Reflexology and Self Help Tips for Insomnia

Everyone suffers from the occasional bad nights sleep but those suffering from either disturbed sleep or an inability to get to sleep on a regular basis will often find that their health suffers as a result.

Reflexology

There are several reflex areas recommended for those suffering from sleep problems - don't forget if you are working using a circular motion you should work in a clockwise direction to stimulate, and an anti-clockwise direction to calm and relax.

Head / Brain / Neck

The brain and central nervous system are mainly located in the big toe, however all the toes cover the head, brain and face reflexes so don't leave the other toes out while working.

Start by thumb walking up the pad of the big toe until you have covered the whole of the area, then walk down the front and the sides of the big toe, and walk around the neck of the big toe to cover the neck muscles.

Work the pituitary gland to regulate the hormone production of all the other glands, and then the pineal gland which releases melatonin to control the sleep/wake pattern.

I often find that individual toe stretching and rotating in each direction here is also useful for reducing tension.

Body

Gently work the diaphragm line on both feet in each direction to release tension and relax the client, give extra attention to the solar plexus point - you may want to come back and do a solar plexus hold several times during the treatment to relax the client.  The solar plexus reflex point is also K1 acupuncture point and the Chinese believe that it cools the heart fire energy, calming down the mind and helping you fall asleep.

The adrenals also have a role to play in controlling sleeping patterns, if the client is unable to sleep due to stress ensure that you work the adrenals using a circular motion in an anti-clockwise direction in order to calm and relax.

Make sure that you do plenty of spine work, finger walking up and down the spine as well as friction work to help release any remaining tension which may be held in the spinal area.  Ensure you include thumb walking across the spine rather than just up and down it - this will work the spinal nerves and muscles making sure the whole of the area has been relaxed.

Essential Oils

A number of essential oils are known to have sleep inducing properties.  Try adding a few drops of your chosen oil or oils to a warm bath, onto your pillow or a hanky in your bedroom, into a base oil to use for a back massage, or to a vapouriser.

Suggested oils include : lavender, chamomile, marjoram, melissa, neroli, sandalwood and ylang-ylang.

Supplements

You should ensure you are getting enough calcium, vitamin B and vitamin D if you are suffering from sleep problems.  Supplements such as valerian, chamomile tea, bachs rescue remedy have all been found to be useful for some individuals.

Progressive Relaxation

If your sleep problems are caused because you are stressed and over tense then progressive relaxation, which involves gradually tensing and relaxing muscles, may be extremely useful for you:

Clench your right fist as tightly as you can.  Keep it clenched for about 10 seconds, then release the tension immediately and completely as if turning off a switch.  Do the same with your left hand, then clench both fists at the same time.  Bend your elbows and tense your arms.  Release and let your arms hang at your sides.  Continue the process by tensing and relaxing your shoulders and neck, wrinkling and relaxing your forehead and brows, your eyes and jaw before moving onto your stomach, lower back, buttocks, thighs, calves and finally feet and toes.

Music & Visualisations

There is lots of different music on the market to aid sleep, choose carefully and read peoples reviews before purchasing as people's taste can vary hugely.  Our recommendation would be anything by Fredrik Karlsson, (no animal noises or words).  Alternatively you could try regular meditation -

Get some Headspace do a short 10 min meditation which you can download to your ipod for free.  Or try some visualisation - make sure you are comfortable, remember back to a time when you had to stay awake and you really didn't want to, remember how much of a struggle it was to stay awake - and then give in to the urge to sleep.

Crystals

Several crystals are thought to aid restful sleep - try placing your chosen crystal either under your pillow or by your bed:

Amethyst, cerussite, charoite, chrysoprase, hematite, lapis luzuli, lepidolite, muscovite, sodalite, blue tourmaline, labrodorite (if worries and fears are keeping you awake), moonstone, smoky quartz, rose quartz and rainbow obsidian.

Acupressure

There are several acupressure points along the occipital which is at the back of the head at the base of the skull.  Press into the indentations along the occipital and hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.  Other acupressure points which can help with sleep problems are:

HP7 – Great Mound – go to the palm side of the wrist crease and find the point halfway between the inside and outside of the wrist.

HP6 – Inner Gate – palm side of the hand, in the middle of the arm, three finger widths above the wrist crease.

B62 – Extending vessel – on the outside of the foot, in the indentation 1 and a half finger widths below the middle of the outer anklebone.

