A chronic neck and shoulder problem has forced me to slow down and fundamentally re-think my lifestyle. And my first thought was, "Why had it taken a physical condition to force me to slow down and start paying attention to myself?". And then I remembered, I haven't been doing my Reflexology swops as regularly as I used to. It's often the case that the body sends little signals of discomfort and distress and we're so busy that we just ignore it, maybe put it to one side thinking we'll deal with it later. But life happens! I don't know about you, but my experience of life is that it rarely gets calmer or quieter for long - maybe a pause for the odd holiday and then it's back to the rush that is life. It's so easy to find new things to be busy with - whether it's work pressures or home or family, there always seems to be something that squeezes out the time that we have available for ourselves. And when we get into that cycle of always having something to do, our bodies might start to speak a little louder with stronger signals of discomfort and distress. Until it brings us to crisis point - just because we've ignored the softer signals. Since my "crisis" (thankfully uncomfortable but fixable) I've had to recognise how little time I spend just being ME. Time when I do nothing and allow my mind to listen and more importantly hear what my body is saying. I used to be quite good at that, but it has slipped over the past few years. Just because I don't get very stressed about things, I've assumed that I'm relaxed and tuned into myself, but patently that isn't true. It's time to relax. And as I've spend more time dedicated to relaxation I've begun to notice the more nuanced signals from my body about hungry, thirsty for water (rather than the copious amounts of tea that I normally consume), getting tired and the feelings that normally get pushed down and ignored (nervous, fearful, disappointed, etc). And I've also noticed that I opt for self-care more than I used to - a cancellation now becomes an opportunity for a foot treatment or a walk. Relaxation allows us to tune into ourselves: it allows our mind and body to communicate effectively and develop an equal relationship, instead of the mind being do dominant and ignoring what the body's saying. It allows us to notice when and what self-care is required and also to build resiliance so that we can set and maintain our boundaries - the ability to say "no" or "not now" can really help to save energy, reduce stress and help us to feel good about ourselves. So now, as well as taking time out to relax - and by that I mean taking time out to sit and be still - I'm getting more Reflexology swaps booked in, because Reflexology helps me to relax and tune into my body and the improved sleep and energy boost are always welcome too! If you'd like help to relax and want someone else to do the work, try a Reflexology and Indian Head Massage treatment, You can book online here: BOOK A TREATMENT .
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I'm aghast at how quickly the year has been going past and how little I seem to have achieved of my goals so far - goals which, I'm prepared to admit, may be a tad unrealistic (for tad, read completely). But I've been inspired by a couple of things I've read lately, so I'm intending to make some changes. There are a few reasons why my goals seem to carry forward from year to year, maybe you can relate to some of my behaviours:
So, I've been thinking about it a lot recently. I've had a huge spring clean this year, trying to make life simpler and create more me time and I've been successful. I've had many more days out (although the clear out still has a long way to go). And I've decided that my approach to goal setting is going to change:
As February approaches are you beginning to feel that the New Year, New You is rapidly sliding back to the old year, old you? Are those best intentions and resolutions for the New Year beginning to fade into the past. Are you feeling frustrated and a bit disappointed in yourself at how easily you are sidetracked from those dearly held improvements that you'd like to change? I certainly am. And I've worked out some tips to help. Although I've put it at the bottom of the list, one of my most important tips is to be good to myself which is why, this year, I've put self care at the top of my list. I'm rewarding myself with Reflexology and Indian Head Massage treatments because when you're expending a lot of energy in pursuing goals, it's important to get some back. So, here are some tips to help you get back on track:
