“I made my first appointment with Rachel at Terra Organic Spa because I decided I needed some “forced” relaxation. The plan was to regularly get a massage to work out tension from sitting at a computer most of the day. Terra’s website said they did reflexology which I always found helpful so that’s what I signed up for.
At the first visit, Rachel asked about my concerns, what I did all day, what hurt, etc… During the awesome reflexology session, she gently suggested that other massage methods might be more helpful for my stiff neck, tight shoulders, aching arms and back. I never really got much out of other types of massage, but she seemed like she knew what she was doing so I was game.
I’m so glad I took her advice. After the first few months, I noticed it didn’t take a half hour after I woke up to work out the kinks. I had chalked up morning aches and pains as the normal effects of getting older. As time went on, I could do some serious gardening without feeling like a truck hit me the next day. Plus I was more aware of how I used my body. When I felt some pain, I modified what I was doing– sat straighter, used my legs and abs more to lift things – or performed some simple exercises to stretch or massage areas that were tightening up.
I can’t say enough about how massage has improved my life. It’s not just the freedom from pain I accepted as a matter of course but an overall feeling of wellness that you want to maintain. Once you don’t have your back, neck or whatever to complain about you notice other signals from your body and attend to those.
And I can’t say enough about Rachel. She has amazing knowledge of the body interconnectedness knowing that when I come in and complain about my hands, it’s really something in my arm or shoulder. And Rachel is skilled in various massage modalities picking the one that will bring the most relief.
I truly believe that massage acts as preventive for much of the mobility issues we have as we age and reduces stress – and I don’t mean just general stress but the relief from constant low grade pain that wears on you over time. Of course, I didn’t believe that when I first started. Massages were just a way to relax. And massage does relax you. But it can do so much more and I am very grateful to Rachel for showing me that.”
Chris, Fayetteville, New York
Tag Archives: reflexology
What is Reflexology? How is it Effective?
Reflexology, an alternative therapy treatment, is regarded by many as a natural healing art. It involves the use of pressure to one’s feet and hands at certain points that coordinate with body parts. These points are defined by a chart which divides the feet and hands into sections which affect a particular body part. This form of therapy has been around for hundreds of years in one form or another. There is evidence that this was used by the ancient Egyptians due to a wall painting found in a tomb known as the physician’s tomb. It is also believed to be closely connected to the Oriental practices of shiatsu and acupuncture.
Reflexology is a wonderful complement to traditional medical services. The practioner will apply pressure, stretch and movement to work through the various parts of the foot or hand depending on the needs of the client. It is similar to massage techniques but the focus is more on applying pressure. The amount of pressure varies depending on the area and also a good practioner will adjust the pressure they use to the preferences of their client. If it is done correctly, it should be a very relaxing procedure that lasts for quite some time.
There are many who tend to criticize reflexology. They do not think it is effective because there are no definite trials or scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness. There are those that say it is effective in cleansing the body of toxins, increasing the circulatory system, assisting in weight control and improving the health of one’s body organs. Others have had success with a wide range of ailments such as heart disease, liver trouble, hair loss, emphysema, hemorrhoids, hiccups and many others. If nothing else, most will agree that it is a fantastic stress reliever. Many Terra Organic Spa clients have had great success with this form of treatment. A Reflexology session may be scheduled individually or combined with your massage therapy session. WWW.TERRAORGANICSPA.COM
