Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

Palo-Santo-Candles

The Foot-Body Connection

The Synergistic Effect of Essential Oils and Reflexology on the Immune System

The benefits of essential oils, therapeutic touch and reflexology are being studied in many areas of the world. And the results are confirming the value of each in the healing arts.

The American Society for Pain Management Nursing conducted a study of 51 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic auto-immune disease) who were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy massage, reflexology, or control group. The researchers found that joint pain and fatigue scores significantly decreased after a treatment in the aromatherapy massage and reflexology groups compared with the control group. The therapeutic healing properties of essential oils and the calming and restorative touch of reflexology complement each other in enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms and healing response.

Cancer research on aromatherapy and reflexology in the Journal of Palliative Medicine concluded that cancer patients who received aromatherapy and then a reflexology treatment with lavender essential oil diluted in jojoba oil suffered less fatigue.

A study by Burns, et al, found that when essential oils (rose, lavender, frankincense) were used on pregnant women, they felt less anxiety and fear, and had a stronger sense of well-being and less need for pain medication during delivery.

In another study, neroli oil helped reduce blood pressure and pre-anxiety in those undergoing a colonoscopy. And a survey of 168 reflexology studies conducted in 21 countries shows that reflexology is 93% effective in a variety of physical and psychological concerns that include relaxation, circulation, pain reduction, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

There are different types of reflexology treatments, but the feet are most receptive to touch due to the 7,000 nerve endings on each foot. A clinical approach to the application of essential oils is that pores on the feet are large and absorb oils easily. The feet are also not sensitive to oils, thus making foot reflexology an excellent methodology for those with sensitive skin.

Christel Haase holds a Ph.D. in Holistic Health and Certification in Reflexology from the International Institute of Reflexology. Christel has been practicing the Ingham Method of Foot Reflexology for over 11 years.

Location: Main Street Massage, 4 Walter E. Foran Blvd., Ste. 404, Flemington. To make an appointment or for more information, contact Christel at 908-806-0266 or [email protected].

Community
Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

Upcoming Events Near You
Follow Us On Facebook