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More self-care for your respiratory health

4/23/2020

Studies have shown reflexology to be effective in easing bronchial and lung conditions. Practice these these self-care techniques to the best of your ability, stay grounded, hydrated, and rested, and visit a reflexologist for a deeper more complete reflex workout as soon as you can!

How did working these reflexes affect you? Have any questions? Please let me know in the comments below!

Share this video to help your friends and be sure to like Facebook/Albany Reflexology!

I'm happy to talk to you about a personalized online session, gift certificates, or your in-person deep relaxation session after Oregon bans change.
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Reflexology is a highly effective complimentary health therapy that cannot diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Instructions in this website are for educational use.

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VIRUSES ARE ZOMBIE PIRATES -- and 6 free, at-home practices to boost your natural defense against them

3/27/2020

Viruses are zombie pirates

You can’t kill them, because they are not technically alive! They consist solely of replicable genetic molecules and a protective shield made of protein and sometimes fats. Unlike living organisms, they do not utilize energy, they aren’t mobile on their own, and they are incapable of reproducing themselves.

You read that right! In spite of being the namesake of our multiplication phrase “going viral”, viruses can’t multiply – unless they hijack the cell machinery of a living host. Thus, they are zombie pirates, invading, taking over the faculties of a living cell, and killing for the sake of their own replication. You see, it takes very special cellular equipment to reproduce genetic material – every time you make a new layer of skin, for example, your amazing cells do it seamlessly using a well-coordinated and complex array of enzymes and internal factories. But viruses are impoverished in this arena. So they cut a hole through a cell membrane, dump their manufacturing instructions into the cell and, like a pirate takes over a ship, the viral blueprint commandeers the cell machinery into making gazillions of more viruses. The swollen cell then ruptures, spewing viruses, so that even more cells - and more victims - are infected. The fever and mucus that accompany an infection is the body’s way of trying to destroy the pirates, but as we’ve already noted, it’s hard to “kill” something that was never alive. Dying cells emit protein signals, like a ship uses flag (or radio) signals, to surrounding healthy cells telling them to shut down operations in order to save themselves. They also call for the Immune System's rescue fleet. Once deployed, the rescue fleet will increase blood flow, up the heat, send in specialized protein chevaliers and eventually send out the Killer Cell "big guns". Sadly, all this necessary rescue operation creates really miserable symptoms.

In spite the hope of existing anti-viral drugs becoming effective in the fight against COVID-19, the CDC website still warns that “non-pharmaceutical measures are the best defense”. Unfortunately, the link to the expected list of their recommendations of such non-pharmaceutical measures brings up only handwashing and social distancing. These undoubtedly ARE the most important measures they can cite on a social/community level, but alternative and complementary medicine also chimes in with ways to strengthen our personal arsenals against these zombie invaders. The most important defense is a strong immune system, something we kind of have to think about and plan for these days.

As a reflexologist, my first thought goes to the energetic Pathways that can boost the body’s own natural defenses in the throat and nose, the main gateway for respiratory viruses to enter the body.

Important: The information and instructions here are for educational purposes. They do NOT constitute medical advice or replace medical treatment when it is needed. They also do NOT replace governmental rules and recommendations concerning contagion spread such as social distancing, handwashing and surface sanitation. Under current understanding of the spread of COVID-19, a person could potentially strengthen their own immune response against symptoms and still spread the virus to other individuals. Please use these practices to support your own health while you continue to follow your local ordinances and follow common sense and medical advice if you do get sick.

Free at-home practice #1: Lion pose for back of throat

In her book, Body Reflexology, early Reflexology proponent Mildred Carter describes the lion pose as a way to do reflexology, so to speak, on the back of the throat (without sticking your fingers back there!) As a regular exercise it is designed to strengthen and relieve tension in the neck and face, as well as the throat, as it increases circulation and relieves tension in those areas. Carter cites several examples of this technique stopping a sore throat in its tracks, and I personally have used it to the same effect. It is my theory that putting it into regular practice before a sore throat strikes would strengthen the throat sufficiently to slow a viral attack before it can become lodged in the cells.
IF YOU CANNOT KNEEL, you can still do the technique by placing your hands on the back of a chair and leaning slightly forward with your weight on your hands, or sit in a chair with your hands on your knees and lean slightly forward.

