Academy of Ancient Reflexology

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Archives for April 2020

COVID Toes

Doctors are identifying a possible new symptom of COVID-19. They are noticing that toes get swollen, discolored, hot and/or painful; the symptom being exhibited more in kids and young adults, even when they are not showing other symptoms. The symptoms resemble that of frostbitten toes.

As of yet, the cause is unknown; however, theories abound:

  1. Indication of systemic inflammation in the body
  2. Development of vasculitis, an inflammation of the wall of the veins.
  3. Possible blood clot.

When reflexologists and massage therapists return to work, it would be prudent to visually check the appearance of your clients’ toes and determine if touch to them elicits pain. The fact that the condition creates pain on touch and that there is a possibility of a blood clot constitutes a contraindication to offering foot reflexology.

Here are a couple of articles on the subject, if you wish to read more. Please keep in mind that these symptoms can occur for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus. No conclusive studies have been completed.

https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-toes-frostbite-coronavirus-skin-lesion-discolored-swollen-feet-2020-4

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandrasternlicht/2020/04/22/covid-toes-doctors-identify-newest-symptom-of-coronavirus/#39582ae11048 

Feed Your Second Brain Wisely

If your thoughts these days are those of dread, fear and hopelessness, you’re not alone.

Many people are feeling the effects of uncertainty and prolonged stay-at-home orders. One thing you may be noticing is that your digestive system is not functioning as it usually does. Stomach aches, constipation, diarrhea, and unusual reactions to certain foods are common complaints when people are living under stressful times.

Researchers have discovered why this is so – and that’s good news. Armed with information, you can do something to restore a smooth operation within your body’s core.

Science has a better understanding now of the relationship between the stomach and the brain than it did 100 years ago. The gut is now acknowledged as the body’s ‘second brain’. It turns out there is an equal number of neurotransmitters lining the gut as are found in the brain!  One hundred million to be exact! These transmitters provide a two-way avenue of communication between the brain and stomach, with the brain communicating as much to the gut as does the stomach to the brain.

What that means is that your stomach is responding directly to your thoughts and to the hormones released as a result of those thoughts.

Perhaps now, more than ever, it is paramount to get a handle on any negative repetitive thoughts that circulate in your head.

I decided the moment I sheltered-in-place not to let the stressful events around me threaten my comfort and my life. I took steps to keep tension at bay.

Here are some ways in which I manage my monkey mind:

* I start each day with a meditation. Before eating, checking emails or social media. First thing.

I recently completed the free 21-day meditation on Finding Hope in Uncertain Times that Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra offered, and was delighted to learn today that they have extended this spot-on series to May 15. I have sat in on many of their mediation series and think this is one of the best. I got so much out of it the first time that I started round two today. It’s a great way to set the tone for the day. They each share something very inspirational and hopeful for a few minutes and then you meditate. Total time is 20 minutes.

* Then I move. I have learned that if I don’t do this early in the day, it rarely happens. And movement is one of the best ways to relax a stressed-out nervous system and energize your spirit. The more you can get your heart rate up, the better; but even a slow stretching or yoga routine done to quiet music will help a lot. Or do both!

* Do nothing but eat. Eating while watching the news or scrolling through your newsfeed will heighten your sense of dread, release more cortisol into your system and shut down your digestive processes. Eat slowly, paying attention to how everything tastes and feels in your mouth. Avoid drinking liquids while you eat (dilutes your stomach’s hydrochloric acid). Oh, and never eat when you’re upset. As you heal your gut, you will find that your thoughts are lighter and more positive.

* Create some structure in your day. (I just revealed mine above: meditate, exercise, eat.) The brain likes structure. The experience of familiarity provides a sense of security and safety.

* Spend some time outdoors. Breathe in the air and feast your eyes on the greenery surrounding you.

* Limit the amount of time you allocate to watching newscasts and scrolling through social media. I am working towards just once a day. Things don’t change so much or so quickly that you have to be glued to these platforms all day. Never engage in these before eating either or before going to bed. Believe me, your digestive system will be very happy if you fill most of your day with happier, more positive stories of what is going on in the world. And there are plenty.

* Work on your digestive reflexes before you eat and/or before going to bed. On your feet, they are located in the arches; on your hands, the palms. Thumb-walk and spend a little time holding places that have more sensation than the rest; breathe slowly and rhythmically a few times.

* In addition to the above, think about what relaxes you and changes your mindset when you’re caught in a negative loop. Creating art? Getting lost in a novel? Laughing through a comedy movie? Tackling a tough Sudoku or crossword puzzle? How about starting a small garden? Here’s a foolproof way to grow your own food, if, like me, your thumb is barely a mint green!

Make your mental health your priority – please.

Feel free to share this if you have clients suffering from gut pain and disfunction right now.

Reflexology And Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) occurs when the nervous system and the immune system malfunction as they respond to tissue damage from trauma. The nerves misfire sending constant pain signals to the brain; pain that is measured as one of the most severe on the McGill University Pain Scale.

Although excruciating to live with, few studies have been conducted with RSD, and none testing reflexology’s effects – until now. Academy grad, Vicky Mood, decided to see if weekly foot reflexology sessions might make a difference for a woman living with this disease since 2011. Continue….

The Need For Touch

I am someone who gets paid to touch others. And now, I don’t.

Although I love what I do for a living and acknowledge the gift my therapeutic touch is to others, I don’t think I fully recognized how important that touch was to me. Until now.

I’ve been sequestered at home for three weeks and for the most part, have been fine with it. By nature, I am an introvert and can easily entertain myself. However, I have always been able to connect with friends when I please. Not now.

I have a beautiful home with a screened-in porch that I spend lots of time in these days. I walk or bike my neighborhood most mornings. I cook a lot. Sleep long hours. Read. Meditate every morning. Tackle items on my long-overdue To-Do list. Listen to inspiring and educational podcasts. Engage a lot in virtual happy hours, virtual coffee klatsches, Facetime and individual chats on the phone, so I’m not really social distancing; I’m physically distancing.

What I am missing though is touch.

I live alone. I realized about a week ago that I was missing touching others and being touched by others. And, as I explored that more, I realized that what I was really missing was the energy of others. After all, I don’t always touch my friends when we get together. But, we sit near one another, and smile and talk and laugh and sometimes cry together. Our energy bodies are touching. I see now that what I am really missing is that connection. Our energy.

I’m not feeling sorry for myself nor am I depressed. I am just recognizing something that is true for me, right now. I know I can and will be/am fine because I know there is an end to it. The more I – we – adhere to staying home, leaving only when absolutely necessary, the sooner this will all be over. I look forward to seeing and touching my clients again, and to greeting my close friends with a big smile and long hug while we wait for seats at a bustling, loud and crowded restaurant!

The Magic Of Soap And 20 Seconds

Like you, I have seen many videos and read a lot of instructions on how to wash your hands to rid them of possible germs (read Coronavirus). However, I have never seen a video like this one. Its explanation of how soap annihilates viruses and why 20 seconds is the magic number is soooo good! To increase your own understanding, I encourage you to take less than 4 minutes of your life to watch this exceptional video.