Reflexology by Katie
Blog
Proprioceptors' Role in Reflexology
| Posted on July 24, 2017 at 2:36 PM |
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There are a lot of questions to why and how
reflexology works so well to help balance the body. While modern medicine has yet to pinpoint the
exact science to the reasons why exactly this therapy works there is quite a
bit of information discovered that could be part of the answer. Proprioception is one piece to the puzzle in
the theory of reflexology. Proprioceptors are specialized sensory
receptors on nerve endings that provide information about where the body is in
space. They aid in judging body position
and changes in the locations of neighboring body parts in relation to one
another. They also provide information
about muscle contraction and tendon tension.
These nerve endings play important roles in walking, running, and fine
tune skills and keeping our bodies in balance.
They are located in muscles, tendons, and joints. The feet are made up of 33 joints and more
than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. In fact, the feet, hands, and head are
where the bulk of nerve ending are found, which connect back to the central
nervous system.  When you get a reflexology
treatment, all those nerve endings are being stimulated. In a safe, relaxing environment your nervous
system can make the most of the messages being sent back and forth throughout
your body via your feet and hands.
Chronic muscle contraction and tension can lesson and ligaments can
relax. After a reflexology session you
feel lighter and more balanced. We are
continually learning how everything is connected and that the body works as a
whole to stay healthy. In addition to
reflexology, walking and running barefoot, and yoga are great exercises to help
stimulate these nerve endings and stay balanced. Thank you for visiting Reflexology by
Katie and letting me share reflexology with you! I hope you enjoyed it! It
is my goal that everyone who has a reflexology treatment should leave
physically and mentally relaxed and refreshed. I am pleased to be
providing reflexology therapy to Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. |
Reflexology Stands the Test of Time
| Posted on July 11, 2017 at 9:33 AM |
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Did you know that modern reflexology is actually based on an ancient form of foot and hand therapy? And by ancient, we are talking pretty old. While we don’t know exactly how or when reflexology first came to be practiced, the oldest evidence of foot and hand therapy dates back to Ancient Egypt. Ankhmahor, physician to the pharaoh, had foot and hand treatments portrayed in his tomb in a pictograph, which dated back to around 2330 B.C. That’s over 5,000 years ago! And not only Egypt, but also East Asia has ancient records dating back thousands of years. Archives indicate Chinese physicians diagnosing and treating illnesses through the hands and feet. Pretty cool, huh? And yet, as ancient times fade away, foot therapy continues! Around the late 1200s Dominican and Franciscan missionaries are credited with introducing Chinese foot therapy to Europe. AND…across the Atlantic, Incas, Mayans and North American tribes are known to have practiced and passed down pressure therapy on the feet and hands for hundreds of years. With so many different cultures and civilizations practicing some form of foot and hand therapy throughout the ages, the question arises…Does it work in modern time?? YES!! Thanks to the tireless efforts of reflexologists worldwide, modern reflexology has a serious place in integrative health and well-being. It is used worldwide as a complementary and alternative therapy in the healthcare community and is continuing to be established as a true integrative health treatment.  Thank you for visiting Reflexology by Katie and letting me share a brief history of reflexology
with you! I hope you enjoyed it! It is my goal that everyone has an understanding and interest in reflexology. I am pleased to be providing reflexology therapy to
Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. |
Reflexology for Wedding Day Jitters
| Posted on July 10, 2017 at 12:54 PM |
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As spring is approaching, wedding season is hastily
coming! Anyone who has been part of a wedding knows the anxious pre-wedding
jitters that can come with the big day.
The location is booked, the guests are invited, and the menu is
finalized. Still have that anxious feeling? Reflexology is the perfect pre-wedding
relaxing treatment to warm up those cold feet and calm wedding day jitters.
Reflexology lowers stress and brings the mind and body into a relaxed state.
It’s important to remember that remaining calm and relaxed helps you stay in
the moment of your special day. By allowing your mind and body to relax you can
enjoy the big day to the fullest. It
also helps soothe post wedding tired feet and fatigue. |
Reflexology Helps Headaches
| Posted on February 14, 2017 at 12:19 PM |
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Almost everyone has suffered
from headaches and can sympathize with how they can put a damper on your
day. Headaches can be triggered by a
number of different causes. Stress,
anxiety, lack of sleep, hormone imbalances, eyestrain, neck problems and sinus
congestion can all be factors for a headache. Reflexology can help alleviate
some or all of these symptoms! A
reflexology session may alleviate a headache by releasing tension around the
cervical spine, reducing stress, improving circulation and nerve function, and
assisting the body in maintaining homeostasis.
