Therapeutic Reflexology Melanie McIntyre

21/02/2022

This time of the year, as the seasons change, can be a nightmare for asthma and allergy sufferers 🤧. Help support your respiratory system by going for regular reflexology treatments👣

07/02/2022

Physical symptoms are your body's way of communicating that something is out of balance. Taking medication to get rid of symptoms, is like shooting the messenger. