Does our brain activity have anything to do with our health? I think we've all heard the saying, toxic emotions can produce toxic health. Having recently read a life changing book " Who switched off my brain?" by Dr. Caroline Leaf (who has studied the human brain since 1981, and developed Geodesic Learning and Metacognitive-Mapping approach), I knew that it was very important to address the brain when dealing with improving health.
In her book, Dr Leaf explains to great detail the scientific and medical aspects of how the brain operates. "Every thought has a corresponding electrochemical reaction in your brain. When you think, chemicals course through your body in magnificently complex electrochemical feedback loops. At any moment, your brain is creatively performing about 400 billion actions of which you are only conscious of around 2,000. These actions have both a chemical and electrical component that is responsible for triggering emotions. Therefore one would conclude that when you feel happy, your brain has released chemicals or neurotransmitters called endorphins or "feel good" chemicals. When you feel sad, afraid, angry you will release chemicals that can actually harm you and create conditions for a host of health problems that will manifest in both the body and the mind."
Research shows that around 87% of illnesses can be attributed to our thought life and approximately 13% to diet, genetics and environment. And studies link chronic diseases to an epidemic of toxic emotions in our culture. The outcome of toxic emotions can cause a myriad of illnesses such as hypertension, strokes, cancer, skin problems, diabetes, infections, migraines, just to name a few.
In dealing with improving health, you cannot separate the thought and emotional aspect of your life. Mind and body and spirit are integrally connected. In his book "Stress Less", Dr. Don Colbert tells of how people were healed of cancers by having several deep belly laughs everyday. He urges his patients to watch decent funny videos that will produce these deep belly laughs. Scriptures tell us that "A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones". Play and laugh often. Play brings laughter, which is referred to as "internal jogging" because it can literally let peptides flow thus increasing good chemicals to the immune system.
As we sometimes use a cleanse or detox for our body, it is also vital to evaluate and "cleanse" our thought life. We can do a brain detox also. Dr. Leaf recommends the following to detox the brain. Use your brain's natural "strainer" to increase awareness of your thoughts and feelings. Make a conscious decision to accept the thought (if it's good for you) or to reject it (if it's bad for you). Correct, positive thinking is also shown to "grow" your brain. Even as you get older, you can continue to increase your intelligence without limits, as long as the input is positive and healthy. Deal with emotional strongholds and build strong memory. Express emotions appropriately, in an environment that is safe and don't deny your feelings. Repressed emotions are toxic to your health and in time will suddenly come pouring out. Take responsibility and take control, you can literally grow new memories over the old ones. Writing down emotions and past experiences. Once you have done that, start to replace negative statements with positive ones. Start speaking positive words and you can grow a beautiful new memory over the painful and oppressive old one. Another step to detoxing the brain is choosing to become a person of integrity and honesty. Being congruent- what you do and say on the outside must reflect what you think on the inside. Not being sincere causes stress and affects the way information is processed and memory is built. Some other very important crucial steps to brain detoxification are forgiveness. It's a choice and an act of free will. It will enable you to release all toxic emotions that can hold your mind into a nasty, vice-like grip. Next step is tune into Love. Studies show that clear changes in the patterns of the autonomic nervous system, immune system, hormonal system, brain and heart when you experience emotions such as appreciation, love, care and compassion therefore improving health and increasing longevity. In addition to this list Dr. Leaf writes about human touch. She states research done proves over and over again that touch, hugs, releases those endorphins and enkephalins from the area of the brain called the PAG which break the negative feedback loops. You also need to eat well to feed your brain properly. To experience brain detoxification one must address spirituality. We are spirit beings and to ignore this aspect of life is to miss a link in attaining overall wellbeing. Science is not antagonistic to spirituality. Science only proves that we are intricately formed by an Intelligent Designer. And last but not least, relax. In this busy, rush, rush world, we must find time to relax. The busy-rush syndrome can cause disruptions to the autonomic nervous system that lead to erratic heart rhythms among other problems. When the heart rhythm is off, other parts of the body don't flow as they should. Practice deep breathing which restores oxygen and blood flow to organs and glands. Stretching, meditating on something positive and prayer will help bring on relaxation. Get a massage or Reflexology as this is all part of touch therapy. Get a good night's rest at least 7-9 hours a night. Following these steps and understanding the brain will lead to your better health and enjoyment of life.
Excerpts are taken from the book “Who switched off my brain” by Dr. Caroline Leaf.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
It's D day, Vitamin D Day, that is.
