Reflexology During the Menopause

There has been so much in the media about the menopause lately it has been exciting to see this experience, that effects everyone, finally move out of the shadows. As a reflexologist and woman I have long understood how lives can be so negatively changed during this time and I am privlidged to help women and consequently their familes and work colleagues to navigate this natural change.

The NHS describes menopause as the ceasation of menstrual periods due to reduced hormone levels. The time prior to this when hormones are gradually decreasing is the perimenopausal stage. During this phase symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregulat periods can develop. The NHS also recognises that this can have “big impact on life including relationships and work”

For many women the changes they experience can not be expressed as a list of different symptoms. For me it was a strange sense of experiencing my life almost as an observer. I felt I was present as a narrator rather than fully living experiences. As a mindfulness practitioner this was contrary to everything I had tried to cultivate.

I also get my words muddled constantly, saying perhaps window instead of mirror or breakfast instead of coffee. Although this can be amusing at times I’m sure my family are rather tired of me saying…you know what I mean, everytime I leave them completely confused.

Both these cognitive symptoms would fall under the title of Brain Fog. The Menopause Charity explain how estrogen and testosterone both play an improtant role in our memory and cognitive function. In simple terms as these hormones fall dramatically the brain goes into a sudden deprivation state and brain energy decreases. Not suprising life suddenly feels pretty alien to me!

So what can we do about it? It’s no suprise that a healthy balanced diet rich in brain-friendly omega oils and vitamins will help immensley. Building exercise that you enjoy into your life and aiming for a regular sleep routine are always positive changes whatever stage in life you are at. I found yoga really helpful as it increased my mental focus and allowed me to immerse myself in my own life again. It is also brilliant for building strength, maintaning flexibility and helping with bone density.

And of course..REFLEXOLOGY!! I made more effort to fit in my own regular reflexology appointments and within months I felt much more human. I was back in my own body, living inside my own life. I have seen my perimenopausal clients benefit from reflexology in many ways over the years but experiencing it myself was even more wonderful.

Research has shown that I am not alone with these positive results. A recent study in Cleveland, Ohio (Sept 21, 2022) concluded that foot massage (reflexology) rather than body massage can help minimize a number of common perimenopause symptoms . In a Randomised Controlled Trial women had reflexology treatments twice weekly for six weeks. The women recieving reflexology reported far fewer hot flushes, sweats and night sweats (Gozuyesil & Baser, 2016). Another study (2011) concluded that menopausal women who reported difficulty sleeping were able to sleep better with imporoved quality and quantity of sleep after receiving reflexology (Asltoghiri & Ghodsi, 2012)

In some ways my own experience with the menopause has led me to fall even more in love with reflexology and I hope more women will benefit in this way. I have embraced my beloved reflexology and found a new love in yoga (especially fabulous yin yoga). Through my extensive reading and research I have also opted to try HRT for its protective qualities as I believe strongly that informing ourselves of the choices available is vital.

Whatever your or your loved one’s menopausal experience feels like please do not feel you are alone. Asking for help may not come easily but suffering in silence is no longer necessary now the menopause has finally come out of the shadows.

Reflexology Resources

Here we are coming towards the end of week four in this strange temporary new world. I have achieved one goal from my last blog, yes I have long nails tap tapping on the key board!

You may be staying safe at home l or going out and working hard in key roles. Either way you deserve some relaxation and may be missing your reflexology, I know I am ! Hopefully some of you found the last resources helpful so this time I thought I’d share something different.

Wish I was here: One year since my wedding day in beautiful Bath

When I teach baby reflexology I provide hand outs to help people remember the routines. Now these are designed for lovely cute little baby feet, but they work just as well on big old grown up feet! You can use them for your own feet or have fun with people in your household. They are usually part of a face to face session so I though i’d just go over a few things.

I use Bee Balm from Songbird Naturals when I’m working, and it is really gorgeous, but any body oil will work ok. Ideally you want something that doesn’t absorb too quickly. Don’t forget you will be slippy afterwards so pop something on to your feet or give them a good wipe.

I talk about thumb walking….well this means a little up and down bend of your thumb, so the padded part of your thumb ‘walks’ along the foot as it makes contact. If this just sounds impossible then you can glide your thumb along the reflexes, shown as lines on the guides. When I show pictures of movements on the toes please remember to be gentle; no twisting or pulling them out of their little sockets!

Ok, so here are the guides, I hope you enjoy them. If you have any questions as always just ask! I’m not sure how they will look on different devices so if you can’t see them well let me know and I can email them over. Have fun!

