The Reflexology Clinic N E W S L E T T E R In this Issue… 1. Announcements 2. Skin Disorders 3. Reflexology for Skin Disorders 4. Let’s talk about feet! 5. Tidbits Announcements Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day! Skin Disorders Some of the most common skin disorders of today include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, urticaria (hives), sebhorrhea, shingles & ringworm. Many skin disorders often occur because of poor function & activity in the internal organs. Skin eruptions often happen when the body is trying to eliminate a large amount of toxic waste as a result of an imbalance. We may see a variety of skin disorders ranging from occasional pimples or pustules to chronic eczema. We know that stress can play a large part in many skin diseases because stress can inhibit many functions of the body. Eczema is a disorder that is often exacerbated by stress-related problems. In many cases it is just another attempt by the body to throw away the accumulated toxins by passing them out through the skin. Dermatitis & urticaria (hives) are an inflammation of the skin usually caused by allergies whereas psoriasis has been linked to a buildup of toxins in an unhealthy colon. Sebhorrhea can be caused by stress & anxiety in adults & is linked to allergic reactions in infants. Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, & may flair up when the immune system has been compromised. Ringworm is another skin disorder that may be caused by a deficient immune system. Acne is usually caused by a malfunction of the hormones or the sebaceous glands. May Special Request this newsletter by email and you’ll receive $5.00 off your next session. Send your email request to reflexologyclinic@shaw.ca This publication is provided for informational purposes. If you do not wish to receive this publication or if you would like to contribute any ideas on content contact Roxanne Lyon at 780.722.8755 or by email at reflexologyclinic@shaw.ca If you would prefer to receive this publication by email please send an email to reflexologyclinic@shaw.ca & indicate email as your preferred communication & ‘Newsletter’ as the subject. The skin is the largest organ in the body. One of the skin’s functions is to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys & liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the “third kidney.” As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the skin’s healthy integrity. This is a key factor behind many skin disorders. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the skin is related to the lungs. It has been noted that many sufferers of eczema also have asthma or breathing problems. Constipation is another well-known problem that may cause skin eruptions. If the bowels are not eliminating correctly toxic waste is released through the skin in the form of minor eruptions. In these instances, the skin is acting as a gateway through which the body eliminates the waste products that the bowels were unable to handle. Many internal disorders resulting in skin eruptions can be brought about by incorrect eating habits or allergies to certain foods. If foods contain additives, these can often be the underlying culprits. Drinking plenty of clean, clear water can help to alleviate some of the discomfort of skin disorders. Drinking water will help to flush the toxins through your system faster. A bland diet is also best consisting of raw salads & lightly cooked vegetables. Fasting for a couple of days may also help but you must consult your doctor first. Skin Disorders & Reflexology Let’s talk about feet! Reflexology induces the essential moisturizing factor of the skin. Treatment appears to advance the natural process of skin shedding & renewal; it is the stimulation to cells within the stratum geminativum that helps in this exfoliating process. Stimulation also seems to help the secretory functions, which is one of the skin’s most important functions. Your feet are talking to you…are you listening? Feet don’t lie. Whether you’re young or old, healthy or ill, your feet are a reflection of your inner health. Reflexology brings about a profound sense of well being & complete relaxation, thus reducing any stress, which is often very evident in people suffering a skin disorder. As the kidneys play such a vital role in regulating the internal environment, extra stimulation on this reflex point is very important. The hypothalamus regulates many hormonal functions & the lung function improves helping the intake of oxygen & expulsion of carbon dioxide. The role of the skin is to make sure that the body temperature does not deviate too much beyond acceptable limits. Working on the liver reflex will help to eliminate any excess heat in the body & help normalize & balance the blood glucose function. Reflexology has a wonderful way of balancing all of these systems. Energy in the body takes many forms; chemical energy, electrical energy & heat energy. This energy flow is maximized during a reflexology treatment, ensuring improvement in health & harmony of the body in general. Internal health radiates external health! 780.722.8755 As a reflexologist, I can tell a lot about you just by looking at & touching your feet. I look for visual cues such as shape, size lines, calluses, creases, dry skin & markings as well as texture cues such as puffiness, crystallizations & “sponginess”. So, take your socks off, put your foot in your lap & let’s discover some of what your feet might be telling you. Your Little Toes If you have a longer second toe on your right foot, this means you are full of ambition. If the longer second toe is on your left foot, then you are full of feeling. Toes that have very little space between them can indicate impulsiveness & quick reactions. Toes with defined spaces between them can indicate that you are very analytical & need time to think before you respond. Do your toes look puffy or swollen? When you pinch the ball of the toes, do they hurt? This may indicate sinus problems, allergies or hay fever. If your toes fit together, one fitting into the other, you may suffer from headaches. Do you have knobby joints, crooked toes or curled toes? When you pinch the stems of the toes do they feel sensitive? This can indicate neck problems, problems with your jaw, gums or teeth. Massaging each of your toes from the base, up the stem & all the way to the tip works the reflexes to the head & neck areas. If you have headaches rub your toes. If your neck is sore, rub your toes, if your sinuses are bothering you, rub your toes! If you find a sore spot when rubbing & pinching your toes, make sure you pay special attention to that area, any kind of sensitivity means there is something going on that needs to be worked out. Next month we’ll talk about the base of your toes and bunions! Tidbits Working the ears for healthy skin! It can be very beneficial to massage, pull & pinch at the ears. Doing this works on many of the reflexes related to the internal organs & glands and can be extremely helpful for skin disorders. Gently rub and pinch the outer edge of the ear (helix). Gently massage and pinch the entire ear lobe. Another area to work is along the jaw line. With thumbs placed on each side of your chin, gently press up & under the jawbone. Work all the way up your jaw line to the notches. This will ease tension, energize you & enables the skin to breathe. www.reflexologyclinic.biz Note: All information contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, & treatment, consult your doctor. May 2004