Depression is something that most of us endure at some stage in our lives.
Whether it is a short term thing, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or something rather more prolonged, it is something that is hopefully becoming less taboo - something we are not ashamed of.
Depression is usually caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain, and this is something that
'anti-depressants' for example, would counteract.
Reflexology has the same effect. Yet it is natural, and not only that, it works on the whole being, giving the client more energy and zest in a drug-free way.
Sometimes, the depression could be caused by, say, for example, a physical injury that causes great pain. The injury could thus be treated through Reflexology, at the same time as treating the depression, and the client leaves as a different person - feeling bright and pain free!!
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Reflexology & the Menopause
The menopause is often a dreaded experience that most women have to go through eventually.
One of the most common symptoms is hot flushes, which can be extremely miserable, inconvenient and unpleasant.
Yet it is one of the symptoms that I have found to respond incredibly quickly (sometimes in as little as two sessions!) to Reflexology.
Reflexology works to re-balance energy flow that is not working evenly within that system area. Some areas of the body end up with too much energy flow going through - others have too little.
In circumstances of hot flushes, there is an overflow of hormones, in which case, the Reflexology is done in a way that will reduce that flow, working effectively to 'de-stimulate' the flow.
It is remarkably successful.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
One of the most common symptoms is hot flushes, which can be extremely miserable, inconvenient and unpleasant.
Yet it is one of the symptoms that I have found to respond incredibly quickly (sometimes in as little as two sessions!) to Reflexology.
Reflexology works to re-balance energy flow that is not working evenly within that system area. Some areas of the body end up with too much energy flow going through - others have too little.
In circumstances of hot flushes, there is an overflow of hormones, in which case, the Reflexology is done in a way that will reduce that flow, working effectively to 'de-stimulate' the flow.
It is remarkably successful.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology and Sciatica
Sciatica is very painful and is often caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, such as in pregnancy or when there is a prolapsed (slipped) disc.
The pain is often sharp and debilitating.
Reflexology works to reduce the inflammation and pain, as well as to re-balance the flow of energy through the area, and almost indirectly 'manipulate' it again, to get it working as it should.
This is usually a very successful treatment, working on the cause and the subsequent effect.Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
The pain is often sharp and debilitating.
Reflexology works to reduce the inflammation and pain, as well as to re-balance the flow of energy through the area, and almost indirectly 'manipulate' it again, to get it working as it should.
This is usually a very successful treatment, working on the cause and the subsequent effect.Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Reflexology for Children
Reflexology can treat any number of conditions experienced by children.
It is brilliant for babies soon after birth, whereby they may have experienced trauma such as shoulder injury, headaches, neck pain etc etc.
Not only that, later on it can help eczema, colic, allergies, reflux, digestive issues and many more.
Treatment for children only takes a very short period of time and they often respond very quickly, much quicker than adults. If they wriggle, you can wriggle with them; if they are sleeping, you can still treat them as they sleep - how versatile!
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
It is brilliant for babies soon after birth, whereby they may have experienced trauma such as shoulder injury, headaches, neck pain etc etc.
Not only that, later on it can help eczema, colic, allergies, reflux, digestive issues and many more.
Treatment for children only takes a very short period of time and they often respond very quickly, much quicker than adults. If they wriggle, you can wriggle with them; if they are sleeping, you can still treat them as they sleep - how versatile!
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology, IBS & other Intestinal Disorders
IBS is a very common complaint. Partly due to diet, stress, and 'one of those things'. Symptoms include bloating, constipation and diarrhoea, and it is often diagnosed after other intestinal conditions such as Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, have been ruled out.
Sometimes, however, tests have not been done, and the diagnosis is made with no investigations.
One client I saw, had the diagnosis as such of IBS. She had been back and forth to the doctor on several occasions, and, even though she had experienced bleeding on passing stools, the doctor still presumed it was IBS.
On feeling the relevant reflex points, however, it did not feel like IBS. There was marked inflammation and tenderness in the small intestine, and other symptoms along the lines of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
I wrote to the GP, highlighting my findings. He did take it seriously, and prompted some tests. The tests confirmed my thoughts, that it was Ulcerative Colitis. The lady is now having treatment and feels much better!
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Sometimes, however, tests have not been done, and the diagnosis is made with no investigations.
One client I saw, had the diagnosis as such of IBS. She had been back and forth to the doctor on several occasions, and, even though she had experienced bleeding on passing stools, the doctor still presumed it was IBS.
