Reflexology for Relaxation and Better Health

“Reflexology is extremely relaxing and leaves me with a feeling of well-being and balance. It has helped me maintain my good health.” – M.A.

“I have anxiety and stress issues. Reflexology helps me relax and promotes a better state of mind.” – J. H.

“The experience of a good reflexology session is not unlike the subjective experience of a good meditation: that pleasant, floating, relaxing, warm, directionless feeling. And like a good t’ai chi workout, this warm feeling can linger in your blood afterwards like a natural high.” – S.F.

“In the weeks before my knee replacement surgery, I was experiencing a great deal of pain in my knee and hip. I scheduled a Reflexology session for stress relief, but also knew it had the potential of relieving pain. After the session with Diana, I was able to stand up straight for the first time in weeks and my knee pain was relieved significantly immediately afterwards.” – L.S.

“I have Diabetes, with the peripheral neuropathy that is commonly associated with the disease. I have tried podiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, internists, pain killers, muscle relaxers, massage therapists and acupuncture, all to no avail in relieving the constant foot pain. When I first had Reflexology with Diana, the results were amazing. I felt relaxed all over, but didn’t notice any improvement in my neuropathy. During my second session, I could tell where on each foot she was working, which was the first time in several years I could feel anything but pain in my feet. With each subsequent session, I continue to experience more and more sensation in my feet. It is obvious that the blood circulation and neuropathy in my feet are improving. Now, after only a few more sessions, I am conscious of generally feeling better overall. As I haven’t changed anything else, it must be Reflexology that is making the difference. I am excited at the prospect of further improvement in my general health under Diana’s skillful and sensitive care.” – R.S.

What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is an art and a science based on the premise that a virtual
map of the entire body exists on the bottom of the feet. By using
pressure to stimulate specific reflex points on the foot, the
corresponding area(s) of the body are positively affected. As a result,
stress is relieved and the body's natural tendency towards healing and
balance is promoted.

What are its benefits?
The benefits of Reflexology include:

• Stress relief
• Pain Reduction
• Relaxation
• Revitalized energy
• Improved circulation
• Cleansing of toxins

How does Reflexology work?
The body is always working to achieve a natural state of balance within. When imbalance occurs, illness, pain or disease may become present in the body.

By stimulating specific reflex points on the foot, congestion and tension are released and the body’s natural tendency towards balance is restored. This moves the body into a state where its natural healing abilities can work at optimal levels.

Where does Reflexology come from?
Modern Reflexology is a science and an art that was created by medical doctors in the United States in the early 1900’s. However, some believe that Reflexology dates back 5000 years to ancient Egypt, as working with the feet has been a focus of healing since ancient times.

What should I do during a session?
At the beginning of the session, you need simply to remove your shoes and socks. You will be given a brief foot bath, then the session takes place lying down on a massage table with your feet elevated on a pillow. Your main job is to relax. The rest of the work will be done by the practitioner. You will leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

My feet are ticklish. Will that be a problem?
No. The pressure used in Reflexology is firm and consistent, and ticklish clients have found it to be very soothing.

Can anyone receive Reflexology?
Reflexology’s benefits can be felt by anyone. However, if you have any of the following conditions, you should speak to your medical doctor before booking an appointment: severe athlete’s foot, varicose veins (in feet), pitted edema, broken bones of the foot or ankle, infections, painful ingrown toenails/corns, gout, warts, recent surgery, or 1st trimester of pregnancy.

How long is a session and how much does it cost?
Each Reflexology appointment is 60 minutes and costs $60.
This includes a brief foot bath to warm the feet and increase circulation, followed by a thorough and soothing foot Reflexology session.

How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are available days and evenings. To make an appointment, contact Diana at 360-794-4428 or email diana@banyanstudio.net.

The feet serve as a sensory organ for the body, continuously interpreting and responding to both internal and external stimuli. The body’s internal stress level is always reflected in the feet. At the same time, the feet are constantly adapting to the demands of the outside world.

Internally, stress distorts the ongoing messages that the brain sends to the nervous system and internal organs. Reflexology interrupts these distorted messages and ‘resets’ the communication from the brain, reducing stress and normalizing the body’s internal functions.