Free at-home practice #2: Reflexology points for sinuses and throat

The second technique for the throat and nose is to work the reflexes on the toes and fingers. The theories behind reflexology practice are that pressure on the specified reflex stimulates a “map” in the brain that cues the body to preferentially tend to the corresponding body part. By working the areas in the videos below, the throat and nose receive increased nerve impulse, blood flow and cellular communication, thus supporting the first line of defense against invaders.
Although reflexology is traditionally performed on the feet I will demonstrate first on the hands as they are easier to reach by the majority of people working on themselves. (Apologies for the audio glitches. I think you will still understand)

Hand reflexology is extremely useful, especially for working on oneself; however, traditionally the foot reflexes are deemed the most powerful and easy to understand. The next video demonstrates working the throat reflexes of the big toe while sitting in the cross-legged position. Why am I sitting in the grass to demonstrate this? See practice #5 below!!

The maxillary sinus reflex is actually between the nail and the joint.

Free at-home practice #3: Reflexology to Activate lymph flow

The lymph system is one component of the Immune System. It drains the body’s tissue fluid, passing it through lymph nodes that filter out proteins, infectious agents like bacteria and viruses and spent white blood cells. The thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct empty into the blood circulatory system at the left and right junctures of the jugular vein and subclavian vein. Reflex treatment of the lymph system typically begins with work on the reflexes - found in the webbing between the toes and fingers - to these junctures. Again, I’ll show you the hands as they are easier to work.

If you are interested in a more complete demonstration of the self-care work for the reflexes of the immune system, or in individual self-care sessions through Skype or other online video modality, I would love to hear from you!

Free at-home practice #4: Drink Water

Don't skip over this section, thinking you know all about it already!

Water is the main component of lymph, the fluid of the immune system that fights infection, strains out destroyed pathogens, and helps get immune cells like Natural Killer cells recycled.
You cannot properly protect your mucus membranes without adequate water.

Dr Batmangehelidj, who wrote Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, treats many ailments with water as a first resort and refers to water itself as an essential nutrient, not just a solution for vitamins and minerals to float around in. Body parts and individual organs can go into their own individual state of “thirst” and when one part – say a lymph system that is busy flushing viruses – needs more, the body will take it from somewhere else, potentially creating a crisis elsewhere.
Water in contact with living cell membranes exists in an entirely different state… not liquid, solid or steam, but a completely differently-structured state that researcher Gerald Pollack calls the fourth phase of water. It is vital, not just for “flushing things out” but also as part of the vast communication network between body parts, as a glue or mortar that holds cells together, and as a manager of protein shape and function (think of the protein signals sent out about invading zombie pirates). Water that is already in contact with cellular membranes would go into the body pre-structured. Freshly juiced or extracted vegetables would be an example of this, and drinking them - along with the rest of your water supply of course - can speed up the absorption and usability of the your total intake.
I’m sure you’ve heard that the ideal water intake is ½ ounce for every pound of body weight. During this virus crisis, it's recommended that we sip warm or room temperature water about every 15 minutes, rather than guzzling several ounces whenever we happen to remember. Beyond the internal need for water for health, the throat is likely the first thing attacked by an airborne virus. By sipping on water frequently, viruses that have entered the mouth and throat can be washed down into the stomach where stomach acid will kill them.
For this reason, I have speculated that chewing gum may also keep viruses from taking hold in the throat because of an increase in swallowing.