On feeling the relevant reflex points, however, it did not feel like IBS. There was marked inflammation and tenderness in the small intestine, and other symptoms along the lines of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
I wrote to the GP, highlighting my findings. He did take it seriously, and prompted some tests. The tests confirmed my thoughts, that it was Ulcerative Colitis. The lady is now having treatment and feels much better!
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology and Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances. This can mean any part of the hormonal system is out of balance, whether it be the pituitary gland that controls the hormonal system; the thyroid; the adrenal glands ... all of these areas, to name but a few, can have any number of problems.
So it is no wonder that the term 'hormonal imbalance' is very broad, affecting a vast number of conditions.
Reflexology works to re-balance... to get the body and it's organs to work together. If too much energy is going to one area, it depletes energy from other areas, leading to onset of symptoms.
When someone has a problem regarding hormonal imbalances, Reflexology can try to correct the flow of energy to make it more equal. For example, a woman experiencing hot flushes; menstrual irregularities;
over or underactive thyroid gland; depression; mood swings - these can all be helped through Reflexology.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
So it is no wonder that the term 'hormonal imbalance' is very broad, affecting a vast number of conditions.
Reflexology works to re-balance... to get the body and it's organs to work together. If too much energy is going to one area, it depletes energy from other areas, leading to onset of symptoms.
When someone has a problem regarding hormonal imbalances, Reflexology can try to correct the flow of energy to make it more equal. For example, a woman experiencing hot flushes; menstrual irregularities;
over or underactive thyroid gland; depression; mood swings - these can all be helped through Reflexology.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology and Migraines
Migraines are something that a large percentage of the population suffer. They often come on suddenly, and can leave the person in bed in a darkened room for days, wondering when the next one will strike.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Recently I treated a woman who had suffered from migraines for twenty years or so. She experienced what I would call 'true migraines', with vomiting, and completely debilitating symptoms. She didn't really believe I would be able to get rid of them, but wanted to try anything...
The first two treatments produced some symptoms, including mild headache and nausea. I then arrived one day to find her flat out, being sick and quite unwell in the depths of a migraine.
On treatment, however, the migraine that time only lasted less than 12 hours, whereby it would normally have lasted several days. Already a change was happening. To help the vomiting, I suggested she didn't eat for 24 hours, to allow her stomach to settle, only drinking re-hydrating drinks in that time such as 'flat coke'.
It worked. After that migraine, she didn't have any more comebacks. I treated her a few more times to ensure I could no longer feel the headaches (through the relevant reflex point in her foot), and now she just has a maintenance treatment every two or three months to ensure they don't return.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology and Getting Pregnant
A lady came to me, hoping to get pregnant.
She had been trying for two years with her new husband, and had two children from a previous relationship. She was late twenties, and her husband was early thirties.
I discussed nutrition and exercise, the health of her previous pregnancies and how long it had taken to get pregnant before (a couple of months each time was the answer!!)
I suggested that both she and her husband came for treatment, as that would give them optimum chance, as well as discovering if there were any reasons for the lack of conception. She said he had a bad back and would benefit from coming for that anyway, as well as the hope to aid conception.
The husband was very sceptical, not believing I would even help his back, let alone help them in their chances of having a baby!
Six weeks later however, I got a call. 'I'm pregnant!' she screamed down the phone. Fabulous news, and in such a short space of time. Better still, the husband's back was also markedly improved!
The mother continued to come for her entire pregnancy, and it even helped her bring on labour!
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
She had been trying for two years with her new husband, and had two children from a previous relationship. She was late twenties, and her husband was early thirties.
I discussed nutrition and exercise, the health of her previous pregnancies and how long it had taken to get pregnant before (a couple of months each time was the answer!!)
I suggested that both she and her husband came for treatment, as that would give them optimum chance, as well as discovering if there were any reasons for the lack of conception. She said he had a bad back and would benefit from coming for that anyway, as well as the hope to aid conception.
The husband was very sceptical, not believing I would even help his back, let alone help them in their chances of having a baby!
Six weeks later however, I got a call. 'I'm pregnant!' she screamed down the phone. Fabulous news, and in such a short space of time. Better still, the husband's back was also markedly improved!
The mother continued to come for her entire pregnancy, and it even helped her bring on labour!
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology, Complementary Therapies & Orthodox Treatment
I get very irritated when people call 'Complementary' therapies, an 'Alternative'. Therapies should work together and complement each other, not be an alternative.
It is a dangerous road when people start thinking of these things as alternative. I would never advise anyone not to seek the advice of their GP, nor to stop a drug that their doctor has prescribed.
