient Egyptians by the Roman empire. Whatever the case, reflexology has been traditionally used in Asian countries, as well.
As far as modern day times go, reflexology was first brought to the publics attention around the year of 1917, when a man named Dr. William H. Fitzgerald published a book on Zone Theory, which contained many of the basic ideas that would lead to our modern understanding of reflexology. In the book, Fitzgerald stated that many of the problems that individuals have with pain are a result of a dysfunction of the body that can be aided via the manipulation of special pressure points or zones located throughout the body. He stated that by manipulating one part of the body, another part of the body might feel an anesthetic effect. Fitzgeralds works would be improved upon in the 1930s by a woman named Eunice D. Ingham, a physical therapist who stated that the reflexes that were located within the feet mirrored the organs of the body to a large degree. This idea created much of the basis of modern reflexology as we know it today. She created a basic system that could be used for individuals to practice reflexology on themselves or on other people, creating the first uniform treatment plan of reflexology. She continued to spread her knowledge of the procedure, touring throughout the rest of her life to help to bring reflexology to the masses. To this day, many people continue to follow
These days, more and more people are beginning to see the merits that reflexology can offer when it comes to helping to get over various symptoms. Hospitals and HMOs have begun to employ reflexology practitioners in order to provide a more complete service for their patients. Some insurance companies have begun to cover reflexology therapy on their plans, a clear sign that the procedure can be of merit when it comes to helping individuals to overcome problems with both the body and the mind. For all that we know about the procedure, however, there is still a lot that we have to learn. While we know that reflexology can be effective for treating problems, there are many conflicting viewpoints regarding exactly how the procedure works. The number of reflexology practitioners in the United States and abroad continues to grow, and in the future, we will hopefully have some better indications of how the reflexology procedure works to help the body so we can make the procedure even more useful than it already is.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags: , , ,

The ethics of reflexology


Many people these days are working towards becoming certified in reflexology so that they can perform the alternative therapy as a career. Along with learning about all of the reflexology points that are found throughout the body and how to manipulate them successfully to cure problems, reflexology students are also taught to adhere to strict ethics. In this article, well go over some basic reflexology ethics information so that you can get a better idea of the kind of moral standpoint the practice requires. Reflexology requires dedicated responsibility to conducting the art respectfully at all times.
One of the most important parts of running a reflexology practice is to ensure that you create lines of trust between you and your patients. To that end, you should work towards learning all that you can about the practice from both a physiological and business viewpoint so that you will be readily prepared to answer any questions that a patient might have. Also, realize that your patients are individuals who deserve a high level of respect. Work towards fostering ongoing relationships with your patients from a business standpoint in order to ensure that they will be back for return visits.
The fourth rule in the American Reflexology Certification Boards code of ethics is that you will work towards not infringing on the practices of other reflexologists. That means that you should avoid using deceptive business practices and therefore not to try to attempt to steal customers from other reflexologists in the area. Also, the fourth rule states that you should only perform the services that you are qualified to perform. In this manner, you will be better able to avoid leading your customers down an unethical path of business.
Another clearly stated rule in the code of ethics for reflexology is that you should never refer to yourself as a medical practitioner. These types of statements can be confusing, and there are some problems that an individual may have that can not be successfully resolved through reflexology. To that end, patients who are suffering from serious illnesses that cannot be addressed with reflexology should be encouraged to visit a doctor or hospital.
All of these ethics need to be followed by a reflexologist for many different reasons. For one, following the ethics code accordingly helps you to ensure that you are giving reflexology a good name as a practice. As it is an emerging type of complementary therapy, many look towards reflexology with a wary eye, meaning that you must be very careful when it comes to making reflexology a respectable practice. Also, you will find that following the rules of ethics will help you to keep customers and foster relationships for years to come, ensuring your success as a reflexologist. Operating with ethics is a win/win situation for you, your patients, and the art of reflexology on a universal level. Be sure to operate your business with diligence, ethics, and care, and you can rest assure that you will find that your efforts will not be in vain.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags: , , , ,