Externally, “the foot reflects the body’s response to the stresses of gravity and movement.” According to international reflexology authors Kevin and Barbara Kunz, reflexology provides “a variety of sensory experiences and demands which interrupt the patterns of stress created by walking.”

Therefore, reflexology works to hamper the internal and external effects of stress on the body, resulting in relaxation of the nervous system, increased feelings of well-being, and restoration of the body’s natural state of balance.

Resource:
Kevin and Barbara Kunz, The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology (Revised).

We’ve all heard about the idea of ‘detoxing’. Some may even have tried it once after a particularly ‘happy’ holiday – but to detox is a serious affair that needs to be well thought out and researched in advance.

Typing ‘detox’ in a Google search box and signing up to the first ‘toxin-ridding diet’ that appears on the computer screen, or in your phone book is definitely how NOT to approach a proper detox diet. Not only can such information be inappropriate and misleading, but following strict detox diets without the help or advice of professionals can actually be bad for your health in the long-run.

To find out how we should be approaching a detox diet, read and research. Then contact the detox [or medical] professional you felt most comfortable reading about or speaking with. There are day and week-long detox-programs for those wanting to eliminate all those nasty chemicals.

Why Detox?
Most of us want to feel ‘well’ but continue to eat and drink toxic foods, live a stressful life and generally ignore our bodies and the frequent warnings we receive, such as headaches, dark circles under our eyes, tiredness, weight gain, depression and irritability.

All of us can identify with these symptoms. But what we don’t identify with as quickly is that our bodies are letting us know that something is wrong and that we need a rest to re-charge the batteries. The philosophy of ‘detoxing’ is to open up and cleanse the six eliminative channels or organs; namely the lymph, liver, kidneys, skin, colon and lungs. And how we help to achieve this is through diet, resting moderate exercise and detox treatments.

What is a Detox?
This is a common question about which many people are confused. And according to experts, a detox isn’t just a matter of giving up cigarettes and alcohol and eating raw carrots for a week, it’s an entire process that needs to be approached in a planned manner.

To detox means to eat pure food. So that can mean no additives, preservatives, coffee, tea, dairy, animal, seafood, fish, sugar or salt. We replace all these foods with lightly cooked fruits and vegetables, salads, pulses, grains and sometimes a little more protein in the many forms of beans and nuts. To drink, it can be just water and herbal tea.

One of the most important things about doing a detox is that the body has to rest. A proper detox, requires a lot of rest, so you can’t be working hard, collecting the kids from school or doing three hours on the treadmill at the same time. A recommendation for anyone thinking of doing a detox is consultation with a detox specialist beforehand, because going ‘cold turkey’ straight into a detox can leave you feeling worse-off. Those that go from their regular diet straight into a detox may end up with horrific headaches
and feeling awful. And that can be because they didn’t ease themselves into it properly.

Before you start a detox, you should try cutting down on what you [take in,] like cigarettes, dairy, meat, fish, salt, refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol. By weaning your body off, you give your system less of a shock when you do start your detox and cancel all these items out of your diet completely. Most bodies are used to taking in certain toxins on a daily basis, so by suddenly quitting out-right you may feel extremely rough.

Detox Treatments
There are various treatments to aid detoxing, such as a specifically trained reflexology expert. A reflexologist offers ‘real’ reflexology, not just a nice foot massage, which is unfortunately all-too-often the case.

How can a Reflexology appointment help with a Detox?
There are numerous zones on the feet that correspond to all the organs in the body. A qualified reflexologist is trained to feel which areas may be weak or sensitive and this tells us something about the organ this area corresponds to. By working feet, hands or outer ears, the reflexologist assists your body to improve the blood circulation and the function of these organs, which in turns helps eliminate waste. It’s a relaxing treatment that [complements] detoxing.

To learn more, or to schedule a Reflexology session today, contact
Diana Khoury, diana@banyanstudio.net, or call 360-794-4428.

