WELLNESS

FOR BODY Reflexology Reflexology BALANCE AND CIRCULATION

By Patricia Danflous “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”

When Abraham Lincoln spoke those words more than a century ago, he wasn’t thinking about reflexology. Though his reference to feet was metaphorical, he was acknowledging the importance of attaining life’s spiritual, mental and physical balance. And long before Lincoln, the Egyptians and ancient Chinese healers were using feet as road maps to align, adjust and heal body and soul. According to Licensed Massage Therapist Celia Doss, reflexology originated over 5000 years ago and can be traced back to many countries including, India, China, Egypt and Japan. “Over centuries, knowledge of this art form spread, and reflexology was used around the world to ease aches and pains,” she says. “One of the earliest depictions of reflexology is an Egyptian tomb dating back to 2500 B.C. It features a physician performing foot reflexology for pain relief.”

Today, in parts of Europe and China, reflexology is an accepted form of medical treatment that offers health benefits ranging from relief from headaches to diabetes mellitus. “In the United States, however, reflexologists can only legally provide clients with stress reduction through relaxation and improved circulation,” Doss emphasizes.

An experienced massage therapist who utilizes foot reflexology for appropriate patients, Doss notes that the process is based on the theory that the body has reflex points located on the feet and, through applied pressure, energy blocks can be released in corresponding zones to rebalance the entire body.

“Sensitivity in a specific zone or reflex point indicates something manifesting in a corresponding organ or body part,” she adds. “Direct pressure will affect the entire zone by directing life force along its natural pathways, untangling energy knots caused by physical or emotional stress. Another theory suggests that by pressing on the feet, toxins and impurities are released by increasing local circulation.”

The feet are the most distal region of the body. Venous and lymphatic circulation may not be adequate to push these wastes back to the heart. Reflexology can act to release and return these wastes back into circulation.

Reflexology is safe for most people, but it is always important to utilize services provided by a licensed reflexologist and/or massage therapist.

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY CHART

SIMPLE FLESHY FRUIT

By Tami Charbonnet

5 SIMPLE TIPS TO INCREASE RAW FRUIT CONSUMPTION:

1

Don’t hide the fruit! Purchase a beautiful basket or bowl and keep it on the counter in arm’s reach at all times. This way, when you are craving a snack, you can easily sink your teeth into an apple or pear rather than a packaged snack.

Get into the habit of eating fruit early in the day with your morning meal Don’t “drink” too much fruit. Fruit juice is healthy in moderation, but can pack a big calorie punch.

Cut fruit into bite-size pieces and keep in a covered, clear glass bowl in the refrigerator. Squeeze a lemon over the top to give it a bit of zest and to help preserve color and texture.

If you don’t like raw fruit alone, cut apple slices and eat with a teaspoon of almond butter as a healthy snack.

In a flash, the crisp season of Spring is moving behind us, and our senses connect with the warm weather, fresh aromas, bright colors and lush greenery of Summertime. Summer's heat brings with it a wealth of delicious ripe produce that can also help your body stay energized and hydrated. Our sense of taste is heightened, and we naturally crave colorful, fleshy fruits. Fleshy fruits are commonly referred to as “simple” fruits; however, these delicacies of nature are far from simple. Not only are fleshy fruits delicious, but they also fill our bodies with substantial amounts of healthy antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients.

What fruits are categorized as “fleshy?”

Many of your favorite fruits fall into this category, including apples, pears, peaches, papaya, quince, mango and even avocado. As the mature ovary of one or more flowers, simple fleshy fruits can have up to three identifying characteristics: (1) outer skins, (2) a single seed or seeds or (3) a stone. Between the skin and the seed is edible, nutrient-dense flesh or tissue. Vitamins and nutrients found in the flesh (and sometimes the skin) have substantial health benefits including cancer prevention and weight loss as well as increased digestive health, skin health, immunity and circulation and decreased cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.

To reap the full health benefits, remember it’s always better to consume fruit in its raw, natural state rather than cooking or processing it in any way. For optimal functioning of the human body, you need ample amounts of nutrients that are supplied by fruits in a natural or raw form. Our busy lifestyles have created eating habits packed with preservatives and processed foods devoid of essential nutrients. Daily consumption of fresh, natural, raw, fleshy fruits will boost your immune system and keep you feeling energized. It’s a good idea to choose to reconnect with the natural benefits of eating simple fleshy fruit. ...helping to prevent cancer, aiding in weight loss, improving digestive health, reducing cholesterol, boosting immune system strength, soothing inflammation, increasing the health of your skin, ...

GREIGE

HOME INTERIORS

Introducing Ellen’s exciting new rug collection. Simple yet sophisticated style.