The differences between massage therapy and reflexology


Both massage therapy and reflexology are becoming more and more popular options when it comes to treating certain types of symptoms in the western world. Few people understand both of these topics to an in-depth degree, however, so in this article, well give you a good idea of what some of the differences between the two practices are in order to give you a more complete understanding of your treatment options.
One of the major differences between reflexology and massage therapy lies within the area that is manipulated by the specialist. Massage therapists tend to concentrate on massage of the whole body in order to achieve a universal sense of relaxation and stress relief. Reflexologists, on the other hand, work very precisely on specific areas of the body in the hopes that it will relieve certain symptoms an individual is having. The feet, hands, and ears are the most common areas that a reflexology works with in order to achieve results, while massage therapy principally focuses on all of the muscles of the back and torso.
Another difference between reflexology and massage therapy is the type of technique that is used to perform the work. Massage therapists often work with wide, broad strokes, using their whole hands either cupped or with the fingers together in order to massage broad ranges of the body. Reflexologists, on the other hand, work towards affecting nerve endings that are located within very specific points of the feet, hands and ears, and to that end, they employ small movements with their fingers in order to manipulate them.
Whereas massage therapists work to help someone to overcome an injury or just to feel good in general, people often visit reflexologists in order to treat specific symptoms. It can be useful for numerous problems, with a study from China showing that it can be helpful in treating at least sixty three different heatlh-related problems. One study conducted in the United States showed that a full one third of all cancer patients turn to reflexologists in order to help them with pain relief, clearly illustrating how useful and specific the practice can be.
One similarity that the two arts share is that they work to help an individual to feel a lot more stress-free and relaxed. The American Medical Association has stated that approximately eighty five percent of all illnesses are stress related, so visiting a massage therapist or reflexologist can be immensely helpful when it comes to maintaining your quality of life.
A visit to a massage therapist and a visit to a reflexologist are actually pretty similar in some ways- both of them take an average thirty minutes to a full hour in order for the work to be done. If youre unsure of whether you should visit a massage therapist or a reflexologist in order to treat your problem, your best bet is to heavily research the two topics before coming to a decision, as they both offer different and specific benefits that can be great for your health.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags: , ,

The Benefits of Reflexology for Babies


Reflexology is a form of treatment started by the ancient Chinese in centuries past. It was found that by stimulating specific reflexes of the feet and hands, you could not only bring healing to the body, but could cleanse the body of common toxic substances and even parasites. Reflexology was brought to the West in the early 1900s and has been proven to be a very successful therapy for most sicknesses and diseases.

So why is this technique so beneficial on babies and children? The biggest reason that reflexology is so beneficial to children is that they do not have years of toxic buildup in their systems. Furthermore, 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. Moreover, practicing reflexology on your baby is a great way to bond, stimulate and provide the tender touch that actually promotes health.

If you are curious as to what types of problems reflexology can alleviate in babies and children, here is a list I have compiled. Keep in mind that it is just a sample list and in no way represents everything that reflexology can benefit.

Ear infections
Teething pain
Asthma
Colic
Allergies
Constipation & tummy problems
Childhood eczema
Colds and flu symptoms
Sports related injuries
Respiratory infections
Depression and other emotional problems
Hyperactivity & auditory problems
Learning and concentration challenges
Acne and psoriasis
And many more

You may be asking how to do it safely and effectively. First of all, I would recommend that you seek the advice and expertise of a trained reflexologist. If you simply want to try the techniques for yourself without formal training, keep in mind that when applying pressure to an infants foot, it should be done with a gentle forward creeping motion.

If you want basic instructions on where to start, check out the information at universalreflex.com. The following instructions are directly from their website.

Start on the sole of the right foot start at zone 5 and work heel to toe, then move over to zone 4 and work heel to toe, then zone 3, 2 and finally zone 1. Remember to work the inner aspect of the foot, which relates to the spinal reflexes. Stay on the same foot and follow exactly the same procedure - gentle pressure working from heel to toe, again starting at zone 5 and moving across to zone 1. Finish off by gentle stroking of the entire foot. Move over to the left foot and carry out the same routine.

Because baby’s feet are so small, the procedure can be carried out once or several times and the entire session can be as short as a couple of minutes to just over five minutes. The golden rule is little, lightly and often! Better to give many two-minute sessions than one long one - or none at all!

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)

Tags: , ,

The Benefits of Combining Nutrition with Reflexology


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.

Posted in Health TipsComments (0)




Advertise Here


Advertise Here