 The International Stress Management Association launched their 2008 National Stress Awareness Day with their top ten stress busters:
Pick one items from the list and put it into practice and see how well it works for you. Or you could come for a relaxing Reflexology or Indian Head Massage and let someone else take the strain for a change. Just call Doris on 07724 197627 to book your appointment. And remember there's a special JULY OFFER: £10 off your first treatment - but only if you book in July (appointments can be scheduled for August).
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 Reflexologists believe that your feet reflect physical imbalances in the body, but can they also reflect your personality? Check out the following and see for yourself.
WIDE FEET You’re a hard worker and you like to keep busy - you really can’t sit still and you’re happiest when you’re busy. But activity needs to be balanced with stillness and you should try to make time for a little peace and calm in your life. LONG NARROW FEET You love to be surrounded by beautiful things, be in beautiful places and you love being pampered. You have a real ability to delegate and would much rather someone else did all the work. The Chinese would say you have Princess feet - you were born to be waited on, but make sure it doesn't alienate those around you. ARCHES High arches - these reflect a strong desire to be independent and self-sufficient. You go off on your own a lot and might even be accused of being anti-social. In Chinese philosophy, those with very high arches are in danger of being brittle and rigid. Low or average arches - these mean that you enjoy the company of others, are sociable and fairly extrovert. You like to have a good time and want everyone around you to have a great time too. THE BIG TOE - The big toe is the thinking toe (head) Longer than the other toes - you are a clever, creative thinker who comes up with ingenious solutions to problems and never runs out of ideas. You’re never stumped for an answer, and can see things from different angles. But it's likely you're good at starting but poor at finishing and you pursue the next great idea and you can be easily distracted. Smaller than the other toes - you are a superb multi-tasker, very efficient and a great delegater. Big toe overlaps your second toe - this generally indicates head over heart and vice versa. Massive toe pads - you're a very deep thinker and you like to consider everything carefully, but you may be prone to paralysis by analysis. THE SECOND TOE - The second toe is your feeling toe (heart) Long second toe - an indication of leadership qualities - the longer the toe the more pronounced the leadership qualities. You are a resourceful dynamo and want it all your way, but it can come across as being bossy. Indian folklore has it that eagle-eyed mothers stopped their sons marrying girls with long second toes because it meant they were far too bossy! Smaller second toe - means you're happy to bide your time. You'd rather have a harmonious outcome and won’t try to force things through. Gap between second and third toe - this means you are not emotionally engaged in your activities. This might be because the work requires you to be detached, or it may be because you don't enjoy what you are doing. Second toe narrow at the base and wide at the tip- this indicates some "drama queen" tendancies: whatever you're feeling, whether it's great or gloomy, will be expressed in a BIG way, bigger than you feel it. Second toe on left foot leaning towards big toe - this is a sign of a sentimental, nostalgic nature - shared by Hollywood actress Reece Witherspoon. THE THIRD TOE - The third toe is your doing toe The Chinese associate energy, drive and willpower with the third toe. Long third toe - this means you are highly resourceful and energetic, especially at work. And the longer the toe, the more driven you are to succeed. You can be aperfectionist, but you have a tendency to be a workacholic and forget about fun, love and family. Short third toe - this indicates that you enjoy the pleasures in life and love to relax. You're not inclined to get worked up about things and although you may be accused of being lazy, you feel that you just like to enjoy life. Third toe tilted so nail faces towards the little toe - this means you're great at forward planning and able to look forward and consider the next steps. Last joint of third toe at an angle - You have the natural ability to deceive, as well as the propensity to be misunderstood. Frequently to be found in spies! THE FOURTH TOE - The fourth toe is your relationship toe Long and straight fourth toe - this indicates the importance of family in your life. Unhappiness in your relationships with loved ones will show up in a curling of this toe. You are a superb listener and nurturer, but will be deeply affected by unhappiness within the family. You find it hard to cut yourself off from other people’s problems. Short fourth toe - this means that family and relationships are less crucial to you — your focus is elsewhere. THE LITTLE TOE - The little toe – the moving toe (expansiveness and freedom of thought) Small little toe - this characterises someone with a childlike impish nature: someone who doesn't want responsibility, is easily bored and is constantly looking for amusing diversions. This person is great fun to be with, but don't look for them to be steady and reliable. The smaller the little toe to stronger these characteristics. Little toe on its side - If your little toe is on its side with the nail facing the wall instead of the ceiling then you are unconventional and rebellious and follow your own path. Little toe separates from fourth toe - this indicates someone who is impulsive, adventurous and a charming flirt. This person hates routine and is needs constant change. Little toe can't separate from fourth toe - this reflects someone who likes routine in order to feel security. They will be loyal, reliable, and trustworthy and don't want too many surprises. We could set our clocks by them! And other characteristics of your toes are: Well spaced – open minded with plenty of room to expand the mind and be inspired, but if there's a gap between your big toe and first toe, it may mean that you agree to things and then wish you hadn't - the head and the feelings aren't working in harmony. Bent – fearful of responsibility or bends to other people’s beliefs. Crushed – dominated, smothered or stifled. Overlapping – no room for own ideas, lacks freedom of thought. Sloping – insecure and inflexible. May change ideas to please others. Squashed – conforms to rigid beliefs, leaving no room for own thoughts. Stands alone – need space to think. Twisted – turning away from the truth, looking to others for reassurance. Uneven toes – inconsistent, erratic thoughts. Tendon showing at base of big toe when feet at rest - If just your big toe tendon shows when you are sitting in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, then you are self-disciplined. Toes that neatly graduate in size - If each toe is a little longer than the one before, creating a neat line, this indicates a methodical, precise and extremely practical person. You’re interested in detail and ensure that you always finish what you start. You’re a dream employee, and a good friend — loyal and steadfast to a fault. Watch out for a tendency to nitpick, though — not everyone is as balanced as you. And talking about feet and what they say about you, I'd just like to remind you that I have a special JULY OFFER: £10 off your first treatment of Reflexology or Indian Head Massage, so please help me spread the word. This offer is only available for treatments booked in July, so don't delay. To book just call Doris on 07724 197627. If you've never tried Reflexology and don't know what it is, here's a brief rundown:
What is Reflexology?
