​Reflexology...what is it and what can it do?
 
Nail beds can show us many things. In Reflexology, our toes represent the head area including our brain. Looking at the picture below, you can see something is going on. Notice the difference in colour changes. The blue arrow shows cloudy, opague, non-transparent colour; correlating it to traveling in a fog. The yellow arrow presents a clearer vision of the nail. You can see the flesh underneath the nail. What's happening you ask? Transformation!
 
Areas of the head/mind are beginning to change and clear, removing cloudy thoughts, and what we may have heard referred to as 'brain fog'. How is the transformation possible - a Reflexology technique called 'Love the Lobes' developed by Mauricio Kruchik (Reflexologist/Instructor from Israel).
 
As our external and internal environments change, our bodies will change, and how we deal with things will be evident and expressed on our feet. In Reflexology we work on the ‘whole’ body and use specific techniques to assist the body to move forward in its healing recovery.  This picture shows that change is happening for the better. There is much work yet to be done as digestion (holiday indulgence) and external/internal influences have taken their toll, however, clearer skies are ahead. I know, because these are my feet.
                      

As my previous blog had mentioned, I have been sidelined with a broken foot.   What I’ve come to realize is that you truly never appreciate the importance of being mobile until it is taken away from you.   I’m beginning my tenth week with my trusted air cast and cane (ditching the crutches three weeks ago), and it has been an eye opener in terms of the length of time an injury takes to heal and prepare the body to regain more of its mobility.  As each week passes there are momentous improvements, however when you lack patience it is a grueling task to pace yourself during your body’s recovery.
 
This injury has challenged me to instill patience and focus on allowing my body to heal on its own timeline.   That little voice in my head keeps tormenting me with such questions as “Should it really take this long?  When can I lose the air cast and cane?  How long will it take before I can drive and regain my independence?  How much longer will it take to be fully mobile again?”  Who knew that a trip down the stairs would lead to such a lengthy recovery.
 
One out of five falls, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead to serious injuries as broken bones, hip fractures or head injuries.  Over 700,000 patients a year are hospitalized for head injuries or hip fractures resulting from falls.  Falls contributed to $34 billion (adjusted to inflation) in direct medical costs and hospital costs account for two thirds of the total.[1]
 
                                           "The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground."
                                                                                             Buddha

The probability of falling can increase when risk factors are combined.  Some risk factors are:

• Lower body weakness
• Slippery surfaces (icy sidewalks, wet surfaces)
• Vitamin D deficiency (not enough vitamin D in your system)
• Lack of balance or difficulty walking (possible improper shoes)
• Hazards in the home as uneven steps, throw rugs, or lack of handrails along stairs[2]

 
      "My feet, they haul me Round the House, They hoist me up the Stairs; I only
     have to steer them, and They Ride me Everywheres."
                                                                                        Frank Gelett Burgess

Impatience can be costly and setbacks come with a cost.  That cost can impact your life physically and mentally.  What if your recovery depended upon further and more extensive medical procedures?  What if you couldn’t receive the medical attention for your injury in a timely manner?  According to the wait time alliance website, Canadians are very concerned about how long it takes to get access to their healthcare.  Long wait times have an impact on a person’s well-being.   At what cost are you willing to gamble with your health?   Practicing patience and maintaining your focus on a heathy recovery could save you in the long run.
 
As I don’t like to gamble with my health and incur any setbacks which may further result in medical care, I’m applying “patience” and “listening” to my body.  I take the advice of my Physician and Physiotherapist very seriously as I want to ensure the best recovery for my broken foot.  Through their care and my reflexology training, I know my recovery to full mobility will just be around the corner.  The cost of mobility is PRICELESS!

_________
[1],[2] CDC

It is that time of year when one reflects on changes, challenges, successful and missed opportunities as the year 2015 comes to a close.  During our time of reflection, I believe, we tend to overlook a core component of our lives and that would be “Gratefulness”.
 
The dictionary describes “grateful - as appreciative of benefits received and expressing gratitude <grateful thanks>”[i]  This year, I have been blessed by the many wonderful individuals, experiences and opportunities that have touched and influenced my life and holistic business. 
 
