Special Offer available until 31 May 2014 at the end of this blog... Over the past few months I've had a number of clients who have come to Reflexology for the first time and I've been absolutely delighted by their response to the treatment. I've been a reflexologist for the past 16 years and although I try not to take it for granted, I do sometimes forget just how amazing Reflexology is. So, it's wonderful to have clients who remind me just how blessed I am to be able to practice such a gentle, yet powerful treatment. One of the biggest surprises, for clients new to Reflexology, is just how relaxing it is: someone recently said they'd never been so relaxed in their life. Well if that's not a recommendation, I don't know what is! For me, I love the fact that clients can get really, really relaxed without having to do a thing. And that sense of relaxation can create a powerful healing space. We spend so much of our time and energy - physical and psychic - out in the world trying to get results, or cope with the results of the efforts of others, that we often forget to come back to ourselves. It's a bit like going out in the morning, but forgetting to come home at night. I often wonder if that's why Yoga and Meditation seem to be increasing in popularity at the moment. Einstein's 3rd Law of Motion says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction (I'm sure I've not got that exactly right, but the meaning's there). The more stressful life becomes, the bigger the demand for a space of stresslessness (OK, so it's not a word, but it does look relaxing, don't you think)? Therapies like Reflexology have never been more popular and I think it's because they give clients an opportunity to relax, to be still and to take stock. Our bodies are amazing healing machines which, with the right fuel, maintenance and recovery strategies, will keep going strong. The relaxed feeling that Reflexology can create offers a healing space in which the body can re-calibrate, re-balance and repair. So, Reflexology is fabulous for keeping you healthy! But Reflexology can also help you recover better health. Relaxation may help reduce inflammation in the body and that can have a beneficial effect on many conditions, such as IBS or arthritis. It also has a positive impact on the hormone system by reducing the production of stress chemicals and hormones in the body. And, for me, one of the most significant effects of the relaxing effect of Reflexology is that it helps to develop awareness in the client of the distinction between tense and relaxed - for without awareness, nothing can change. Some of the biggest "Ah Ha" moments in my Reflexology practice have been with clients who seemed to me to be stressed, but didn't feel themselves to be stressed. By the end of the treatment they felt relaxed and were then able to recognise how high their stress levels had actually been. Relaxation also helps with pain management, so painful conditions can often be helped through Reflexology - and there is research to support this. So, if you've never tried Reflexology before, why not give it a go, because you'll never really know what you're missing until you try it out for yourself. And to put my money where my mouth is, I'm going to give a £5 discount to all new clients who book before 31 May 2014 - just call me (Doris), on 07724 197627 and quote Blog when you book your appointment. Looking forward to meeting you.
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Have you ever wondered if any of the rich and famous are addicted to Reflexology? No? Neither did I until I read a facebook post from the Association Of Reflexologists about Susie Amy (best known for her role as Chardonney in Footballer's Wives, back in 2002). Susie not only enjoys reflexology sessions, but is now training to be a reflexologist - that's commitment for you! If you want to read the complete article here's the link: http://www.aor.org.uk/images/pdf/Susie%20Amy%20article%20finished.pdf So the article got me curious ... are there any other "celebrities" who enjoy the benefits of reflexology. A quick google search helped me find a blog by Amy Kreydin entitled "Reflexology's Use By Famous Persons". Amy list a number of famous people who enjoy reflexology including: * Marc Antony and Cleopatra * James Hetfield, lead singer and guitarist for the band Metallica * Jackie Chan (He purchased a property in Singapore where his property agent plans to develop “a foot reflexology business” or offices for the second and third floors.) * Chef and author, Anthony Bourdain (He, visited Master Soon, a Reflexologist in Singapore for his first Reflexology session during one of the “No Reservations” TV shows.) * Princess Diana received regular Reflexology sessions. (Newsweek magazine is cited as saying “In the end Diana looked less like a royal and more like a sleek Manhattan socialite. For one thing she was well groomed. She got manicures and pedicures, had foot reflexology three times a week.”) * Dr. Mehmet Oz, author and professor of surgery at Columbia University (He demonstrated Reflexology techniques on Oprah Winfrey’s show in May 2007.) * Regis Philbin, then co-host of Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (He is quoted in Laura Norman’s well-known reflexology text book as saying “Laura Norman's reflexology spared me from a kidney stone operation and saved my life. What she does is the second best thing in the world.”) * Ann Romney, wife to former Massachusetts Governor and U.S. Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, shared in an interview with National Public Radio that Reflexology is part of her regular routine. “‘It's a lot of effort, but it's very, very important that I eat healthy,’ Romney said. Her therapies also include acupuncture treatments and reflexology.” Mrs. Romney was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998. If you want to read Amy's article in full, here's the link: https://suite.io/amy-kreydin/175c20j Some further research led me to the information that Howard Sterns (American radio and TV personality, media mogul, humorist, actor and author) states in his autobiography that Reflexology played a huge role in relaxation and reducing the symptoms of O.C.D. And Suzi Perry, TV presenter, has been using Reflexology to support her efforts to have a baby - full article here: http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/suzi-perry-on-ectopic-pregnancy-and-quest-1406796 Now I wouldn't want to encourage a celebrity culture, far from it - rather, what surprised me most was how few celebrities own up to benefiting from Reflexology, given how popular it is with us regular folk. I'd like to see more celebs putting their hands up to having regular reflexology treatments, wouldn't you? It's April tomorrow and summer is not too far away (hopefully), so now is the time to pay attention to your feet and give them some TLC after a winter tucked away in socks and heavy shoes. A few weeks of preening and pampering will bring them back to soft supple loveliness and here's how: Help For Your Heels If your heels to are cracked and dry, soak your feet in warm water then buff your heels with a pumice stone. Dry your feet thoroughly, and rub on some cider vinegar before moisturising with vitamin E and jojoba cream (or whatever cream you have handy). You’ll need to do this regularly for the best results. For Tip Top Toes Remove nail polish regularly because your toes need to have a chance to breathe. Avoid Wet Sweaty Feet In Summer Sprinkle some talcum powder (or specially formulated foot powder) in your shoes during the warmer weather to help keep them dry and slip free. Revive Tired Feet Give your feet a quick pick-me-up. First dunk them in cold water for around 30 seconds, followed by steeping them in warm water for around 3 minutes. Finish by wrapping both feel in a towel and lying with feet elevated for 20 minutes. This will improve the circulation in feet and legs. Moisturise Your Feet Use up extra body lotion by smoothing on the feet, or if you want to make your own use one tablespoon of malt vinegar and 5oz of plain yogurt. Leave the mix on your feet for 5 minutes before rinsing off. Easy Exfoliation Take a trip to the beach, get of your socks and shoes and walk: the sand will exfoliate your feet naturally and leave them feeling much smoother than a pumice stone. A little attention now and your feel with be soft and looking lovely, just ready to show off in your summer sandals. And of course, if you really want to pamper your feet and the rest of your body, you could also book in for a treatment of Reflexology! Retirement is that halcyon time when work has ended and we often feel that life is really begining. It's a stage in life when our time is our own, we can slow down and relax a bit more and we're free to do whatever we want, whenever we want. Many now see retirement as a time of change and the beginning of a new stage in life - a time to spend on new projects, travel and hobbies or perhaps continuing with work on a part-time basis or even starting a new business. All of this needs energy and vitality and Reflexology can be the perfect support. Reflexology can be applied vigorously or lightly depending on the needs of the client, so it's easily adapted to older clients with stiff or inflammed joints but equally can be a stimulating, vigorous treatment for more robust clients. As a holistic treatment Reflexology works on a physical, emotional and energetic level. It's common, as people age, for them to feel that they can't do as much as they could when they were younger and that feeling can undermine confidence, especially if it's accompanied with health challenges. One of the most common pieces of feedback I get from clients is that Reflexology helps them "cope better" - that feeling that they're going to be able to deal with whatever life throws at them. I'd call that confidence! Reflexology is an easy treatment to have - it only requires the removal of socks and shoes, so there's not a lot of fuss and bother and no stripping off - perfect for the more modest of us. And it's relaxing. The benefits of relaxation - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual - are usually under-estimated. Being relaxed:
