Natural Health and Wellness

Most ancient cultures had some form of foot therapy. The Native American Indian cultures, Egyptians and Chinese independently developed methods which were all based on the same principle. In Ancient Egypt dating around 2500BC, there are hieroglyphics on the tomb wall of Ankmahor a famous physician documenting a type of massage on the hands and feet. In Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish traditions shoes are always removed when entering into a Holy space. Feet have always had a special significance biblically. The Chinese have used pressure on acupressure points as a healing method for over 5000 years. Centuries and social change saw much of these techniques lost to time. Reflexology as we know it today began as a theory called Zone Therapy, conceived by a throat and nose surgeon Dr. William Fitzgerald in the USA in the early 1900s. He had discovered a Chinese method whereby applying pressure to one part of the body created an anaesthetic affect on another part of the body. He did extensiv

People are turning to complementary therapies more now as they are not getting full satisfaction and results from conventional medicine alone. A combination of the two appears to be the key for many & much research has been conducted by professionals to support this. This is evident now as Health providers namely VHI , Quinn Healthcare & Aviva offer partial cover depending on your Health Plan on certain complementary therapies for example Reflexology & Massage. These therapies are also used in many Hospitals, Care Homes, Hospices, Mental Health Institutions & in the Corporate world. Loretta's treatments can assist & promote a variety of the following: Hormone Balance: Regulate menstruation & PMT ; Improve fertility; Healthy & enjoyable pregnancy; Menopausal symptoms Depression, grief & anxiety: Promote positivity & improve mood; Build confidence & satisfaction in life Stress Reduction: Enhances clarity & more focused outlook;

Holistic Massage History Massage may be the oldest and simplest form of medical care. Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged. In Eastern cultures, massage has been practiced continually since ancient times. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C., The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine , recommends 'breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet" as the appropriate treatment for -complete paralysis, chills, and fever." It was one of the principal method of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians . The Greeks used massage as part of everyday fitness and exercise. The Romans used it for stiffness, curing disease, strengthening and healing the body. In the 19th century a Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling used a system based on a study of gymnastics and physiology, and on techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Physiotherapy, originally based on Ling's methods, was established with the foundatio

Indian Head Massage is based on the ancient traditions of massage and the Ayurvedic system of healing that has been practised in India for thousands of years. This holistic approach combines natural therapies healing mind, body and spirit. The family tradition of massage in India dates back to the beginnings of Hinduism and plays an important role in the life of the family. Infants are massaged daily till the age of 3, and then twice weekly until the age of 7. Then will be thought massage techniques and will be encouraged to use it within the family. Preparation rituals for wedding ceremonies include massage. Various oils like coconut, sesame, mustard, almond & herbal oils are used throughout the year relating to the seasons. Hair is kept shiny, lustrous and healthy. Grandmothers, mothers & daughters sit one in front of the other and simultaneously massage the head and hair. Barbers invigorate the scalps using champi head massage which is where we get our word shampoo. I

Aromatic oils and plants have been used for thousands of years, as herbal preparations, embalming and preserving the dead, incense, perfume and to help prevent disease. The ancient Egyptian culture clearly documented their use of aromatic medicine in their hieroglyphic records and papyrus manuscripts dating back to the reign of Khufu around 2800 BC. They used aromatics for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and to embalm the dead. Evidence of the use of herbs in the way of aromatic barks, resins, perfumed oils, wines and vinegar's were found dating back to 4500 BC. Egyptian priests were doctors and alchemists and used aromatic substances for healing. Tutankhamen's tomb dated to 1350 BC, and opened in 1922 AD, contained pots which still had traces of frankincense, myrrh and styrax. These oils prevented the bodies from rotting so when the mummies were discovered many years later they were perfectly preserved. They were renowned for herbal preparations and ointments and were experts

Dr. Mikao Usui (1865-1926) after many years of study discovered this form of healing practice. He discovered a method of accessing and using this healing energy and how to pass the ability to others. Usui was a scholar taught in a seminary, travelled extensively and learnt other languages. This way he could study both Christian and Buddhist scriptures and Sanskrit Sutras . He ended up in a Zen Buddhist monastery where he chose to find the answers he was seeking. He did a 21 day fast and meditation up Mount Kumara . On the last day of his retreat he was struck by a great light and saw sacred symbols. He acquired a deep understanding, spiritual empowerment and enlightenment. He rushed down the mountain with his knowledge and excitement and hurt his foot in his haste. He bent down to tend to his foot, miraculously the pain stopped and he was healed. Usui then realised that he had discovered the healing power that he had been searching for. This knowledge was passed on to Dr. Chuji