When using reflexology to help
with your headaches, it’s important to try and understand why you are having
the headache. Is it hormonal? Or, is it
sinus related or due to eye strain? Once
you can pinpoint a specific trigger, you can more effectively use reflexology
to help by focusing on specific reflexes.  The big toe is the direct
reflex for the brain/head. So it’s wise
to work the big toe aka Hallux for any headache. In fact, working ALL of the toes is a good
idea. The toes hold the reflexes for the
brain, sinuses, eyes, ears, face, throat, and the lymph nodes from the neck up. Releasing tension in these areas would
greatly help if suffering from a headache.Along with working the direct
reflexes associated with the head, it is helpful to work secondary reflexes
that are associated to any areas that could be contributing to the
headache. For example, if the headache
is hormonal related, working the endocrine system reflexes and reproductive
reflexes would be beneficial. If it is
stress related, work the solar plexus reflexes and adrenal reflexes. Lung reflexes are always helpful to release
tension in the chest and promote deep breathing and relaxation. A full reflexology session that works all the
reflexes is the most beneficial for stopping a headache in its tracks. The next
time you see your reflexology therapist; ask them to show you the different
reflex points and techniques to help alleviate your headaches! Thank you for visiting Reflexology by
Katie and letting me share the benefits of reflexology with you! I hope
you enjoyed it! It is my goal that everyone who has a reflexology treatment
should leave physically and mentally relaxed and refreshed. I am pleased
to be providing reflexology therapy to Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode
Island. |
Try Reflexology to get a Good Night’s Sleep
| Posted on February 12, 2017 at 4:55 PM |
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Stress, depression, and illness
can cause tension throughout the body.
Chronic tension in the body will inevitably cause a blockage of your
natural energy flow within the body. This can result in a state of physical and
mental imbalance. This imbalance can
cause you to have sleep disorders.
Reflexology can help! Reflexology
balances out the body by allowing energy to flow more smoothly and encourages
relaxation throughout the entire body. Deep relaxation helps prepare the mind
and body for sleep. Once your body is in a more relaxed state, you will
experience a deeper level of sleep! If you are going to try
reflexology to help improve your sleep, it’s best to plan your therapy about an
hour to two hours before your scheduled bedtime. Reflexology naturally relaxes your body and
mind to the alpha state of relaxation. (See previous blog regarding the alpha
state of relaxation.) Mentally and physically you will already be halfway to
falling asleep after a reflexology session.
If you can stay in that relaxed state before your bedtime, falling
asleep will already be that much easier. A full reflexology session is the best avenue if you are going
to try reflexology. However, if you don’t
have the time to go for a session with a certified therapist, you can most certainly
give yourself reflexology! Here are some
areas to work right before bedtime:  1.
Brain/Head reflexes 2.
Chest/lung/respiratory reflexes 3.
Solar plexus reflexes (Star) 4.
Adrenal reflexes 5.
Sciatic nerve reflexes For additional sleep preparation, try some natural lavender essential
oil or lotion. Lavender has a naturally
calming essence and is absorbed easily through the feet. This is a great technique for anyone who
has trouble sleeping, or a sleep disorder. Reflexology allows your body to relax and
prepare for sleep. With optimum
relaxation, your body has a better chance of repairing itself and awaking more
refreshed. Thank you for visiting Reflexology by
Katie and letting me share the benefits of reflexology with you! I hope
you enjoyed it! It is my goal that everyone who has a reflexology treatment
should leave physically and mentally relaxed and refreshed. |
How Reflexology Helped Me Find the Joy of Giving
| Posted on February 10, 2017 at 12:23 PM |
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We all know that well known phrase, “There
is more joy in giving than receiving.”
