Weight loss and Reflexology

  The question ‘Can Reflexology help with weight loss’ is often asked.

Stress may increase intake of the wrong foods

Adrenaline and cortisol are stress hormones released to protect us when we feel threatened. In today’s busy world we experience high levels of stress as we juggle work, family, finances, relationships, etc. Stress prompts the fight-and-flight response activating the following hormones:

·       adrenaline

-      increases the heart rate

-      tightens muscles

-      shortens the breath

-      boosts energy supply

·       cortisol

-      increases sugars in the bloodstream boosting energy.

-      the body burns more fuel and oxygen

To maintain a state of alertness, an instant spike of energy is produced when eating foods containing sugars and simple carbohydrates. Our body is designed to respond to stress quickly, burning up the fats and sugars as fuel and for the stress hormones to drop when we no longer feel threatened.

Scientific and medical research clearly shows that to stay in a state of stress - resulting in high cortisol levels - is detrimental and may cause numerous health problems such as

·       obesity: increased appetite and cravings

·       increased stored body fat

·       compromised immune system

·       heart disease

·       sleep problems

·       digestive problems

·       chronic fatigue, etc.

Reflexology regulates stress

During a Reflexology treatment, deep relaxation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes further relaxation thus slowing production of cortisol and adrenaline. 
The result is a

·       slower heart rate

·       relaxed muscles

·       improved digestion

·       body and mind are more relaxed

·       improved immune system

·       improved feeling of well-being

Weight loss/management

As reflexology improves feelings of well-being and regulates the stress hormones, cravings diminish and digestion improves. To lose or control weight, the intake of food needs to supply the right amount of fuel for good energy. Reflexology sets a lot in motion, both physical and mental, but on the journey of weight loss the following is crucial:

·       feed the body the fuel it needs, not more, not less

·       eat a variety of fresh, non-processed foods

·       eliminate all sugars

·       avoid saturated fats

·       eat good fats

·       read labels and look for the ‘hidden’ sugars and saturated fats

·       exercise – walking and swimming are safe exercises. Daily chores such as cleaning, home maintenance, gardening, etc. are also ‘exercise’

·       drink up to 8 glasses of water per day

References

Mayo Clinic (2010). Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001

Malesky, G., Kittel, M. (2011). Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-tips/how-your-hormones-affect-your-weight

This is general information only, it is not medical advice

Facial Reflexology, brief history and benefits

What is Facial Reflexology?

Facial Reflexology stimulates fixed points and body ‘maps’ on the face, it is considered a multi-reflexology method. Quick and deep results are achieved in balancing the body, as the face is so close to the brain.

Not only is this technique therapeutic - as in better health – it also stimulates microcirculation in the skin of the face. Increased blood and lymphatic circulation result in an increase of nutrients and better hydration of the cells. Fine wrinkles soften; the skin looks healthier and is ready to absorb the beneficial ingredients of a moisturizer/oils.

Benefits of Facial Reflexology

Facial Reflexology has a wide field of action and provides excellent results in the treatment of neurological disorders such as autism, Parkinson’s, early dementia, ADHD and learning difficulties in children. The following react very well to Face Reflexology: skin conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and the various body systems such as, but not limited to, digestive, circulatory, reproductive and respiratory. Muscles and joints are also helped i.e. stiff neck, shoulder pain, cramps, etc. Due to the closeness of the face to the brain headaches, insomnia and depression respond well to this treatment.

What is the difference between Foot and Facial Reflexology?

Facial Reflexology is a clinical treatment that acts on the neurological points in the face as well as on the brain. Foot Reflexology acts on the circulation and the hormones in the body.

Prof. Dr. Bui Quôc Chau and Dien Chan

Prof. Dr. Bui Quôc Chau is a Vietnamese acupuncturist with knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine who worked at an addiction treatment clinic in Saigon in the late 70’s and was seeing thousands of patients. He noted the benefits of the treatments and discovered that points on the face used by Chinese doctors could be stimulated with great benefit without the use of acupuncture needles. At the same time, he considered the emerging modalities where the body is projected on various parts such as the feet (reflexology), the eyes (iridology) and the ears (auricular therapy) and through testing he discovered the various projections of the body on the face. He called his method Dien Chan that combines work on the points on the face and the projections on the face.

Tools of Dien Chan

The tools of Dien Chan that can be used have a purely mechanical action on the epidermis. They stimulate the circulation, the peripheral nervous system and stimulate the lymphatics in order to strengthen the immune system.

Lone Sorenson and Sorensensistem

Lone Sorenson is a Danish reflexologist now teaching in Barcelona, Spain. When Lone lived in Argentina she witnessed facial treatments used by native Indian communities in South American as well as a Vietnamese doctor using the Vietnamese technique. Back at her clinic, Lone applied what she had observed and saw great results. Today, Lone’s method combines the various techniques she has observed which include some aspects of the Vietnamese Face Reflexology Dien Chan

References

Rusten, K. Facial Reflexology. Retrieved from http://www.kimrusten.com/facial_reflexology

Sorenson, L. Face Reflexology: Facial Reflexology, Sorensensistem™ & More. Retrieved from http://www.facereflexology.info/lone-sorensen-sorensensistem