Feng Shui

If possible ensure that your bedroom is as uncluttered and restful as possible.  Try to avoid computers and TV’s in the bedroom which create too much busy energy.  Ideally you should be able to view the door but the door shouldn’t be directly in line with the door.  If you have a mirror directly opposite the door you may sleep better if the mirror is covered up.

New website launched to help people find medical based research on their chosen therapy!

I wanted to share this fantastic website http://www.spaevidence.com/spaevidence which aims to pull together medical research on spa therapies from all over the world into one comprehensive site.  This will be a wonderful resource for therapists, students and potential clients alike and hopefully a step in the right direction in giving complementary therapies a more professional reputation!

I came across the site in the attached article which you may also find interesting  http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/life/massage-good-you-or-does-it-just-feel-nice-205350

Reflexology for Sinus problems

Many people find reflexology to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of sinus problems and congestion.
　

The reflex points for the sinuses are found in the toes, including the toe pads, the neck of the toes and the ridge at the base of the toes. Although different charts will show different areas I find reflexology to be most effective if you work the whole toe.

Toe pads are often different shapes and sizes and can appear swollen, if the pads of the toes are drooping, or teardrop shaped this often suggests sinus problems. The side of the pads/toes being more specifically the sinuses in the cheekbones and the central and lower part of the toes being the central sinuses around the eyebrows, eyes and sides of nose. For this reason you should always work down the center of each toe, followed by working down either side of each toe right down and into the ridge at the base.



The ridge at the base of the toes is a crossover for lots of points: sinuses, neck, thyroid, parathyroid, tonsils, eyes, ears, Eustachian tube and the lymphatic's for the neck and upper chest. I always work the ridge at the base of the toes twice in a reflexology treatment, but with a different intention each time. Once using traditional finger walking to work the relevant reflex points, then the second time after I have worked all the toes to drain the lymphatic's. Work from the base of the little toe to the base of the big toe using a gliding motion to drain the lymphatic's and dump into the glands. The ridge is most easily reached by gently holding down the padding of the foot to access the ridge. Working this area as lymphatic's is particularly important to complete the draining of the sinuses.

Helper areas to include for sinus problems are the ileocecal valve, pituitary and adrenals.

From a foot reading perspective swollen areas indicate an excess or build up of emotion that has perhaps got stuck rather than been released and can indicate pain and sadness, but also possible creative blockages causing frustration and irritation. The cross over here between physical and emotional is suggested in Chinese medicine who believe that sinus problems are caused by unshed tears and that blockages in our emotional water works can cause problems to our physical water works. With this in mind I also will work the kidney, bladder and urethra reflex points along with points on the feet for the Bladder meridian.

Double Thumb walking technique

Sorry, this was the video I meant to attach!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=gWP1g_DjU6I

Thumb walking technique from Kevin Kunz

I was really pleased to receive a link to this YouTube video by Kevin Kunz showing his thumb walking technique and thought it would be interesting for reflexologists everywhere!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvi49L7FJiE

   

Hypnotherapy CD's during Reflexology

I was watching the BBC News yesterday morning and was really interested to hear that the NHS is planning to carry out a study on the effectiveness of Hypno Birthing  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13451452 and thought you may also be interested.

I've been using the Hypno Birthing CD's by Maggie Howell for over 3 years now with many of my maternity reflexology clients.  We start with some relaxation music, which then flows into Maggie's CD and my clients love it.  I think some of them feel they are getting two treatments for the price of 1, but many of them go on to buy the CD's themselves to use between reflexology treatments.  All of my clients feel that the CD's helped them - I wouldn't say they had pain free labours, but they did all say that it helped them stay calm and focussed during their labours.

 Personally I think they are wonderful and wish that they had been around when I had my children!

 

Keys to Consistent Business: Value, Results, Education & Follow Up

I came across this fantastic article by Linda Chollar and thought it was worth sharing with reflexologists everywhere, hope you like it!

A recent poll of 800 wellness providers showed that 40% said their client numbers have stayed consistent or have improved in the current economy.  What could they be doing ‘different’ than the 60% who said their business had reduced or halted?   

A common opinion was that getting new business was more difficult than keeping existing business.  In any economy, it’s always good business to focus on cultivating those clients already in your flock.  How do successful therapists keep the numbers consistent and maintain a strong business?   As you continue your efforts at finding New Clients, now might be a good time to focus more on retaining Current Clients. Is there a proven formula?

