Reflexology is the manipulation of areas on the hands and feet (reflex points) to release tension within the body and improve overall health and wellbeing.... Continued
Friday, March 5, 2010
Reflexology in the UK!
This is really a worldwide practice! Don't believe me? Check out this story from the UK!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Pain Management, the natural way!
SAD sufferers benefit from Massage
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or, less frequently, in the summer, spring or autumn, repeatedly, year after year. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), SAD is not a unique mood disorder, but is "a specifier of major depression".
The US National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up." The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety. It has been estimated that 1.5-9% of adults in the US experience SAD.
There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy with sunlight or bright lights, antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ionized-air administration, and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin. Sunlight releases our body's endorphins and has an affect on regulating our melatonin, which gives us a sense of energy and good health.
Symptoms of SAD may consist of: difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, and especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. All of this leads to the depression, pessimism, and lack of pleasure which characterize a person suffering from this disorder.
The US National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up." The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety. It has been estimated that 1.5-9% of adults in the US experience SAD.
There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy with sunlight or bright lights, antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ionized-air administration, and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin. Sunlight releases our body's endorphins and has an affect on regulating our melatonin, which gives us a sense of energy and good health.
Symptoms of SAD may consist of: difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, and especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. All of this leads to the depression, pessimism, and lack of pleasure which characterize a person suffering from this disorder.
People that experience Reverse SAD (spring and summer depression) show symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, weight loss, and a decreased sex drive. RSAD can also manifest depression, which makes it difficult to diagnose this rare affliction.
Endorphins are a group of hormones that affect our emotions and are known as "the body's natural painkillers".
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates our sleep cycles.
The Fall and Winter months can bring on the "winter blues". People tend to stay indoors, exercise less, and sleep and eat more. This can trigger feelings of depression and fatigue. The mood changes are brought on by the lack of and quality of sunlight.
So how can massage help?
Massage has been reported to help with such things as; depression, fatigue, circulation, sleep, energy levels and overall well-being. Massage releases the body's natural endorphins, decreases heart rate, improves circulation, and helps to restore and energize the body. Short-term effects can be felt in one session, but it is recommended for long-term effects you make massage a part of your healing process. For some it may mean weekly sessions, while others may just need monthly sessions.
By; http://www.namispa.com
The benefits listed above also apply to those who receive Reflexology!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Recognizing Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia? Merriam Webster defines it as : a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures that is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache and sleep disturbances.
For a long time people with this condition were ignored or dismissed as whiners and complainers. It is only recently that it has become recognized - some still deny that it is a true problem. I found this interesting article about the signs and symptoms that you may have this condition: Read HERE.
To me, the slides look like an acupressure chart. I happen to be studying acupressure now and will report back to you as I learn more - I wonder if Fibromyalgia can be helped with acupressure or whether it would be too painful to work directly over the effected areas.
For now, I highly recommend Reflexology to those with Fibromyalgia. It is a way to help relax your entire body without working on those highly sensitive areas which bring you chronic pain.
For a long time people with this condition were ignored or dismissed as whiners and complainers. It is only recently that it has become recognized - some still deny that it is a true problem. I found this interesting article about the signs and symptoms that you may have this condition: Read HERE.
To me, the slides look like an acupressure chart. I happen to be studying acupressure now and will report back to you as I learn more - I wonder if Fibromyalgia can be helped with acupressure or whether it would be too painful to work directly over the effected areas.
For now, I highly recommend Reflexology to those with Fibromyalgia. It is a way to help relax your entire body without working on those highly sensitive areas which bring you chronic pain.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reflexology may aid in reducing symptoms of PMS!
"A controlled study carried out among a group of volunteers who had previously complained of distress from PMS symptoms has shown a significant decrease in these symptoms following reflexology treatment..."
Read more HERE.
We work the feet, but really the whole body can be helped and made happier!
Read more HERE.
We work the feet, but really the whole body can be helped and made happier!
Our Website is Live!!
Thank you very much to Charles Phillips II who has gotten our website up and running! A bit more tweaking remains to be done but overall a fabulous job! Thank you!!
We are still waiting on testimonials but everything else is correct.
www.HelloHappyFeet.com
We are still waiting on testimonials but everything else is correct.
www.HelloHappyFeet.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Reflexology: A therapy as old as time | GJFreePress.com
Click for Interesting Story on Reflexology -
"Reflexology or zone therapy is a form of treatment using pressure points which have been used in India and China for the past 5,000 years..."
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"Reflexology or zone therapy is a form of treatment using pressure points which have been used in India and China for the past 5,000 years..."
Posted using ShareThis
Welcome to Happy Feet Reflexology!
Thank you very much for coming to our blog! We appreciate your curiosity. Happy Feet is based out of Aurora, Colorado but we are willing to travel (within reason) to share this wonderful method of relaxation with anyone who may be interested.
You may have many questions and I completely understand that. For an overview of what Reflexology is about and what you might expect from a session, please visit our main website www.HelloHappyFeet.com
Another helpful site is http://www.reflexology-research.com/
We believe in educating people so they can promote health and wellness in themselves. With that in mind, we will post links to articles discussing many things including but not limited to Reflexology.
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