Sole Response Reflexology and Reiki

Meditation- Relax, breathe and get to know your inner self

Written on June 11, 2009 at 3:24 pm, by Marita

How often in this day and age are we told about the importance of relaxation and that meditation is a great skill to develop? How many of us actually take action to develop the skills required for meditation?

We have grown up in a culture that has actually encouraged us to always be active in body and mind. We tend to constantly keep our minds working in overdrive and thinking all the time, using our energy resources continuously without allowing ourselves to re energise by having some “no thought” time. To clear our head as it were.

Recall back to how many times a simple thought has entered your mind, which has led you to another thought and then another thought etc, until your mind has created a scenario that hasn’t even happened yet. Sometimes this scenario may have a happy ending, other times we may have unnecessarily upset ourselves. Our ego and mind love to play with our thoughts to see what they can create. Nine times out of ten it is our imagination that is running wild creating unrealistic situations and “what if” or “if only” scenarios. These take us out of the present moment.

So how do we manage this egoic mind? Start by developing the skill of meditation. Meditation is a learned process of calming the mind and not becoming attached to the dramas and thought streams it wants to create.
It is a process of concentrating on the breath and being the observer of our thoughts, rather than becoming attached to those thoughts and allowing them to anger or upset us.

It is common for people to say “they haven’t got the time to spend meditating” or “why would I waste time sitting and not doing anything, when I achieve so much more by staying active?”

I find this very puzzling. Is it any wonder that people are suffering ill health, anxiety and stress related disorders in the western countries? simply because they feel that they need to be constantly doing or thinking about something. Not taking some time to simply sit, relax, breathe and unwind has been proven to have detrimental effects on our health.

If you are one of those people, please acknowledge that aspect of yourself. It’s never too late to learn meditation. There are a variety of meditation techniques available. You just need to find one that suits you and spend some time practising.
Think of it as part of your daily health plan. Even 10-20 minutes per day is all you need to get started. Give yourself time to practice and persevere. You will definitely feel better for having incorporated some meditation into your daily routine.

For further information on Meditation please visit the Links page at  http://www.soleresponse.com/links.html

 Meditations/Relaxation music CDs available click here

Good health !!

Marita Reynolds. © Copyright 2009

The Benefits of hand reflexology

Written on June 7, 2009 at 5:12 pm, by Marita

Hand reflexology can be an alternative or an aid to foot reflexology. Hands are easily accessible and can be worked anytime, anywhere. It is also excellent for the client to learn the reflex routine appropriate to them and use this to assist them between visits for relaxation or areas of the body that they feel are congested.

• It’s cost effective as the duration of time to complete the hands is quicker (allow 30 minutes in total)
• Easy to access, nothing to remove except your jewellery.
• Still completes the whole body system for improved circulation and general well being
• Client can work their own hands (very good for headache, neck or back pain)
• If your feet cannot be worked for any particular reason (eg you may not like having your feet touched) you can receive the same benefits through stimulating the reflexes on the hands.

Hand reflexology can also be very beneficial for people working constantly with their hands for example in the IT field. With this type of work it would be advantageous to have hand reflexology sessions to help avoid conditions such as RSI, as reflexology would help to improve circulation to the arms and wrists. Regular hand exercises would also be very beneficial to people in this line of work. The reflexologist will use a combination of relaxing stretches and reflexology techniques. 

Workplace sessions can be organised where a reflexologist can go in for a morning and work each employee. This has often resulted in positive feedback indicating a more relaxed workplace and has been known to enhance work performance and productivity.

 Good health !!

Marita Reynolds. © Copyright 2009 

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Written on June 6, 2009 at 10:31 am, by Marita

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Stress in young people- take action now

Written on June 3, 2009 at 10:06 am, by Marita

 Everyone has some level of stress in their lives, some more than others. We are all looking for cost effective ways to help reduce stress. Therefore I thought it interesting to put in a note about our younger generation and I am talking about primary school level, who have their own stress issues. Yes even at this age…  Don’t wait until they’re older (high school and VCE year) to think about ways of helping them reduce stress. Encourage them now to take some time out and sit quietly, to develop good habits about recognising when they are stressed and what to do for themselves when they are in this situation.

Some schools participate in yoga programs especially designed for children. However, if you don’t have this facility available to your kids, then there are many yoga schools now that do include after school programs for children, and if there is a yoga school near you that doesn’t then be proactive and get some friends with children that would be interested and go and request if one could be organised. If they receive expressions of interest they may provide a class especially for your group.

You never know, it might just be catching. The message here is don’t wait for stress in your children to become a major issue. Work on it now so that the child has tools and skills to help them through the rest of their lives. They will thank you for it eventually.

Good health!!!

Marita Reynolds. Copyright 2009.

Reflexology-Health Benefits from an Ancient Therapy

Written on May 31, 2009 at 10:42 am, by Marita

Reflexology is a form of massage conducted primarily on the feet and hands. Reflexology dates back as far as 2330BC to ancient Egypt where Egyptian hieroglyphics have been discovered showing physicians working on the people’s feet and hands. Reflexology is still practiced today.

Modern reflexology dates back to 1917 when a medical doctor, Dr William Fitzgerald developed Zone Therapy, where the body is sectioned into ten zones with each zone representing particular organs or body systems. Dr Fitzgerald made the discovery when he worked on patient’s hands and feet, and found that it helped to relieve pain in the related organ of the body. Today a growing number of people are able to feel the benefits of reflexology and see their own health improve.

Reflexology is a non-invasive, wholistic therapy that complements all forms of medicine and alternative therapies. We can view the body as a finely tuned instrument and if everything is functioning properly the body remains in a healthy well-balanced state. However, if certain organs or body systems are not functioning properly the body will feel unbalanced and disease may occur.