To book an appointment email doriswylie@btinternet.com or call Doris on 07724 197627. In the slower, colder, winter months, our bodies tend to store more toxins because our detoxification organs are impacted by inactivity. And the festivities over Christmas and New Year intensify this effect. Because different parts of the foot relate to corresponding parts of the body, a Detox Reflexology session can focus on the elimination system and gently amplify the body's natural detox functions. By giving extra focus to the lymphatic system, kidney, lungs, liver and colon during a treatment, the body's natural detox function can be stimulated and supported, providing an internal cleanse - and not a glass of lemon juice in sight (although if you want the lemon juice too, that's even better). There's some research to support the fact that Reflexology relaxes the blood vessels, promoting an increased blood flow which allows the elimination organs and lymphatic system to function more effectively, whilst at the same time helping the body to eliminate the toxins more effectively. And it's very relaxing which can't hurt! Because stress creates a heavier toxic burden for the body to bear - all those stress chemicals which wash through the body can become a real toxic load if they are not burned off by the natural fight/flight response. So why not shake off the fallout from the Festivities, and jump-start your detoxification system with a Detox Reflexology add on to your normal Reflexology treatment? Start the year the way you mean to continue - healthy, wealthy & wise! Add a 10 minute Detox Reflexology to your regular Reflexology session for only £5 extra. To book your session contact Doris Wylie on 07724 17627 or email doriswylie@btinternet.com. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as Tapping therapy or Meridian Tapping Techniques was created by Gary Craig and works like emotional acupressure to quickly, gently and easily release the negative emotions and beliefs that are at the root of much of our problems and pain. The underlying principle of EFT is that all emotions and thoughts are forms of energy; this energy, whether positive or negative, has very real physical manifestations that affect all functions of the body. While the human body possesses a natural healing potential, stress and emotional problems can stand in the way, which is where EFT comes in. People who experience benefits from practicing tapping techniques find that it helps clear their mind, focus their attention on the present moment (much like meditation does), and improve their attitude so they have a better chance of overcoming challenges they may face. One of the best things about EFT is that it can be done virtually anywhere, at any time, quickly and without the use of any equipment, medications or supplements. EFT works on clearing small problems as a way of loosening and softening up bigger more intractable problems. What types of symptoms can EFT help to manage or prevent? People use EFT tapping techniques for:
The tapping technique is relatively simple to learn and so can be given as homework - empowering and enabling the client. And because it's best applied to very specific issues it's easy for clients to gauge whether it's working or not. For example, EFT can be very helpful for people experiencing stress, but stress is too big a problem, so the EFT session would be looking at what specifically causes stress and working on that. Everyone has "stuff" - hot buttons that trigger strong (and often inappropriate) emotional reactions when they are pressed. And those emotions lie dormant waiting to be triggered, so most of the time they are not apparent, but they do harm - stored negative emotions can have a detrimental effect on our health and wellbeing. I'm not yet qualified, so the work I'll be doing over the next 50 sessions will be for case study work. And in an effort to find enough people for my EFT case study volunteers, I'll be offering a free EFT session to the next 30 people who book a treatment with me. If you'd like a treatment and a free EFT session (as a case study volunteer) email me at doriswylie@btinternet. Fertility Week 29 Oct – 4 Nov 2018
Changing perceptions, providing support and raising funds This is an extract from Fertility Support Network UK, a charity which provides free and impartial support, advice, information and understanding for anyone affected by fertility issues. They are organising a number of events over the next week: "Not being able to have the family you yearn for can be an incredibly isolating experience whatever stage of your fertility journey you are at: considering your future fertility, having fertility treatment, or facing life without children. Fertility Week is a chance to challenge the taboos and myths around infertility and raise awareness of the devastating physical, emotional and social impact fertility problems wreak. Together – sharing stories and experiences – we can change perceptions, signpost support and raise funds to help others. Together we are