Mindfulness and Reflexology Blog 2019

I love mindfulness and reflexology, and I am lucky enough to enjoy a career which promotes relaxation and living in each moment, but I love a long term plan too. I find making plans can be great fun and lists can be very therapeutic, its just about keeping a balance between experiencing this present moment whilst also planning your journey for the future. With this in mind I’m going to share some plans for future blog posts here on my therapy blog.

One area of life that so many of my clients and friends talk about improving is sleep. For countless clients their poor quality sleep or insomnia limits their enjoyment of life. My friends are often exhausted and overwhelmed with the hectic nature of life, made almost impossible due to sleepless nights. I am planning to explore general advise on improving sleep, how holistic therapies can help and maybe some more quirky tricks for that much needed great nights sleep.

During the last year I have been invited to provide therapies in the work place much more frequently. I absolutely love arriving at an office environment or school to be met with enthusiastic greetings form staff looking forward to their in work reflexology or mindfulness. There has been a great deal of research on the benefits of promoting well being at work and employers are more commonly realising their role in the mental health of their workforce. I will be exploring this further during the year and hopefully visiting more and more companies to bring therapies into people’s working days.

I love working with pregnant clients and seeing mums in the postnatal period. This year I am aiming to gather more research on mindfulness in pregnancy as I believe this will be a most helpful skill for all new families. I also feel strongly that mothers in the postnatal period or fourth trimester are often placed under unrealistic levels of pressure. After childbirth our bodies are still going through huge changes and we have very special emotional and physical needs which are so often ignored. This fourth trimester is an area of maternity care which I am investigating more this year.

Mindfulness is still making an impact in the media. One area that I hope to look into is mindfulness in sport. The use of meditation and mindfulness techniques is a growing area of sports science which is exciting for both sport and the less sporty of us! Any research into optimising sport performance can be helpful for everyone as, even though I am not planning to run a marathon, knowing how to be at my best physically and mentally is clearly beneficial.

I think that is enough planning for one day, although I am sure there are many other ideas for this year running through my head….. and talking of running maybe I will think about that marathon!

Take time to Breathe

When I opened my therapy business ten years ago in Kidderminster I wanted a name that conveyed my intention to offer people a time and space away from the pressures of life. I chose Breathe Holistic Therapy to present my intention to give clients an opportunity to simply take a breather.  I know how important it was for everyone to take time out both emotionally and physically. 

Reflexology is a wonderful way to allow yourself time to breathe, but there are ways to introduce this into daily life.

There are many breathing techniques that can allow your mind and body to become calmer. This is a very useful way of lowering the stress response and helping to counteract the negative effects of stress both physically and emotionally.  On a recent visit to Kidderminster hospital i found a fantastic leaflet on breathing techniques. This information was aimed at children but the exercises can be brilliant for both adults and children alike. I know it is obvious but please only do these techniques when it is safe to focus on your breathing.

Bumblebee Breathing

This technique can best be used when you are in a quite private space.  Sit comfortably and gently place the tips of your index fingers in your ears. Allow your eyes to close but don't squeeze them shut. Breathe in through your nose and then gently hum as you slowly breathe out. Repeat this as many times as you choose. 

Shoulder Roll Breathing

Choose  a comfortable sitting position where you can focus on your breathe for a few minutes. Take a slow deep breathe in and raise your shoulders up towards your ears. As you breathe out gently lower your shoulders back down. Repeat this movement slowly with each breathe rolling your shoulders up and down.  Many people find diaphragm breathing difficult at first as we more often breathe with our upper chest. This technique allows you to continue this whilst also promoting calm. 

Tummy Breathing

Lie on the floor and place your hands on your stomach. If you are doing this exercise with a child they can place a small stuffed toy on their tummy. Breathe in deeply and feel your belly rise then feel it lower as you breathe out. This encourages diaphragm breathing which acts physiologically to reduce the stress response and promote the calmer section of the nervous system.

Balloon Breathing

Sit comfortably and place your hands gently around your mouth as if you are about to blow up an invisible balloon. Take a comfortably deep breath in and as you slowly exhale start to spread out your hands as if you are holding a great big balloon.  Hold your hands in position as you continue to exhale until your balloon is as big as it can be. Breathe normally as you gently sway from side to side and release your balloon up into the sky. 

