Head2Foot

Massage therapy and reflexology | The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Massage therapy or reflexology may help when people are having problems relaxing or getting to sleep.

I like this article for several reasons, the first is that it refers to Reflexology as a complementary therapy and not an alternative therapy – no competent, professional, responsible Reflexologist would advocate Reflexology to be an alternative to medical treatment. I know that I have on occasions suggested to clients that they check things out with their Doctor.

I like that it describes Reflexology as helping the body get back to its natural state – balance. When the body is in balance it is ‘at ease’ rather than at ‘dis-ease’.

I was trained in the traditional Ingham method – as mentioned in this article, I also trained in Thai Foot Massage which uses the stick mentioned in the article.

Earlier this year I also completed a Diploma in Nerve Reflexology, working different points on the feet pertaining to Nerve function in addition to the classic Reflexology points for the organs and glands of the body.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411016302589

Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach - ScienceDirect Reflexology is the systematic practice of applying some pressure to particular points on the feet and hands to impact on health of related parts of the body.

Follow the link below to read my thoughts on stress and the impact long term stress can have. All of the treatments I offer may help you to relax and unwind. Within a Reflexology treatment, through working the nerve reflex points we can help the Autonomic Nervous System on its way to the balance the body needs in order to be 'at ease' rather than 'dis-ease'.

http://www.head2foot.uk.com/blog/spotlight-on-conditions-stress

www.head2foot.uk.com

With a Thai Foot Massage the feet and lower legs are massaged using a variety of techniques, leaving the legs feeling light and refreshed - even after a long run

The Pros and Cons of Massages for Runners Research finally reveals just what massages can—and can't—do for runners.

Here's a link to how I spent my Bank Holiday - all about 'me time' !

A lovely day A self-care cleansing Bank Holiday

Today it was my pleasure and privilege to take part, as a therapist at Sandwell Hospital Trust' Cancer Wellbeing day. Attended by 300 patients and cares, 130 volunteers, including therapists. The day was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Sandwell and the Chair of the Hospital Trust. The extremely hard working task force who led the fundraising events over the last year was led by a very dedicated Jenny Donovan. The event was also attended by some of the Doctors, and many cancer support organisations. There were choirs, Tai Chi and salsa lessons, a 1940s cabaret act and attendees could partake of a number of therapies, henna tattoos, eyebrow threading, facials, makeup lessons .... and much more, here are some photos .... I will certainly be doing this event again next year

My yummy Lunch! : Avocado, Rocket, Radish, Tomato, Celery, Olive Oil (no fake stuff for me, I get this from the mill my olives go to in Spain!), Yellow Pepper, Avocado and Garlic ‘Bread’ (in reality, ground cauliflower, egg, parsley, loads of pepper, loads of garlic and some cheese).
I was going to mention the beneficial nutrients in everything I’ve eaten so far today but it quickly became unmanageable, so instead, here are links to everything I’ve eaten (up to 2.30pm so there’s still afternoon snack and evening meal to go!) I think evening meal will be veg – asparagus, broccoli, mushroom, courgette, celery, tomato, red onion) thai style (loads of garlic, chilli, kaffir lime leaves, ginger lemongrass, coconut milk, with cashew nuts for protein) – and will definitely be followed by a square of dark chocolate.
When I look at the list of food like this it sounds like a huge amount and I should be as big as the side of a house – I’m not!
https://draxe.com/sunflower-seeds/
https://draxe.com/almonds-nutrition/
https://draxe.com/avocado-benefits/
https://draxe.com/bell-pepper-nutrition/
https://draxe.com/health-benefits-blueberries/
https://draxe.com/brazil-nuts/
https://draxe.com/cacao-nibs/
https://draxe.com/cauliflower/
https://draxe.com/benefits-of-cherries/
https://draxe.com/benefits-of-dark-chocolate/
https://draxe.com/food-category/gooseberry/
https://draxe.com/walnuts-nutrition/
https://draxe.com/olive-oil-benefits/
https://draxe.com/parsley-benefits/
https://draxe.com/tomato-nutrition/
https://draxe.com/radish-nutrition/
https://draxe.com/benefits-of-celery/
(Rocket) https://draxe.com/arugula-salad/
https://draxe.com/egg-collagen/
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/superfoods/Pages/is-garlic-a-superfood.aspx
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrients-red-currants-1654.html
Pumpkin Seeds http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82

Following a huge amount of effort over the last 8 months I am pleased to say that I have completed the training in Nerve Reflexology with MNT-NR. This is a completely different approach to that which I learned in my original Reflexology training. A 'classic' reflexology treatment works on various points in the fleshy areas of the feet with the aim of helping the body to restore balance. In contrast, Nerve Reflexology works different parts of the feet - always on bone, which I have to confirm may well be painful (but only where there is a problem!). The combination of the two types of reflexology is very effective at restoring the balance of the body - working not only on the musculo-skeletal structures, organs and glands of the body but also the nerves that supply those structures - and working on nerve points can reveal some surprising 'underlying causes' of symptoms!

When I began my journey with Nerve Reflexology it was with the expectation that it would be extremely helpful for people living with chronic pain - but what I have discovered is that it is SO much more! When you think about it there's nothing that happens within the body that does not have nerve involvement! Therefore whatever the condition you are experiencing integrating Nerve Reflex points into a treatment is like having two guns (working in harmony) to fight a battle than having one...

See my website for more information

http://www.head2foot.uk.com/reflexology1/nerve-reflexology

Here's the proof of my achievement 😀

Here's a link to the BBC website, regarding the 'hidden power of food' in relation to Mental Health - in fact this can apply to all aspects of our health. This is why when I see a new client for the first time I'm not just interested in the list of physical symptoms that are manifesting - I take a holistic (whole) view of the individual including sleep patterns, diet, exercise etc. Taking this time enables me to determine the most appropriate complementary therapy to work with - and often a 'mix and match' approach. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/39976706

How food can improve your mental health - BBC News As part of the fight against mental health problems we have a very much underutilised tool - food.

It's good to see the Daily Telegraph reporting on a study regarding reflexology.... demonstrating that Reflexology can help with perceptions of pain. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/9981099/Reflexology-as-effective-as-pain-killers.html

Reflexology 'as effective as pain killers' Reflexology may be as effective as painkillers, according to a new scientific survey.

This article mentions yoga and meditation as methods of stimulating vagus nerve. I do practice meditation myself - but with clients in pain I use nerve reflexology alongside 'traditional' reflexology - this ensures that not only are the organs of the body worked but also the nerves that innervate all the organs, muscles, blood/lymph - etc. Message me for more information

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Dramatically Reduces Inflammation Stimulating the vagus nerve reduces inflammation and the symptoms of arthritis.

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