The weather has been simply beautiful. I say it's a Vitamin D Day. The sunshine has once again managed to raise our vitamin D levels. Today we reached highs of 27 degrees celsius and for us that's a treat! I won't mention the other things that accompany the nice weather after much rain. They are pesky and cause itchiness.
Back to sunshine and the sunshine vitamin. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that come in three different lengths: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-B rays are the ones that are capable of producing vitamin D in your body by acting on the cholesterol found in your skin. Vitamin D is produced in the body when sunlight comes in contact with the skin. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the body which is essential for the development and maintenance of teeth, bones along with kidney and liver health. It helps your body regulate blood sugar levels. Vitamin D also contributes to thyroid function as well as raise the immune system. Calcium and phosperous levels in the bloodstream are maintained by vitamin D. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of these nutrients during digestion. Vitamin D is only found in a few foods such as fortified milk, wild salmon, cod liver oil, egg yolks and sardines and other fish oils. According to Dr. Mercola and the Vitamin D council, if we have enough skin exposed for 20-30 minutes a day, our bodies can produce 20,000 units of vitamin D. Sunlight is our most effective source of vitamin D. Sunlight can actually help fight off cancer. Many studies have shown that moderate sunlight exposure has lowered cancer mortality and aided in cancer prevention. (mercola.com) Research shows that sunlight is extremely important to cancer treatment. For years we have been told to avoid sun exposure and to apply sunscreen at all times. That has contributed to vitamin D deficiencies in people and because vitamin D is needed for healthy bone formation and repairs, there is an increase in osteoporosis, as well as less healthy gums and gum tissue, along with cancers.
For those of us who don't live where the sun is always shining, we can easily get depleted of vitamin D. Using a safe tanning bed, once a week can help and taking a vitamin D3 (colicalciferol) supplement and or using full spectrum lights .The recommended daily dosage of vitamin D is 1,000 IU, it's estimated that people with low levels of vitamin D in their blood would need to take in 3,000 IU to raise their levels. This can be accomplished during the summer months with daily sun exposure but in the fall and winter a supplement can be taken. It is always safest to get your vitamin D levels checked. Please note that sunburns are not good for your skin and can cause permanent damage to the cell structures. Limited sun exposure several times a day is the best way to increase vitamin D levels.
A word of precaution: Certain medications can cause a sensitivity to the sun, resulting in rashes, burns or other skin eruptions. It is best to read the side effects of the medications you may be on and limit prolonged exposures to the sun as well as check the UV index daily.
Back to sunshine and the sunshine vitamin. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that come in three different lengths: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-B rays are the ones that are capable of producing vitamin D in your body by acting on the cholesterol found in your skin. Vitamin D is produced in the body when sunlight comes in contact with the skin. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the body which is essential for the development and maintenance of teeth, bones along with kidney and liver health. It helps your body regulate blood sugar levels. Vitamin D also contributes to thyroid function as well as raise the immune system. Calcium and phosperous levels in the bloodstream are maintained by vitamin D. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of these nutrients during digestion. Vitamin D is only found in a few foods such as fortified milk, wild salmon, cod liver oil, egg yolks and sardines and other fish oils. According to Dr. Mercola and the Vitamin D council, if we have enough skin exposed for 20-30 minutes a day, our bodies can produce 20,000 units of vitamin D. Sunlight is our most effective source of vitamin D. Sunlight can actually help fight off cancer. Many studies have shown that moderate sunlight exposure has lowered cancer mortality and aided in cancer prevention. (mercola.com) Research shows that sunlight is extremely important to cancer treatment. For years we have been told to avoid sun exposure and to apply sunscreen at all times. That has contributed to vitamin D deficiencies in people and because vitamin D is needed for healthy bone formation and repairs, there is an increase in osteoporosis, as well as less healthy gums and gum tissue, along with cancers.
For those of us who don't live where the sun is always shining, we can easily get depleted of vitamin D. Using a safe tanning bed, once a week can help and taking a vitamin D3 (colicalciferol) supplement and or using full spectrum lights .The recommended daily dosage of vitamin D is 1,000 IU, it's estimated that people with low levels of vitamin D in their blood would need to take in 3,000 IU to raise their levels. This can be accomplished during the summer months with daily sun exposure but in the fall and winter a supplement can be taken. It is always safest to get your vitamin D levels checked. Please note that sunburns are not good for your skin and can cause permanent damage to the cell structures. Limited sun exposure several times a day is the best way to increase vitamin D levels.
