Reflexology to Alleviate Stress

As a Level 5 Clinical Reflexologist, I am in the privileged position of supporting my clients’ journeys to their target of optimal health and well-being. During many appointments in my Treatment Room I am finding that stress seems to be the underlying cause of many of the conditions that my clients are seeking help for. I believe that this is because the stress that we encounter in our busy lives can affect us on many levels – not just impacting our thoughts, feelings and behaviour but also negatively impacting our bodily functions.

The physical signs of stress are experienced in all of the body’s main systems – Stress can trigger a rapid heartbeat in the Circulatory System, nausea and digestive problems in the Digestive System, dizziness and difficulty breathing in the Respiratory System, a lack of libido and disruption of the menstrual cycle in the Reproductive System, aches and pains in the Muscular and Skeletal system, and colds and illness in the Immune System.

In addition, the psychological responses to stress affect the Nervous System and result in us having difficulty remembering things, being anxious, worrying and focusing on the negative. Emotionally, this can result in us feeling sad or depressed, irritable, lonely and agitated.

Moreover, during periods of sustained levels of stress in our lives, for example as we navigate major life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, the loss of a job, or even simply trying to please everyone or never taking the time to relax; our bodies are even more detrimentally affected. Living under conditions of chronic stress means that the “fight or flight” response of the Sympathetic Nervous System is permanently switched on. This leads to heightened levels of adrenalin and other stress hormones which have the effect of permanently raising our heart beat, blood pressure and breathing rate while slowing down our digestive and other “non- essential” systems.

Whereas this reaction to stress is vital to our survival in short term situations of crisis, over the long term its impact on our health can be catastrophic. For example, raised high blood pressure leads to strokes and heart attacks, and the stress hormone cortisol is linked to abdominal obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. In his book ‘How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body’, David R. Hamilton PhD describes how stress can even negatively affect our rate of healing and how well medicines work on us.

There are however lots of ways that we can manage the stress in our lives so that we minimise the effect it has on our health and well-being. If you’re suffering with stress why not try one or a combination of the following suggestions:

• Get high on exercise, working out is one of the best stress-busters available to us all. Even a walk in the park will help, and it’s completely free!

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet helps to keep our immune system functioning efficiently, protecting us from the effects of stress.

• Talk about it – create a network of friends and family that you can share your feelings with in order to prevent the sensation of isolation that can accompany stress.

• Let it out – sometimes we can all benefit from a good cry! Emotional tears actually clear out stress-related chemicals from our bodies when we are under pressure.

• Prioritise your sleep – stress interferes with sleep and a lack of sleep adds to your stress levels.

• Finally, hold on to your sense of humour, try watching a funny film or tv programme whenever you are feeling overwhelmed – laughter is one of the best stress-busters of all!

Of course, regular Reflexology Treatments are also an effective way of combatting stress. Reflexology is a safe and effective ancient therapy which has been practiced for over 5,000 years. According to the Association of Reflexologists, the UK’s Professional Body of which I am a full, insured member, Reflexology treatments “can help aid relaxation, improve mood, release tension, enhance sleep and can generally help improve wellbeing; allowing us to cope better with the stresses that life can bring”.

Research into the effectiveness of reflexology is continually being undertaken, and I believe that ultimately, more and more evidence will be gathered to prove that reflexology should be considered a very effective tool in combatting the effects of stress on the body. The anecdotal evidence and feedback from my own clients would certainly support this. As Barbara and Kevin Kunz in their book ‘Reflexology – Health at your fingertips’ states, “one application interrupts stress; further sessions condition change to take place; and ongoing application teaches the body to operate more effectively”. As a practicing Clinical Reflexologist, it’s my belief that reflexology should be regarded as a key therapy to combat stress and promote better health and well-being – why not try it for yourself and see if it has a beneficial impact on your own stress levels? I think that you will be pleasantly surprised by the results of your treatment!