With all breathing techniques it is important that you feel comfortable. For some any alteration to your natural breathing can feel difficult and almost cause you to feel short of breathe. This can be more common if you have a chronic lung condition. If you have any long term health problems speak to your health care provider about which exercises may be best for you.

Reflexology Gift Vouchers

You can give a gift they will remember this Christmas time with a gift voucher from Breathe Holistic Therapy Kidderminster. This gift gives precious "me time", a special opportunity allowing your loved ones to take time out for themselves. 

Treating  your loved ones and yourself to some time out can improve the whole festive season. It's such a busy time for everyone so you can avoid the hustle and bustle of the shops and treat your loved ones to a gift voucher for a relaxing treat in the new year, and book yourself in for a treatment with the time you saved!  You really can put your feet up and relax with reflexology and mindfulness while you finish off your Christmas shopping at the same time!

Are searching for a present to show someone how much you appreciate them? There is no better way than focusing on their well being than with a  wonderfully relaxing reflexology treatment. Maybe you love reflexology yourself?  Sharing this fantastic treatment with a gift voucher can introduce the benefits of reflexology to friends and family enhancing their well being.

Gift vouchers can be purchased for either for a cash amount or a specific treatment such as reflexology . The choice is yours. You can be sure you friends and loved ones enjoy a treat that's just right for them. This gift allows them to enjoy some "me time" when they may not usually take precious time out for themselves.

Do you know a new mum or mum-to-be? You can treat them too! Gift vouchers are available for maternity reflexology, pregnancy massage, baby reflexology or post natal treatments. A lovely relaxing treatment to look forward to in the new year, what an lovely present to receive.

It is easy to buy a voucher, you can contact me by text, phone or email and I can arrange it all for you. Payment can be made by online banking or cheque and I can post the voucher straight out to you with no delivery costs.  But don't leave it too late as I can not post out any vouchers after 18th of December 2017.  
 

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years.

The Relaxation Response Revisited

When I established Breathe Holistic Therapy back in 2008 my aim was simply to give my clients time to breathe. A break from their lives, time just for themselves to relax and recharge. I love all the benefits of reflexology but for me the relaxation response and its value for well being is key.  I explored the relaxation response in a post a few years ago so I thought is was time to revisit how relaxation effects your body

The relaxation response is a powerful skill you can  use to increase your well being.  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S.A recognises the relaxation response as having a wide variety of health benefits including the reduction of pain and restoration of sleep.  In addition, research on the relaxation response has shown that this simple technique can: increase energy, decrease fatigue as well as increase arousal from a drowsy state.  It can increase motivation, productivity, and improve decision-making ability.  The relaxation response lowers stress hormone levels and lowers blood pressure.  Their are many research papers available on the NIH site for example a study finding the relaxation response was a viable treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

There are many was to trigger the relaxation response such as enjoying reflexology or meditation, but you can learn to include this in your daily life in between your appointments.
 
Relaxation Techniques 

What is the Relaxation Response? The relaxation response is defined as yourability to make your body release chemicals and brain signals that cause your muscles and organs to slow down and increases blood flow to the brain. IN many ways the result of this response is the opposite to the stress response. The Relaxation Response is unfortunately not achieved by  laying on the sofa or sleeping! It is a mentally active process that leaves the body relaxed.
 
There are many ways of achieving the relaxation response. Some of these techniques are called: ➣ Progressive Muscle Relaxation (tense & relax) ➣ Visual Imagery ➣ Deep Breathing ➣ Meditation ➣  Yoga ➣ Biofeedback
 
We will look at one technique for simulatingthe relaxation response and the benefits will grow with practise.
 
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (Tense & Relax Technique)

Everyone has a resting level of muscle tension.  Some people have a high level of tension at rest, others less.  When people are under high stress, their muscles tend to have higher levels of resting tension that can be painful and fatiguing.  After you tense and relax muscles, the tension level not only returns to the original level but automatically drops below the original level, producing even greater relaxation to the muscles.    

Start the exercise by getting comfortable.   You can keep your eyes open or shut.  Most people prefer to close their eyes. Try not to fall asleep, I know it is very tempting and sometimes you will drift off but try to stay awake.   As you perform this exercise, you will tense different muscle groups,  but you need not tense to the point of pain – simple tensing for 2 seconds is generally enough.   Focus on how the tension feels.  Then, let the tension go.  Focus on the sensations of relaxation. During the exercise it can be tempting to hold our breath, but do remember to breathe!  If you experience any discomfort during the exercise do not continue to tense those muscles and if you need to change position that is absolutely fine. Please speak to your health care provider if you are concerned about your physical or mental health.
 
