A little DIY Reflexology breakdown!!!

Reflexology is  a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands and head linked to every part of the body.  Reflexology has been found to be helpful in the reduction of tension and stress, promoting balance, improving circulation and can assist in one's own healing process. Here is a little at-home reflexology know-how. 

Enjoy!!  With Love~ Meredith M. 

Headaches

Big toes, little toes, inside and belly of the foot. The big toes are where the head, brain, pituitary/pineal glands, & upper cervical spine (neck) reflexes are located. The tips of all the little toes too coincide with the head, brain and sinus reflexes (give more attention to these toes if you have a sinus headache). The spinal reflex resides along the inside or medial aspect of each foot, also very effective since the spine is where the nervous system is housed. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches too, sometimes hunger and/or a digestive issue might be a cause for a headache as well. In this case, the digestive system reflexes are located on the bottom or plantar aspect of the foot and can be reflexed accordingly. Since it is sometimes difficult to isolate where a headache might be emanating from, there is no harm in giving attention to all these areas. If you want to be really precise, refer to a reflexology map (see below)!

Menstrual Cramps

I have always had very painful menstrual cramps. It was through receiving reflexology regularly that I discovered my menstrual discomfort was given relief and the associated back and joint pain decreased substantially. The areas that are most effective are the reflexes to the reproductive and endocrine systems. Give attention to the sides of the heel (medial and lateral aspect of each foot); this is where the ovary and uterus reflexes can be found. The endocrine system consists of the pituitary gland, the thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal gland, pancreas, and ovaries. Refer to a reflexology map to better pinpoint where to reflex!

Tummy Ache

The area that corresponds to the digestive system reflexes is located on the bottom plantar aspect of each foot. Many of the reflexes to the integral organs that contribute and play key roles in the digestive process are all located here. This is a delicious area to give attention to in general as the arch of the foot can really use the care after a day in shoes pounding concrete as well. I refer to this area as the belly of the foot as it's the softer portion of the plantar aspect (between the ball and heel) of each foot. Again, refer to a map (below) for more precise reflexology points and where each organ reflex is located.

Reflexology Maps

If you are without a friend or partner, reflexes to every part of the body can be found in your hands too!! I often give myself mini reflexology sessions on the train to and from work. Here’s alink to a great map for the hands. Maps courtesy of Angel Feet LLC

Brain Sinuses/Outer Ear Sinuses/Inner Ear/Eye Temple Pineal/Hypothalamus Pituitary Side of Neck Cervical Spine Shoulder/Arm Neck/Helper to Eye, Inner Ear, Eustachian Tube Neck/Thyroid/Parathyroid/Tonsils Bronchial/Thyroid Helper Chest/Lung Heart Esophagus Thoracic Spine Diaphragm Solar Plexus Liver Gallbladder Stomach Spleen Adrenals Pancreas Kidneys Waist Line Ureter Tube Bladder Duodenum Small Intestine Appendix Ileocecal Valve Ascending Colon Hepatic Flexure Transverse Colon Splenic Flexure Descending Colon Sigmoid Colon Lumbar Spine Sacral Spine Coccyx Sciatic Nerve Upper Jaw/Teeth/Gums Lower Jaw/Teeth/Gums Neck/Throat/Tonsils/Thyroid/Parathyroid Vocal Cords Inner Ear Lymph/Breast/Chest Chest/Breast/Mammary Glands Mid-Back Fallopian Tube/Vas Deferens/Seminal Vesicle Lymph/Groin Nose Thymus Penis/Vagina Uterus/Prostate Chronic Area-Reproductive/Rectum Leg/Knee/Hip/Lower Back Helper Hip/Sciatic Ovary/Testes

8 RULES FOR LIFE!!!   

With Love~ Meredith Miers 

Immune Boosting & Anti Inflammatory Juice

Immune Boosting and Anti Inflammatory Juice
Makes one big glass

2 large (3 medium) carrots
1/4 organic lemon
1 orange, peeled
1 large (two small) apple
1 thumb sized piece of ginger, peeled
1 tsp oil (e.g. olive, almond, flax or fish)
A handful of crushed ice

Directions
Run all fruits and veggies through a juicer. Add crushed ice and oil and serve straight away.

You can double the portion and save the juice in an airtight bottle in the fridge, but for no longer than one day or you’ll loose too many of the wonderful vitamins. And if you feel like having this for breakfast you could blend in an avocado or banana together with the ice for more texture and have it as a smoothie!

With love~ Meredith Miers 

Chocolate Chia Love

Chocolate Chia Seed pudding~ 

1 1/3 cup chocolate coconut milk 
1/3  cup chia seed
1 banana, sliced 

Mix together Choc. coconut milk and chia seeds.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hrs, or overnight.  Once pudding is set, layer with fresh (or Frozen) bananas.  Serve cold.

This is a vegan, gluten free recipe... ENJOY!

With Love~ Meredith