Guest Blog by Keri Flaherty
More so than ever as we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are realising that they need to look after themselves. People are looking for a better work/life balance, improving their lifestyle choices, having a better diet, getting outside more and not focussing on the materialistic things in life as much.There are many ways people practise self-care, from cold water swimming to exercise, from a hot bath to time with friends.
With our busy and demanding lifestyles, whether that be a person working a full-time job or raising small children, it has never been as valuable to look after your body and mind. By recognizing the importance of mental wellness, people are coping with stress, anxiety and fatigue in a myriad of ways.
Reflexology is one self-care treatment that is growing in popularity. Simply put, reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet (or the hands). The theory behind reflexology is that areas of the foot correspond to organs and systems of the body. Pressure applied to the feet promotes the movement of built-up energy and helps the removal of toxins.
This can help the body achieve homeostasis and bring relaxation and healing to the corresponding area of the body. Homeostasis is the ability to maintain a relatively stable internal state that persists despite changes in the world outside.
Although reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure disease, millions of people around the world use it to complement other treatments when addressing conditions like anxiety, asthma, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, and sinusitis, it encourages the body to return to a state of balance to allow self-healing to take place. It is particularly effective during pregnancy and even can be practised on babies from 4 weeks old.
For my clients, it's the entire experience when getting a reflexology treatment - the sound bath music, the aromatherapy oils diffusing. I recommend essential oils which I tailor to the particular clients I have coming in and the type of balm or oil (Lavender Body Oil) used which is also specific to the client and their needs.
In the past year, I have seen a shift in people taking more care of themselves and practising the art of relaxation. My clients are adopting mindfulness techniques when coping with emotional stress, anxiety and fatigue. They have discovered the benefits of reflexology and how it can work alongside other self-care, and it's paying off.
My advice would be - to learn the cues of your body, have a break from digital devices, remember to connect with nature, use chemical-free products and take care of your body and mind.
Keri Flaherty Reflexology
www.instagram.com/keriflaherty.reflexology