The Tense & Relax Exercise: 
 
Preparation 1) Make yourself as comfortable as possible in a seated position 2) Try and sit up straight with good posture with your hands resting in your lap 3) Remove your glasses if you wear them, some people prefer to remove their contact lenses
 
 1. Relaxation of the feet and calves:  Flex your feet (pull toes toward the knees)  Contract calf muscles and muscles of lower leg. Feel the tension build and hold the tension  Take a deep breath  and as you exhale say the word “RELAX” and let the tension go. If the word relax doesn't feel natural to you then try others such as "calm" or " ease".
 
2. Relaxation of the knees and upper thighs:  Straighten your knees and squeeze your legs together. Contract your thigh muscles and all the muscles of your legs. Feel the tension build and hold the tension .Take a deep breath and as you exhale say the word “RELAX” and let the tension go
 
3. Relaxation of the hips and buttocks, tense and relax the hips and buttocks in the same was as above.
  
4.  Relaxation of the abdomen: Observe your abdomen rising and falling with each breath Inhale and press your navel toward the spine then tense the abdomen. Feel the tension build and hold the tension. Take a deep breath and as you exhale say the word “RELAX” and let the tension go
 
5. Relaxation of the upper back: Draw the shoulder blades together to the midline of the body and contract the muscles across the upper back. Feel the tension build and hold the tension. Take a deep breath and ss you exhale say the word “RELAX” and let the tension go
 
6. Relaxation of the Arms and Palms of the Hands: Turn palms face down and make a tight fist in each hand then raise and stretch both arms with fists.  Feel the tension build and hold the tension. Take a deep breath and as you exhale say the word “RELAX” and let the tension go
 
7.  Relaxation of the Chin, Neck, and Shoulders: Drop your chin to your chestDraw your shoulders up toward your ears. Feel the tension build and hold the tension. Take a deep breath and asyou exhale say the word “RELAX” and let the tension go
 
8.  Relaxation of the Jaw and Facial muscles: Clench your teeth together and tense the muscles in the back of your jaw. Turn the corners of your mouth into a tight smile and Wrinkle the bridge of your nose and squeeze your eyes shut. Feel the tension build and hold the tension. Take a deep breath and as  you exhale say the word “RELAX” and let the tension go
  
9. Take a deep breath. As you exhale say the word “RELAX” and let the tension go. Finally  become aware of your surroundings (location, people, noises)  -  Move your feet, legs, hands, arms, rotate your head– open your eyes feeling re-energized, refreshed, and relaxed

This is one type of relaxation technique and there are many more to choose from. I believe their is a technique to suit every one so do experiment with techniques to find what suits you best. Do not be put off if your first attempt is not what you expect. It can take some time to feel familiar with a technique and begin to feel the benefits.  If you have any questions about the technique please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Mindfulness techniques for you

I am passionate about mindfulness and see how it enhances both my own and my client's lives. It can however be difficult to begin incorporating mindfulness into our lives. It is often true that the busy doing aspect of life just gets in the way. In this blog I am sharing a couple of techniques that can help you to begin to use mindfulness daily, developing your "just being" mind, regardless of how busy you may be.

The first technique is known as the RAIN method.  This enables you to focus your attention on the moment in a structured way. As your mindfulness develops you will probably move away from the structre but it is helpful to start with.

RAIN 

R - Recognise

A - Allowing

I - Investigating

N - Natural awareness

RAIN technique, Mindfulness Meditation

R   -  RECOGNISE WHAT IS HAPPENING

You can awaken mindful awareness simply by asking yourself: “What is happening inside me right now?” Call on your natural curiosity as you focus inward. Try to let go of any preconceived ideas.

A - ALLOW LIFE TO BE JUST AS IT IS

Allowing means, “Letting be”, the thoughts, emotions, feelings, or sensations you discover. You may naturally feel a sense of aversion to any difficult feelings or sensations that arise.  Wanting unpleasant feelings to go away is a response which has become a habit for most of us.  However, with some practise, you will become more willing to be present with, 'What is', and a different quality of attention will emerge.

Allowing is intrinsic to healing, and realising this can give rise to a conscious intention to “let be.” 

I - INVESTIGATE INNER EXPERIENCE WITH KINDNESS

Investigation means calling on your natural interest.  Simply pausing to ask, “What is happening inside me?”, might initiate recognition, but with investigation, you engage in a more active, pointed, line of enquiry.   You might ask yourself:

“What most wants attention?” “How am I experiencing this in my body?” “What does this feeling want from me?”