Although people often seek other therapies due to the side effects of more orthodox treatments, there is a reason the drug has been prescribed, and I simply have to work with that and reduce the effects, hoping that the symptoms will reduce with the additional treatment.
It is then up to the Doctor to decide if he can reduce the medication or not.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
It is a dangerous road when people start thinking of these things as alternative. I would never advise anyone not to seek the advice of their GP, nor to stop a drug that their doctor has prescribed.
Although people often seek other therapies due to the side effects of more orthodox treatments, there is a reason the drug has been prescribed, and I simply have to work with that and reduce the effects, hoping that the symptoms will reduce with the additional treatment.
It is then up to the Doctor to decide if he can reduce the medication or not.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology & Eczema
Eczema responds very well to Reflexology, as you are treating the whole body with direct contact to the affected skin.
But having said that, there was a case of a young child that came, whom I simply felt I would not be able to treat. I had never seen such a severe case of eczema, literally covering her entire body, all raised and inflamed.
The child, aged four, was understandably very miserable, and unable to eat certain foods or swim in a swimming pool - all things that would aggravate it. She also had strong steroid cream to apply daily.
In addition to this, highlighting the extent of it, the family had previously emigrated to New Zealand, hoping that the better climate and health care system would improve their daughter's eczema.
They returned to the UK, eczema still just as sore and none the wiser.
On seeing her for the first time, I told the mother I didn't feel I could help her, as it was so bad, but that I was willing to give it a go. I warned them that there may be a toxin reaction, with the symptoms getting worse before better, and to be frank, the mother was just willing to try anything.
The following week, the girl's eczema, did, as expected, look worse... But she seemed brighter, with a little more energy and enthusiasm, and I said that even if I couldn't treat the eczema, even if it improved energy and function, or some sort of relief, it would be something.
By week four, the child came as usual, with her mother. She bounced in, with a broad grin on her face. According to the mother, miracles had happened! She was off the steroid creams for the first time ever, she was eating all foods AND had been swimming in the local pool!!
I was astounded. The eczema, although still slightly visible, was calm and pink, and gone were the angry red sores. I have never felt more happy than treating this little girl. I had not expected to be able to make much difference at all, let alone within four weeks.
To this day, the girl's eczema has virtually cleared up, with no backward steps, and no need for the previous creams and diet control. She is like a different child.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
But having said that, there was a case of a young child that came, whom I simply felt I would not be able to treat. I had never seen such a severe case of eczema, literally covering her entire body, all raised and inflamed.
The child, aged four, was understandably very miserable, and unable to eat certain foods or swim in a swimming pool - all things that would aggravate it. She also had strong steroid cream to apply daily.
In addition to this, highlighting the extent of it, the family had previously emigrated to New Zealand, hoping that the better climate and health care system would improve their daughter's eczema.
They returned to the UK, eczema still just as sore and none the wiser.
On seeing her for the first time, I told the mother I didn't feel I could help her, as it was so bad, but that I was willing to give it a go. I warned them that there may be a toxin reaction, with the symptoms getting worse before better, and to be frank, the mother was just willing to try anything.
The following week, the girl's eczema, did, as expected, look worse... But she seemed brighter, with a little more energy and enthusiasm, and I said that even if I couldn't treat the eczema, even if it improved energy and function, or some sort of relief, it would be something.
By week four, the child came as usual, with her mother. She bounced in, with a broad grin on her face. According to the mother, miracles had happened! She was off the steroid creams for the first time ever, she was eating all foods AND had been swimming in the local pool!!
I was astounded. The eczema, although still slightly visible, was calm and pink, and gone were the angry red sores. I have never felt more happy than treating this little girl. I had not expected to be able to make much difference at all, let alone within four weeks.
To this day, the girl's eczema has virtually cleared up, with no backward steps, and no need for the previous creams and diet control. She is like a different child.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology and Asthma
Asthma is a very debilitating and frightening condition, causing narrrowing of the airways.
People suffering this condition often need daily inhalers just to be able to breathe without gasping for breath.
There are however several causes of asthma, such as genetic causes, allergy, repeated bronchial infections, smoking and other factors, and the important thing is therefore to treat the cause, and thus the symptoms.
Some people are nervous about approaching a Reflexologist or other practitioner, in case it provokes an asthma attack. The treatment is therefore very carefully done.
But results are amazing! Even people who have not come specifically for their asthma, but for another condition or ailment, have seen massive improve in the amount they need to use their reliever inhaler. For example, a client who came to have his bad back treated, commented one day that he thought it was a very odd co-incidence that his asthma was also markedly improved.