Resource
Article by Phyllis A Garvey- Illinois Reflexologist, FeelBetterHealBetter@yahoo.com
Used with permission.

Breath is essential to life, and breathing properly is essential to good health.

Stress causes breath to become shallow, changing normal breathing patterns. This shallow, upper chest breathing significantly increases the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by the body, and literally changes the body’s chemistry. The result is a domino effect of abnormal structural and physiological symptoms. For example: the breath shortens, causing blood vessels to constrict, restricting circulation, fatigue develops, motor control decreases, balance becomes impaired, neck, shoulder and diaphragm muscles tighten, prompting irritable bowel syndrome, bladder or pelvic issues, and on and on…

Prolonged stress locks in this abnormal breathing pattern, affecting the body structurally, physically, and physiologically. Over time, dysfunctional breathing becomes a cycle, making it hard for the body to revert back to its normal function without assistance.

Reflexology may help interrupt this pattern, by addressing the causes and symptoms of dysfunctional breathing. Reflexology may help the client to resume normal, functional breathing, while offering benefits such as stress reduction, release of muscle tension, improved circulation and digestion, and increased feelings of well-being.

One of my clients recently stated, “I sing in two choirs. Reflexology has helped me improve my breathing and has given me more confidence in myself.”

If you experience shortness of breath, fatigue, digestion problems, or any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact me today to set up an appointment, and make Reflexology an important part of your wellness plan.

Resource:
“Understanding Breathing,” by Leon Chaitow. Massage & Bodywork, June/July 2007, pages 28-40.

Hormones are chemical messengers that influence nearly every cell, organ, and function of the human body. When hormones are out of balance, the body’s essential functions can be significantly affected. The result may be sleep problems, slow metabolism, moodiness, low energy level, irregular menstrual cycle, hot flashes, sexual dysfunction and more.
Reflexology helps to bring the body’s hormones and natural cycles back into balance.

Here’s what my clients have to say…

Reflexology offers many benefits, including balancing hormones, resetting natural body rhythms, relieving pain, and relaxing the nervous system. Call or email me for more information or to schedule a Reflexology appointment today.

How’s your circulation? Poor or constricted circulation may be the result of tight muscles or of a medical condition such as Diabetes. When a muscle area tightens up, blood and oxygen flow become restricted to that area of the body. The resulting pain or tension in your neck, shoulders, low back, feet, or another part of the body means your circulation is working at below its optimal levels.

Never fear, Reflexology is here! One of Reflexology’s primary benefits is improved circulation. Other benefits include pain and stress relief, relaxation of the nervous system, revitalized energy, cleansing of toxins and balancing of the body’s systems.

Lack of circulation in the body is directly reflected in the feet. When specific reflex points are focused on during a session, tension in the corresponding body area(s) dissipates and optimal, balanced circulation is restored. As a result, the circulation in your feet is greatly improved, and the integrity of the body’s entire circulatory system is restored.

To make an appointment, contact Diana at 360-794-4428 or email diana@banyanstudio.net.

Neck Pain & Tension? Reflexology can Help!

Do you frequently have pain or tension in your neck? Often this condition is caused by everyday stress. Stress creates an imbalance in the internal environment of the body and disturbs its normal functioning. Since 7 of the body’s major systems pass through the neck*, it is no wonder that constriction of this area has a direct, negative impact on your entire body and your overall health. Conditions such as headaches, fatigue and lack of energy may be caused by this type of stress.

Never fear, Reflexology can help! Reflexology’s primary benefits include stress relief, pain reduction, relaxation, revitalized energy and improved circulation. You may feel relief from neck pain and tension in as little as one session, yet ongoing relief can be achieved through multiple sessions.

In addition, daily prevention measures can help you prolong the positive effects of receiving Reflexology. The following are things you can do yourself to decrease daily stress levels:

• Pay attention to proper posture
• Stretch
• Take rest breaks from working on the computer
• Take deep breaths
• Exercise
• Have a positive attitude
• Get plenty of sleep
• Make an appointment to visit your Reflexologist…

To make an appointment, contact Diana at 360-794-4428 or email diana@banyanstudio.net.

* Skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems.