NEW CLIENTS: Give-to-Get

While you strive to draw new clients into your practice, consider that the average consumer hesitates to try something new when money is tight. They make spending choices based on perceived value and familiarity (the know, like, trust factor). 

How can you establish personal value and reduce the risks a potential client feels about trying something new and paying for your service? One strategy is to provide ‘samples’.  If you like a sample of something, you are more likely to purchase the entire product.  If you can smell it, taste it or feel it first, the risk factor to buying whatever it is will be greatly reduced.

Use this consumer psychology and explore ways to let potential clients sample your work.  Giving a 10-minute sample of your service can validate the value of your service and reduce their concerns about booking for an entire hour. 

Brainstorm ways to get in front of your ideal target market, and offer a sample touch. Note the difference between offering a free service vs. a sampling, which implies there is more. ‘Sell the sizzle’ and give them a juicy taste of why they would want more (what’s-in-it-for-them). Then book them on the spot!

Quality of Work: Give Results & Solutions

The most basic of concepts is to provide hands-on service that provides a solution to client needs.  Beyond therapeutic techniques, this includes tailoring sessions, offering specialized treatments, a broader menu of services and consistent results. Providing quality in your work sets your business apart and builds the know-like-trust factor that attracts new clients.  

CLIENT RETENTION

Education

One major key to retaining clients is through educating them about their bodies. The more they perceive you as a valuable resource, the more they will want to return. Most people admit they ignore their bodies a lot of the time. Take the opportunity to teach clients about posture, ergonomics, about foot-care and topics that relate to their personal health challenges.  An educated client will reschedule more frequently.  Use creative strategies to educate your clients:  health-tip-handouts to address their specific needs and promote your niche service; newsletters with valuable articles or websites; a library of reference books.

Rescheduling and Follow-Up

This is the number one mistake most therapists make – not re-booking a client before they leave the office.  Clients are used to setting their next appointments with most health providers. Assume they wish to re-book and encourage pre-booking wellness ‘packages’. Each client has an optimum formula of frequency that works best for their body. Help them get in touch with this by talking about their desired results. 

With “consistency” of care, benefits cumulate and long-term resolve can occur. Help clients understand that it is best to come regularly versus once a year for 3 sessions in a row.  Your passion to help them get results will motivate them to book consistently and will keep your schedule full.

Why don’t clients re-book?  Reasons vary: lack of perceived value, unrealistic expectations, , the therapy did not provide results, not ready or willing to invest time, money or commitment, not your ideal client or a personal match, only wanted a one-time session, schedule  issues or simply not aware of the benefits of your service.  Take responsibility to improve your re-scheduling rate.  Where can you tighten the ship? Are you giving value, quality and results?    

Have a follow-up system in place.  If they did not reschedule, stay in touch. Remember, better to use time and resources to retain clients versus finding new clients. Make it easy to reschedule with you: affordable packages, online booking, frequent flyer savings, follow-up phone calls to re-book, special offers for the second visit. If you were your client, what would it take to get you back?

BOTTOM LINE: Consistency 

Building a consistent and loyal clientele in a service-oriented business does have a proven formula:

Focus more of your marketing efforts on existing clientele
Give more than expected to create value and trust
Develop heart-centered relationships
Offer more service choices & packages to keep a full schedule
Rechedule: Make it easy and desirable
FollowUp: have a system for immediate & future followup
Cultivate your ideal client - one who will follow you anywhere because you provide solutions. Seek clients who perceive your service not as a luxury, but as a resource for feeling better, living pain free and staying healthy.

As wellness entrepreneurs, if we believe that our clients need consistency in caring for their health and healing, then we must likewise be consistent in creating the space for them and our business to flourish. The ultimate reward is healthy clients and a healthy business!

Author: Linda Chollar, Business Coach, Helping Reflexology-preneurs Create Their Ideal Business for More Clients, More Money. FREE Success Kit for Reflexologists: http://www.reflexologymentor.com/

Try sunflower oil to get rid of the metallic taste following chemotherapy

While carrying out a reflexology treatment in the cancer unit yesterday one of my patients was having a chat with one of the doctors.  He asked how she was coping with the metallic taste in her mouth which is so common during a course of chemotherapy.  She surprised us both by saying that it hadn't been a problem for her as she had found her own remedy and of course both of us wanted to know what it was!