Reflexology can help to bring the body back into balance by helping to reduce stress, improve circulation and boost lymphatic function. There are thousands of nerve endings in the feet and these are interconnected to other body systems via the spinal cord and brain. A reflex is actually a reflection of an organ or body system located at a specific region on the foot or hand.

During a foot reflexology session the practitioner incorporates gentle stretching techniques to relax and loosen the foot and then works the entire body systems using their thumb and fingers, gently massaging over each reflex area to stimulate the point. By stimulating the reflex the aim is to improve energy circulation and blood flow to the organ or body system represented on the foot. This process also assists in providing the body with a gentle, yet effective detoxification. Sessions are usually one hour in duration. Following treatment, clients usually comment that their feet feel lighter and freer. With our hands and feet working overtime on a daily basis it makes sense to provide them with a little TLC.

The benefits of Reflexology are now becoming more widely known within the community. For people with diabetes, those who have had a stroke or those experiencing difficulties with menopausal symptoms or any circulatory issues, these people may find reflexology beneficial. It can assist in helping to improve a variety of conditions. Whereas one visit will provide the client with a general feeling of relaxation, it is recommended that the client allow at least 3-6 visits to fully assess the effects reflexology has on their condition.

It is very interesting to see ancient healing therapies like reflexology, acupuncture and massage still offering health benefits to us in the 21st century. It is as though we have rediscovered ancient wisdom that was lost somewhere along the way.

Copyright 2009. Marita Reynolds

Pregnancy- How reflexology can help.

Written on May 31, 2009 at 8:45 am, by Marita

Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive, holistic therapy. Reflexology can help with many conditions especially pregnancy. During pregnancy women experience many physical, emotional and hormonal changes whilst the foetus is developing.  It’s an important time for the mother-to-be to pay particular attention to nurturing herself and her body in preparation for the birth.

Changes are occurring continually throughout the pregnancy and some women can experience nausea, backache, constipation, cramps, poor circulation, swollen ankles, fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and high or low blood pressure.

By having regular reflexology sessions during your pregnancy you may be able to alleviate these conditions. Reflexology is mainly known for it relaxing effects and can help to calm, balance and re-energize the body.

Reflexology works the whole body system to help improve circulation to all areas. This includes the nervous and lymphatic system (our defence system against harmful bacteria and viruses), which are working overtime during pregnancy and need as much help as they can get.

In reflexology we use a combination of techniques to help balance the Endocrine system, which is our hormonal control centre. The endocrine glands help our body to adapt to our environment. It’s where our hormones are produced. Hence working this system is very beneficial to all people, but particularly the pregnant woman who is experiencing many changes in this area.

Treatments are especially useful towards the end of the pregnancy to help prepare and relax the women for birth.

Postnatally, reflexology can assist with breast feeding, helping the flow of breast milk and helping with engorgement and mastitis problems. It is also beneficial for women suffering postnatal depression or fatigue, stress and anxiety problems.

Good health !!

Marita Reynolds. © Copyright 2009

Reiki- A hands-on healing therapy.

Written on May 28, 2009 at 3:50 pm, by Marita

Reiki is a hands-on healing process which is based on “universal energy”. This energy is present in all things. During a Reiki session the practitioner will place their hands on or over various parts of the receiver’s body to facilitate healing.

Reiki can assist with promoting physical, mental and general wellbeing.

Everyone can learn Reiki. It is taught in 3 levels. The first degree is Reiki 1. It is a two day course that covers the history of Reiki and studying the hands-on healing technique. This course is suitable for people who are interested in using it on themselves (e.g. headaches, back pain, to induce a calm feeling etc.) It is also great if people want to work on family, friends and pets.

If you suffer from a particular ailment, Reiki 1 is a great resource for people interested in what they can be doing to help themselves. People have described Reiki as very comforting and nurturing. It can be done at any time anywhere by placing your hands on the area you feel requires healing.

Good health !!!

Marita Reynolds. © Copyright 2009

Reflexology- What to expect from a reflexology session?

Written on May 28, 2009 at 1:19 pm, by Marita

Reflexology is a healing therapy based with the principles that there are reflex points located in the feet and hands that correspond to all organs and body systems. Reflexology is the unique practice of using the thumbs and fingers to massage over these reflex points to reduce stress and tension, improve circulation and restore general wellbeing.

 Reflexology can improve balance to the nervous system by improving the energy circulating throughout the body. This can also help to detoxify the body. 

 It is important to allow at least 1 hour for a session. On your first visit you may want to allow 15 minutes longer.

The practitioner will ask details of your medical history before beginning treatment.

You only need to remove your footwear. The practitioner will work on one foot at a time in a systematic fashion to thoroughly work all body systems. Any areas of concern can be given extra attention. Most people find reflexology very relaxing and notice a “lighter” feeling in their feet. Following  treatment you may also notice signs of detox such as increased thirst, more frequent urination or bowel motions. This is normal, so be aware of your body’s reaction. 

 Everyone, young, mature, adult or any person suffering from a chronic illness may benefit from Reflexology. It is important to remember that any illness has taken time to develop and in attending a reflexology session keep in mind that you may need to allow for more than one visit to experience the benefits reflexology can provide.

Even healthy people who want to stay that way can benefit from reflexology.

Good health !!

Marita Reynolds. © Copyright 2009

Welcome to the Sole Response blog

Written on May 27, 2009 at 3:19 pm, by Marita

Hello everyone,

We are pleased to have our Sole Response blog up and running as a forum for all things related to health and wellbeing. Please feel free to submit any posts that are relevant. We look forward to sharing your experiences, feedback and comments.

Thank you and Good health !!!!

Marita Reynolds