Reflexology and the Digestive System

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Susan Mix

Clients often ask me why their tummy will begin making loud gurgling noises mid-way through their reflexology session. In order to understand that, first you need to understand the effect that the nervous system has on our digestion.  To summarize from authors Ross and Wilson’s Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Wellness, the majority of the body’s organs are supplied with both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves which have opposite effects that are balanced to ensure optimum functioning of the organs. Sympathetic stimulation is what happens when we are under stress. Our adrenal glands are stimulated to secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones into our bloodstream. This is the ‘fight or flight” type of stimulation. When the body is in this mode our stomach and small intestine experience inhibited muscle contraction and secretion of digestive juices. Our digestion is inhibited and delayed.

When the body experiences parasympathetic stimulation, the general effect is to allow restoration of our digestive processes. The rate of digestion is increased and there is an increase in the secretion of pancreatic juice and the hormone insulin. So when we relax and release stress, our digestion kicks into high gear and the body is better able to absorb nutrients from our food and move waste products through our system.

In studies in the UK, Denmark and China, reflexology has repeatedly been shown to help resolve constipation. Just doing what reflexology does best – relieving stress – helps the body to return to balance, enabling improved digestion and elimination of waste. Many clients who have come to me with digestive issues have reported improvement, typically with just a few sessions. So, while a bit embarrassing, that gurgling sound from your tummy in a session is just an audible sign that your body has relaxed and your parasympathetic nervous system has taken charge of the digestive processes. That’s a good thing in this stress-filled world!

This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment. These are my personal opinions and my summary of research as well as verbal and written reports of some of my clients. As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.

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Detoxing with IonCleanse®

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Susan Mix
This article was provided by A Major Difference, Inc., manufacturer of the wonderful IonCleanse® Detox Footbath, which I offer as one of my therapies. I’m pleased to share it with you. This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment. This article represents the opinions and summary of research of A Major Difference, Inc.  As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.

Toxicity in Our World
When it comes to exposure to toxins, the body cannot metabolize most of the poisons it is exposed to. Most of these toxins remain in the body for many years, stored in the fat cells that exist throughout the body .

Consider these statistics:
* 250% increase in breast cancer since 1980
* 1600% increase in birth defects since 1980*
* More than 95% of cancer is caused by environmental toxicity and diet
* The average city water contains more than 500 chemicals
* Multiple studies show that most of us have between 300-800 chemical residues stored in the fat cells of our bodies
* Pesticide residues are detectable in 50-95% of the food consumed in the U.S.

* The EPA approves about 90 percent of the new compounds without restrictions. Only a quarter of the 82,000 chemicals in use in the U.S. have ever been tested for toxicity.

Systems of the body affected by toxins
The immune system causing an increased tendency to allergies and recurrent respiratory (nose, sinus or lung) or ear infections.
The defense systems of both animal and human bodies making them prone to cancer.  (Infants and young children, as well as adults, are presently developing cancer at an alarming rate.)
The brain and nervous system causing headaches, difficulty thinking or remembering, inexplicable emotional ups and downs, inconsolable depression, irritability, moodiness, aggression, hyperactivity or extreme fatigue.
The reproductive system causing a wide variety of sexual problems and infertility.
The endocrine system contributing to illnesses such as Diabetes, Thyroid Disease and weakened adrenal glands.
The muscular system causing twitches, tics, muscle pains or weakness, in time possibly leading to Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease.
The skeletal system causing chronic swelling and stiffness that eventually leads to pain and permanent joint deformities.
The heart and circulatory system causing high blood pressure or irregular heart beats.
The blood vessels causing abnormal bleeding into the skin, joints, breasts, urine and elsewhere.

The IonCleanse® and Toxicity

The IonCleanse® provides the most thorough and efficient way to cleanse and purify the body more effectively and faster than any herbal or fasting protocols!

We are living in the most polluted environment in earth’s known history! This dramatic increase of toxin exposure has exceeded the body’s ability to release these toxins.

The IonCleanse®, with its patented dual polarity feature, creates both negative AND positive ions. This feature creates the most thorough and efficient detoxification process in the industry.

We urge you to use your IonCleanse® on a consistent basis. How often should a person use their IonCleanse®?

Below is the general formula for maximum detoxification with the IonCleanse®:

* Cleanse 14 times – (every other day if under the age of 50, every 3 days if over the age of 50)

* Take 10-14 days off – (allow your body time to recover)

* Repeat the cleansing cycle of 14 sessions.

* Continue this cycle until the number of sessions completed equals your age (i.e. – if you are 56, you will do 4 cycles of 14 sessions for a total of 56 sessions)

You have  now completed a Full Detoxification Program and it is now time for a lifetime maintenance program.