Free at-home practice #5: Grounding

In the decade since the book Earthing: The most important health discovery ever? hit the shelves, people everywhere are talking about going barefoot in the grass, testing with volt meters, and sleeping on grounded sheets. For me personally, this is one “vitamin” I cannot go without and cannot help but strongly recommend for optimum health. “Earthing” sounds like new age fluff but it is backed up by years of double-blind studies showing the many positive biological impacts of even half an hour of contact with the ionic field released by the ground itself. It’s impact has been shown to modulate heart rate, blood flow, respiratory rate, inflammatory response, and white blood cell and cytokine concentrations. It acts an antioxidant, improves sleep, and activates the water inside and in between your cells (see #4 above)
I’d love to go on and on, but for now, I simply urge you to take up the practice of standing, walking or sitting on the ground without shoes. Even one minute will improve your wellness markers and every additional minute will do even more. In the current crisis, I am determined to get out more. You need to have skin-to-ground contact with bare earth, grass, or natural water sources such as lakes or streams. In a pinch, a cement sidewalk will work, especially if it’s wet, but asphalt or a wooden deck will not. Sitting or laying on the ground is even better. Even if you refuse to take off your shoes or sit on the wet ground, just being in nature will get you in contact with the earth’s electrical field to some degree. And if you cannot get outside, consider one or more of the earthing products at www.earthing.com.

Free at-home practice #6: High Quality Rest

Whether our bodies are already fighting or simply preparing for an invasion of “zombie pirates,” the importance of quality rest, sound sleep, and a peaceful mind can’t be overstated. Stress is the number one contributing factor of illness in this country. Since most of us are under stay-at-home orders right now anyway, let’s utilize the down-time effectively. If you aren’t working, sleep in or take naps if possible. If you are working, especially in a job that exposes you to the public, use as much of your days off as possible getting extra rest.
When you rest, focus on Quality as much as Quantity. Watching the news from your recliner is not rest. Your body may be reclined but your mind is stressed to the max. Studies have shown that simply watching or hearing about someone else’s stress – even if it’s fiction – causes the same reaction in your body as if you were going through it yourself. So playing harsh video games, watching tense movies or listening to coronavirus Facebook videos is not rest and is in fact potentially depleting your immune reserves.
Reading (for pleasure) on the other hand actually has been shown to lower stress markers. So has journaling or writing letters in long-hand, having quiet, empathetic conversations, and simply letting your mind wander. Listening to any music you enjoy is restful, but then listening to birds or running water creates an even greater calm in the body than either listening to music or being in silence. Being near any kind of water, weather ocean, pond, or bathroom shower likewise lowers stress markers. Grounding (see #5 above) definitely produces quality rest – and sound sleep. The reflexology techniques I showed you also will promote a de-stress, restful response.

Just for fun, consider the picture of the girl reading above. How many restful, healthful, immune boosting activities that have been mentioned in this article is she engaging in?
Click here for next blog on lower respiratory reflexes

What to expect?

9/24/2019

When you enter my treatment room at MassageWorks, you are greeted with the warm scent of healing oils, restorative music, and calm natural lighting. I will ask what your goals are for the session or what issues you would like addressed. If it's your first session, I'll ask you to fill out one information page with just a few questions. You only need to remove your shoes and socks, and perhaps any large items of jewelry. You will lie face up on a massage table with a slight incline for your upper body and a bolster for your knees. A cozy blanket is optional.

About 10 minutes of gentle holds on the earlobes immediately relaxes the neck, shoulders, hips, and feet, and I may coach you in relaxing breathing and body awareness. There is no need to engage conversation - this is time to relax and pay attention to your own body and soul; however, I may ask you for feedback about what you are feeling in your body, and you are welcome to ask any questions.

Foot reflexology is usually started with a thorough working of the spine reflexes to prepare the central nervous system, and therapeutic essential oils will be applied to specific areas on the feet that correspond to the situations you said you'd like to address. Reflex work is continued in specified patterns on the feet so that all of the body is affected. No two sessions are the same. I customize the areas worked, the way they are worked, and the oils used to your needs on that day.

Most people experience deep relaxation during the therapy session. You may feel warmth or an electrical impulse running in your legs or in areas of the body that correspond to the reflexes being worked. Stressed reflexes in the feet may respond with a feeling of tenderness or occasionally, a very brief sharp sensation when pressed as nerve endings "wake up". If anything is uncomfortable, you should let me know. While brief discomfort may at times be necessary to break up tension, pain that makes you cringe or hold your breath is not healing, so please say something!

