The Amazing Effects of Deep Relaxation
Now that we are in Autumn and looking towards the winter months, don’t wait until you feel broken to look after your health and wellbeing. If you take steps now to prepare your body and mind, you are less likely to be fixing issues and illness later.
At this time of year, it is especially important to counteract the effects of stress and strengthen your resilience so that your immune system can function at its best. Reflexology can also improve your mood, even more important during the dark and cold months when many of us can feel a bit low.
Reflexology has been shown to aid relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This counteracts the harmful effects of stress. When you feel safe and relaxed, processes such as digestion and waste elimination improve. This is why it is so important to drink plenty of water after a treatment (and every day!).
Although just one treatment can have positive effects, I would recommend regular treatments to keep your body and mind in balance and functioning at their best.
How Deep Relaxation Can Benefit You
Physical Benefits
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Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
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Improves sleep quality
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Prompts your brain to release endorphins, natural painkillers
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May increase immune response and resistance to illness
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Improves digestion: stress can disrupt your digestive process. Relaxation helps reverse this, aiding nutrient absorption and lowering inflammation in the gut
Emotional & Lifestyle Benefits
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Calms the mind and lowers cortisol (stress hormone)
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Improves emotional regulation, mental clarity, and focus
I always start and end my treatments with deeply relaxing techniques like effleurage (slow massage movements) and solar plexus breathing. My clients are often so relaxed that it takes them a few moments to “come round” at the end of the treatment — a sign that they have gone into a deeply relaxed state.
Why not try some reflexology and supercharge yourself this Autumn to prepare for winter?
Claire Leng.