* Maintenance – cleanse 1 time per week after completing the above cycle.

The IonCleanse® has been documented to remove heavy metals, urea, creatinine, glucose, and other harmful toxins.
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Reflexology for PMS?

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Susan Mix

Remember this old joke? “What’s the difference between a woman with PMS and a pit bull? … Lip gloss!” Most women can recall having had a premenstrual cycle that left them behaving a lot like an angry pit bull (and many men will attest to that behavior). PMS isn’t fun. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, cramps, joint pain, bloating, weight gain, acne flare ups, depression, anger, anxiety and an inability to concentrate.  That’s just the highlights, though, did you know there can be up to 150 symptoms? Hey, fellas, you’d be depressed and angry too!

Many women just live with the problem or treat the symptoms with over-the-counter medications. Some of us assume the PMS symptoms will improve as we age. Some of us who didn’t experience severe PMS problems in our twenties and thirties find symptoms worsen as we move closer to menopause. When the problem is severe, we may work with our medical doctor to receive prescription medications to help with pain or depression. However, many of us today don’t want to take medications that may add side-effects to the long list of PMS symptoms we’re already trying to overcome. So what if there’s another way?

Studies conducted in Denmark, China, Korea and the USA have shown that reflexology can be effective in helping to address PMS symptoms. Reflexology simply helps the body return to balance naturally, so a reflexology session may relieve stress and pain, help to alleviate hormone-related symptoms, improve sleep, mental outlook and energy. Many of my clients have reported reduced PMS issues after reflexology. Some clients reported an immediate improvement after just one session and others have needed multiple sessions to find relief. Every woman is different and each body reacts to reflexology in its own way. If you’re looking for a solution to PMS, then I encourage you to give reflexology a try!

This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment. These are my personal opinions and my summary of research as well as verbal and written reports of some of my clients. As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.
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Learn More About Flat Feet

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Susan Mix

Another Reflexologist kindly shared the link below to an article by Mark Sisson. It has some interesting info on research about flat feet as well as some strengthening tips for helping address the problem. Hope it helps some of you! (Don’t forget reflexology may be helpful too!)

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/flat-feet-treatment/

This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment.  The information presented here represents my personal opinion, my summarization of research reports I have reviewed, and the verbal reports of some of my clients. As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.

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Have Pain In Your Heels?

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Susan Mix

Many clients report pain in the heel with their first steps upon getting out of bed in the morning. This is a classic symptom of plantar fasciitis, also sometimes called “heel spurs” or “arch pain”. The plantar fascia (pf) is a tight, inelastic ligament that runs from the toes along the arch of the foot and inserts into the heel bone. When the pf pulls on the bone, micro-tears can be created resulting in pain and inflammation. Activities that increase the pull of the pf on the heel, as well as uncorrected over-pronation conditions may worsen the problem. In their book, Foot!, Care, Prevention and Treatment, Doctors Matthew B. Werd and E. Leslie Knight recommend initial steps (pun intended!) for plantar fasciitis folks can take to help alleviate the problem before it worsens to the point it needs serious medical attention.  These include:

  • Well-fitted and properly supported footwear.  Arch supports, heel lifts or custom orthotics should be worn if necessary. (Ladies, note that wearing flats or flip-flops with no arch support may be making your problem worse!)
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises before stepping out of bed in the morning.  (See the simple pf stretch instructions below.)
  • Roll a frozen water bottle along the arch of your foot for ten minutes, three times per day.
  • Lose weight if necessary to help alleviate pressure on your heels.
  • Choose lower impact sports activities, for instance walking or swimming instead of running.
  • Avoid standing or walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces.

Doctors Werd and Knight also specifically recommend Ingham Method® Reflexology in their book. They state “Reflexologists do an excellent job relieving tension in the feet, as well as stimulating blood flow and circulation. Additionally, Reflexologists are often able to pinpoint specific areas in the foot that relate to symptoms in other parts of the body.”

Stretch for Plantar Fascia This is recommended first thing in the morning, in bare feet, while still seated on the bed, before walking.

Cross left ankle over right knee. Grab base of all five toes on left foot with left hand and pull toes back toward left shin until feeling a stretch in the arch ligament (the plantar fascia). The plantar fascia will be prominent along the length of the arch of the foot being stretched and should be massaged with the right hand while keeping toes flexed. Repeat for right foot.

This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment. These are my personal opinions and my summary of research as well as verbal and written reports of some of my clients. As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.