How does Reflexology work? Reflexology uses finger pressure on the feet to relax and re-balance the whole person in mind, body and emotion. It works on the principle that various parts of the feet relate to corresponding parts of the body and that by working on the feet the Reflexologist can create a balancing effect. The finger pressure on the feet is firm, so it should not feel tickly. Who can benefit from Reflexology? Anyone can benefit from Reflexology: from newborn babies to those receiving end of life care, and anyone in between, but it is particularly beneficial for anyone who is experiencing ill-health and in particular those suffering from stress or stress related illnesses. There may however be times when it is not appropriate to provide a treatment, so if you're not sure, do ask. Reflexologists often specialise in particular areas, such as: fertility, pregnancy, babies, children, ageing well, pain relief, sleep, stress, cancer care, and end of life care. What happens in a Reflexology treatment? The Reflexologist will take a few moments to gather information about the client's condition (it tends to take a bit longer for the first treatment), and then the client is made comfortable, lying on a special chair or massage table. It's possible to chat during the treatment, but it's more relaxing to just close your eyes and enjoy the experience. It's not uncommon for clients to drift off into a light doze. How will I feel after a treatment? Well, everyone is different, but generally clients will feel deeply relaxed after a treatment. Clients often report having had a good night's sleep and a boost in their energy levels after a treatment. Really the only way to know is to give the treatment a try. There have been some positive research projects carried out with reflexology; however, as yet, there is not a large enough body of evidence to make clinical claims of effectiveness. With ever increasing levels of stress in everyday life, it is important for people to take more responsibility for their own healthcare needs. Reflexology may be one of the ways to mitigate the stresses of modern life. Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice. The only way to know if Reflexology will be beneficial for you is to give it a try. If you're ever feeling stressed or a bit out of sorts, think about having a Reflexology treatment to get you onto more of an even keel. To make the decision easier, I offer £5 off your first treatment. This applies to everyone, so you don't need a special voucher or ticket, it is just automatically applied when you pay for your treatment. For July, I'm offering an extra £5 off to all new clients. That means you get £10 off your first treatment if you book in July. But this offer only applies to July 2014, so don't delay, book your treatment today by calling Doris on 07724 197627, or email [email protected].  You shower or bathe every morning, right? So why not incorporate a dry body brushing routine before you step into the shower or bath – I guarantee, it will set you up for the rest of the day.
Body brushing uses a loofah or natural bristle brush with a long handle (or you can use synthetic gloves, but it doesn’t feel as nice). To get the desired effect, the brush should always be kept dry. Not only will body brushing leave you feel refreshed and energised after your shower or bath, but it will help your body detoxify, exfoliate dead skin cells, improve circulation and lymphatic drainage and reduce the appearance of cellulite. The skin is the largest organ in the body and plays an important role in the elimination of toxins. and of course, smooth skin is particularly nice to have at this time of year when (hopefully) summer is just around the corner. So, how does one body brush? Well it's important to work on dry skin to get the desired effect and it's essential to work towards the heart because that stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid. It also helps if you can remember to keep your touch light and your strokes sweeping. By the end of your body brushing routine, your skin should feel tingly, rather than sore or scratched. Begin with the feet and ankles and then move to lower legs, thighs, stomach, back and arms. Your back is the exception to the brushing upwards rule - for your back you are best to brush from the neck down. And remember it's called body brushing - so stay away from the delicate skin of the face. Once you're feeling full of zing from your brushing, you can jump into your shower or bath and wash away the dead skin cells. And afterwards, if you've got time, moisturise for that nourished, smooth, supple skin feeling. A couple of notes of caution: be careful of delicate skin areas and don't dry body brush over inflamed, cut or broken skin, or over varicose veins. Also, have your own personal body brush and wash it regularly. Give body brushing a try daily for 30 days and see the health and beauty benefits - better circulation and smoother skin. Of course, if you run out of stamina, jump into the shower before you remember to do your body brushing, or just want someone else to take the strain, a reflexology treatment could be a good substitute. It's relaxing, reviving and helps re-balance the body. And there's 20% off your first treatment in May and June 2014.  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? |