She said that 3 or 4 days after her chemo she uses a mouthwash of 1 tbsp of sunflower oil which she swishes round her mouth and gums for at least 10 minutes.  She says it has a very viscous consistency to start off with and then gradually becomes more liquified and after 10 mins when she spits it out it has turned white.  She said that she had tried it earlier after chemo but found that she couldn't stomach it so had to wait the 3 or 4 days to be able to manage a whole 10 minutes.  She said she has had no metallic taste so has been able to continue eating her favourite foods, and she hasn't had any mouth ulcers or soreness.  (This week was her 5th chemo out of 6 sessions)

I thought I would search around a bit on the internet and indeed this is an Ayurvedic technique called oil pulling and there is lots of info on various websites about it and its also recommended by Deepak Chopra in his book Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide, Revised and Updated Edition  as a detox technique for cleansing the taste buds.

Sounds like this could be well worth a try for anyone you know undergoing chemo and suffering from mouth and taste problems - it certainly won't do any harm anyway!

Stiff and Aching Fingers after reflexology

Many of us as reflexologists have suffered from aching fingers after a busy week.  Thankfully I don't suffer so much now as I've learnt to look after my hands and do stretches every day to warm them up before I start work and stretch them out at the end of the day. 

However I only started to do this after moving from part time reflexology work to full time - it was then that I would lie in bed at night with throbbing fingers wondering if I'd done the right thing in going full time - was I going to have to give up because of RSI? 

Gradually after a number of weeks, and regular stretching exercises my hands and fingers became accustomed to their new work load and the pain disappeared but I was reminded of it when I saw this article in the Guardian and thought it may be useful for others!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/mar/22/three-minute-fix-yoga-hand-exercise

Reflexology on the cancer ward

Today was my Tuesday in the Cancer Unit where I volunteer on a fortnightly basis.  Unusually I wasn't full with pre-booked treatments today and didn't have any takers in the chemotherapy ward.  It seemed to be a case of one patient saying no thanks and then everyone else being too polite to say yes please!

So my services were offered on the main cancer ward in the hospital which was a first for me.  The atmosphere on the main ward was just as friendly and welcoming as I was used to.  In the cancer unit the patients I offer treatments to generally look very well, many of them do suffer from hair loss due to the chemotherapy but apart from that very often you wouldn't know that they were ill at all!  However on the main ward in the hospital the patients do look ill.  The other difference is that many of them are hooked up to different pieces of equipment and remain in their hospital beds for their treatments, meaning you have to adapt your treatments to fit around the patient.

One of the other adaptations is in the length of treatment, I found that patients were affected more quickly by the reflexology resulting in shorter treatments with the main aim being to relax and calm.  During one of my treatments we were interrupted by a nurse doing observations, and then by the consultant doing the rounds!

Overall a great experience in adaptability and flexibility with my reflexology treatments and I'm definitely looking forward to making a return trip to the ward :)

Reflexology to boost ovulation

This morning I carried out a wonderful reflexology treatment for a new client with the aim to boost her chances of ovulation this month.  The client and her husband are trying for a baby and she has an erratic cycle due to poly cystic ovaries.  After carrying out relaxation techniques and a full body treatment I then focused on stimulating the ovaries and linking to the pituitary gland.  Today was day 9 of the clients cycle so we were aiming to stimulate the ovaries ready for ovulation on day 14.  I carried out my Maternity Reflexology training with Susanne Enzer which teaches us to use both the direct and indirect ovary reflex zones and use a pinching type movement to stimulate.  Then followed by the pinching movement along with a pituitary hold to link them together.  I used these techniques first on the right foot and the client commented afterwards that while I was 'pinching her heel area' she felt a twang in her right pelvic area.  I explained that I'd been stimulating her ovaries at the time.  When I repeated the technique on the left side she again exclaimed that she could feel a strong twang type feeling in her pelvic area, this time on the left side!  We both felt so satisfied that she could feel a reaction  in the exact area I was focusing on - such an encouraging sign for both the client and myself :)

I can't recommend the maternity reflexology training by Susanne Enzer highly enough but if you can't get to the training yourself and would like to know more about the direct & indirect ovary reflex zones and the pinching technique why not check out her Maternity Reflexology Manual at Amazon.