Recently, I found myself struggling to keep up with the demands of everyday life and feeling that there weren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything.  I felt I needed the world to just pause for a moment so I could breathe.  Ironically, that pause came on November 28th when I broke my foot.  It seems, when you least expect it, the universe listens and answers you by sending you down an unknown path.
 
As it is not my nature to remain at rest for a lengthy period of time, this injury has become a blessing in disguise.  It has made me realize that I was caught up in too much “time consuming craziness” and that I really needed to take a moment and reflect on the life lesson that was unexpectedly handed to me.
 
I’m truly grateful that I have this moment in time to pause, reflect and give thanks for all that has happened in 2015.  My life and holistic business would not be what it is today without those who have encouraged, supported, embraced and influenced who I am and my dreams.
 
"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."
Maya Angelou

It is my hope that you allow yourself to take a moment to pause, reflect and show those who are important in your life, including yourself, how “grateful” you are.  Take the time to share a special moment with someone and be their rainbow by:

1. Giving a hug.
2. Make them count by calling, texting or telling someone face to face how much they mean to you.
3. Ignite the world with your smile as it can be contagious.
4. Make a friend their favourite dessert or share a glass of something special.
5. Give the gift of time and health by purchasing a Reflexology gift certificate.
6. Share this blog with them and make plans to spend some time together.

_______________________
[i] Merriam-Webster Dictionary

The month of September means a lot of things to different people.   For some, it means that the kids are back in school with the daily grind of intense scheduling resuming.   For others, it means another season and the countdown to winter has begun.

What gets lost in all this change?   ME time!

It is so easy to become distracted that we neglect the most important person – OURSELVES!   Do we actually allow ourselves to be “the most important”?  No, we seem to have far too much on our minds to think about rather than focus on “ME”.  “ME” time only exists for a brief moment and not too often.

As we age, our bodies give us indications that it isn’t happy.  It is only when something serious happens that we begin to listen.  Why do we need that “wake up call” to finally allow ourselves to listen?

Our bodies are workhorses and we give such little respect to them.  As we only have one body, why not take the time to listen.  When I’m conducting a Reflexology session, the body indicates its displeasure by indicating certain areas of the foot that are “not happy”.  I make note of this so I can assess, concentrate my abilities and make my client aware of my findings. 

Your feet tell a story, and your story is IMPORTANT.

Keeping your feet happy and incorporating some of the points identified through healthywoman.org are a good start: 

• Alternate you’re Shoes.  As bacteria can grow and cause foot odors, it is always a good thing to change your foot wear on a daily basis.   Infections can materialize into bigger problems; especially if you are diabetic.
  
• Your feet should never hurt.  Tight shoes can lead to foot issues such as bunions, distorted toe shape or cause painful foot growths. 
•  Flip-flops or flat shoes are the death to arch support.  Be mindful of walking bare foot.   In not having the proper support for the arch of your foot can lead to developing flat feet that could also lead to other foot problems.[i]   

As a Reflexologist, I apply a series of sequenced techniques that allows me to find reflex points, sensitivities and/or areas that have a buildup of crystals in the feet.  To a Reflexologist, sensitivities can warn of an area that has become weak and possibly alluding to an imbalance or potential health concern.  Crystal deposits are made up of uric acid or calcium and can be found in the nerve endings of the feet.   These deposits indicate that there is a weakness in the body and that normal activities to that area may be blocked and need some attention.  Reflexology is the conduit in which these crystal deposits can be broken up in to tiny bits where they can be carried away in the blood stream and be naturally removed from the body.[ii]  

Make September your “REVIVE” of “ME” time.   It’s time to put YOU first.  It’s time to stop, take notice and LISTEN to your body.  REVIVE your spirit through Reflexology as “ME” time!
_____________________
[i] www.healthywoman.org
[ii] The Reflexology Bible

How would you describe FUN?   What does FUN mean to you?  

In today’s world, we are always trying to maximize our time and accomplish all our “to do lists”.  We are constantly in motion going to work then adding activities such as groceries, kids sports, laundry, preparing meals, checking in on Mom and Dad, etc.  At the end of the day, there just isn’t enough time to do it all; especially scheduling yourself some needed FUN.

Reflecting on your busy day, take a moment to think about how you feel?  What word would best describe it?  Could it be Resentment, Frustration, Irritable, Overwhelmed or maybe even Exhausted?  I'm sure it wouldn’t be “FUN”?