A word of precaution: Certain medications can cause a sensitivity to the sun, resulting in rashes, burns or other skin eruptions. It is best to read the side effects of the medications you may be on and limit prolonged exposures to the sun as well as check the UV index daily.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The greatness of this season can bring an abundance of healing to the body
What a great season we are in ! We've already had so much sunshine here in southern Manitoba. Surely if we've enjoyed some of the outdoors our vitamin D levels have gone up. Our family has lowered our vitamin D amounts during this sunny time of the year. We've almost felt spoiled to have such wonderful sunshine pouring down on us as we've enjoyed gardening, playing lots of badminton and just lounging around on our deck. It's been a great time to have deep conversations with our kids and great meals of course, thanks to our bbq! We've truly been enjoying the blessings that come with being able to live in 2 places..the indoors and the outdoors.
I've still been spending time reading and studying....always studying and acquiring more information. I am in the process of studying 2 new courses. Very excited about that. One of them is ART -- advanced Reflexology Techniques which takes Reflexology to a new level. This course focuses alot on medical Reflexology. I'm also working on Vertical Reflexology, seeing the foot as 3-demensional. The great thing about this season is that you can do Reflexology on yourself right in your own backyard. I highly recommend walking barefoot while working or enjoying the yard. One great thing to do is if you have rocks or cobblestones in your yard, try walking on them barefoot! Yes, in the beginning it will hurt a little but the more often you do it the more your feet will get used to it. We have decorative rocks in our backyard and we all try to do walking on them. A good 15 minutes of walking can give you the benefits of a reflexology treatment! It's also important to go barefoot while walking on the soil and grass. This helps your body connect to the magnetic field of the earth which helps restore balance in our bodies.
Another glorious advantage of this great time of the year is nature. We've had the pleasure of hosting a family of morning doves. Last weekend we found these babies and their parents hanging around our garden. While the parents would fly away the babies would just sit in the corner of our home and sunroom and sleep. We watched them during the day and at night they flew away with their parents. Well it's been 5 days since then and the 2 babies are still coming to our backyard and spending the day sleeping in our garden. They hear us talk and I have even worked in the garden while they watched me barely 3 feet away! What a pleasure to watch them grow so quickly and enjoy their presence. Nature has a wonderful way of helping us slow down and take time to enjoy the sights and sounds. The experience of these baby morning doves has helped our whole family enjoy such tranquility. It's been nice to see our boys sit quietly in the sunroom while watching these little treasures.
And then there's the excitement of the local garden centre. What a place of tranquility. This is an excellent place to hang out at during the week, when all is pretty quiet and there are few customers and a couple of bees and sparrows flying around. I enjoy all of their presence. To just walk around and enjoy the beauty of the colors is quite a euphoric experience. To think that I can just pick the colors and petals that I want, what a treat! The greenhouse is a great place to forget about all the cares and happenings of the world and to get lost in a world of plants and colors. A place where the only thing that matters is which plant to place where. This is the place where I usually forget my budget. Colors steal my heart and I am taken away by beauty. This is my peaceful little get-away.
Whether it's at the greenhouse, or in my backyard with baby birds, I am reminded of God's love and faithfulness. As He cares for the sparrows, the morning doves, as He clothes those beautiful flowers, how much more does He look after me. Why would I ever waste an ounce of my time with worrying?
I've still been spending time reading and studying....always studying and acquiring more information. I am in the process of studying 2 new courses. Very excited about that. One of them is ART -- advanced Reflexology Techniques which takes Reflexology to a new level. This course focuses alot on medical Reflexology. I'm also working on Vertical Reflexology, seeing the foot as 3-demensional. The great thing about this season is that you can do Reflexology on yourself right in your own backyard. I highly recommend walking barefoot while working or enjoying the yard. One great thing to do is if you have rocks or cobblestones in your yard, try walking on them barefoot! Yes, in the beginning it will hurt a little but the more often you do it the more your feet will get used to it. We have decorative rocks in our backyard and we all try to do walking on them. A good 15 minutes of walking can give you the benefits of a reflexology treatment! It's also important to go barefoot while walking on the soil and grass. This helps your body connect to the magnetic field of the earth which helps restore balance in our bodies.