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Free Seminar! Wellness For An Active Lifestyle

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Susan Mix

Join me and other members of the Silicon Valley Healthy Living Series group for a free summer seminar and wellness expo on Saturday, July 23rd from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 740 S. Bernardo Avenue in Sunnyvale (just up the street from my office). I will be one of the featured speakers along with J. Jay Lashbrook, DC; Sunita Pal, MD; Jennifer Potter, ND; plus Certified Hypnotherapist, Karuna Jain; Business Coach, V. Lynn Hawkins; and Wellness Consultant, Linda Soto.

Our summer seminar topics include:

  • The Healthy Way to Sit and Exercise at the Same Time
  • 5 Positive Steps for Weight Loss and Preventive Health
  • Top 5 Protection Strategies for Active Lifestyle Lovers
  • Tips to Change Bad Habits and Improve Behavior
  • At Home Remedies for Minor Injuries
  • 9 Great Ways to Boost Your Energy
  • Faster Way to Recover from Injury

Seating is limited so register soon to be sure you get a place!

Just click on the Register Today button at the Silicon Valley Healthy Living Series website http://www.svhealthyliving.com/ for more details and to sign up! This will be a great event for those “not-so-pro” athletes among us and parents who are gearing up for the start of the autumn scholastic athletic programs. Hope to see you there!


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Ouch! Why does my big toe hurt?

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Susan Mix

I hear this question once in awhile from a client during a session. If I’ve just been working the pituitary/pineal gland reflex, I normally will ask the client “How are you sleeping lately?”. Often the answer will be “Oh, I’m having a horrible time getting to sleep,” or “I fall asleep OK, but I wake up during the night and have a hard time getting back to sleep.”

To put it in really simplistic terms, the pineal gland is responsible for secreting melatonin which controls your biological rhythms. If that gland is out of balance it may be responsible for trouble dropping off to sleep, staying asleep or sleeping deeply enough to feel rested. In addition, you’ll usually have a tender spot in the center of the plantar surface of your great toe on one or both feet. This is the location of the pineal gland reflex. By working on that reflex, I am often able to help clients who are having trouble sleeping. In fact, research studies done in China and France showed a better than 90% success rate in helping resolve sleep problems with Reflexology.

Reflexology can provide a wonderful alternative to prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications for helping improve your sleep. It simply helps your body balance itself, so there are no side-effects and no grogginess. Many of my clients who have had insomnia report that the problem resolves following a series of Reflexology sessions. One client with insomnia came for a couple of sessions but then didn’t show up for her next appointment. I tried to call her, but no answer. Later in the day I heard back from her. She’d been sleeping so deeply that she hadn’t heard either the alarm or the phone and said “Well, at least we know the Reflexology is working!”

So, if your big toe hurts, I’d ask you to consider whether you are having any difficulty sleeping. If so, you might want to give Reflexology a try!

This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment.  The information presented here represents my summarization of research information and my clients’ verbal reports. As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.

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Who Uses Reflexology Anyway?

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Susan Mix

I’ve been doing one of those exercises to analyze my client base in order to better focus my business activity in the coming year and it’s really brought home to me just how diverse are the folks that find Reflexology helps them. Here’s the highlights to give you a little flavor of that diversity:

My clients are about evenly split between men and women and are all over the map with regard to race and cultural background. I’ve seen clients from just about every continent! Both sexes tend to find Reflexology helpful and folks from all over the world appear in my practice.

My clients are also diverse when it comes to their ages. Parents often bring in children for a session to try to address a problem such as allergies, constipation or bed-wetting without resorting to prescription drugs. I see teenagers with problems as diverse as PMS, chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia and sports injuries. Lots of young women see me as they feel Reflexology is helpful for everything from infertility to bunions. Many young men come in for help addressing back, foot, knee or arm pain caused by athletic activites and home improvement projects. Lots of middle-aged clients are trying to address all sorts of issues including high blood pressure, urinary system problems, bunions, emotional issues, insomnia, and ability to focus at work. I see seniors who are trying to manage issues such as balance, long-term pain, hearing or vision problems, arthritis, etc. I see people of all ages who need help with fatigue, recovery from stroke or surgery, receiving and holding a chiropractic adjustment, sleep and digestive issues, cancer therapy side-effects and more.

