Stress Relief

It is now widely accepted in the medical profession that stress is a culprit in the majority of health problems.

Stress in many forms compromises the complex and important balance of hormones in the body. ‘The Stress Response’ is named largely for the flood of (stress) hormones as well as muscle contraction and nervous tension that occurs when the brain perceives a threat of some type (a stressor). These hormones are secreted by your sympathetic nervous system to basically help you get through the difficulty. However, when stress is sustained for long periods of time which is common with most stressors, the body can no longer maintain a natural balance. ‘Good’ hormones are also suppressed. Here is where the trouble begins. It is important to know that hormones powerfully affect and influence the entire body.

Without addressing the source of stress and tending to ourselves through proper rest and relaxation, exercise, emotional balance, lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, etc., immune problems are likely to arise. This means that we no longer have the defences needed to ward off harmful bacteria, viruses and antagonists of all kinds. This is a complex and far-reaching problem. A compromised immune system can result in frequency of colds or flu, infections, allergies, asthma and inflammatory conditions of all kinds. Over time, as inflammation spreads, much more serious problems can occur including heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer.

Foot Reflexology activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the calming and restoring balance to the sympathetic nervous system mentioned above. The effect of activating this part of your nervous system is aptly called ‘The Relaxation Response’. With this system activated, muscle contraction, blood pressure, heart rate and nervous tension are reduced. Sleep improves and the body’s ability to repair itself is enhanced.

Also, this system triggers the brain to release ‘good’ hormones that relax and soothe the mind and provide some means for understanding and tending to the source of stress. It is now scientifically proven that Relaxation aids healing.

Reflexology helps to alleviate stress by inducing deep relaxation, easing stiff, tense muscles and unblocking congestion in the nerves and blood vessels. Blood can once again circulate freely; oxygen and nutrients are transported more efficiently to all organs and systems, while toxins can be more readily removed

Sink into a comfortable treatment couch for 60 minutes of stress busting deep relaxation. The vital reflex points of your feet will be gently stimulated encouraging stress and tension to melt away and promoting a general sense of well being. Reflexology encourages the body to heal itself and restore its natural balance. It aims to improve circulation, cleanse the body of toxins and impurities and revitalise energy.