Introduction
Of late I have had a number of clients who are struggling with exhaustion, they haven't initially come to me for help with this. But as their treatment progresses I am feeling a palpable sense of it from the client's feet.
This sense of exhaustion is affecting them emotionally and physically and is different from the normal fatigue you feel after a busy day. The difference is that tiredness improves with rest exhaustion does not.
Reflexology has been shown to help the body move into a restful parasympathetic state, it helps to relieve stress and relax the body making it an effective treatment for exhaustion and fatigue.
So, what is causing this level of exhaustion? It could of course be any number of things chronic stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement, aged parents or looking after a new baby. I have noticed an upturn in teachers, nurses doctors and dentists who are suffering a level of burnout that is leading to exhaustion.
Exhaustion: Unraveling its Layers
As I mentioned in the introduction I am seeing women come to my reflexology practice who are not initially aware that they are struggling with exhaustion or who feel embarrassed to share this with me because they are so used to handling everything or feel that in someway admitting they are struggling with this is a sign of weakness.
As a society, we have fallen into a way of being that praises productivity over rest. The result is disease and loss of connection with ourselves.
Exhaustion can present in many ways including Adrenal Fatigue, Fibromyalgia Long COVID, ME, Thyroid Issues, Stress, low Iron, Hormonal Imbalances such as Peri-Menopause, Menopause the list goes on and on...
If you are struggling with relentless chronic pain this too can take its toll in the form of exhaustion.
The Body's Dichotomy: Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic States
Our bodies fluctuate between two primary states: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic states. The sympathetic state, often associated with the fight-or-flight response, dominates when chronic stressors activate it such as those noted in the introduction.
Unfortunately, all too often our bodies stay too long in the sympathetic state leading to the myriad of symptoms and illnesses listed above.
However, Reflexology is a powerful tool in facilitating the shift from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic state. This shift conserves energy, decelerates heart rate, augments intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.
The Intricacies of Reflexology
The human foot, a masterpiece in itself, houses a staggering 7,200 nerve endings that intricately connect with various parts and organs of the body through the nervous system. Reflexology's magic lies in the adept navigation of these neural pathways to induce relaxation in muscle tissue and optimise bodily functions.
The Healing Touch of Reflexology
As a Reflexologist, I use a range of specialised techniques and targeted pressure applications to clear neural pathways and induce relaxation in the body's systems. Stroking or holding the feet has a deep effect on the nervous system, and touch itself is considered highly therapeutic. I always use pressure that is in tune with the client’s needs. As neural pathways are stimulated and tissue is loosened, brain-to-body communication is improved. Circulation of blood and nutrients are also boosted throughout the whole body.
The reflexes for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can be palpated on the feet doing this involves the central nervous system and the endocrine system helping the body adjust the balance of hormones it needs in response to stress.
Empowering Recovery through Reflexology
Struggling with exhaustion doesn't have to be a perpetual state. Reflexology is a good way to compassionately support yourself to heal from exhaustion, physically and emotionally.
Conclusion
We live in a stressful world and for many people, their lives are becoming even more so. It is not always possible to control the amount of stress that we are subjected to and in many ways trying to do so only creates more exhaustion and stress.
Instead, we can look at how we manage stress and our body's response to it, by creating healthy boundaries and acknowledging when we need help.
If you are interested in learning how reflexology can help you if you are struggling with exhaustion or even think you might be get in touch.
Reflexology is a gentle and non-invasive treatment that offers your body and mind the opportunity to relax, restore and rejuvenate. By receiving regular treatments you are supporting your own wellbeing both physically and emotionally.
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