Reflexology and Athletics
By Laura Norman [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Laura_Norman]
The world in sports is balance. For the professional marathoner as well as the weekend jogger, the key to peak athletic performance is remaining in balance. When athletes talk about being always on the fine edge, they mean the need to walk a fine line between extremes, for the athlete knows better than anyone how important it is for the body to remain in peak condition, and that means cooperation among the various parts and systems of the body.
Reflexology and Athletics:
Consider muscles alone. Actually, muscles never are alone; they are distributed in groups throughout the body. Each set of muscles is balanced by another set. When one contracts, the other relaxes. In fact, the electrochemical activity in any one muscle is a process of on and off, positive and negative, tension and release. Serious athletes work consistently on all muscle groups so that no one set dominates. For top performance, muscle groups must be uniformly developed and must function in harmony with one another.
So by making reflexology a part of your regular training, you will be playing from the vantage point of strength and balance. One of my associates who is a marathon runner has a reflexology practice made up almost entirely of athletes. He finds that his clients pay better, their times improve, their concentration is sharper, they suffer fewer injuries, and when they are injured they recover in a much shorter time so they can return to the game. He recommends making reflexology an adjunct to other toning and stretching therapies and activities, such as massage therapy and swimming, for general conditioning as well as recovery from sore and injured muscles.
Laura Norman, best-selling author, world-renowned Reflexologist and Coach is frequently featured in national magazines, newspapers, on radio, TV and the Internet. Laura has helped thousands of people banish burnout and erase fear and anxiety from their lives through her unique, holistic approach to Mind-Body-Spirit Wellness.
For access to Laura's FREE newsletter, including more of Laura's powerful insights, tips and tools you can use, please visit http://lauranormanreflexology.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Reflexology-and-Athletics&id=5686423] Reflexology and Athletics
Reflexology and the Elderly
By Wendy Coad [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Coad]
It seems to me that reflexology and working with the elderly is a match made in heaven. Alternatives to medications are always of interest because they are often safer and with fewer side effects.
People usually seem rejuvenated after a reflexology session (and if not, it's because the body needed to rest a bit more). Reflexology definitely shows results and it's proven all the way back to ancient times.
Not only have nursing homes accepted reflexology as a powerful complementary and alternative massage therapy, reflexology has also found its place in eldercare and hospice.
Reflexology from a well trained reflexologist can do a lot to ensure better health or faster recovery.
Here are some facts that define why reflexology is so essential in hospice and nursing homes:
� Reflexology helps to relieve pain and of course, this makes a person feel good and relaxed. It might reduce the necessity of pain reliever medicines which can have certain side effects, but this will have to be determined by a medical professional only.
� It can really help someone feel rejuvenated with less stiffness and they can carry that into day to day activities with more ease and comfort.
� Blood circulation is increased with reflexology. Increase in circulation ensures speedier recovery. It can also help to improve the lymph, nerve function, muscle function, etc.
� The client can be sitting up or lying down and there's no need to roll over or to disrobe in order to receive and feel the benefits.
� Reflexology helps increase body awareness and is stimulating to the nervous system. Better nerve function can help maintain faster responses and thus able to deal with day to day activities in a better way.
� And, reflexology is safe and compassionate touch, without being too invasive.
The elderly are a large segment of the population and can feel isolated and be lonely, even when they are in facilities like nursing homes. The touch they receive in institutions is mostly for practical purposes and is often mechanical making reflexology a greatly appreciated experience especially because of its attentive and non-invasive qualities.
There are things you need to remember when working with the elderly:
Since the elderly tend to suffer from more illnesses and have more complications from these, always check with a medical professional before beginning to work with anyone who has health issues. This is so much easier to do when the client is in a nursing home or hospice because medical professionals are right there on staff.
Use less pressure when starting to work with an elderly client because their organ systems are older and may be slower than someone who is younger. There's no need to move too deeply or too quickly, certainly not until you have established what the tolerance to the reflexology is, and maybe never if you're working in a hospice setting.
Make the session shorter - there's no need to tax the body. The therapeutic benefits are still there and with a shorter session, you won't be overdoing what they might need or appreciate.
