It can difficult to relax when you are experiencing ongoing or long-term stress. The triggers to this stress could be an intense workload, relationship rifts, money worries, health concerns, unresolved trauma and fear over the state of the world. Any one of these ‘stresses’ on their own can be enough to place our nervous system in overdrive. When experiencing a combination of them, life can feel tough and like you are constantly in panic mode or trying to stay afloat. Coupled with the micro-stresses that regularly arise each day, and the ‘always on’ society we live in, it’s no wonder so many people are finding it increasingly difficult to switch off and relax. Earlier this year, I completed additional training for supporting clients navigating long-term stress, burnout, anxiety and depression. This training was with Sally Earlam, a professional trainer and reflexologist of 25 years. If you’ve had reflexology before, you may be wondering… but isn’t every session relaxing and beneficial for stress-relief? And yes, you’re completely right. In fact, research has demonstrated how regular reflexology sessions can help to reduce anxiety levels, lower heart rate and improve overall wellbeing. But if you are feeling overwhelmed with life and what’s on your plate, then a specialised stress-relieving session may be the thing for you.  A relaxation massage alternative: reflexology helps to relax the whole body by simply working the feet What does a stress-relieving reflexology session involve? Reflexology is, by its very nature, an immensely relaxing and restorative practice. But with a specialised session for stress relief, we target those areas that are involved with how your body reacts to stress. We also focuses on those parts of your system that commonly need some extra TLC when experiencing chronic stress. A course of weekly sessions, over just a few weeks, can sometimes be a catalyst to breaking your body’s heightened stress response. This in itself can help you respond to the daily ‘stresses’ from a more grounded and calmer place. Here are just a few of the techniques that are used during these stress-relieving reflexology sessions: Mindfulness and breathing practice Being fully present is important for every type of treatment. Your session will begin with some gentle breathing techniques to help you ground in the space and begin the session with some supportive intentions. Sensitively working your nervous system While some spinal nerves are linked to the nervous system’s ‘rest and digest’ response, others relate to ‘fight or flight. These nerves, as they correspond on the feet, are either stimulated or sedated accordingly. Sedating the HPA axis Stress activates the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenals (HPA) axis. Each stage of this feedback loop initiates the release of stress hormones, creating a chain reaction. Sedating the HPA axis aims to break this vicious cycle. Activating your vagus nerve Your vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve connecting the brain stem and the body. Heavily involved in the gut–brain axis, activating the vagus nerve can help to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting rest and digestion. Additional self-help techniques In addition to reflexology, there are practical things you can do outside the treatment space that will help to support your stress recovery. As part of the session, I may offer one or two simple self-help techniques that you can apply at home. These techniques may involve a breathing practice, tweaks to your diet, useful daily habits, or ideas to promote a good night’s sleep. A few tips for stress relief are outlined in this leaflet. Drop into our centre if you would like a copy, or get in touch for a few more copies to share with a community group or place of work.  Drop into the Albany Centre of Natural Therapies for a free copy of this leaflet How to book a session of stress-relief Simply book an appointment and ask for a stress-relieving treatment in the booking comments. Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more or have a chat first, do feel free to get in touch with me directly. At the start of your session, we will discuss where you’re at right there and then so I can personalise and build a treatment just for you. A course of treatments may be advised to offer you the support that’s needed to help you create a positive change. Reflexology taster sessions Every now and then I arrange a day of mini taster sessions for stress relief. Keep your eyes peeled for more info, or get in touch if you’d like to receive a notification on the dates coming up. Stress-relief treatments in the workplace If you’re an employer or team manager based in Albany or the Great Southern region and are interested in arranging an in-house day of stress relieving treatments for your employeees, drop me a line and we can discuss the options.
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Reflexology is a complementary therapy designed to promote overall wellness and is evidenced as helping with relaxation and stress reduction. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical conditions. Treatments should not be considered a substitute for conventional medical care. This website and its contents are for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
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