Another glorious advantage of this great time of the year is nature. We've had the pleasure of hosting a family of morning doves. Last weekend we found these babies and their parents hanging around our garden. While the parents would fly away the babies would just sit in the corner of our home and sunroom and sleep. We watched them during the day and at night they flew away with their parents. Well it's been 5 days since then and the 2 babies are still coming to our backyard and spending the day sleeping in our garden. They hear us talk and I have even worked in the garden while they watched me barely 3 feet away! What a pleasure to watch them grow so quickly and enjoy their presence. Nature has a wonderful way of helping us slow down and take time to enjoy the sights and sounds. The experience of these baby morning doves has helped our whole family enjoy such tranquility. It's been nice to see our boys sit quietly in the sunroom while watching these little treasures.
And then there's the excitement of the local garden centre. What a place of tranquility. This is an excellent place to hang out at during the week, when all is pretty quiet and there are few customers and a couple of bees and sparrows flying around. I enjoy all of their presence. To just walk around and enjoy the beauty of the colors is quite a euphoric experience. To think that I can just pick the colors and petals that I want, what a treat! The greenhouse is a great place to forget about all the cares and happenings of the world and to get lost in a world of plants and colors. A place where the only thing that matters is which plant to place where. This is the place where I usually forget my budget. Colors steal my heart and I am taken away by beauty. This is my peaceful little get-away.
Whether it's at the greenhouse, or in my backyard with baby birds, I am reminded of God's love and faithfulness. As He cares for the sparrows, the morning doves, as He clothes those beautiful flowers, how much more does He look after me. Why would I ever waste an ounce of my time with worrying?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Foot care can lead to better health.
According to an article in the Health Guide of the New York times, the average person walks the equivalent of 3 times around the earth in a lifetime. That is enormous wear and tear on the 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles that make up the foot.
In a recent survey for the American Podiatric Medical Association, 53 percent of respondents reported foot pain so severe that it hampered their daily function. On average, people develop pain in their 60s, but it can start as early as the 20s and 30s. Yet, except for women who get regular pedicures, most people don’t take much care of their feet.
Our feet can "speak" to us and tell us what ails us if we stop and listen. Reflexology is a great way to "hear" our feet. Through pressure therapy, a professional Reflexologist can detect areas where there is congestion, pain, and irritation. Each area corresponding to a certain organ, part or gland of the body. Foot reflexology is based on the premise that our nerve zones or reflex points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way. A trained reflexologist can put pressure on different meridiens or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.
In ancient times they stimulated reflexes naturally by walking barefoot over rocks, stones and rough ground, or by using our hands more often to climb, build or work. In today’s modern world we have lost much of nature’s way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps to restore this balance and promote natural health and vitality.
Reflexology helps with many ailments including Arthritis, Asthma, anxiety, back pain, constipation, depression, Eczema, fluid retention, head aches, high blood pressure, Irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal problems, period pains, post natal problems and sinusitis, migraine headaches, infertility, menstruation, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders etc.
Reflexology focuses on treating the whole body. Reflexology has been shown to improve energy levels, eases tension, relieves stress, brings relief to a wide range of conditions, relaxes, rebalances and harmonises the body. Brings natural healing by helping the body heal itself. Reduces chronic pain, calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure, speeds recovery from injury and illness, strengthens the immune system, reduces tension headaches, reduces mental stress,improves circulation and lymph flow, improves concentration, promotes better sleep, reduces anxiety and promotes well being.
Other foot care tips are to try and avoid pressure from shoes that don't fit right. Look for good, supportive shoes that have some type of arch support. Not sitting for long periods of time and if you have to, elevate the feet. Also in cold weather it's important to keep your feet warm. Try not to expose your feet to extreme temperature changes. Keep toenails trimmed and short. Soaking feet in warm water with 1/2 cup of epsom salts will help push toxins, soothe aches, remove odor and help relax the nervous system.
In a recent survey for the American Podiatric Medical Association, 53 percent of respondents reported foot pain so severe that it hampered their daily function. On average, people develop pain in their 60s, but it can start as early as the 20s and 30s. Yet, except for women who get regular pedicures, most people don’t take much care of their feet.
Our feet can "speak" to us and tell us what ails us if we stop and listen. Reflexology is a great way to "hear" our feet. Through pressure therapy, a professional Reflexologist can detect areas where there is congestion, pain, and irritation. Each area corresponding to a certain organ, part or gland of the body. Foot reflexology is based on the premise that our nerve zones or reflex points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way. A trained reflexologist can put pressure on different meridiens or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.
