REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology enables the body's natural healing processes to promote wellness.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an ancient practice discovered in China, Egypt and the Far East that consists of massaging and squeezing on parts of the feet or other areas of the body to promote improved health and well-being.

It has been used in China since 2704 B.C. to compliment other natural healing methods while stimulating your recovery. It is more than just a foot massage as its therapeutic effects are numerous.
How does it work?

Through a gentle yet effective therapy, foot massage reflexology relieves tension and clears blockages by stimulating sensory receptors in the nerve fibers of the foot. As a result, energy is produced that branches to the spinal cord where it is dispersed throughout the entire nervous system. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet.

A foot massage reflexology session greatly relaxes the body, thereby reducing any constriction of blood vessels and improving circulation. In turn, it helps to break up and dissolve crystal deposits caused by an excess of uric acid, which has built up in the body and settled in the feet.

What are the benefits of Reflexology?

During a foot massage reflexology treatment, endorphins are released into the bloodstream, easing aches and pains, promoting a feeling of deep relaxation and balance in those treated.
Reflexology helps restore and maintain the bodies’ natural equilibrium and encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance.
Through much research and analysis, foot massage reflexology treatments have been shown to assist in conditions such as:
•Encourage the body to heal any current disorders
•Relieves the effects of stress
•Improves the immune system
•Relieves pain
•Hormonal imbalances
•Migraine headaches
•Arthritis
•Digestive disorders
•Blood Pressure
•Encourages better circulation
•Improves bowel movement
•Eliminates waste products from the body
•Clears the body of toxins
•Improves nerve stimulation
•Promotes general relaxation
•Creates stronger bonds with children
•Promotes basic hands-on human interaction
•Assists post-operation recovery by decreasing pain and increasing healing

Reflexology/ Aromatherapy & Aroma Flex

Reflexology

This is an ancient pressure point foot massage. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology expels the suppressed emotions of stress relaxing both our bodies and our attitudes to life. Reflexology is a powerful antidote to stress. It helps to alleviate the effects of stress by inducing deep relaxation, allowing the nervous system to function normally and free the body to seek it's own natural balance. Reflexology can help restore balance and energy as it increases the blood flow to vital nerve pathways and it improves the lymphatic system to aid in the detoxifying process.

€50 -30 min

 €80 - 60 min

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a soothing massage enhanced with the therapeutic effects of essential oils to improve physical and emotional well-being. After a consultation your treatment will be tailored to suit your individual needs. This massage can help a person obtain and maintain optimum health when used as part of a healthy lifestyle.

 €100

AromaFlex

Aromaflex is a luxurious treatment combining 30 minutes of aromatherapy back massage and 30 minutes of reflexology. AromaFlex is a customised session of relaxation therapy.

€85

Reflexology

There are a few different theories as to where and when reflexology originated. There is an early pictograph dating back to between 2500-2330 BC, found in a tomb belonging to an Egyptian physician known as Ankmahor.

Then there are reports of early reflexology being practiced in China some 5000 years ago. Others claim it was passed down to the Native Americans by the Incas, where it is still practiced today. While there is no concrete evidence to support either of these claims, we do have the evidence to show where the modern reflexology of today originated.
Scientific studies of reflexology were taken place from the late 1800's by a Sir Henry Head of London. Prior to this we had what was commonly known as Zone Therapy. In fact there was a book written as far back as 1582 by a Dr Adamus and Dr A'tatis on the subject. There were many others studying the subject in countries such as Russia and Germany, but it is down to a Dr William Fitzgerald of Connecticut, USA, for introducing the modern reflexology of today. Eunice Ingram is also responsible for spreading the word re reflexology  - she  was an  assistant to one of the men who worked alongside Dr Fitzgerald and was responsible for broadening Zone Therapy into mapping the entire foot.

Reflexology works on the premise that there are ten zones within the body, five on each side running from head to toe including the arms and into the fingers. All our organs, glands and parts of the body lie within these zones. Broadening that further, each part of the foot can be specifically related to an area of the body. By applying specific pressure over the foot we can stimulate the energy flow within that zone, revitalising and balancing all that lies within it. The actual physical mechanism responsible is not fully understood, yet the fact that it works is proven every day. Reflexology works on our own natural internal healing mechanisms within the body. The Reflexologist simply assists the  body to heal itself, guided by the specific thumb and finger pressure working over the foot connecting to the subtle energy flows within.

The benefits of reflexology

Reflexology is preventative health care. Conditions commonly treated with reflexology are:

• Sinusitis
• Migraine
• Asthma or other breathing disorders
• Digestive problems
• Circulatory problems
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Reflexology reduces stress and induces deep relaxation.
• Improves circulation and balances the entire body.
• Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities and revitalises energy.

Your Reflexologist should have a reputable credited qualification. For your first visit, your Reflexologists will take a health history. It is important to let your Reflexologist know whether you have had any serious illnesses, are an insulin dependent diabetic, underg or have a pacemaker. Whilst Reflexology is safe for pregnant women we do not give reflexology in the first trimester. An average session with your Reflexologist will take approximately 60 minutes. There may be tender points, commonly known as crystals. They feel like tiny granules of sugar and are calcium deposits that restrict the natural flow of energy that need to be broken down. While you may be aware of the tender points, often you will not be aware of the crystals. Some people fall asleep, while others feel the need to talk. It is nice to take advantage of some quite time and enjoy this fantastic treatment. Treat yourself to a series of treatments if you are feeling stressed etc.

