Harmony & Balance 4 Health

09/07/2025

This is the link for Yvonne's service tomorrow morning at 10am

https://www.shoneandshirley.co.nz/tributes?funeral=EIN2s&fbclid=IwY2xjawLa_rVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHlbdf--nQh1ee5bKAF-HtVl4xsUFLeyA9FybGL-FyBFbN5zR6m1ja6jUrGRe_aem_BuxqfQKE-GtdJxlE-dfmvA

Tributes This platform allows you to easily access and commemorate the lives of those who have passed, providing a space for remembrance and reflection.

06/07/2025

It's with great sadness we let you all know Yvonne passed away yesterday afternoon.
Her funeral will be 10am Thursday (venue to be confirmed)
- Gordon Harvey

19/04/2025

My students are currently learning the skill and value of analysing the feet of the people they work on, so I thought I’d tell you about it.

Learning to analyse a clients feet is an important aspect of the reflexology process.

We observe and note the following:

* The state and quality of the skin taking age into account.
* The texture of the skin, hard, dry, corns, blemishes, scars, lesions. Moles.
* Skin colour – pale, red, yellow.
* Skin temperature – degree of heat or cold – checking both feet.
* Sweaty or moist feet.
* Fungal infections.
* Verrucas (plantar warts).
* Oedema -puffiness or swelling.
* Skin disorders e.g. eczema, allergic rashes, dermatitis, psoriasis.
* The shape and proportions of the feet.
* The angle they lie at.
* The height and form of the arches.

To a Reflexologist these observations provide an insight into possible imbalances in certain areas relating to organs or systems in the body.

Remember that we never see this as conclusive, and never seek to diagnose.

x Karen x

19/04/2025

LOW BACK PAIN
As this is a condition commonly encountered by reflexology practitioners, it would be helpful to provide a condensed overview of facts regarding the treatment of low back pain (LBP) that I have gathered over my many years in practice.
* Low back pain impacts various areas of the body beyond the lower back.

* Unless a direct injury to the lower back is the cause, concentrating only on the relative lumbar reflexes typically holds little value.

* Due to the influence of the fascia, a low back condition can impact other areas, such as the shoulders, upper back, and neck. All of these areas should be considered and receive reflexology accordingly.

* A deep and thorough massage of the feet, ankles, calves, and toes will alleviate some discomfort and can often effectively resolve the condition.
The primary cause of lower back pain (LBP) originates in the hips and pelvis, putting stress on the lower back, which results in secondary symptoms in that area.
* For those not qualified in massage, a general reflexology treatment can be of benefit.
LBP must be considered a condition affecting many other areas of the body.

Therefore, Treat what you find and not what you are looking for.

I shall cover this subject again in a future webinar, so follow for news.

My Best Wishes

Tony Porter

www.artreflex.com

19/04/2025

Congratulations Liz 👏

Check out the Autumn edition of Nelson Magazine, tattoos, drumming, pigeons and Menopause care 🙂
Excited about Natures Effusion’s new course, which is currently bei g created right now; for women willing to commit to self care and sustainable habits.
That will be rolling out in the second half of the year, along with the return of our ‘Too hot to handle’ menopause support group 🥰

08/04/2025

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐘𝐄 👣

Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the principle that all the systems of the body are mapped out in reflex points on the surface of the feet, hands, ears and face.

The most well know of these is foot reflexology. Stimulation of the thousands of nerve endings on the feet, helps to open up the natural pathways your body uses to nourish and heal itself. A reflexologist works following a chart of the mapped reflex areas on the feet. Tender or gritty points indicate congestion in the corresponding area of the body.

During the treatment a state of deep relaxation is created in your body, interrupting the pattern of stress and offering an opportunity for the body and its systems to restore balance where there may be imbalance.

Reflexology is a well established holistic therapy which treats the mind and body as a whole to achieve a state of general well-being.

𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐗𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 ❤️

If you have not yet experienced a Reflexology treatment then I think NOW is a good time to do so! 😉

x Karen x

18/02/2025

The Lymphatic Superhighway in Your Feet! 🚀🦶

Ever wondered why your feet sometimes puff up like little balloons? 🎈 Or why they feel heavy after a long day of standing? The answer lies in an unsung hero of your body: the lymphatic vessels! These tiny yet powerful structures work behind the scenes, draining fluid, fighting infections, and keeping your feet happy and healthy. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the lymphatic system in your feet—and why swelling happens!

Meet Your Lymphatic Vessels: The Drainage System of Your Feet 🛠️💧

Your lymphatic system is like a network of highways that transport a special fluid called lymph throughout your body. Unlike your blood, which gets pumped by the heart ❤️, lymph relies on movement (like walking or stretching) to flow properly.

Inside your feet and ankles, tiny lymphatic capillaries work hard to collect excess fluid, toxins, and waste products from your tissues. This fluid is then carried through lymph vessels, passing through lymph nodes (which help filter out germs and other nasties 🦠), and eventually returning to the bloodstream.

Why Do Your Feet Swell? 🤔🌊

Swelling in the feet and ankles, also called lymphedema or fluid retention, happens when the lymphatic system can’t keep up with the drainage. Here’s why it might happen:

🚶 1. Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Your lymphatic system needs movement to function. Sitting or standing for long periods slows down lymph flow, causing fluid to pool in the feet. 🪑👣

🛫 2. Gravity Strikes!

Your feet are the lowest point of your body, so gravity naturally pulls fluid downward. If your lymphatic system isn’t working efficiently, it struggles to pump the fluid back up.

🥵 3. Heat & Inflammation

Hot weather ☀️ can cause your blood vessels to expand, leading to increased fluid leakage into surrounding tissues—hello, swollen feet!

🩺 4. Medical Conditions

Conditions like lymphedema, venous insufficiency, kidney disease, and heart conditions can interfere with proper fluid drainage.

🍟 5. High Sodium Diet

Eating too much salt 🧂 can cause your body to retain extra water, leading to puffier feet.

How to Keep Your Feet Happy & Swelling-Free! 🦶✨

🦵 1. Keep Moving!

Movement is the best way to activate your lymph flow. Try:
✔️ Walking 🏃‍♀️
✔️ Ankle circles 🔄
✔️ Leg elevation (prop your feet up on a pillow!) 🛏️

🧊 2. Cool Down

If swelling is due to heat, soak your feet in cool water 🛁 or apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes.

💆‍♀️ 3. Try Lymphatic Massage

A gentle lymphatic drainage massage can help move excess fluid and reduce swelling. (P.S. This is where Certified Lymphoedema Therapists like me come in! 😉)

🧂 4. Reduce Salt Intake

Too much sodium = water retention! Swap salty snacks for potassium-rich foods like bananas 🍌 and avocados 🥑.

🧦 5. Compression Socks

Wearing compression socks helps prevent fluid buildup by applying gentle pressure to your legs.

💦 6. Stay Hydrated!

It may sound odd, but drinking more water helps flush out excess fluid and toxins! Aim for at least 2 liters per day.

When to Seek Medical Advice 🏥

While occasional swelling is normal, see a doctor if:
🚨 Swelling is severe or painful
🚨 It doesn’t go away after rest and elevation
🚨 You have shortness of breath or chest pain (could be a sign of heart issues)
🚨 Skin becomes red, warm, or develops sores

Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep That Lymph Flowing! 🌿🦶

Your lymphatic system is an amazing self-cleaning system, but sometimes it needs a little help! By staying active, hydrating, and making small lifestyle changes, you can keep your feet feeling light, healthy, and free from swelling. 💃

And remember: if swelling persists, don’t ignore it! Your feet are talking to you—so listen. 👂👣

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

🩷 Blessings & Happy Feet! 🦶✨

27/01/2025

Here are the many different magnesium supplements to help with different functions of the body.

The best time to take a magnesium supplement depends on several factors, including the type it contains and the condition it is being used to treat.

24/01/2025

17/01/2025