And a Reflexology treatment is about connecting and caring: caring about ourselves and allowing ourself to be cared for. Who doesn't need that! If you'd like to treat your mother to a Reflexology treatment on Mother's Day just call Doris on 07724 197627. I was surfing "biological age" recently and I came across this article in the Mail Online by Elizabeth Peyton-Jones about eating yourself younger. Click on this link if you want to read the whole thing. She suggests that the five ageing accelerators are:
Signs of inflammation are digestive gas, bloating, loose stools, runny nose or eyes. As we age our natural inflammatory response - the response that helps us heal and fight off infection - can become overactive, leaving activated immune cells circulating in the body. Foods that can trigger inflammation are: red meat, sugar, white flour and some dairy products. The best anti-inflammatory suggested in the article is turmeric: "Aim for one teaspoon of dried turmeric or a thumb-sized piece of fresh root every day". But watch out as it can stain hands and clothes. Oxidation is another process which accelerates ageing. Increasing the level of anti-oxidents which reduce the level of free radicals has been heavily emphasised over the past few years as a way to protect against cancer. There are indications that this may have been over-emphasised, but anti-oxidents are still important to robust health. Elizabeth Peyton-Jones suggests that the best antioxidant are red beans: kidney, pinto or aduki beans. Hormone imbalances can have a dramatic effect on ageing including: weight gain, wrinkles, headaches, muscle weakness, fatigue, dry skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, cellulite, sagging skin, poor memory. The article suggests that key hormone balancers are: pumpkin seeds, asparagus, unrefined whole grains, nuts (especially brazil nuts) and the best of them all if garlic - aim to eat one clove a day. Acidification is chronic acidity of the body and can lead to premature ageing. Acid producing foods include: red mean, coffee, cheese, cereal,and sugary drinks and snacks. Too much acid and the body pulls calcium and magnesium from bones, and iodine from soft tissue: this can lead to osteoporosis, fatigue and depression, weight gain and diabetes. But acid foods may not be acid forming, for example, citrus fruits are acidic, but have an alkalising effect on the body. Elizabeth Payton-Jones suggests that the best alkaliser is lemon and we should start our day with a drink of lemon juice in warm water - but use a straw, so acid doesn't harm tooth enamel. And she suggests that the five most ageing foods are:
No surprise there then! Well, Reflexology might not make you younger, but I'd like to suggest that the gentle rebalancing and detox that seems to accompany a Reflexology treatment would be a perfect supplement to a nutritional approach to ageing well. Vouchers are available, so why not treat your mother for Mother's Day! It's not long until Mother's Day, and I'd like to ask; "Are you going to settle for the regular, boring gifts?" Will flowers and chocolates or a meal out (on one of the busiest days of the year) be the most your imagination will stretch to? If you're struggling to think of something different to give your Mother, why not buy a gift voucher for a nice relaxing treatment of Reflexology, Indian Head Massage or Rejuvinating Facial Massage. Not only will the treatments help your Mum feel good, they'll do her good. My Mum loves her treatments and at 85 she's still going strong, in fact, sometimes I think she's fitter than me. Reflexology is a wonderful treatment for general well-being because it is holistic and relaxing and aims to bring the body back into balance. It leaves most clients feeling nice and relaxed, but also can help improve sleep, provide a light detox, give a gentle boost to energy levels and some clients find it helps reduce aches and pains. Reflexology uses finger pressure on the feet, so it's less personal and "touchy feely" than massage - perfect for those of us who are not keen on stripping off more than our socks and shoes! Indian Head Massage is done over clothing and seated in a chair - again perfect for those of us who don't like stripping off or lying prone. It uses a variety of techniques to loosen tension in upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face. It is a gentle treatment which is extremely relaxing (I've had clients fall asleep). Rejuvinating Facial Massage is a non-surgical treatment which uses specific massage techniques to brighten skin and improve elasticity. It is more vigorous than a beauty treatment and aims to lift and tone facial muscles and stimulate muscle memory. Although it is a more vigorous treatment, it is still very relaxing. So, give your Mother something different this Mother's Day, give her a real treat! Book your gift voucher today by calling Doris Wylie on 07724 197627. It's Mother's