Common cold

With the onset of autumn comes the onset of winter viruses including the common cold.  Whilst it is rarely serious, it can be very uncomfortable and debilitating. 
There are many known treatments for the symptoms, such as vitamin C, zinc, echinacea, etc but these do not cure nor stop the infection from taking hold.  

Very few people will think about reflexology for the common cold, but regular treatments help to boost the immune system allowing the body increased chance to fight off illness and disease.  This includes the reduction in likelihood of succumbing to a cold. 

Reflexology works the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes around the body, which contain white blood cells which seek out and destroy bacteria and viruses.  These then drain into the blood circulation, travelling to the liver and kidneys to be filtered out and removed from the body.   

The lymphatic system also includes the tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus gland.  The spleen filters the blood to remove old blood cells, destroy them, and replace them with fresh new ones made in the bone marrow.  It also filters out the germs and viruses.  
 
Did you know that there are over 200 viruses which can cause the common cold, showing in upper respiratory symptoms, including blocked or runny nose, blocked sinuses, sneezing, cough, headaches, fever, sore throat.  Generally symptoms disappear within 8 days, but if your immune system is weakened they can last longer, be more severe, and even progress to bronchitis, pneumonia or flu.  

Reflexology helps to balance the entire body which helps to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, improve elimination of toxins, all of which improve overall health.  However, it is possible to pay further attention to specific areas such as the head, pituitary gland, eye/ear area, vertebrae and upper lymphatics to reduce symptoms and boost immunity.