The session is usually ended with about ten minutes of hand reflexology with a moisturizing cream. If you prefer longer times (or no time) spent on earlobes or hands, let me know, preferably before we start.

"Earseeds," or wear-home auriculotherapy pressure patches placed on the earlobes, may be recommended in order to strengthen or lengthen the work you received. A couple basic seeds placed during the reflexology session will be complimentary. A full earseeds treatment may be recommended as a $15 add-on. Upgrades of 14c gold/Swarovski crystal or faux pearl seeds ($2/each or $10/6 seeds) are available. Stand alone EarSeed sessions also available for $20-45/session + any Upgrades.

If you wish, I will end the session with a prayer or blessing and then step aside to allow you a few minutes to "recover" before getting off the table. Most people feel very relaxed at the end of their session and if possible should plan to take it easy for the next several hours, although mild exercise along with extra water may decrease any effects of detoxing.

Note: My office is in the upstairs of a 19th century historic home and 7 stairs into the building, plus 14 stairs in two stages, lead to my treatment room. If this is a problem, please let me know in advance and I may be able to trade for a first-floor treatment room.

What Reflexology is to me

9/18/2019

1 Comment

Reflexology is exploding on the complementary health scene yet some people still scratch their heads when asked what it is or if they'd like to try it. On a technical and scientific level, you can find many well expressed descriptions of reflexology on the internet.
I personally like what long-time Reflexology researcher, Kevin Kunz has to say:

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure techniques to the feet and hands. When these techniques are applied in a systematic manner to reflex areas on the feet or hands, they can have a positive impact on the related areas of the body and health concerns. In addition to addressing health concerns, however, reflexology can set your body free from the stresses it experiences throughout the day as well as make your feet feel good.
Whether you’re seeking a treat or a treatment, luxuriating in relaxation or addressing your health concerns, reflexology can help. By choosing to use reflexology, you take a step on your journey to well-being. Wellness is literally in your hands.

image by congerdesign on pixabay

On a slightly different level, here are a few descriptions of what reflexology means to me and my clients:

Reflexology is deep relaxation that allows cells and tissues to restore and renew.
Reflexology is safe touch that cradles body and soul that helps the insides of a person settle into healthy patterns of self-restoration.
Reflexology is space – a sacred time to reflect, to be heard, or to simply melt into a realm of safety.
Reflexology is a chance to become aware of what healing feels like, since most people are able to feel the tingles, the points of warmth, the electrical sensations that move around the body as circulation increases, fascia opens up, nerve blockages dissipate, and the bio electrical field is stimulated. The increase of personal awareness enables a focus on what is restorative for you, even beyond the session.
Reflexology is a comforting, whole-being “work out” that goes deeper than massage or physical therapy ever can… because it touches the entire nervous system and releases body changes on the electrical and energetic level.
Reflexology is a complimentary healing therapy that feels good. ... one that requires no exercise, no pills, no drugs, no regimen. It allows a person to BE, and help their body do what it was made to do – be well.
Because emotions have a chemical/hormonal basis in the body, Reflexology is a stress-soother and mind-opener, and many of my clients have had results that are life-changing, well beyond the response of the physical body.
Reflexology can be a safe place for emotional release and change as body and mind come into balance.

What my clients have said:
It just works for me… better than anything else I’ve tried. Massage makes me a little uncomfortable, but reflexology does the job. I can always feel it doing its work. -- Jennie
Even though I have access to many other forms of bodywork, sometimes it feels like reflexology is the thing I need. – Dave, LMT
   I just want me my Reflexology!! – Sylvia, LMT
   I don’t know what this all about, but you must never stop offering this – that was the most profound experience I have ever had! - Chuck, MD.
   I will gladly pay for my ongoing reflexology packages! I don’t ever want to stop or miss a week – Jan
I’ve done many other therapies in my healing journey, but reflexology is the one I will never stop. I love it so much. It just feels like healing! -- Debbie