Article by Diana Sergi Khoury with content contributed by Bill Flocco, Director of the American Academy of Reflexology.

Did you know that 80% of the population wears shoes that are too small? And that wearing high heels, i.e. squeezing the toes and elevating the heel, puts 5 times your body’s weight on the front pad of the foot? Narrow-toed or high-heeled shoes, which prevent adequate expansion of the foot, often cause foot pain and dysfunction. Ailments commonly resulting from poor footwear include bunions, corns, hammertoe, and neuromas (trapped nerves). Foot surgery is a frequent solution to these problems. However, this type of surgery is not minor, involves risks and often requires a lengthy recovery period.

What can you do to prevent foot dysfunction and improve the health of your feet? The answer is simple: wear shoes that fit correctly. Here are some guidelines:

» A proper shoe should have a wide toe box, flexible sole, and a back or strap to hold the foot in (slip-on shoes can cause toe clenching which contributes to foot dysfunction).

»Don’t just go by the size of a shoe; go by how it fits. Take time to walk around the shoe store and really feel how they fit. Shoes should be roomy and comfortable.

»Your feet are often two different sizes – have both feet measured while standing and choose your shoe based on the larger of the two sizes.

Remember, when you take care of your feet, they take care of you! In addition to wearing good shoes, Reflexology can further improve the health of your feet by increasing circulation and reducing pain. This not only improves the integrity of your feet, but also reduces tension and stress throughout your entire body. Call me to find out more, or to schedule a Reflexology session today!

To make a reflexology appointment, contact Diana at
360-794-4428 or email diana@banyanstudio.net.

There is a high likelihood that you, like a large percentage of the general population, will experience some form of lower back pain during your adult life. Lower back pain can sometimes be caused by a vertebra being out of alignment (in which case, a chiropractor should be consulted). However, the type of lower back discomforts that most of us experience—tired, aching, sore lower backs—are more often than not caused by STRESS. When the effects of stress take their toll on the body, the result is pain.

Lower back pain is usually treated by Western medicine in several ways: with drugs, traction, or even surgery. Someone with chronic or acute lower back pain should check out all options, including medical treatment. However, prevention is something that puts responsibility for our health and well being where it belongs: with each of us. Allowing yourself periodic moments of rest can be of great benefit to your overall health and relaxation, including your lower back.

Reflexology offers many benefits, including stress relief, relaxation, pain reduction, revitalized energy and improved circulation. When specific lower back reflexes are emphasized during a session, it is possible to feel relief from lower back pain and tension almost immediately. Reflexology can be extremely helpful in reversing the effects of stress and can be an important part of your stress prevention program.

To make a reflexology appointment, contact Diana at
360-794-4428 or email diana@banyanstudio.net.

Article by Diana Sergi Khoury with content contributed by Bill Flocco, Director of the American Academy of Reflexology.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia (the long, flat ligament) along the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia extends from the five toes, through the arch and attaches to the heel. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include pain in the heel and arches, or tightness of the calves.

Causes
There are many factors which may contribute to plantar fasciitis. These include:

•Abnormal step (sinking towards the inner or outer edge of arches)
•Tight calves and feet
•Improper athletic training
•High, low, or flat arches
•Foot weakness
•Shoes that fit incorrectly
•Prolonged walking, standing, or athletics

Relief
Plantar fasciitis should be diagnosed by a medical professional. After proper evaluation (of client’s foot structure, shoes, activity level, etc.), treatments often include rest, ice, stretching exercises, new shoes, arch supports, or more expensive options such as orthotics, night splints, cortisone injections, or in the worst case, surgery.

If you experience pain in your heel(s) or arches, or have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, regular stretching can help. According to one study, 83% of patients in a stretching program were successfully treated for plantar fasciitis, and 29% of study participants cited stretching as the most helpful treatment.

How Reflexology can Help
Reflexology can help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis by stretching and relaxing the muscles and ligaments of the foot, as well as the calf. When these areas are relaxed, circulation to the foot and lower leg is improved. As a result, the client experiences less pain and increased ease when walking, standing, and participating in daily activities.