Have you ever thought that your connection with Reflexology as being F.U.N.?   You probably have never considered it.  As a Reflexologist, I’ve witnessed how this ancient healing art begins as a treatment, and soon develops into a conduit towards improvement of your health through “Fundamentally Unique Nurturing" (F.U.N.).

I’m sure you can agree that the feeling of being “Nurtured” cultivates a sense of connection within us.  As an example, embracing a loved one generates feelings of warmth and comfort.  This flow of energy opens our awareness to the power of feeling “nurtured” and moves a connectedness throughout our body.  The same feeling can be experienced with Reflexology.  Reflexology is that connectedness between you and your health.   Why is it though, we don’t align the two when we think of our health?

The biggest challenge to our health-care system in Canada is the management and prevention of chronic diseases according to the Nurseone and Public Health Agency of Canada websites.  

Did you know… 

• 3 out of 5 Canadians older than 20 have a chronic disease,
• 4 out of 5 are at risk of having a chronic disease,
• Chronic disease rates are increasing faster among Canadians aged 35-64 years than Canadians aged 65 years and over, and 
• More children are being affected by chronic diseases previously only seen in adults.[1]

Let me ask you, could you be at risk?  What health strategies are you putting in place?  The key to managing good health is “Prevention”.  Take the time out of your busy day to schedule some F.U.N. Make Reflexology part of your health strategy and I know you’ll receive a little F.U.N. while you’re at it.

___________________________________________________
[1] Canadian Health Agency of Canada (http://www.ccgh-csih.ca)

I’m sure you are like me and have so many tasks on your “TO DO LIST” that there isn’t enough time in your day to get them all accomplished.   For a moment, take a real good look at your LIST.  Do you see something missing?   Really, you can’t see it? 

It’s YOU…

We are conditioned to change our behaviour when faced with certain situations.  For example, when a sensor triggers in your car causing your vehicle engine light to come on, you most likely will take your car to your local and trusted service centre for attention.   However, when our own sensor, our body, indicates some form of discomfort we tend to ignore it.  Why, when it comes to us and our own individual health needs, do we become disconnected?

According to Stats Canada, the average number of days lost due to illness or disability in 2014 in the Province of Ontario was 7.7 (female) vs. 5.3 (male) days.  As well, they released a report dated March 13, 2015 that identified that 3.8 million individuals or almost 14% of the Canadian population (15+ years old) appeared to be dealing with some form of long-term condition (impairment) or health problem that impacted their daily activities.[i]

It seems that women had a higher prevalence of disability at 15% versus men at 13%.  The most common disabilities that appeared were related to pain (10%), flexibility (8%), and mobility (7%).  What is quite astonishing in their findings is that three-quarters of persons dealing with disability are affected by more than one type.  Further, the prevalence of disability increases with age and surprisingly the average age of onset is identified in the early 40’s.[ii] 

Why is it though, that we are determined to neglect our health by ignoring the signs….OUR BODY.  Not only does ignoring the signs impact YOU, but it can also have a major impact on your future, your quality of life, and you and your family’s financial sustainability.

I’m very passionate about the “presence of health”; meaning not only acknowledging the body sensors, but also acting on those indicators.  Reflexology is a vehicle to assist the body in doing what it does best…”a complex conductor that rids any foreign antibodies and trying to maintain the body’s natural state of homeostasis (balance)”.   Taking on a mindset of “prevention” is a key component towards maintaining and in my opinion, sustaining better health. 

Benjamin Franklin once said.  “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.  Why not embrace and INVEST in “YOU”!  Whatever your age, now is the time to invest in your health by regularly receiving Reflexology treatments and reaping the benefits of better health.  Recapture YOUR priority by booking a treatment session today!  http://www.asenseofsole.com/treatment.html

Together we can make YOU the top priority on your “TO DO LIST”.


_______________________________________
[i]Stats Canada (Canadian Survey on Disability Report, March 13, 2015)
[ii]Stats Canada, et al.

The morning after the Super Bowl game and how do you feel?  Is your stomach giving you hints?

Game day is all about enjoying time with friends, watching the game on the big screen and the piece de resistance…indulging in all the game tantalizing foodie tastes and textures of spicy, crunchy, sweet and chocolate!  

