Relaxation

​Day 16 of my holistic health advent calendar is RELAXATION.
The adrenal glands are small glands (about the size of a grape) sitting just above each kidney. They are made up of 2 parts: the cortex (outer part) and the medulla (inner part).
The cortex produces cortisol, which regulates metabolism and helps the body deal with stress, suppresses inflammation, aids sleep patterns, and aldosterone which helps control blood pressure.
The medulla produces adrenaline which helps the body deal with stress.
Whilst short bursts of cortisol and adrenaline can be helpful for motivation, focus, coping day to day, they can also cause detrimental effects on the body when exposed in the longer term. It can cause high blood pressure which, in turn, can lead to strokes or heart attacks. It will cause fatigue, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
During your reflexology session, I will always press the adrenal reflexes which are a very common point of imbalance. Whilst the adrenal hormones are linked to the fight or flight response historically developed to fight or run away from the lion, stress today comes in many forms.
Reflexology can help to calm the adrenal glands and restore hormonal balance in the body. It creates a feeling of deep relaxation, allowing tense muscles to relax, clear the mind, and generally instil a feeling of well-being.
If you are noticing signs that you are feeling under stress, anxious, low in mood, lethargic or fatigued then reflexology may be the answer you are looking for.
I am a nurse with over 25 years experience now working from my home in Droitwich.