Reflexology

from Roots of Life Wellness (Your Local Magazine to Great Health) Spring/Summer 2020 Edition

Book Review

Reflexology has its origins in

Egypt, China, and North American Indian tribes. Dating back to 2330 BC, images have been depicted of people working therapeutically on the hands and feet of others. What is it and how does it work? People who experience reflexology for the first time often ask me how I can give them so much information just from their feet. Well, the principles of reflexology are simple. The body’s major organs and tissues are mapped on the feet, face, hands, and ears in ‘zones’. Specific parts of the foot correspond to energy lines or meridians which cover the body’s entire unseen network. The therapist first applies a wax or oil and begins to exert gentle manipulation and rotation of the whole foot, ankle and toes. Various soothing massage techniques are also used. Each of the meridian points are gently manipulated. When pressed, a pleasant ‘surge’ or tingling sensation may be experienced. This stimulates the body’s own healing systems and discovers imbalances that may be present in any given area. The reflexologist looks for changes which may be indicated by a gritty feeling like small grains of sand over a reflex point. Reflexology By Claire Himsworth from Toe to Soul Holistics www.toetosoulholistics.com

Equally, the reflexologist may simply be intuitively aware that a particular area is imbalanced. Reflexology rebalances and brings about homeostasis (or balance) in the body. Safe and Effective This non-invasive treatment is safe, effective and suitable for everyone. It can bring about positive changes in the person’s physical, mental and emotional state. It is excellent for pain, anxiety, stress, depression, and fertility. There are few

contraindications and a good therapist will discuss this with you the first time you attend your appointment. Facial Reflexology Although the feet provide a greater surface area to work on, thus giving a deeper treatment, I believe that facial reflexology is more ‘spiritual.’ It can place you in an altogether different headspace because the face is connected directly to the cranial nerves.

Many studies have indicated its benefits for mood, anxiety and chronic pain. In addition, reflexology may also support:

• blood pressure regulation • better sleep • more regular bowel habits • deep relaxation • the elimination of toxins from the body • increased blood flow to the feet and lower limbs • fertility and hormonal imbalances • lymphatic drainage

Reflexology is one of the kindest and most relaxing therapies available. Give yourself the love you deserve and book in for a session today.

Your Therapies T he Medicine Garden opened in 2006. Based in the market town of Ulverston this complementary clinic offers a wide variety of therapies. Sarah Atkinson MNIMH Medical Herbalist offers herbal medicine. Jane Alexander (Embodysoul) Heart centred support, reiki and deeply healing massage. Caroline Anderson aromatherapy massage, reflexology and reiki. Rosemary Scholes (crystalpoint) crystal therapy and reiki, Joan McCadden counselling, CBT. New people at the Medicine Garden - Michael Otto physiotherapist and Nimmy Karat counselling, mindfulness, CBT and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing. Jules Clark reiki and animal healing, Angela Butcher Reiki. Anabell Tziros reiki master. Artist in residence - Rachel Pearson (Dreamweaver Arts) makes crystal jewelry, three dimensional art works and runs monthly art/crystal making workshops from the medicine garden. In 2018 the Medicine Garden shop was opened which is filled with delicious herbs, sparkly crystals and beautiful locally made crafts as well as Rachel's art and paintings by Sally Bamber local watercolour plant painter. Many of the practitioners work in the shop and are happy to chat to you about their therapies and their work. What’s happening in The Medicine Garden...

Ibooked an initial telephone consultation with Katerina to find out if Sugaring would be suitable for me. Sugaring is the ancient Arabic art of hair removal, where a completely natural sugar paste is massaged onto the skin and flicked off. This effectively removes the hair from the root. As a result, the hair growth is softer, sparser, lighter in colour and will eventually cease altogether. Sugaring isn't hot, is less painful than waxing, exfoliates and nourishes the skin. It is a gentle process for all skin types, ages and can be repeated frequently. Natural hair removal, Sugaring In addition it: • Removes fake tan evenly • Includes pre and after care • Relaxing treatment • Suitable for all body parts Following my telephone conversation, I booked an appointment with Katerina at her treatment room. She is also happy to do home visits, if you prefer. The actual Sugaring process is fascinating to watch and Katerina Your Therapies

was extremely thorough and professional throughout. The paste doesn't stick to the skin and is very effective. With each 'flick' of the paste Katerina gently places her other hand (healing hand) on your skin to soothe it, which works wonders. Katerina is a Qualified and experienced beauty therapist.