Natural Health and Wellness

I've had a lot of requests on how reflexology (and other things) can help insomnia and other irregular sleep patterns.  I've put together a foot and ear reflexology map for you to explore. First let's explore the foot map . This map is pretty general as it covers a lot of different points. Before going to bed each night sit upright with your foot in your lap (if you can do this). With your thumb, deeply press in and walk your thumb on the large plantar pad of your big toe. Work deeply for at least 1 - 3 minutes on each of the big toes. Also work on the 2nd toe for a minute. The toe points will work your head, brain, pituitary, and pineal gland reflexes... all important to balance for a good night's sleep. If you can't reach the bottom of your toe, have someone else help you. If that isn't an option, find a firm, (not to sharp) solid corner of a wooden coffee table and press the plantar pad of your large toe on it for a few minutes. Next walk your thumb along the...

Want or need to boost your energy? Besides... getting enough sleep (going to bed and getting up at consistent times), drinking plenty of water throughout the day (at least every two hours), maintaining a balanced, whole-food, plant-based diet with regular feedings - but not too much, avoiding excess stimulants (like caffeine and sugar) here are some other helpful energy boosters! (Whew, as if all the above wasn't enough, right?) Goji Berries High on my list of amazing super foods, goji berries pack a healthy punch as being one of the most nutritionally dense foods in the world, and they make a great snack! They contain a healthy balance and dose of both macro- and micro-nutrients, including a high-quality, plant-based complete protein content containing 18 amino acids (and all 8 essential amino acids) along with a rich source of antioxidants (including carotenes, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin - great for eye health). Goji berries also contain up to 21 trace minerals, like zinc, ir...

Massage Therapy.com gives thumbs up to reflexology for multiple conditions among them sleep challenges, irritable bowel, depression, constipation, menopause symptoms, and side effects of chemotherapy. All of these reports are supported by research studies on with real people. These are health challenges that have been faced by many of my clients. Seeing first hand the benefits they have experienced from regular reflexology sessions (1-4 weeks apart), I was most excited to come upon this article and to be able to share it with you. For you or for a friend or loved one struggling in these areas, this article is worth the read. Looking for a reflexologist...well, if you're in the Memphis, TN area please give me a call. You'll find the number on my Footsteps In Eden website. Other areas of the country, the websites of Reflexology Association of America and the American Reflexology Certification Board contain referral lists by state. Photo from Stock Vault .

The Ruby Tuesday carnival hosted by "Work of the Poet" has caught my attention as I've gone visiting so many new blogs out there. While participating in "Blue Monday" has been a sweet blessing, ruby is much more a color of choice in my surroundings (along with purple and gold and green and rust and black and even a touch of orange -- just imagine all of that together). Important to a great night's sleep is an inviting "sanctuary" calling out to you each evening. A couple of years ago after finding this great print for the bedspread, the reds were just calling out to be highlighted. A passionate ruby wall is framing our bed. The serenity of green grace the remaining walls. Now add the peaceful scents of lavendar, orange, sandalwood (to name a few you might experience here) and sleepytime music playing softly in the background, and I love the tropical paradise we've created. Usually a quite tranquil spot in which to retire for the evening. Lovin...

Aromatherapy oils have shown in many cases to be highly effective when used on the feet to promote health & wellness for the entire body. This was a significant factor in my personal decision to pursue reflexology training. It was my desire to intentionally introduce more people to the therapeutic effects of the oils by using them in a reflexology setting. The following aromatherapy tip comes directly from a Young Living distributor through the Young Living weekly newsletter. I'm passing it on to you. This is an awesome testimony to the power of Young Living essential oils . “My husband has a hard time sleeping at night, especially when he travels away from home. He uses lavender and Valor® essential oil blend together on his feet and sleeps all night long! (The author of this post, the Young Living distributor from which the tip comes, and the Young Living Company assume no liability for any damage caused by use of this tip.)