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

Pregnancy and Reflexology

Pregnancy

Conception, pregnancy and birth lead to a huge change in a couple’s life. It is important to give the body the fuel it needs to lead to a healthy start for the baby.

Diet, exercise and a positive mind set are all supportive in this experience.

Reflexology is a great tool to support this special time in life.

Preconception and during pregnancy

Preconception care prepares body and mind for the miracle of conceiving, developing and birthing a baby. Ideally both partners take part in this preparation at least four months prior to trying to conceive as this provides the best chance for the sperm and egg to be healthy.

Some of the things to eliminate

-         Pollutants such as chemical house cleaners

-         Stress: meditation, relaxation and deep breathing are useful

-        Sugars, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine

-        Soft drinks including flavored water

-        Processed foods

Some of the things to include

-      A healthy diet including vegetables, fruit, and a balanced ratio of protein, carbohydrates and good fats. Eat organic where possible.

-      Exercise: walking at least three times a week is a great start.

Any strenuous exercise needs to be discussed with the doctor/obstetrician/midwife.

 Things to consider

-      Discuss any medication taken as they may affect fertility and later the growing fetus

Maternity Reflexology

Maternity Reflexology is a specialist modality under the umbrella of general reflexology. Many midwives in Australia and overseas are now using these techniques (Rusten, 2010).

The treatments cover all aspects of pregnancy including infertility, conception, pregnancy, birth and post partum care. 

Conception

Reflexology can help by

-      Stimulating ovulation

-      Removing stress and emotional blocks to conception

-      Regulating periods and PMT

-      Male sub-fertility

When having IVF treatments, Reflexology offers deep relaxation, which is important in that phase. This often supports the body to have the right hormonal balance when the time comes to harvest the eggs.

  During pregnancy

Most women have a wonderful pregnancy with some fatigue in the first trimester as the hormones change many body systems to accommodate the growing baby and to prepare for birth. Some conditions may appear which can be helped with Reflexology.

Some of these are:

-      Fatigue, morning sickness and postnatal depression

-      Oedema

-      Pain and discomfort of the symphysis pubis (pubic joint)

-      Lower back pain

-      Cramps in the legs

-      Diabetes and gestational diabetes

Along with relaxation, Reflexology supports and empowers mothers-to-be so that they are relaxed and their bodies are ready to deliver their babies. Research shows this may result in shorter deliveries.

 Postnatal

Birthing raises many emotions and physical sensations. Reflexology has a balancing and restoring quality that supports the new mother at this amazing time.

             Reflexology is also beneficial for

-      Post Natal Depression (PND), also as prevention

-      Exhaustion

-      Difficulty with lactation

 Baby Reflexology

Reflexology helps babies who are suffering from

-      Colic

-      Constipation

-      Reflux

-      Sleeping difficulties

References

Enzer, S. (2004). Maternity Reflexology Manual. UK: Hart Press. 

Delpero, V. & Dance, J. (2007). Stream of Life: Optimal pregnancy, birth & beyond.

Rusten, K. (2010). Maternity reflexology. Retrieved from http://kimrusten.com/maternity_reflexology