References

Hamilton, D. R. (2009) How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body. London: Hay House

Kunz, B. & K. (2016) Reflexology – Health at your Fingertips. London: Dorling Kindersley Ltd

The benefits of Children's Reflexology

This month, and especially during the half term holidays last week I have been lucky enough to welcome quite a few younger clients into the Treatment Room. As a Level 5 Clinical Reflexologist, I am trained to offer reflexology treatments to all members of your family and many children come to see me for reflexology treatments too. Reflexology is a safe, natural and effective way to ease stress and aid relaxation for all the family. It can help to improve wellbeing and improve sleep patterns in children of all ages, it is particularly effective at helping to soothe stress and anxiety in children, who tend to respond even more quickly to their treatments than older clients do.

If you are thinking about bringing your child for a reflexology appointment, I would recommend a 30 minute Foot Reflexology treatment for Primary school aged children, and a 60 minute treatment for senior school aged children. Teens in particular tend to benefit from Facial Reflexology, which can help with skin breakouts as I include a mini-facial within the treatment; Facial Reflexology also immediately engages the parasympathetic nervous system which allows stressed-out teens to slip into a very deep, almost hypnotic state of relaxation. Reflexology is a perfect way to alleviate pre GCSE and A Level stress... leading to a calmer family environment for everyone to enjoy. 

Please feel free to get in touch if you want any further information on how reflexology could help your child. Please note that all children must be accompanied to their reflexology appointment by their parent or guardian.

Much Love,

Vicky xx

Feeling Festive….. & Exciting New Treatments for the New Year!

Feeling Festive….& Exciting New Treatments for the New Year

As the end of 2018 approaches, the Treatment Room is busier than ever as lots of lovely clients choose to escape the mayhem and pressures of the run up to Christmas for an hour’s well-earned retreat, indulging in Reflexology and Reiki treatments to restore and revive mind, body and soul.

Since training in Facial Reflexology back in October, this treatment has become my most popular therapy, and no wonder since it includes a mini facial using gorgeous Neal’s Yard products, steamy hot towels followed by a relaxing routine of stimulating and soothing the reflex points on your face, leaving you looking and feeling amazing.

I’m pleased to announce that I’ll soon be taking my Facial Reflexology services to an even more luxurious level as I’m off to the London School of Reflexology this weekend to be trained by Ziggie Bergman in her unique “Spiritual Facial” offering – The Zone Face Lift. The Zone Face Lift combines facial reflexology, Japanese facelift massage, GuaSha, Indian Head Massage and Native American healing techniques. This 90 minute treatment releases tension and stress held in the face whilst restoring radiance and an inner sense of peace. The beautifying results of The Zone Face Lift have seen it hailed as “an all natural alternative to botox” (Hip & Healthy) and “takes off 10 years in 12 weeks” (Beauty & Wellbeing). See more about what the Press are saying about this amazing treatment here: Zone Face Lift

Book your appointment for the Zone Face Lift now to be one of the first to experience this gorgeous treatment in the New Year – a perfect antidote to the January blues! For the best results it is advised to book in for a series of treatments as the benefits are cumulative – this might be a good time to drop some hints to your nearest and dearest that you’d like to find some Transcendence Holistic Treatment Vouchers under the tree this year!

Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyous Christmas, and thank you all for your support in 2018.

Love,

Vicky xxx

Following my dreams..

Following My Dreams

What an Amazing Autumn…

What an amazing Autumn it has been at Transcendence Holistic Therapies! Since launching my Reflexology and Reiki Treatment Room here in Horbury in September, I have been overwhelmed by the support and interest with which my friends, family and clients have received my new venture, and I am so happy to be spending my days expanding my little community of like-minded souls one lovely client at a time.

Since September, I have been busy checking lots off my to do list….launching my business, building a website, qualifying at the London School of Reflexology in Bergman Method Advanced Facial Reflexology, becoming a Neal’s Yard Remedies Independent Consultant, hosting skin care and facial reflexology workshops at the Treatment Room (phew!)…. but the most exciting and rewarding times of all have been the hours that I have spent delivering bespoke Reflexology and Reiki treatments to my clients. Thank you for trusting me to improve your health and well-being, and to help you feel transcendent.

Love,

Vicky xxx