Day on Sunday 30th of March, so I thought I'd have a theme for the blogs this month: Ageing Well. Of course, we're all ageing every minute, but getting older is both better and worse than it was twenty years ago. Gone are early retirement ages and decent pension pots (for most people anyway). And over 55's are likely to have a heavier burden than ever before - looking after grandchildren and their own elderly parents or relations. But medicine is much better able to keep us alive for longer and there is much more support for the elderly in the community (although always room for improvement). Looking at some of the literature for ageing well, there's a strong emphasis on keeping fit and healthy, but fit and healthy are not necessarily the same thing. Good health is much more than fitness - good health is the result of a complex combination of mental, physical, emotional and genetic qualities. As we get older the changes can be much more challenging - family moving away, loss of parents and other loved ones, declining health, trying to keep up to date with technology, or fear of the future. The relaxing effect of a reflexology treatment can help put things in perspective and provide a listening ear. Often it's the job of the over 55's to listen to the trials and tribulations of others - family, friends, the stranger at the bus stop. So having a listening ear during a reflexology treatment can be the only time some of older folks are heard. Health is about eating well, sleeping well, breathing well, having a good posture, having an effective stress management strategy and supporting an active and robust immune system. Reflexology can help with most of these: the relaxing effects of reflexology helps to deepen breathing and release tight muscles allowing posture to improve and it also helps to improve resilience to stress. Many clients find the quality of their sleep improves after regular reflexology treatments - again perhaps because of the relaxation effect. And that relaxed state allows your body to do it's repair and renewal work, so it helps support a more robust immune response. Reflexology can improve well-being and restore balance to mind, body and emotions - something that we all deserve, but especially well-deserved by Mums in this Mother's Day month. So if you want to treat your mum this Mother's Day, ditch the flowers and chocolates and get something really useful - a Reflexology voucher. So, as a complementary therapist, why am I talking about a healthy mind? Simple, the mind and body are one integrated system and mind affects body and vice versa. A healthy body needs a healthy mind. So, what is a healthy mind? Good question. Some of the characteristics that demonstrate a healthy mind would be: positivity; equilibrium; optimism; calm; flexibility; openness and of course there are lots of others. And what are the characteristics of an less than healthy mind? Well what about: anxiety; fear; obsessive thoughts; not being able to switch off; negative emotions such as envy, self-recrimination, guilt, excessive sadness, over-excitement, etc. One of the main characteristics that distinguish a healthy mind from one that is less so, is the speed and intensity of thoughts and not being able to switch off. But it can be difficult to make changes to the way you think. How DO you stop thinking certain unhelpful thoughts and begin thinking other more helpful thoughts? It all happens so quickly doesn’t it? Your brain just races around certain thoughts or ideas and the faster it goes, the more difficult it is to stop. It’s like a race car. Well, the answer might surprise you. You have to STOP before you start again. Imagine you’re driving a car at high speed. You've got your pedal to the metal and you're racing ahead on a straight road. If you want to change direction – say you want to do a U turn - you have to stop, because if you don’t stop before you change direction you’ll crash and burn. The speed of the car will prevent your attempt to change direction. But if you change down gears, braking gently as you do so, you can stop and change direction easily. Your brain works in just the same way. If you slow everything down gently, it will be much easier to change your thinking. And would you like to know how you slow everything down? RELAXATION. Yes, that old chestnut. Doing regular relaxation or meditation will allow your thoughts to slow down to a pace where you will find it much easier to change direction and adopt a new mindset that will serve you better. It’s about recognising that the more slowly your brain works the more conscious control you have over it. So if you want to control and change your thoughts, a bit of relaxation or meditation is just the job – BUT the only way you’ll know if this is true is to give it a try. And if you find it too difficult to slow down under your own steam, you can always try a treatment of Reflexology or Indian Head Massage! To book contact Doris on 07724 197627. And you get £5 off your first treatment. |
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