Resources:
"Plantar Fasciitis is a Common Cause of Heel Pain," Healthlink/Medical College of Wisconsin. April 12, 2001.

"Plantar Fasciitis," Heel that Pain. January 31, 2005.

Reflexology for Sciatica Relief

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It originates in the pelvis and descends down the hip, buttocks, and down the back of each leg.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, resulting in anywhere from occasional mild pain to constant, incapacitating pain. The effects of sciatica are pain, numbness, or tingling in the buttocks and/or down the back of the leg. Sciatica is most commonly felt on just one side of the body.

Causes
Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying physical problem in the body, such as tight lower back muscles, slipped or herniated vertebral disks. Compression of the sciatic nerve may be caused by strenuous athletic training, injury, car accident, disk problems, or driving/ sitting for long periods of time.

Treatment
If your sciatica has lasted longer than 6 weeks, or you experience debilitating sciatic pain, consult your medical doctor or chiropractor for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. Traditional treatments for sciatic pain include: exercise, stretching, over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, physical therapy, alternative therapies (bodywork or homeopathy) or in more severe cases, steroid injections and surgery.

Prevention
• Exercise & stretching – Try a gentle yoga class
• Maintain proper posture - Don’t slump while working at the computer
• Utilize good body mechanics - Be conscious of how you move
• Make a Reflexology appointment – For ongoing stress & tension relief

How Reflexology Helps
Reflexology is effective at addressing and relieving the pain and muscle tension associated with sciatica. Clients have reported feeling relief from moderate sciatic pain in as little as one session. However, long-lasting relief and prevention of sciatica can be achieved when Reflexology is part of your ongoing wellness plan.

To make a Reflexology appointment, contact Diana Khoury at diana@banyanstudio.net or call 360-794-4428.

Resources & sciatica image:
www.mayoclinic.com

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders every year. Problems range from mild to chronic and include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and other, less common conditions.

Causes
Changes in our society over time have contributed to an increase in sleep irregularities. Contributing factors include: higher stress levels than in past generations; busy 24-hour lifestyles; obesity; and overstimulation from and increased access to TV, Internet, and personal electronics.

Effects
Sleep deprivation has many negative effects, including low energy level and decreased ability to focus. Doctors say lack of sleep erodes memory and concentration, disturbs neurological function, inhibits tissue and muscle restoration and slackens reflexes. “Sleep is something your body needs to recharge your batteries, and it affects nearly every aspect of your life,” says Marci Cleary, spokeswoman for the National Sleep Foundation. “It’s food for the brain.”

Treatment
In response to the significant increase in sleep disorders, the number of accredited sleep clinics in the U.S. has more than tripled since 1995. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies have targeted sleeplessness as an attractive growth market for the coming years.

Sleep clinics may be able to provide relief. However, each visit to an accredited clinic can cost thousands of dollars. And, although drugs may address the symptoms of common sleep problems, they can be addictive, and have negative side effects.

Reflexology is a natural, affordable solution to sleep problems. It works by deeply relaxing the nervous system, thus relieving stress and balancing the body’s natural rhythms (such as the circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep). Reflexology improves circulation, allowing better brain, nerve, and organ function. When the body is working at a more balanced, optimal level, you’ll feel better, you’ll be more relaxed, and you’ll sleep better too.

Contact me to schedule your Reflexology appointment today.

Resources:
1. Graham, Judith. Sleep disorders epidemic, study reports,
The Seattle Times. April 5, 2006.
2. Krishnan, Sonia. The search for sleep, The Seattle Times. April 12, 2006.
3. Dougans, Inge with Suzanne Ellis. The Art of Reflexology. Element: 1992, page 8.

After 10 years as a professional marketer, Diana Sergi Khoury left the
business world to answer the call to be a healer. She earned her Certificate
of Mastery from Seattle Reflexology & Massage Center in 2003. Diana is a
professional member of: the Washington Reflexology Association, the
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, and the Reflexology
Association of America. In addition, she serves as Administrative Secretary and Marketing Chair for the Washington Reflexology Association.

Incorrect