My clients include lots of nurses, doctors, hairdressers, retail salespeople, landscapers, construction workers, housecleaners, massage therapists and others who spend a lot of time on their feet, do a lot of lifting and may be dealing with plantar fasciitis, neuromas and low back pain or who are experiencing problems caused by repetitive motions such carpal tunnel syndrome and neck/shoulder problems. My practice also tends to be popular with folks who are under a lot of stress including corporate executives, realtors, business owners, counselors, therapists, teachers, accountants, financial planners, engineers, project managers and people in the information technology field. I also see a lot of very healthy people who find Reflexology useful to balance their energy, maintain a good mind/body/spirit alignment and enhance their performance including yoga instructors, fitness coaches, soccer players, runners, dancers and those who participate in martial arts.

So whether you’re from America or elsewhere, whether you’re young or not-so-young, healthy or not-so-healthy, professional, blue-collar, a student, employed or retired, and whether you’ve got health problems or just want to be as healthy as you can be, give real Ingham Method® Reflexology a try. You just may find it helps you, too!

This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment.  The information presented here represents my summarization of information provided by my clients and their verbal reports. As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.



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A Diabetic’s Best Friend?

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Susan Mix

Who can be a diabetic’s best friend? Their Reflexologist, of course! Here’s why:

foot on bed of nailsDiabetes can create cardiovascular problems resulting in serious conditions such as hardening of arteries, gangrene, blindness, loss of sensation or kidney failure. Diabetics are typically very slow to heal and there is usually a concern with any injury regarding infection. Diabetics also may struggle with neuropathy, which has many symptoms, but commonly includes burning, tingling, and loss of sensation in the feet.

Numerous research studies conducted in China recently have documented that Reflexology can be beneficial for diabetics in numerous ways, from improving blood sugar levels to helping wounds heal more quickly.

One of the nicest things about Reflexology for diabetics is just an improvement in simple comfort. Many of my diabetic clients initially reported their feet always felt cold, but after a few regular Reflexology sessions, we both notice their feet are warm when they come in! Reflexology’s wonderful ability to improve nerve and blood supply and promote the unblocking of nerve impulses is the key. One diabetic client reported he could feel the carpet under his feet again after several sessions. Several clients who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic and were told to monitor their blood sugar levels, reported seeing lower levels after regular Reflexology sessions. So if you know someone struggling with diabetes-related problems or just trying to stay as healthy as possible despite their diabetes, introduce them to their new best friend – a Reflexologist!

This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment. These are my personal opinions and the summarization of research as well as verbal and written reports of some of my clients. As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.

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5 Ways Reflexology May Help Cancer Patients

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Susan Mix

Multiple research studies in various countries, including the US, have shown that Reflexology can be effective to help cancer patients in the following ways:

  • Decreased nausea and vomiting when undergoing chemo or radiation therapy. This isn’t really surprising since Reflexology has been shown to be effective in helping the body return to balance. Just about every sort of digestive problem can be positively impacted with Reflexology, including nausea.
  • A significant and immediate effect on pain; often reducing the need for pain medications. In fact, a study on non-traditional pain management techniques conducted with 1,800 cardiovascular, surgical, oncology and orthopedics patients found that many alternative therapies were capable of significantly relieving pain levels by more than 50 percent across the patient groups tested. For cancer patients looking for alternatives to prescription drugs to manage pain, the studies report Reflexology can deliver results.
  • Improved energy and reduced fatigue – Again this is one of the benefits routinely reported by most of my clients. It’s no surprise that cancer patients would experience the same benefits from Reflexology sessions.
  • Improved mental outlook - This was the effect that most surprised researchers conducting studies on Reflexology for cancer patients. Study participants reported markedly increased feelings of well-being and greatly reduced anxiety. In some studies participants reported they also felt more capable of coping with their situation after receiving Reflexology. Yet again, this is another benefit of Reflexology routinely reported by many of my clients.

I believe as we watch these research studies evolve in coming years another significant area will be documented and that is Reflexology’s ability to relieve stress. While not vastly different from the “improved mental outlook” benefit already reported, the ability to rid our bodies of stress is achieving more recognition today as an area of critical importance to our physical health. Some reports from the medical community have attributed up to 75% of our health issues to stress. Most of my clients who are also cancer survivors tell me relief of stress is tremendously important in their self-care routines post-cancer treatment. We lead such stressful lives these days! New clients are often surprised at the end of a Reflexology session by an understanding of how different they feel when stress is relieved. If our bodies don’t ever feel the absence of stress, how can we pursue vibrant health? I believe Reflexology can help us learn to better recognize and, hopefully, avert stress.

If a friend or loved one is battling cancer, please share this information with them. I’m pleased to provide more research study details in a free consultation.

This is the disclaimer to remind you that I am not a licensed physician and cannot give medical advice or treatment.  The information presented here represents my personal opinion, my summarization of research reports I have reviewed, and the verbal reports of some of my clients. As always, consult your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment.

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