The articles below are from the past two issues of The Healthy Alternative Newsletter. To read the most current articles, please click here to sign up for your free subscription to our e-zine.
Please click on any of the topics below to read articles that most interest you:
Reflexology
Massage
Alternate Healing with Animals
Is relaxation just a luxury ~ or is it an important part of a wellness program?
If you have a client walk into your office and promptly fall asleep for an hour would you be offended? Not if you're a reflexologist. Actually, as a reflexologist I would consider it a compliment.
Medical doctors now agree that stress can kill. Stress certainly creates chaos in our bodies and can aggravate existing illnesses or disorders. Therefore, alleviating stress helps to balance our body's functions and support wellness. Do you consider that a "luxury"? I call it being thoughtfully aware of my body's need to stay healthy and balanced.
More and more people are becoming familiar with the word "Reflexology" even if they are not completely certain of what it really is or can do. They may even have a vague knowledge that it has something to do with the feet, but very few people realize that hands and ears are also part of the reflexology package.
How would I, as a reflexologist, give a condensed explanation of reflexology? I'd say that by having you remove only your shoes, socks, and jewelry I can manipulate points on your feet, hands, or ears to decrease stress, promote relaxation, improve circulation, reduce pain, and encourage overall health. But then that leaves out so much! It fails to tell you that reflexology can help relieve:
· Tension headaches
· Digestive disorders
· Arthritis
· Insomnia
· Hormonal imbalances
· Sports injuries
· Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
· Allergy problems
· Back pain
And the best part of all is that while reflexology can indeed help improve the listed conditions, it does so during an incredibly nurturing, relaxing session that may actually induce you to fall asleep.
You just have to try it to see for yourself. I have a client who always tells me, "If I fall asleep I want you to wake me up. I don't want to miss any of this!"
Come see for yourself. Mention this article and all new clients will receive one free 30 minute session of reflexology. (Offer good through Dec 31, 2008) See what all the excitement is about!
Jan Mariette is a Certified Reflexologist and Certified Reiki III Master (teacher - practitioner) who has office hours Mon - Fri. and offers Reiki classes and Reflexology courses throughout the year. You may reach her at www.reflexologyinc.com or by calling (912) 897-9360 for an appointment or (912) 596-0828 for more information.
Make the Most from Every Massage!
Massage can be a powerful tool to help your body best perform its countless functions in its goal to maintain a healthy balance. Why not do everything you can to get the best possible results from every massage session?
Before your sessionIf you can put the events of your life on pause for a little while and truly devote your session time to taking care of you, the benefits you experience can be greatly enhanced. Take a relaxing bath or shower before your appointment time
· Limit consumption of caffeine and sugar, as
well as other stimulants
· Avoid eating immediately before your
appointment
· Allow extra time in your schedule so you don't have to rush to be ready for your session. Otherwise, it may take longer to reach a relaxed state.
· Specify your preferences. Everyone has different needs and wants, so share yours! Is everything in the massage environment okay? The temperature? The lighting? Any other distractions? Are you completely at ease? Do you like certain music? Is the volume okay? Do you like specific techniques? More time spent on a certain area?
· Let it all go and relax!
· Slow, deep breathing (from the gut) will provide your body with much-needed oxygen, while signaling your body to let go of its tensions. After your session
· If possible, allow for some quiet time before you continue your busy life.
· Massage releases waste products and toxins from your muscles. Drink extra water to lower this toxicity and lessen the strain on filtering organs.
Before your next session
· Schedule your next appointment! Consistent sessions help your body to maintain a better state of balance.
Nothing is more important than your well-being, so make taking care of yourself a high priority. When you feel your best, you are in a much better condition to deal with all of life's challenges and demands.
Submitted by Charles Dane, charlesdane@msn.com
Alternative Healing with Animals
My pet first aid kit contains just two items. The visible item is a small bottle of Bach's homeopathic tincture, Rescue Remedy and the invisible item is my knowledge of energy work.
I love animals. I'm also interested in and certified in various forms of energy healing, so it's only natural that I find myself combining my knowledge of energy work with caring for our pets.
My husband and I have had several dogs live to be 16 years old and our dear tortoise shell cat, Catherine, lived to be 19. Of course good, nutritious food and annual vet check ups are a big part of their long lives, but I have always believed that the special love and attention our animals receive from us contributes even more. For our animals, that special attention includes many forms of alternative healing methods.
I have been using Reiki's healing touch on animals for over 13 years. It is so easy to use and most animals love it even when not in distress or ill health. Cats are especially fond of the healing energy that emanates from my hands and if I am "working" on one pet, I will often have another jump into my lap and demand their turn!
I find Reiki especially effective in calming pets before or during a visit to the vet. A drop or two of the Bach homeopathic tincture, Rescue Remedy, helps as well and both are important components in recovery after an illness or surgery. Stress affects animals as well as people, so by easing the physical and emotional stress related to illness or surgeries you are helping your pet recover more quickly and easily.
Jan Mariette is a Certified Reflexologist and Certified Reiki III Master (teacher - practitioner) who has office hours Mon - Fri. and offers Reiki classes and Reflexology courses throughout the year. You can reach her at www.reflexologyinc.com or by calling (912) 596-0828 for more information.
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