We need to offer a gentle welcome to whatever surfaces. Avoid the natural habit of wanting to change thinks or find solutions, just be with the answers that arise. Investigating with open non-judgental curiosity.  

N - NATURAL AWARENESS

The first three steps of RAIN require some intentional activity. The ’N’ of RAIN, expresses the result; a liberating realisation of your Natural awareness. There’s nothing to do for this last part of RAIN.   Realisation arises spontaneously on its own.  We simply rest in Natural awareness. Not trying to get anywhere and not trying to change anything, just "being" with whatever you have discovered.

Sixty seconds meditation

The second technique requires just sixty sessions.  It can be practised whenever you are in a situation which does not require your full attention ( so not when driving a car for example!!)  If you have a timer on your phone then set it for sixty seconds, close your eyes and focus solely on your breath. Bring your attention to the movement of the breath as it travels in from the mouth or nose all the way down to the chest. Then follow the exhale in the same way.  There is no need to breath in any special way.  When your attention wanders simply escort it back to the breath.

This may sound very easy, just 1 minute concentrating on one thing. Or you may be thinking that your mind is far too busy to focus on something you normally pay no attention to?  Whatever your initial thoughts try to enter the meditation with an open mind and see what you discover.  By meditating in this way you allow yourself to insert a pause into your day; a moment to just be with your breath and see what develops. Taking time to allow yourself to take a  break from your "doing" mind in this structured way will help you to develop a mindfulness approach to many aspects of your life.

I know it may see like a contradiction to learn techniques which allow you to develop mindfulness when the practise itself is about non-doing rather than doing techniques and exercises!   We do, however, need guidance to develop our own mindfulness and techniques can really help.  Most importantly remember to be kind to yourself and know that you do not need to strive to be good at any technique, just doing them is the key.

If you would like more information please take a look at mindfulness meditation

Exercise for Expectant Mums

It has been great to link up with Puddle Ducks Worcestershire this month and learn about their aqua natal classes in Kidderminster and Worcestershire. My maternity reflexology and pregnancy massage clients often ask me about other activites available for them.

I'd like to share this guest post kindly written by Clare Harris from Puddle Ducks Worcestershire

It can be hard to find a suitable exercise class when you are a mum to be. We all know that it is good to keep fit while you are pregnant but your normal class may longer be suitable or you might not feel like going to the gym. 

An Aquanatal class, is a great combination of relaxation together with cardiovascular exercise. The right class can provide a range of benefits including keeping fit, improving sleep, and reducing the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.
 

Swimming is one of the safest ways to exercise during pregnancy as the water supports your joints whilst also providing resistance work for all the muscles, strengthening your back and abdominal muscles ready for carrying your baby around!

When choosing a class it is worth checking what training your teacher has undergone. Puddle Ducks teachers must pass antenatal swimming training that is accredited by the Royal College of Midwives Trust, STA Aquacise training and our own extensive Aquanatal training. This means that you’re in the safest possible hands as you work out and relax.

It is great to be able to combine exercise with relaxation– the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a little ‘me’ time. Classes take place in the soothing, warm comforts of pools and combine exercise with relaxation activities Exercise and relaxation release your body’s natural happy hormones, endorphins, which suppress pain and help you (and baby) feel calm – not only helpful in later pregnancy, but also really important during and after labour.

If you have recently had a baby then Aquanatal classes can also be undertaken post-pregnancy, the gentle exercise helps mums’ bodies recover after birth and get back into shape gently. 
Puddle Ducks classes are held at DW Fitness in Kidderminster on Saturday mornings at 12.15 pm. You can attend as many classes as you like, throughout your pregnancy, for the one-off admin fee of £45, you do not need to be a DW Fitness Member to attend. If you would like to go to the sessions post-natally they are then £5 per class.

A great bonus for all expectant Mums attending is that you will get 20% of the cost of your first term when you sign up to swim with your new baby. Puddle Ducks run swimming classes for children from just a few weeks old through to 10 years at 10 pools throughout Worcestershire and the West Midlands. Swimming is an amazing experience to share with your little one and one of the few activities that you can both enjoy together.

If you would like to attend a class for free please call Puddle Ducks on 01905 888346 or email worcestershire@puddleducks.com, please quote the code  BTSAQ17.

For more information take a look at the website:  Puddle Ducks