6 ways to ease neck pain

Everyday life is not always  kind to the neck.Forward head posture is when your head is habitually forward of your shoulder. In this position, your head is much more difficult to hold as it seems many times heavier than it really is. To compensate, your upper back leans backwards. This in turn forces your hips forward while your knees lock out and your calves tighten up to try keep you standing at all.

In this piece I am just going to focus on the impact forward head posture can have in your upper body, specifically your neck, shoulders and head area. The first area we will have a look at is the skeleton and the impact on your cervical vertebra. With the head pulled forward, the space between the vertebra to the front opens up while to the back it reduces. The vertebra begin to compress the discs and cause friction on each other. You end up with bulging or herniated discs, osteo-arthritis and other issues. Sometimes a vertebra may be pulled to one side or another or slightly rotated, putting pressure on the nerves in the area.
There are many blood and lymph vessels and nerves traveling up each side of your neck. When your head moves forward these vessels and nerves become overstretched and can also become compressed by surrounding muscles and fascia. This causes all sorts of problems from dizziness due to lack of blood flow, to nerve pain in the head and face, thoracic outlet syndrome (pain, numbness, tingling through the chest and arm), carpal tunnel syndrome (pain, numbness, tingling, loss of power into the hand) and more.

Headaches and neck pain are common as muscles go into spasm. Some muscles become habitually short and tight and others become overstretched and weak. These weak muscles can go into spasm causing problems. The strong ones can develop trigger points and refer pain from these. Areas of tissue can become ischemic or lacking in blood flow, meaning the area is not getting any fresh nutrients and oxygen or getting rid of waste and is unable to respond to exercises. TMJ (temporal-mandibular joint/jaw) problems are also likely to occur, especially where there is a history of clenching, grinding or damage to the area.

There are a number of things you can do to help yourself. Stretching specific muscles while strengthening other muscles is essential. You should get assessed so you can learn your own pattern of tightness. While many people may have forward head posture, there are many variances to it that are unique to individuals. You may have an old injury or surgery that is adding to it. You may have a tendency to turn your head slightly. You may have one shoulder raised and the other depressed. If this is ignored or not understood, the exercises you choose to do may be the wrong ones for you and be doing you more harm than good. An experienced massage therapist or physical therapist will be able to assess you and guide you.
Awareness is key to changing anything that is habitual. Once you are aware of your own pattern you can do the correct exercises and you can also look to the tasks that you do on a day to day basis and the way you hold yourself to find better ways of doing all these things. You may find there is one specific thing that you do that is particularly habitual.  
Neck pain rarely starts overnight. It usually evolves over time. And it may be spurred by arthritis or degenerative disk disease and accentuated by poor posture, declining muscle strength, stress, and even a lack of sleep.

The following seven tips can help you take care of your neck.

1. Don’t stay in one position for too long. It’s hard to reverse bad posture, but if you get up and move around often enough, you’ll avoid getting your neck stuck in an unhealthy position.
2. Make some ergonomic adjustments. Position your computer monitor at eye level so you can see it easily. Use the hands-free function on your phone or wear a headset. Prop your touch-screen tablet on a pillow so that it sits at a 45° angle, instead of lying flat on your lap.
3. If you wear glasses, keep your prescription up to date.
4. Don’t use too many pillows. Sleeping with several pillows under your head can restrict your neck’s range of motion.
5. Know your limits. Before you move a heavy piece of furniture across the room, consider what it might do to your neck and back, and ask for help.
6. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep problems increase the risk for several different conditions, including musculoskeletal pain.
7. Have regular massages to reduce muscular tension.

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Time for some Me Time

With spring in full motion, we think April is the perfect time to celebrate your health and renew the spirit with some well-deserved pampering. We all deserve to look our best and enjoy the nurturing effects of  going to a spa.
Let us help you relax into a nourished and renewed outer glow with one of our signature spa services and handpicked skincare products.
Whole-body wellness begins when you take action so call us to schedule an appointment today.01 2300255 / 012300244

Payot Body wrap

New Life Body lifting and toning.

 Eminence Organic scrubs & wraps

Repechage Honey body polish.

New Life face & body lifting.

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Reflexology

Reflexology dates back to the ancient medical traditions of China and Egypt. It is based on the principles of pressure points linked to different organs of the body.
Energy flow (Qi) travels through the body via pathways called meridians of which there are 12. The nerve endings that link these organs accumulate in the palm of the hands and the soles of the feet. These are then divided into zones that represent different parts of the body rather like a map. Abnormal function in an organ can cause pain in the associated pressure points. A reflexologist uses these pressure points to identify problems and will then stimulate them. This in effect manipulates the energy flow (Qi) removing the ‘blockage’, correcting the imbalance and returning the organ to its natural state.
Reflexology studies have shown that it can produce the same positive effects on the brain as meditation and can therefore go a long way to help with stress. It is also useful for constipation, headaches, migraines, asthma and depression. Studies have shown that even after only a few sessions, the intensity of a pain can be significantly reduced.
It is my belief that it is the body that heals, not any intervention that I might perform. The beauty and strength of reflexology is that it puts the body into a better neurological state in which the body can repair and heal itself. Relaxation heals, allowing the body to restore homeostasis. Communication relayed between reflexes and the brain directs the body to make the changes necessary to return to health. The body, in its infinite wisdom, wants to be healthy. As a reflexologist, we try to create the environment in which that can happen.
Reflexology is a low-cost and natural approach to combating a number of  health related issues including those associated with stress and anxiety.
With few contra -indications it is suited to almost every-one at every age.

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