Most of us were taught it as young children. However, how many of us were told this as
children, and yet we never felt that joy or happiness we were promised when we
had to share our toys? It’s funny now to watch a little kid being told to share
when they really don’t want to. Well,
now as an adult I am closer to understanding the true meaning of “the joy of
giving.” And I have reflexology to thank
for it!  When I received my education in reflexology,
one of the first places I began utilizing reflexology was at the local hospital
in Norwich Connecticut. At the hospital
they have a department called CHI (Center for Healthcare Integration). In addition to the traditional medical care at
the hospital, CHI offers complimentary alternative therapies such as massage,
reflexology, reiki, and healing touch per the patient’s request. CHI relies on therapists to offer their
skills to the patients on a voluntary basis since the hospital has no funding
for the program.In the beginning of my time at the
hospital, I admit I was nervous and wasn’t use to the hospital setting. However, I had great mentors and nurses that
helped and encouraged me in learning all of the hospital safety and health
procedures. Some of my friends and
acquaintances would ask me why I was going to volunteer my time and energy. My
response at the time was, for the experience and practice of my new reflexology
knowledge and skills. However, once I actually started providing reflexology to
patients it was a whole other ball game.
I cannot describe the joy that comes from giving reflexology therapy to patients. Their smiles and thankfulness truly make the
time I am there worth it. I have gotten
to know quite a few patients in the radiation department where I routinely provide
reflexology therapy. I know that they
are going through a difficult journey. My
only goal is to provide a sense of relief and comfort however small it may be
for them. Afterwards, when I see their
smiles, and they embrace me in their hugs and gratitude, I truly understand the
joy that comes from giving. I have found something that I enjoy giving
and it has changed my life! It has
taught me more about compassion and generosity.
Giving of yourself and time for a cause is meaningful, no matter how
small. No matter what your skills are, you can make a difference in someone’s
day. Whether it is coaching little
league, being a big brother or sister, helping at an animal shelter, or being
there for a sick friend, you can truly make a difference. And not only will it bring a little happiness
to those you are helping, it will bring joy and happiness to you as well. Special thanks and gratitude to Paula Novak
and Amy Dunion at The William W. Backus Hospital for their guidance. And also special thanks to Elysia Bates who is
a wonderful reflexology mentor. |
What is Reflexology?
| Posted on February 9, 2017 at 12:29 PM |
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While reflexology therapy has been around
for quite some time and is continuing to grow as a complementary therapy in the
medical field, I still find myself trying to explain to new friends and clients
what reflexology is, in a way that they can easily understand. So I thought I would break it down in a way that
is a little different than it is usually explained and hopefully it will be
easier to understand. First let’s start with the definition of “reflex.” Reflex is described as an action that is
performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought. So for example, we touch something extremely
hot (stimulus), our “reflexes” take over and we quickly remove whatever it is
that we are touching. That is a
reflexive response from our nerves sensing the extreme heat and responding
accordingly before we can think of the correct action ourselves. Our nerves can create reflex actions as they
collect information about external conditions in relation to the body's
internal state; analyze information; and initiate appropriate responses to
satisfy the body’s needs. Remarkably, the nervous system transmits such
messages to the brain at speeds of 180 miles per hour! So now we know that nerves can create
reflex actions and that they send messages to the rest of our body. This brings
us to reflexology and the feet. The feet are
destinations for a majority of nerves in the body. It is said that the soles of the feet have
more nerve endings than almost any other part of our body. Makes sense, doesn’t
it? They are easily tickled, are more sensitive to heat and cold than other
parts of the body, and have you ever stepped on a Lego?! Ouch!! Or better yet,
have you ever stubbed any of your toes and instantly you can feel it shoot up
to your head? The thousands of nerve endings located in the feet are indeed
connected to the rest of our body and supply reflex messages to corresponding
areas of the body. I’ve been describing less than ideal
examples of stimulus to get my point across. So let’s switch it up now and talk
about the good kind of stimulus, also known as, reflexology! Reflexology is a
therapy that uses firm and gentle pressure to stimulate the nerves and reflex
points on the feet. The toes, for
example, are known reflex points for the head. Reflexology maps and charts show all the
reflex points on the feet. Below is a foot chart for the Universal Reflexology method. Applying
pressure using thumb, finger, and hand techniques to the reflex points on the
feet stimulates thousands of nerves and blood vessels that are connected and
run all throughout our body. Correctly
stimulating a reflex point on the foot promotes health in the corresponding
areas of the body that are connected to the reflex. This type of therapy is a beneficial stimulus
to the nerves and nervous system as it releases endorphins into the body which
results in the reduction of stress, tension, and pain. It feels good and is good for you!  Thank you for visiting Reflexology by
Katie and letting me share reflexology with you! I hope you enjoyed it! It
is my goal that everyone who has a reflexology treatment should leave
physically and mentally relaxed and refreshed. I am pleased to be
providing reflexology therapy to Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. |
Reflexology and the Alpha State of Relaxation
| Posted on February 5, 2017 at 11:03 AM |
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I often let my friends, family, and clients
know that reflexology induces a state of relaxation known as the alpha state. But what does that really mean and why do I
always let everyone know about it? Because
it’s an important part to staying and keeping healthy. It’s good for you and here’s why…. First, it’s important to understand how the
mind works at different frequency levels or brainwaves. There are four predominant brainwave states
that science uses to measure and categorize the frequency of our minds at a
given time: beta, alpha, theta, and delta.