stronger. #YouAreNotAlone Monday 29 October #Scream4IVF We reveal the best and worst places to live in the UK if you’re hoping to access NHS IVF and release the latest news about #Scream4IVF – our campaign for fair access to NHS fertility treatment. Help us end the IVF postcode lottery: scream, share and sign our online petition at www.scream4IVF.org Tuesday 30 October #LifeWithoutChildren How do you move forwards meaningfully when you have not been able to have children? We reveal exclusive research results from Dr Sophia Gameiro of Cardiff University and host two webinars: Lesley Pyne at 19.00 talking about her book Finding Joy beyond Childlessness and Dr Sofia Gameiro at 20.30 discussing practical advice if you have not met your parenthood goals. Further info at http://fertilitynetworkuk.org/for-those-facing-the-challenges-of-childlessness/support/2018-webinar-series/ Wednesday 31 October #FertilityFellas Fertility is not solely a female issue – men are half the fertility equation too – so it’s time to explode some male fertility myths. Did you know the most common reason for a couple to try IVF is because of male factor problems? Share and tweet our top five male fertility facts. Thursday 1 November #FertilityAtWork Do you know your employment rights during fertility treatment? We highlight what people can and should expect from their employer when facing fertility issues and going through treatment. Share and tweet our fertility at work facts. Friday 2 November #FutureFertility We focus on fertility education: do you know your fertility vital statistics? For women, they’re 28:35:42. 28: female fertility is already falling, 35: female fertility plummets, 42: your chance of becoming a biological mother is vanishingly small. Share and tweet our future fertility facts. The 2nd is also World Fertility Day. World Fertility Day is about education, empowerment and understanding. IVFbabble.com founders, Tracey Bambrough and Sara Marshall-Page will be hosting an event in London and have invited leading fertility experts in every field across the globe to join us to offer their knowledge. If you would like to join, just email on wfd@ivfbabble.com. Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 November The Fertility Show, London Fertility Week culminates in The Fertility Show at Olympia, London – the biggest and best-attended fertility show in the world. Join us there https://www.fertilityshow.co.uk/london Get involved in Fertility Week: Host a Fertili-tea party Brew like you’ve never brewed before. Everything seems better after a cup of tea, so we’re asking all tea aficionados to call up friends, family or colleagues, bake a fertility cake or two (let your imagination run wild) and sell tea and cakes to help others. And, yes, we want to see photos of those amazing egg and sperm cakes. For a Fertiliti-tea pack visit http://fertilitynetworkuk.org/fertilitea/ Get social Share your stories, experiences, blogs and more during the week using the hashtags #YouAreNotAlone #FertilityWeek18 and either #Scream4IVF #LifeWithoutChildren #FertilityFellas #FertilityatWork or #FutureFertility Contact us For press releases and information on our #YouAreNotAlone media campaign, contact Catherine Hill, head of communications at media@fertilitynetworkuk.org. Send your #YouAreNotAlone blogs, Fertili-tea photos and more to digital communications officer, Natalie Aminoff at natalie@fertilitynetworkuk.org" If you are affected by fertility issues, check out this Fertility page or join us at the Fertility Support Group every second Monday at Soul Retreat, 2 Biggar Road, Edinburgh 5.30 - 6.30 - for more information contact Doris Wylie on 07724 197627. We're not quite there yet, but the change of clocks and the change of season can bring with it particular health challenges. The onset of autumn and winter mean: shorter days; colder weather; lack of light; less fresh air; comfort food; less opportunity for exercise; and lots more coughs and colds doing the rounds. Now is the time get ahead of the game and boost your immune system to ensure you stay healthy this winter. Did you know, your body can produce 1,000,000 antibodies within a minute? This ability to react rapidly to a new invader makes all the difference between a minor twenty-four hour cold or stomach but and a week in bed with flu or food poisoning. Patrick Holford, well-known nutritionist says, "Exercise, your state of mind, and your diet, all play a part in boosting your immune power." Vigorous exercise can actually suppress the immune system, while Tai-chi has been shown to increase the count of T-cells by 40%. More calming and less stressful forms of exercise are probably best for immunity. Learning how to deal with stress, coping with psychological issues and regular relaxation are important to boosting the immune system. If you