Diabetes can be a draining and unforgiving condition if not treated or managed correctly. Reflexology, however, can provide some welcome assistance in the daily battle to keep the condition at bay.

The condition is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This high blood sugar produces symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst and increased hunger.

It is believed that one of the main causes is the inability of the body to metabolize carbohydrates. The main organs responsible for carbohydrate digestion and absorption are the stomach, liver, small intestine and pancreas. If working properly, blood glucose levels will be normal. Thumb-walking the reflex points of these organs can help to normalize carbohydrate metabolism and, as a result, normalize glucose. If there is pain or numbness around these reflex points, special attention will be given to them, as it may mean that there is some sort of imbalance in the corresponding organ.

How can Reflexology help Diabetes?

• It stimulates the pancreas and liver and helps to maintain blood sugar level.
• It reduces blood sugar fluctuations. 
• It minimizes complications.
  

• Reflexology reduces stress and tension.
  

• Reflexology has been shown to reduce the adverse effects of Diabetes.
  

Reiki is now gaining popularity all over the world and many believe that it is one of the most effective anxiety treatments.

Anxiety is a condition triggered by an unknown fear or conception lying in the mind. In many ways, it is more imagination than reality, but can be severely disabling to a person who has it. Such disorders are far better treated naturally than with medical drugs.  While there are certain drugs that can be used to treat anxiety, none are able to treat the root cause of the problem; they will only treat the symptoms, so any benefits will only ever be short-lived.  Reiki, on the other hand, can effectively treat the cause of the disorder, thereby healing the person internally.

When a person is in a state of anxiety, they must be given treatments that calm the mind and make them feel relaxed. The mind, as well as the body, is equally effected when an anxiety attack strikes. It is in such cases that Reiki healing stands out to be one of the most beneficial treatments. Reiki will pass on the positive, healing energy to the person, balancing the body’s energies and harmonising the relationship between the person’s mind and body.

Reiki energy is an intelligent energy that does not need to be directed; it knows where it has to go and how it has to work. The energy is transferred from the practitioner to the individual and will generate a feeling of calm and relaxation in the client.

I have successfully used reiki to help people suffering from anxiety. It usually takes a course of a few treatments to fully lift the anxiety, but I have known it take less time. And once it has cleared, it never returns!

R. Buckle

Depression affects the whole body, the nervous system, moods, thoughts, they way you feel about yourself and others, and the way you react to situations around you. Depression affects millions of people every year. In fact, it is one of the most common medical problems in the UK and elsewhere. Even more disturbing is that anti-depressants are commonplace in today’s society. These will only mask the real problem and will not address the underlying cause. I believe, however, that there are ways to attack depression without drugs. In a society where drugs seem to be the answer for everything, I believe it is imperative to find another way. Drugs come with their own bag full of problems, which eventually show up elsewhere in the body. 

Reflexology is one answer to this common problem. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet or hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin build-up in the corresponding areas of the body. Furthermore, reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system and encourages the release of endorphins, the natural feel good hormones that are well documented in relieving the effects of stress.

I have had a number of clients who have seen a remarkable turn-around in their overall sense of well-being since undertaking a course of reflexology. People often ask me, ‘How long will it take to have an effect?’ The simple answer is, ‘I don’t know.’ It can vary from person to person. Usually, it will take a course of at least 4-6 treatments, before significant changes are felt, but I have known it happen after just one treatment! This is the testimony of one such client:

"I always thought that reflexology was mumbo jumbo, but after my wife had treatments from Rob, she recommended him to me. Before the treatments, I had lost interest in life and had to force myself to do anything. I tried a couple of sessions and felt a difference straight away. I now feel much livelier and calmer and am enjoying life again. I recommend people to give it a try." (Dave, Solihull)

If you would like to read some of the success stories that have resulted from numerous reflexology studies, there is a report on reflexology research published at www.reflexology-research.com. This report demonstrates how reflexology treatment was able to alleviate the effects of severe stress in most cases. In one such study, twenty patients were given reflexology treatments for one week. The treatments focused on areas of the feet relating to the adrenal glands, kidneys, bladder, sinus, brain and heart. These are common organs that get compromised by the effects of stress. The results were astounding. Forty percent experienced a complete cure; thirty five percent were greatly improved; fifteen percent mildly improved; and ten percent reported no change at all.

The bottom line is that reflexology has proved to be a therapy that is beneficial for everyone. It is the perfect complimentary medicine whether or not you must take prescription drugs or not. Once you try it you will understand why reflexology has found a permanent place in the health industry.

Rob Buckle