Beta is the highest level, and delta the lowest, in terms of frequency. Beta is the state where our mind usually operates
in daily life. We are awake and have
full conscious awareness and attention to everything around us. Higher states of beta frequency, however,
typically equate to anxiety and stress.
Our conscious minds can react negatively to situations and over
think. This leads to increased cortisone
production, heart rate, and can lead to hypertension. If you experience high beta state too often
you can feel agitated and tense.
Ideally, we do not want to experience the high beta state on a regular
basis, especially if we are concerned about our health. If you are in a high stress job, under
pressure often, or have anxiety or restlessness on a daily basis it’s important
to take time to lower your brain activity for your own well-being. Alpha state is a more healthy frequency for
our conscious minds. It is a state of physical and mental relaxation. We are partially conscious and aware of what
is happening around us, however our subconscious has partial dominance as well. It is called the state of “aware relaxation”
and it has many benefits. In this alpha
state we are able to absorb information, gain clarity of thinking, decision
making and memory. Our imagination,
intuition and higher awareness are actually stimulated from being in alpha
state. Alpha waves lower cortisol levels
and increase DHEA and Melatonin, hormones that slow the aging process and
improve sleep. In all, the alpha state has its advantages. Reflexology,
massage, music, meditation, and reading are just a few ways to help us to the desired
alpha state. With reflexology therapy, a session typically gets my clients to
the alpha state within 10-15 minutes and allows them to remain in alpha state
for the remaining 40-45 minutes.  Theta state is the third frequency level. This state of mind is a deeper relaxation
state. The subconscious mind is active
and our conscious mind is turned off.
Theta state happens during dreaming sleep (REM), very deep relaxation,
and meditation. We find our creativity
and spirituality in Theta state and can have visualizations. What’s exciting is we can remember the
content that is produced in theta state if we have alpha waves to connect the
gap between theta and beta brainwaves. If we want to remember what our
subconscious is trying to tell us, we need alpha waves as the bridge to the theta. Many
of my reflexology sessions have facilitated in reaching theta state halfway
through a session. Delta state is the deepest of relaxations
and sleeps. It is a dreamless
sleep. The physical body recuperates and
repairs itself at a higher level in this state.
It is an unconscious state of mind; however some can be in a waking
delta state. This is usually seen in
advanced states of meditation. A number
of reflexology sessions reach delta state depending on the environment of the
session. Alpha, theta and delta states are where we
achieve deep relaxation. By learning the
best way to lower our minds to these three states, we can gain positive mental,
physical, and emotional well-being. And
to those of you that think the few hours a night when you sleep is enough, it
is documented that you will not be reaching your optimum level of health,
physically and emotionally that way. And
worse, it can have a negative impact on your overall health. So if you are someone that functions mostly
in high beta state and is usually stressed, anxious, and “over thinking,” it is
really beneficial to find ways or techniques to achieve alpha relaxation.
Reflexology, massage, meditation, music, yoga, and reading are just a few
suggestions and methods. It will
positively change your life for the better! Thank you for visiting Reflexology by
Katie and letting me share the benefits of reflexology with you! I hope
you enjoyed it! It is my goal that everyone who has a reflexology treatment
should leave physically and mentally relaxed and refreshed. I am pleased
to be providing reflexology therapy to Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode
Island. |
