06 Jun Reflexology – Nothing to Sneeze At!

At long last, the snow is melting, temperatures are rising, birds are chirping again and spring is in the air. Aaahhh! Pretty soon, eyes will turn and itchy and watery, noses start running, sinuses clog up, throats and skin turn itchy. The concert of spring will be interrupted by much wheezing and sneezing… Aarrrggh!

Thus, what spells sunny days and outdoor fun for some, spells sniffles and downright misery for others. But did you know that reflexology may provide relief for those suffering from seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies, or hay fever, are basically an overreaction of the immune system to a particular substance in the environment that is not normally harmful. 

Our immune system is a highly complex mechanism which helps us fight infections. In people suffering from allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies a non-toxic substance as an invader and then mobilizes the white blood cells to ward off the presumed attack. Symptoms of hay fever include nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, itching, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes…  enough to make anyone miserable.

How can a “foot massage” at one end help runny noses at the other, you my wonder? Did you know that your feet contain some 7200 precious nerve endings? According to the principles of reflexology, these reflexes correspond to every part, gland, and organ of the body. Applying pressure to these points helps relieve tension in related areas of the body. Reflexology also increases circulation of the blood, so that the cells that make up your body are better nourished and oxygenated. The improved circulation of the lymph helps the body to remove toxins and waste, thus supporting your immune system.

Reflexology treatments also put your body in a state of rest and repair (parasympathetic state of your autonomic nervous system) – the same state you are in during sleep. This allows your body to recover and repair itself. In short, your immune system gets a boost and will be better able to cope with adversities, such as allergies.

Often seasonal allergies lead to sinus issues. Through Cranio-sacral reflexology we can work on the sinuses, helping to decongest them, getting the mucus flowing and thus bringing relief. This is also true for common colds. It makes sense to prep your immune system before allergy season starts.

Reflexology treatments will provide other benefits as well: clients report improved sleep, relief from pain, headaches, migraines, digestive issues, PMS and menopausal symptoms, improved circulation, and an overall sense of relaxation and simply ‘feeling better’. Not a mere foot massage, reflexology therapy encourages your body to restore its natural balance. It stands alone and separate from other therapies, however, it can enhance and/or complement other practices. It has no adverse side-effects and is good for anyone, at any age and in any state of health.

If you want to get a head start on allergy season with reflexology, make sure you find a Reflexologist who is certified and a member of a recognized association, such as the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC), which was founded in 1976 to ensure quality training and education.