Reflexology and Stress
Having worked in a high-pressure office environment for over ten years before I trained as a reflexologist - and having treated high-achieving, often highly stressed clients in the 15 years since I qualified - I am very aware of how stress can impact an individual, both physically and emotionally.
Stress can trigger irritability, insomnia, anxiety and depression; it weakens the immune system, which in turn can lead to physical illness. In fact, stress is probably at the root of around three quarters of the illnesses we face today.
The majority of stresses are unavoidable, and in fact many of us need and thrive off stress. What we do need to do is minimize the impact they have on us. Reflexology is a fantastic way to reduce the effects of stress. It helps to promote relaxation, stimulates all the vital organs and encourages the natural healing processes of the body. All essential in keeping the effects of stress at bay.
By relieving stress and tension, reflexology can prevent illness. Regular reflexology can also speed recovery from a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses.
The effects of stress are insidious. They creep up unnoticed - and so people tend not to be individually proactive about combating it until it’s too late, especially men. People often say, 'but I don't feel stressed', 'I used to work much longer hours', 'I don't want others to think I can't cope' and other such things. The important thing to realize is that you don't have to feel stressed, for your body to be impacted by it. Stress gradually weakens us. When we are in our 20s and early 30s, our bodies are much more able to cope, however the older we get, the less this is the case, and the more help we need.
Many of my clients who come with stress-related problems have either already been signed off work or have been suffering with symptoms for years, and it's only now they are looking to reflexology for help.
Prevention is so much better and easier than cure. People need to listen to their bodies more and not be afraid to admit weakness. They also need to be made aware of treatments like reflexology and how they can help, and also have easy access to them. This is where employers can really help.
"As a secondary school teacher, I suffer from stress and sleep problems. During Rupert's sessions, I totally relax and often fall into R.E.M. sleep, awaking to feel much less stressed. I also notice that I sleep much better following treatments. I have been to other reflexologists but they do not have the same effect. I thoroughly recommend Rupert's treatments." - Dev Nayar
How employers can help
For many employees, time and money are two key factors preventing them from trying treatments like reflexology. Employers need to raise awareness about stress, and bring treatments like reflexology into the workplace. This will have a significant impact on stress-related illness. The costs to the company are minimal and are more than paid back in benefits such as:
• Less sickness and absenteeism.
• Improved staff morale.
• Relief from stress-related conditions, eg headaches, anxiety, insomnia, reflux.
• Greater productivity and improved creativity and planning.
• Better decision-making under pressure.
If you think your company might be interested in offering reflexology as part of a health and wellness program, please get in touch and I can send you some more information.