In ancient times they stimulated reflexes naturally by walking barefoot over rocks, stones and rough ground, or by using our hands more often to climb, build or work. In today’s modern world we have lost much of nature’s way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps to restore this balance and promote natural health and vitality.
Reflexology helps with many ailments including Arthritis, Asthma, anxiety, back pain, constipation, depression, Eczema, fluid retention, head aches, high blood pressure, Irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal problems, period pains, post natal problems and sinusitis, migraine headaches, infertility, menstruation, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders etc.
Reflexology focuses on treating the whole body. Reflexology has been shown to improve energy levels, eases tension, relieves stress, brings relief to a wide range of conditions, relaxes, rebalances and harmonises the body. Brings natural healing by helping the body heal itself. Reduces chronic pain, calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure, speeds recovery from injury and illness, strengthens the immune system, reduces tension headaches, reduces mental stress,improves circulation and lymph flow, improves concentration, promotes better sleep, reduces anxiety and promotes well being.
Other foot care tips are to try and avoid pressure from shoes that don't fit right. Look for good, supportive shoes that have some type of arch support. Not sitting for long periods of time and if you have to, elevate the feet. Also in cold weather it's important to keep your feet warm. Try not to expose your feet to extreme temperature changes. Keep toenails trimmed and short. Soaking feet in warm water with 1/2 cup of epsom salts will help push toxins, soothe aches, remove odor and help relax the nervous system.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Caring for Haiti - forgetting about myself
As I watch the news, as I view the photos, as I pray, my heart is so very saddened by all what the Haitians are going thru. The stories are horrific and yet there is so much good and hope. I see the doctors and nurses who give of themselves in such devastating situations. I can't help but cry and ask myself if I would do the same? Could I handle the suffering, the wounds, the sickness, the stench of death, the hopelessness, the discomfort?
My newfound heroes are the men and women who give of themselves so unselfishly to run to the aid of the Haitians. And many of them have travelled the world year after year helping countries that have endured such atrocities. These people are the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus' words to us are that He did not come here to be served but to serve. If we look after the poor, He will always look after us. Jesus taught us to look after others before ourselves and that is where true JOY can be found. No greater love has this, than one would lay down his life for another. Jesus exemplified the ultimate to us, He layed down his life for us. He is still alive among us meeting with us and giving us His strength. I watched the lady in Haiti who was buried for 5 days and when asked by Larry King how she survived, she said she only had one word to say -- Jesus Christ. He met with her and helped her survive and she gave him the praise for it. Many speak of His help and presence during their time of desperate need in Haiti. The film producer burried in his hotel, speaks about his making peace with God and God meeting with him and helping him. Story after story. There is our hope. The same loving God who created such beautiful, diverse people, never abandons us but wants to walk with us and help us at all times. It is this same God who loves us enough to give us free will and yet longs to spend time with the ones He created. It is this same God who lovingly puts the desire in us to help and care for others before ourselves. The soldiers, the workers, the doctors, the nurses that give their all, their bodies, their sleep, their comfort, their hearts, their strength to help those in great need.
I sit here in the comfort of my home with absolutely nothing to complain about. I have been blessed beyond measure. I have everything I could ever need. I have finances that I can give. I have a family that loves others and is willing to pull together money and give to help Haiti. I have a family that prays and knows that prayer is very powerful. I have a family that is filled with compassion and knows intimately the power of our Jesus.
We know that there are miracles happening everyday in Haiti. Where the enemy has sought to bring evil we know that God brings good to those who love Him. I watched a video from a friend who has done some work in Haiti where the Christian Haitians were dancing and praising the Lord after the earthquake knowing that their God is a loving, awesome God. Many stories will be told and we might not get to hear many of them but we know that God is moving.
I am so thankful for the people who give of themselves to enter this land and love the people in any way they can. I am so thankful that I can give financially and I can pray. I am so thankful to learn to be more thankful. I am thankful to be learning how to live with less and want less. I am content in what I have whether my house is fully furnished or not. What does it matter? As long as my heart is open to do and go where God calls me, that's all that matters. People won't remember me for the way my house looked like. They will remember how I touched their lives. I am thankful for such a loving God who teaches me in His word that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I am thankful for another day to live and love. I am thankful to still be able to do for others and for today to lose a little bit more of my selfishness.
