Hand Reflexology (and widget)

At last, at long, long last I have been able to add the widget to the sidebar of this page. I tried to add it to Live Spaces but the code was not permitted so I moved the blog to WordPress. Sadly, I had the same problem which resulted in a move to here but, guess what?

Blogger will not permit the widget to go into a post unless you have a gmail account. However, they will allow it into the sidebar.

If you click it you get taken to a page on the Clear Spring site that has an interactive map of the hands and feet.

It is also to advertise the book by Kevin Kunz on Hand Reflexology. Once we get hold of that book then we will review it here.

The book is at a very good price both here and in America so a link has been provided on the Resource website to enable to make a purchase. Access the resources by clicking here.

Reflexology and incense sticks

Using incense sticks during a reflexology session is something that I tried when I was first qualified although it was something I didn't continue doing. The reason for that was, not because it didn't work, but simply because I was new and there was so much more to think about.

However, it is something that I am reintroducing in my reflexology sessions after, that is, I am sure that the client approves and likes the use of the sticks. It's important to remember that what may be pleasant to me may not be so acceptable to other people and so it is always best to check and let my client be my guide.

Firstly, I suggest you choose your sticks with care since there are some very poor examples for sale. However, once you find a good source of supply, then it is best to stick with it.

Try some sticks yourself and find ones that you like or think would be good to try. This is not so hit and miss as it sounds since your own senses will guide you to choose ones that complement your character and way of working.

However, jasmine is one to try as it helps to balance hormones and, of course, good old lavender as it is very relaxing.

Patchouli is nice as it helps nerves while sandalwood and rose act as stimulants.

You can use single fragrance sticks or, if you feel adventurous, try ones that carry more than one fragrance. Choosing these is not so easy but this does give you much more room for experimentation.

One important point is make sure that you write down on your client's notes the name of the incense stick or sticks that they like. This is so that you can ensure that you have the correct one with you when you next call (or when they next arrive for a session).

I am not an expert in aromatherapy and I am open to suggestions from any aromatherapist as to what sort of sticks I should be using.

Shiatsu

As a change from head massage you could try shiatsu, an old Japanese massage style that, like head massage, works on the chi energy in the body to relive stress and promote relaxation.

Like head massage, it is done fully clothed but involves lying down while the whole of your body is massaged. The idea is to stimulate and improve the energy flow using the same energy channels that are used in reflexology, head massage, acupuncture and acupressure.

There are various forms of shiatsu but most last around an hour and so are similar in length to a reflexology session. The benefits from shiatsu are very similar to those of reflexology and Indian Head Massage in that they are a holistic treatment designed to improve and stimulate the body's self-healing and rejuvenation as well as clearing energy blockages.

But, as well as relaxation and the other benefits, shiatsu can be used for a variety of similar problems and, if you are interested, contact a practitioner and discuss your specific problems with them.

Take your footbath the professional way

Nothing is more relaxing than a footbath, especially before a reflexology treatment or last thing at night. But to get the most from it make sure you take the time to have your footbath the professional way!

The first requirement is a nice bowl into which you can put water and your feet. A red plastic bucket of the type shown above, while excellent for cleaning the windows, is not acceptable for foot use so try for something a little better! If you want to go the whole way then links are shown here to foot spas that you can get from Amazon- one for the UK and one for the USA.

You now need some essential oil, my choice is lavender but you can use any oil that you like.

Also you need a nice, comfortable room where you feel at home and relaxed – your living room will do fine! Lower the lights and light some candles to give that authentic spa atmosphere and put a relaxing CD on the stereo to create the right feeling of comfort.

At last you are ready, so fill the bowl or spa with hot water and add the oil. Take in the aroma a moment and then massage your feet briefly before putting them into the water.

Now lean back and say: “Ah! That's better!”

Stay like this for twenty minutes or so and let the water soak into your feet while you sit quietly and listen to the music and allow your mind to drift where it will.

OK, you are done now and ready to go about your day but remember how good you feel and repeat this as often as you can!

Reflexology aids recovery

One of the most important uses of reflexology treatment is to assist in recovery back to full health. This can happen following conventional medical treatment or surgery or after an illness, even quite a short illness such as influenza or a virus.

At this time the body is at a low ebb and there is much for it to do to rejuvenate itself and self-heal and this is usually a time when you feel anxious and depressed as day slowly follows day.

Reflexology helps in two quite different ways. The first way is to restore the flow of energy around and through the body which aids the body in the mobilisation and utilisation of resources which, in turn, will speed the healing process.

But as well as this, reflexology promotes and encourages relaxation and a feeling of calm which helps the body to concentrate all its energy on getting better. At a time like this, stress or nervous energy is definitely not wanted!

During a period of recuperation, weekly reflexology sessions can prove invaluable in the recovery process and will, in addition, prove to be a treatment that is enjoyed and looked forward to.

When should you have a head massage?

The short answer is that you should be able to have a head massage whenever you feel like it. The long answer is that it's not that simple because you need to get hold of a practitioner first!

The problem is, as a mobile practitioner, I have to take into account the time it takes me to go and see people and the cost of petrol and overheads for my car.

For reflexology this is not too bad and is built into the charge I make, however, with head massage it is not so easy. A massage, even if you take your time, is still quite quick and if I were to add in the cost of the time taken in travel and the cost of the travel that would make the massage seem overly expensive.

There are a couple of people for whom I do a massage once a week, or on weeks when they feel they would benefit, but these are mainly people who I know and I do this without making profit my first motive.

What I try to do is to incorporate a head massage at the end of a reflexology treatment since it complements the treatment and, to my way of thinking, seems to 'round the session off'.

However, the best person to see for just a one-off head massage would be a person in a clinic where you can journey to them. That way, they can make their charges for the service more reasonable since there is no travel element to consider.

Where are the old posts?

This blog has been transfered from Windows Live Spaces. The old posts are here