Squash is an effective cardio workout, building strength and endurance while improving agility and hand-eye coordination.
Reflexology helps reduce stress and anxiety by activating reflex points to balance hormones like melatonin. Reflexology also can improve sleep patterns, decrease pain levels, soothe headaches and boost bladder function – and is invaluable when used for palliative care or healing post surgery or cancer treatments.
Improved Coordination
Reflexology is widely believed to provide relief for physical and emotional issues, such as pain relief, stress reduction, better digestion, improved sleep quality, stronger immunity systems, increased energy, decreased menstrual symptoms and lower back neck joint pain. Although such claims have yet to be verified by conventional medical studies, reflexology has demonstrated some positive results.
One study revealed that 240 women receiving chemotherapy for cancer reported reduced pain and anxiety after just three reflexology sessions. Other research shows reflexology’s ability to decrease nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments, enhance overall quality of life for people undergoing cancer treatments, relieve back and neck pain, increase range of motion in joints for better circulation and decrease anxiety and depression.
Reflexology works on the theory that pressure applied to hands and feet stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. Because nerve endings in these areas contain information about all parts of our bodies, applying light pressure may activate reflexes that promote healing and relaxation.
At each session, clients lie comfortably on a massage table surrounded by soothing music and aromatherapy; soft music will play in the background while questions regarding health, diet and lifestyle will be asked; reflexology does not require undressing and most clients wear loose fitting clothing for maximum comfort during treatment.
After each treatment, clients are usually encouraged to drink plenty of water to flush away toxins. Clients may experience short term reactions such as extreme relaxation or tiredness – this is considered normal and the effects should last five days; clients should return weekly for treatment or more frequently as required.
Reflexology is often utilized as a form of therapy to alleviate stress and tension. Reflexology therapy may release endorphins – “feel-good” hormones thought to promote relaxation while alleviating depression and anxiety. Furthermore, reflexology has also been said to balance the nervous system, strengthen immunity systems, boost metabolism rates and promote overall well-being.
Reduced Stress
Squash is an intense sport requiring energy, agility and precision from its player. Additionally, playing squash helps develop hand eye coordination and concentration while the constant movement promotes flexibility and body balance improvement. Furthermore, playing is also a fantastic way to meet people and make friends – particularly if joining a club or attending tournaments!
Reducing anxiety with this game also has numerous health benefits, from improving mood to raising self-esteem and building self-worth. If chronic stress is an issue for you, consider scheduling regular reflexology treatments – this form of massage entails pressing specific points on your feet (and sometimes hands and ears).
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of reflexology to relieve tension, anxiety and pain; further investigation needs to be conducted on this matter before definitive findings can be confirmed.
Reflexology can also be an effective treatment option for insomnia and high blood pressure, and can improve bladder function to lower risk of urinary tract infections.
To maximize the effectiveness of your reflexology session, be sure to drink lots of water prior and after. Avoid stimulating beverages like coffee and tea that contain stimulants which may dehydrate the body and leave you feeling anxious or dizzy. Furthermore, try not eating large meals prior or post session as this will divert blood away from the treatment and into digestion instead, potentially nullifying its benefits.
Reflexologists employ various techniques to achieve optimal results for their clients. Some may incorporate massage and acupressure; others will combine different approaches that include aromatherapy. A reflexology session typically begins with a warm foot bath before moving onto full clothing relaxation on either a massage table or chair.
A good reflexologist should be able to identify which pressure and areas are most supportive for their clients and will work with you to establish frequency and duration of sessions – typically after four or six sessions people begin experiencing its benefits.
Better Sleep
Reflexology sessions provide stress relief that will aid your overall health, particularly if you suffer from insomnia or other sleeping problems. Reflexology works by opening neural pathways and flooding the nervous system with neuron activity resulting in relaxation of both mind and body. Relaxation also aids circadian rhythm regulation which promotes consistent, restful sleeping patterns for healthy individuals.
Studies have demonstrated that reflexology can alleviate various forms of pain, including backache and menstrual cramps. Furthermore, fibromyalgia relief and migraine headache relief have also been noted through practice of reflexology; and this therapy may even help those living with chronic fatigue syndrome or asthma benefit. Furthermore, reflexology can assist in treating pregnancy related fertility and digestive issues as well.
Be mindful that there is not much scientific support behind many of these claims, though the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes some studies showing reflexology’s possible effectiveness for managing symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome such as feelings of fullness after meals or constipation.
Reflexology may provide diabetics with an effective means to decrease their blood sugar levels, as it’s believed that improving circulation may help alleviate some nerve damage caused by taking multiple daily insulin injections and the frequent injections themselves. Furthermore, reflexology could enhance pancreas function – an organ which plays an integral part in how our bodies absorb and process glucose – which could also contribute to reduced levels of blood sugar.
An Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal study published in 2015 demonstrated how foot reflexology could effectively treat mental conditions such as depression and anxiety while simultaneously helping participants sleep more soundly – this proved particularly helpful for elderly participants with difficulty sleeping soundly.
Reflexology can be an effective way to help improve sleep, but it’s wise to consult your physician first before undertaking this form of treatment. Although generally safe, reflexology isn’t advised for anyone with pacemakers or implanted devices as the pressure applied can cause contractions; thus it would be prudent to get approval from a healthcare provider before beginning this course of therapy.
Increased Energy
Squash is a high-intensity exercise requiring quick movements, explosive power and muscular endurance. Playing squash helps improve cardiovascular health by raising heart rate and burning calories; additionally it builds muscle strength, flexibility and confidence while creating lasting friendships among players who share common interests – building lasting friendships which can prove immensely valuable both mentally and emotionally.
Studies have found that reflexology may help relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome; however, evidence for its use against other conditions remains inconclusive. Furthermore, it remains unknown if reflexology helps alleviate multiple sclerosis symptoms like the prickling sensation experienced by some individuals; more research must be conducted.
Reflexology works in many different ways, but one theory suggests it stimulates energy pathways within the body by applying pressure to specific points on hands and feet. If these energy channels have become blocked over time, reflexology may help unclog them allowing your body to restore its natural equilibrium.
This theory builds on discoveries by Englishmen Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington during the late 19th century. They found evidence of a neurological connection between our skin and internal organs; when massaged hands or feet send signals to adjust. Pressure must be firm enough for an effect without inducing pain.
Reflexology also relies on the concept of yin and yang, whereby our bodies contain vital energy referred to as “qi” or “chi” which circulates throughout. Reflexology helps relieve any tension or stress which prevents this energy from freely flowing within us.
Though reflexology sessions typically leave clients feeling relaxed and calm, everyone responds differently. You could experience anything from feeling energized to anxiety or fatigue as your body adjusts to changes brought about by treatment. In these instances, be sure to drink plenty of water after each reflexology session in order to remain hydrated.