A merry heart is good medicine. As I forget myself and give more, I find the true joy that Christ spoke about. That brings healing to my overall health. The happier you are the healthier you can be.
My newfound heroes are the men and women who give of themselves so unselfishly to run to the aid of the Haitians. And many of them have travelled the world year after year helping countries that have endured such atrocities. These people are the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus' words to us are that He did not come here to be served but to serve. If we look after the poor, He will always look after us. Jesus taught us to look after others before ourselves and that is where true JOY can be found. No greater love has this, than one would lay down his life for another. Jesus exemplified the ultimate to us, He layed down his life for us. He is still alive among us meeting with us and giving us His strength. I watched the lady in Haiti who was buried for 5 days and when asked by Larry King how she survived, she said she only had one word to say -- Jesus Christ. He met with her and helped her survive and she gave him the praise for it. Many speak of His help and presence during their time of desperate need in Haiti. The film producer burried in his hotel, speaks about his making peace with God and God meeting with him and helping him. Story after story. There is our hope. The same loving God who created such beautiful, diverse people, never abandons us but wants to walk with us and help us at all times. It is this same God who loves us enough to give us free will and yet longs to spend time with the ones He created. It is this same God who lovingly puts the desire in us to help and care for others before ourselves. The soldiers, the workers, the doctors, the nurses that give their all, their bodies, their sleep, their comfort, their hearts, their strength to help those in great need.
I sit here in the comfort of my home with absolutely nothing to complain about. I have been blessed beyond measure. I have everything I could ever need. I have finances that I can give. I have a family that loves others and is willing to pull together money and give to help Haiti. I have a family that prays and knows that prayer is very powerful. I have a family that is filled with compassion and knows intimately the power of our Jesus.
We know that there are miracles happening everyday in Haiti. Where the enemy has sought to bring evil we know that God brings good to those who love Him. I watched a video from a friend who has done some work in Haiti where the Christian Haitians were dancing and praising the Lord after the earthquake knowing that their God is a loving, awesome God. Many stories will be told and we might not get to hear many of them but we know that God is moving.
I am so thankful for the people who give of themselves to enter this land and love the people in any way they can. I am so thankful that I can give financially and I can pray. I am so thankful to learn to be more thankful. I am thankful to be learning how to live with less and want less. I am content in what I have whether my house is fully furnished or not. What does it matter? As long as my heart is open to do and go where God calls me, that's all that matters. People won't remember me for the way my house looked like. They will remember how I touched their lives. I am thankful for such a loving God who teaches me in His word that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I am thankful for another day to live and love. I am thankful to still be able to do for others and for today to lose a little bit more of my selfishness.
A merry heart is good medicine. As I forget myself and give more, I find the true joy that Christ spoke about. That brings healing to my overall health. The happier you are the healthier you can be.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Reflexology and Children
Children can really benefit from Reflexology. I've seen children really enjoy Reflexology. Sessions must be shorter than adult sessions of course considering that most children don't want to sit still for too long. A treatment of 15-30 minutes is about all it takes. A Reflexology session can offer some healing benefits as well as relaxation to the child.
A professional Reflexologist must understand that a child does not offer the same vocabulary as an adult and therefore may express the sensitivities in the foot differently. Some children like to chat and play during a treatment. Overall the experience should be pleasant and relaxing to the child to create a positive time. Reflexology can help a child physically and emotionally.
Reflexology for children can be started at birth. Introducing your infant to touch and stimulus through the feet, hands or ears will develop a bonding between parent and child. Reflexology will help your child cope with the stresses of everyday life changes. It will also help you to stay intouch with your child's development.
Always start with clean hands, trimmed and filed nails. No sharp points. For infants and children only apply light pressure. Apply a small amount of baby lotion or oil to the feet. Using gentle pressure work the toes with a gentle squeezing on the top of each one. Under the ball of the feet apply a gentle pressure to relax the body. This is the solar plexus area which puts the body in a state if relaxation. Hold this area for a couple of seconds. Work the centre of the foot with your thumb as this is the digestive area. Then move down to the heel and finish with some light strokes. To finish off gently hold the babies toes with your hands and bless your child.
Reflexology has helped children with many ailments. Chronic ear infections, sleep disturbances, colic, asthma etc. Reflexology can only help the body relax and heal itself. I highly recommend Reflexology for infants and children. The earlier the start the better. When seeking a Reflexologist seek a professionally trained certified Reflexologist.
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