The beauty of Reflexology is that it can treat any number of conditions at once. All for the price of one!
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology and the Kidney
A man came for general treatment, just to help regain some energy and sense of well-being.
He had no symptoms as far as he was concerned, was fit and healthy and was not on any medication.
On treating him however, I could feel a distinct raised area of inflammation over his right kidney. Comparison to the other side confirmed this and so I asked him about recent back pain. He said he hadn't noticed anything.
I advised him that I thought he should see his GP, and that I would write to him with his permission, explaining my findings.
He agreed.
On examination, the GP agreed with my findings and promptly sent him for a scan. The problem was found largely to be related to the muscle, but nevertheless it is amazing what can be felt through the feet, whereby not even the client had symptoms, but that my findings were such that the GP felt needed investigating.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Reflexology & Fertility
Reflexology is an important tool in aiding the process of getting pregnant. Ironically, unfortunately the more stressed one becomes about becoming a parent, the longer it takes to happen. The longer it takes to happen, the more stressed we become - And so we enter a vicious cycle.
Reflexology helps as it addresses these issues in a holistic way. It helps aid relaxation and stress relief, but also finds any underlying cause as to why pregnancy is not happening.
My advice is that I treat both partners, as, we often assume the problem lies with the woman, whereas in actual fact it is often vice versa. No one is to blame - it's just one of those things. Treatment is centred around the woman's cycle, carefully calculating the time at which treatment is likely to bring optimum effect.
I look at the length of the woman's cycle, whether ovulation is occurring, whether it is occurring in both ovaries, family medical history and what tests have been carried out. I also look at diet and exercise, as these are fundamental in order to ensure the couple are as healthy as possible to allow conception to take place.
Through reflexology I can regulate a woman's cycle, stimulate ovulation, reduce stress levels, enhance relaxation and ultimately aid possibility of conception.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology helps as it addresses these issues in a holistic way. It helps aid relaxation and stress relief, but also finds any underlying cause as to why pregnancy is not happening.
My advice is that I treat both partners, as, we often assume the problem lies with the woman, whereas in actual fact it is often vice versa. No one is to blame - it's just one of those things. Treatment is centred around the woman's cycle, carefully calculating the time at which treatment is likely to bring optimum effect.
I look at the length of the woman's cycle, whether ovulation is occurring, whether it is occurring in both ovaries, family medical history and what tests have been carried out. I also look at diet and exercise, as these are fundamental in order to ensure the couple are as healthy as possible to allow conception to take place.
Through reflexology I can regulate a woman's cycle, stimulate ovulation, reduce stress levels, enhance relaxation and ultimately aid possibility of conception.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Sunday, 2 September 2012
Reflexology and ADHD
Reflexology is excellent for children displaying symptoms of ADHD, due to its rebalancing effects.
ADHD is caused by chemical imbalances occurring within the brain, and therefore treatment through reflexology can reduce symptoms as well as generating calm and relaxation. It can hold off the need for drugs, and children seem to actually enjoy the treatment.
In this way, it also helps people with mood swings or depression.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
ADHD is caused by chemical imbalances occurring within the brain, and therefore treatment through reflexology can reduce symptoms as well as generating calm and relaxation. It can hold off the need for drugs, and children seem to actually enjoy the treatment.
In this way, it also helps people with mood swings or depression.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Reflexology for Bad Backs
Most people suffer from a bad back at some point in their lives. It could be something as simple as a twinge, or back 'ache', or it may be far more debilitating such as sciatica, disc problems such as prolapse, or a degenerative condition such Ankylosing spondylitis, or even due to hormonal issues.
Because of this, I have generated my own special interest in back problems and have subsequently completed a course in Spinal Reflexology. Due to the holistic nature of Reflexology, backs in general often respond very well to it, as Reflexology treats the whole body. Thus, if a back problem originates from another source e.g. it it has been compensating for another area, all areas can be treated at the same time - not only treating the symptoms but also the cause.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
Because of this, I have generated my own special interest in back problems and have subsequently completed a course in Spinal Reflexology. Due to the holistic nature of Reflexology, backs in general often respond very well to it, as Reflexology treats the whole body. Thus, if a back problem originates from another source e.g. it it has been compensating for another area, all areas can be treated at the same time - not only treating the symptoms but also the cause.
Rebecca Lavender
Certified Reflexologist MBRA
Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex www.reflexologyinsussex.co.uk
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