Of course there are always exceptions. I've been working with a client for almost 10 years. She's 94 years young and has been doing yoga for over 50 years. She has the physicality of a 60 year old (one who would be in excellent shape). For longer than I've known her, she's had a massage session and a reflexology session on alternating weeks. She eats well and has never indulged in sweets or desserts.
This is my one exception to the above mentioned rules and also a road map on how to stay healthy and live well.
� Wendy Coad
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Reflexology-and-the-Elderly&id=6536211] Reflexology and the Elderly
Using Reflexology As a Treatment For Back Pain
By Jan Griffiths [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jan_Griffiths]
The practice of reflexology is a non invasive holistic therapy based upon stimulating the body's own healing process by applying firm pressure to specific reflex points on the feet, with some practitioners using the hands as well. Each of these reflex points relate to a certain part or organ of the body and therefore the entire body is mapped out, with the left foot relating to the left hand side and the right foot to the right hand side of the body.
Reflexology has its origins in China and Egypt many thousands of years ago but the reflexology we see today was started in 1913 by Dr William H. Fitzgerald who researched body zones and how application of pressure in one part of a zone could influence another area within the same zone. Research into Zone Therapy, as it was known, evolved over the twentieth century and was refined by Eunice D. Ingham who discovered that the feet contain seven thousand nerve endings and were therefore the most appropriate part of the body to treat, her treatment method became known as the Ingham Compression Method of Reflexology.
As with many alternative massage therapies, there is no actual proof that reflexology works but many clinical trials have shown that it can be of benefit in treating all sorts of conditions and has been shown to be effective when dealing with back pain. During a treatment the practitioner will work the entire surface of both the feet paying particular attention to tender or congested (known as gritty) areas as these represent parts of your body which are out of balance and painful. In some cases the hands will be treated but usually only in the case of extremely tender feet or missing limbs, this is because the surface area of the feet is greater therefore more effective. The treatment should not feel unpleasant as it is similar to a massage therapy and you should feel relaxed during and after the procedure, the pressure applied is not painful and is firm enough to be tolerated by those of us who are ticklish. There are no after effects apart from feeling relaxed and you will probably enjoy a good nights' sleep. Reflexology improves body circulation and cleanses the system from impurities and toxins so it is advisable to drink plenty of water afterwards to help expel them from your system.
Although reflexology is an alternative massage therapy, it is amongst one of the heavyweights in terms of reputation and effectiveness and many of us with varying conditions, including back pain, would no doubt benefit from one or more sessions.
Jan Griffiths maintains a [http://www.backpainreliefblog.org/]regular blog about chronic back pain, and has written many articles specifically on [http://www.backpainreliefblog.org/treatments/upper-back-pain-relief/]upper back pain relief.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Using-Reflexology-As-a-Treatment-For-Back-Pain&id=6528818] Using Reflexology As a Treatment For Back Pain
Reflexology - The Art of Foot Massage
By Kelly Price [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Price]
Reflexology is a complementary therapy which works on the feet to help and heal congestion in other 'related' parts of the body.
Reflexology is a gentle therapy used to help restore and maintain your body's natural equilibrium.
Reflexology isn't capable of curing any serious or life-threatening medical disorder and does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe; however as an alternative healing method, it is extremely popular with people from all walks of life.
Who Can Benefit from Reflexology?
Reflexology is suitable for all.
Many people use reflexology as a means of relaxing the mind and body and it has been shown to be an effective tool for:
o stress related conditions
o sleep disorders
o back pain
o migraine
o infertility
o sleep disorders
o digestive disorders
o hormonal imbalances
o arthritis
With stress being so prevalent in our society today, this gentle, soothing therapy provides a method of stress release that can help on a physical, mental and emotional level.
How Does Reflexology Work?
By stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands, reflexology increases circulation and can promote specific bodily and muscular functions.
The hands and feet are more sensitive than most people realize. A professionally trained reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and by working on these points may affect the corresponding organ or system of the body.
Studies have shown reflexology to make improvements in physical and emotional movements, increase self esteem and confidence and improve the ability to stay motivated and improve concentration.
What Happens During a Reflexology Session?
According to Chinese medicine, the soles of the feet hold the sensory nerves of the internal organs that are spread through the body.