If you feel anything like me…your pants are tighter; you have a burning sensation in your stomach and possibly you are looking for the “tums” to settle the indigestion you seem to be encountering.  You are probably hearing the little voice in your head saying “What was I thinking.  Why did I eat so much?”

The digestive tract is an interesting system of the body.  According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) website, there is a correlation between our mood and how our gut feels.   It states that 72% of people who suffer from digestive discomfort relate that it effects them emotionally (31% say they’re not at their best, 25% say that they’re bad tempered and 15% feel unattractive).  They regard the intestinal tract as a “sensory” organ because it sends messages to your brain.  CDHF says that 36% of the general population can experience the most common digestive discomfort named “bloating”.[1]

One of the causes of bloating is the type of food and the size of the meal ingested.  CDHF indicates that an adult stomach can expand up to four times its normal size after a large meal holding nearly 2 litres of food.[2]  Therefore, when we stretch our stomach two problems can occur.  The first, is that our stomach acid can’t properly break down the food and the second is the digestive process can be compromised due to the in the lack of digestive enzymes being produced.[3] 

Can gas be the root of all “post-game” evil?  According to CDHF, the average person breaks wind 15 times a day and passes about 600 cc per day.  Men pass more wind than women – men (average 18 times a day), women (average 12 times a day).[4]

In Reflexology, we work on all systems of the body.  However, there are times when one system may show up in need of a little more attention; possibly from a bit of overindulgence.   When applying the techniques of Reflexology some clients may experience different sensations.  As a Reflexologist, being aware of how your client is receiving the treatment such as intestinal sounds, textures and sensitivities do play an important part.  Through a flow of routine movements and applying techniques to the digestive reflex points, the treatment aids in moving the body towards its natural state of “homeostasis” which allows the opportunity for increased circulation and to begin in releasing toxins and impurities.   

So the next time you are suffering from a little “overindulgence”, consider the health benefits through the natural art of Reflexology and experience the “winds of change” and ultimately a “happier you”.


_______________________________________
[1],2,4 Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
3 Enzymedica.com (Digest This!  - Justin Bohager)


 


 

As the festive season is upon us, we are immersed in completing our lists to ensure we are ready for the big day!  As we feverishly brave the malls joining our fellow shoppers bustling with anticipation to finalize the purchase of the last and final gift, we neglect to notice the impact this latest activity has on our bodies; specifically our feet.

Our feet are structurally and complexly designed with blood vessels, 26 bones, 107 ligaments, 12 tendons, 20 muscles, and 7,200 nerves, which provides the support and transport for the body.  They are our foundation.  When we engage in a higher frequency of activity, unconsciously, we don't relate any issues with our feet until we experience either some discomfort or pain or both.  Sometimes we attribute our discomfort and pain to "over doing it" in relation to our current activity; however, that may not be the case.

Visualize for a moment your body, its systems, glands, organs and body parts.  Now transfer this image to your feet.  Your feet are like small maps in which they mirror your whole body.  Organs such as your gallbladder would be located on the right foot and your spleen on the left as it is in your body.

As the holidays tend to place more stress on the body mentally, physically, and spiritually, it is always important to take pause and assess "how are you managing your stress?”  Your feet are an important part of your assessment as they bear our weight, under constant tension and we cram them into shoes sizes and styles that can have an impact on the health of our feet.  Further, as gravity pulls toxins downward, inorganic waste materials such as uric acid and calcium crystals can deposit themselves in the bottom of the feet. If our stress is not managed, it impacts our foundation that it becomes unbalanced.  A Reflexology session has great value in that it can begin to provide relief by increasing circulation by moving stagnated blood flow, address toxin deposits, and rebalance your body to its natural state of homeostasis.  As the foot is ideally shaped that it can be held easily by the human hand, a Reflexologist can hold it naturally.  When you receive a Reflexology treatment, it addresses your body and realigns its symmetry in that your foundation is now more structurally sound.

As you continue to maneuver your way through this festive season, be cognizant of your feet.  Don't let stress knock you off your feet or adapt to the discomfort and pain. Show your feet some love — be aware, be kind to them, and wear them well!

Have a wonderful HoHo...liday season!