Reflexology and so much more... -

We’ve all experienced those days of feeling blue – when we wake up feeling sad or apathetic, lacking energy and simply are not able to do anything.  Sometimes the blues are connected to health or hormonal issues or they may be the result of what we ate or rather what we shouldn’t have eaten.  Sometimes those blues appear at a certain time of year that corresponds to an event or memory that was difficult for us – for some of us that may even be around our birthday.  Sometimes an event can trigger the blues – such as losing a job, ending a love relationship, having financial difficulties, an argument with a friend or coworker or an illness or death of a loved one.  Sometimes the blues happen when it is cold and dark in the winter and sometimes they come during the change in seasons… and sometimes they simply come with no warning or reason.

Many times when feeling down, if we just wait and put off most of the things we need to do, we wake up the next day with renewed energy and can tackle almost everything easily.  But what happens when those blues stay on - is there a way to get over them?  When do those blues turn into depression? When do we need to seek professional help for ourselves or our loved ones?

 

How to Beat the Blues:

Guzzle it down (Go drink 2 glasses of Water)

Dehydration affects our mood and several studies have shown that people who suffer from depression have low levels of melatonin, the feel-good hormone. When we are dehydrated, the chemical process that creates melatonin is compromised. 
 

The cause of dehydration is not just hot weather or excessive physical activity.  In Israel, I find that about 60% of my clients, especially in the winter, are partially dehydrated (just one of the things reflexologists can see in your feet.)   Drinking tea, coffee and cola cause dehydration because they are diuretics. Best to avoid these, but if you do drink diuretics, make sure you increase your water intake. 


Exercise

More and more studies are showing the health benefits of exercise and this includes reducing depression.  Even just walking 20 – 30 minutes a day can have a great affect on both your mental and physical health.  Put on your tennis shoes, set your cell phone alarm to 10 minutes ahead – start walking and when it rings - turn around and go back.  That is all you have to do in order to begin receiving the benefits of exercise!  To gain the most from walking, build up to a faster pace where you can still talk without difficulty, but at a pace where you can’t sing.

Still not convinced?  Check out Dr. Mike Evan’s wonderful cartoon clip on the benefits of exercise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo


Sleep Baby Sleep

We all know how lack of sleep can affect our mood. Try not sleeping one night and attempt to remain cheerful all day!  That lack of sleep can also lead to depression. Studies have found that 15 to 20 percent of people diagnosed with insomnia will develop major depression.²   A good night’s sleep (7-8 hours) will not only make you feel better emotionally, but will also keep you focused and keep your immune system working well.

If you have trouble sleeping, you might want to consider Reflexology.  Research shows that Reflexology can help induce good sleep.3  From personal experience, almost everyone who receives Reflexology reports  sleeping better after a Reflexology session. 

 
 
When you Give you Get - Volunteer
By helping others, you may be helping yourself.  Research has shown that volunteering has beneficial effect on depression in seniors4

 and may also help with recovery from mental health issues.  Also – getting out and helping others gets you out and can help you get your mind off of your negative thoughts.  Knowing we have helped another human being (or animal) is uplifting.  It makes our life more meaningful.  

Call your municipality or community center to find out where you can volunteer.  Even just 1 hour a week can have a great affect on both your emotional state and the person you are helping!   If you have taken the hand reflexology course and are interested in volunteering at least 1 hour/week to give hand reflexology to seniors, please contact us. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 







Reflexology  - When Sole Touches Soul

Several studies have shown that reflexology can help relieve depression.  From my personal experience, in treating blues and depression, reflexology can sometimes seem like magic.  For those of you familiar with Reflexology, you know how well it induces deep relaxation and can relax and balance specific organs and tissues by pressing specific reflexes in the feet or hands.  However, reflexology does even more.  Reflexology seems to have the ability to touch a deeper level in the person’s psyche. I have seen Reflexology help bring people back when they have fallen off to the dark side.  I see Reflexology as a lifeline to help a person find his/her way back when they have lost themselves. Here is one recent testimonial of how Reflexology can help: 

If Reflexology can be so powerful for helping depression, think how effective it can be if you are just feeling blue.  Getting regular reflexology sessions can keep your spirits high as well as keep your body healthy. 

When to Seek Professional Help? 

Dr. Robin Zeiger explains:
Sadness and depression serves as an inner voice beckoning us to slow down, search deeper inside of ourselves, and reevaluate where we are going. Sometimes it is loss of a relationship (e.g., thru death, divorce, loss of a friendship). Sometimes it is a blow to self-esteem that triggers the response. For example, one may fail a test or fail at work. Sometimes it is the overwhelming feelings of daily life. What are the warning signs that it is too much and you should seek professional counseling?

To read more click here  

Oran Aviv is a senior Reflexologist since 1995, has been helping adults and children stay healthy for over 15 years. Oran also lectures and teaches basic Hand Reflexology workshops all across the country, showing people how to literally, put their health in their own hands. To arrange a Reflexology session, to have Oran teach your group and/or to receive Oran's free monthly newsletter which includes articles like the one above - email her at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or visit her web site at www.reflexandmore.com

Dr. Robin B. Zeiger,is a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, training, and supervision. Robin incorporates creativity, dream analysis, and sand-tray work into her clinical practice. She is also available for workshops and retreats. Robin enjoys sharing her psychological journeys via blog posts, newsletters, and her website. Feel free to learn more about her at www.robinzeiger.com or mycreativedreamanalysis.info

 To learn more about this course click here.

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