find it difficult to relax, why not try Reflexology and Indian Head Massage? A good, high strength, multivitamin and mineral supplement will help optimise your intake of immune boosting Vitamins A, B6, C, E, Zinc and Selenium. Also the herbal remedy Echinacea is thought to help prevent colds, although there's no clear scientific evidence to support this. Get outside every day, regardless of the weather, to top yourself up with daylight and fresh air. Even 15 or 20 minutes at lunchtime can help to boost your immune system if you get into a daily routine. Make sure your diet includes plenty of: carrots, beetroot, sweet potatoes; tomatoes; beansprouts; watermelon; oranges; kiwi; lentils; beans; brown rice; and fish. And of course, make sure you get plenty of sleep because your body does most of it's repair and renewal activity while you sleep. And a positive mental attitude helps - if you think you're going to get a cold, it's much more likely that you will. So start now to look after your health for winter and you'll reap the benefits in the months to come. I've just finished reading an article in an old Association of Reflexologists magazine which reports on a very small uncontrolled study of 7 women who underwent 6 x weekly, 30 minute treatments of Reflexology for symptoms of menopause. The author concluded "While this is a small uncontrolled study, it does suggest that both the severity and frequency of a range of symptoms associated with the menopause may benefit from a course of reflexology treatments." Symptom Reduction Number Treated Agree Positive Changes Hot flushes 7 57% Mood swing frequency 7 57% Mood swing severity 7 71% Insomnia 6 50% Headaches 3 66% Vaginal/bladder 3 66% Fatigue frequency 5 40% Fatigue severity 5 80% Forgetfulness 6 66% And the participants commented: "Hot flushes reduced in severity and frequency, thereby reduced feelings of being overwhelmed by the changes in my body! I therefore felt in control again, able to cope and enjoy my life." "I believe that the treatment has 'toned down' the general range of symptoms and made them more manageable … it felt very beneficial." Although my personal opinion and experience with Reflexology would support the above, I'd also recommend a multi-faceted approach incorporating reflexology, diet, nutritional supplements, herbs and environment. Reflexology As you can see from the comments above, Reflexology can provide a balancing and harmonising effect which may help to moderate some of the less pleasant symptoms of menopause. Diet Aim for a healthy, balanced diet which is designed to regulate blood sugar as this will help support adrenal health - the adrenal glands can be put under a lot of pressure from the hormonal changes that take place. Avoid caffeine and sugary foods, reduce dairy and red meat and avoid refined foods. Eat a high fibre diet with lots of fruit and veg, whole grain and legumes as fibre binds to oestrogen, so it excretes more efficiently and also helps to keep blood sugar stable. Nutritional Supplements Supplements important to support menopause are: Vitamins C (with bioflavonoids), E, B Complex, Magnesium, Calcium and Omega 3. A qualified nutritionist can help with more specific recommendations on diet and supplements. Herbs Herbs which are commonly acknowledged to support menopause are: Black Cohosh, Agnus Castus, Dong Quai, Sage and Milk Thistle. These can be powerful and have adverse and toxic effects, so are best used under the supervision of a herbalist. They should not be taken in conjunction with The Pill, Fertility Drugs, HRT or any other hormone treatments/medication. Environment As much as possible reduce the xenoestrogens (environmental oestrogens) around the home. These artificial oestrogens are found in: pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides (wash non-organic food well with a biodegradable non-toxic solution); plastic goods (which can leach xenoestrogens into the environment); creams and cosmetics that have parabens and stearalkonium chloride (cheap brands tend to include more toxic ingredients); nail polish and nail polish removers; fluoride; don't leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun; fabric softeners (they contain petrochemicals that are absorbed by the skin); microwaving food in plastic containers - especially avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for microwaving; computer monitors, tvs, etc. that emit high levels of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). This multi-faceted approach offers a holistic way to support the body through menopause and reduce the more extreme and uncomfortable symptoms. More more information on how Reflexology might be able to support you through menopause, contact Doris Wylie at doriswylie@btinternet.com. |
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