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Page 2. Reflexology & Aromatherapy |
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 ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?
Reflexology is the belief that all the functions and organs of the body are represented on the feet and hands. The application of pressure to these areas using specific thumb and finger techniques will stimulate the whole system, opening energy pathways which will encourage the body’s own healing potential.
A Reflexology treatment can induce a deep state of relaxation. When the tension is relieved, the muscles will relax allowing the circulatory systems to flow freely, which in turn allows the necessary oxygen and nutrients to reach all parts of the body and toxins and impurities to be carried away. It is not unusual for a person to fall asleep during the treatment, this is to be encouraged as the deeper the relaxation that is achieved, the more effective the treatment.
Reflexology does not diagnose and it does not cure, as with Reiki it works on the whole system, dispersing energy blockages and increasing circulation, therefore encouraging the body to heal itself. After the treatment, the recipient will usually feel very relaxed, peaceful and more able to cope. The cotton wool feeling in the brain often disappears allowing the person to feel more focused, energetic and able to tackle problems more easily.
WHICH CONDITIONS CAN IT HELP?
Due to the effects of the relaxation that can be achieved through reflexology, it has been found to be helpful with many conditions including:-
Pain
Insomnia
Fatigue
Stress
PMS
Depression
Migraine
Asthma
Hay Fever
Sinusitis
Digestive and Menstrual Problems
FOOT MASSAGE
As part of the Reflexology treatment, I incorporate a thorough foot and ankle massage in order to help relax the feet, improve tight muscles and ligaments and to loosen the joints of the feet and ankles. This gives relief to tired, aching feet and helps to relieve the discomfort of painful arches and toes. It has also been found to be helpful with lymphatic drainage of the ankles and the pain of heel spurs.
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
Massage is the most commonly used method for applying essential oils. In general the massage techniques used during an aromatherapy massage are relaxing movements in order to relieve stress and tension. The aromatherapy massage differs from basic massage as it is performed much more slowly with the aim to achieve total relaxation. A great deal of attention is given to the spinal muscles by applying pressures along either side of the spine; this relieves tension from the spinal nerves which supply the whole body.
The essential oils are extracted from plants, flowers and trees and are absorbed
into the body by three main routes.
The molecules are inhaled into the lungs where they enter the blood supply.
They are absorbed into the body through the pores of the skin during the massage.
The inhaled molecules also pass from the nasal cavity along the olfactory nerve to the part of the brain that deals with memory and emotion.
The action of the essential oils vary depending on their chemical constituents. They work on both the psychological and physiological aspects of the body, many oils have an analgesic effect and some are antibacterial, anti viral and anti fungal. Certain oils will stimulate the circulation which will help with the elimination of toxins and others have a sedative effect which will help with stress and insomnia.
Animals rely heavily on plants for their sustenance and well-being. The chemistry of plants and humans is so similar that plants could be thought of as a set of keys for turning on the body's mechanisms. Science does not as yet completely understand which mechanisms are at work within the body and how essential oils effect it but it is believed that they are 'effectors' bringing about a stimulation of the body's own healing processes. Each essential oil is made up of a number of chemical properties, each with it's own key, which will lock into one of the receptors located on the cells within the body. In the same way that hormones and neurotransmitters work, the oils will only effect specific target cells which have receptors that will recognize and bind with the molecular structure of the essential oil.
In this way Aromatherapy can:-
Alter moods
Effect hormonal activity.
Alleviate pain.
Strengthen the immune system.
Effect the nervous system.
Effect the cardiovascular system.
Uplift the spirits.
Further Reading:-
The Fragrant Mind
The Fragrant Pharmacy
Valerie Ann Worwood
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