Stress Awareness Month - April
Reflexology
April is Stress Awareness Month.
Throughout this month we aim to share some tips on helping to understand stress and what you can do to help balance this.
Today we're focusing on complementary therapies, and in particular Reflexology.
What is Reflexology?
In short, it's a treatment using massage and pressure point techniques to the feet (and/or hands) to balance the whole body by stimulating the body’s own natural healing energies therefore restoring homeostasis.
What Reflexology points help with stress?
The adrenals are endocrine glands that produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol. One of their main functions is the 'fight or flight' response in your body and it is said that prolonged and regular periods of stress can cause something known as 'adrenal fatigue/burnout'. Reflexology can be used to help relax and recharge.
The solar (or celiac) plexus is a network of radiating nerves found in abdomen that supplies a number of organs. It's part of the sympathetic nervous system and is sometimes referred to as the 'abdominal brain'. It can be highly affected by stress causing pain, so spending time releasing this pressure point can be very helpful. The solar plexus is also the yellow Chakra (Manipura), which represents our emotions, self esteem and self worth.
You can apply pressure to these reflex points on yourself, or if you are currently isolating with someone who can do this for you - even better! Take it in turns, apply pressure (checking in if giving or receiving!) and take some deep breaths.
You may notice you feel calmer, your body tension is looser and your breathing becomes deeper.
Take care!
LSM
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