During a reflexology session, the therapist applies manual pressure to the feet, working on specific points that connect with different zones in your body.
Pressure is then applied to particular areas of the soles of the feet.
Deposits and imbalances are sought out and released in order to remove blockages and restore the flow of blood and energy.
Reflexology uses hands, fingers, a wooden stick, cream, and oils to stimulate a reflex action in another part of the body.
When properly practiced, reflexology gives a feeling of well-being and relaxation as it stimulates the body to help heal itself.
You should wear loose comfortable clothes that are unrestricting as only your shoes and socks will be removed.
Reflexology - is it safe for everyone?
If you have a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure or kidney problems, you should consult your healthcare provider before embarking on a course of reflexology.
Pregnant or menstruating women and people who are bleeding either internally or externally should not receive reflexology
Reflexology massage can be given every day but only for a duration of 45 minutes.
You should begin to experience a positive difference after one or two treatments. Most people experience a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.
Occasionally people report feelings of nausea, tearfulness or feeling lethargic after a reflexology session. Therapists say this is part of the healing process.
It is important that you report any of these feelings to your reflexology therapist so that he or she can adopt your treatment plan accordingly.
Reflexology should be avoided for at least one hour after meals. As with most massage therapies you should drink plenty of water after treatment.
Many people use reflexology as a means of relaxing the mind and body and it has grown in popularity in recent years as way of relaxing and de-stressing from the pressures we all face on a day to day basis.
Reflexology - Finding a Therapist
To get the best from a reflexology session you should seek out a suitably trained therapist.
Most Spas, salons and health clubs now offer massage treatments and some therapist will carry out a reflexology treatment in the comfort of your own home.
For more FREE info
On reflexology and other forms of massage, from experienced professionals contact: http://www.privatelyyours.co.uk
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Reflexology---The-Art-of-Foot-Massage&id=283529] Reflexology - The Art of Foot Massage
Foot Care Tips and Foot Massage
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marion_Mccants]Marion Mccants
Foot massage therapy and foot care:
Your feet are in charge of taking you into different places, anywhere you want to. This is why your feet are among the parts of your body that need to be taken care of properly and should be treated with utmost importance. Remember that your feet are among the most essential parts of your body that should never be taken for granted. This is considering the fact that you will be able to accomplish most of your daily tasks without using them. Thus, you must consider the things that you should and should not do to your feet.
Foot massage therapy and foot care:
As mentioned above, it is just right that you take care of your feet properly and here are some foot care tips that you just might want to take into consideration. Even for just once a year, you can have your feet checked by a professional. This is to make sure that there are no problems with your feet.
Foot massage therapy and foot care:
Every once in a while, you also need to check if your feet have cracks and sores. If there are, you have to do something to treat them. Trimming your toenails is another part of properly taking care of your feet which can make you look tidier. Instead of washing your feet with hot water, you should use warm water and then dry them well.
Foot massage therapy and foot care:
You should pay more attention to the areas between the toes because these are known to be the sensitive areas and are prone to infections. Then, always use comfortable footwear and never walk without wearing anything because you may hurt yourself. And of course, you should regularly exercise your feet to maintain proper blood circulation.
Foot massage therapy and foot care:
Aside from these foot care tips, another idea that you can consider when it comes to taking care of your feet properly is getting a foot massage therapy. Foot massage therapy, like any other types of massage therapy, has several benefits to offer.
Reflexology is one of the most popular massage techniques that are really intended for the feet. In this particular technique, different points of your feet will be applied a certain amount of pressure that corresponds to a certain point of your entire body. But of course, there are some things that you have to take note of before getting a foot massage therapy. For instance, if you are pregnant, you must not get a foot massage therapy because it can be bad for your child.
The same idea applies when you are suffering from a heart disease or hypertension. And lastly, after drinking any alcohol drink, right after eating and bathing, you should not get a foot massage therapy. It is best if your wait for about a couple of hours before getting a massage to avoid any problems.
So if you want to properly take care of your feet, you should take note of the things that were mentioned above.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Foot-Care-Tips-and-Foot-Massage&id=6593049] Foot Care Tips and Foot Massage
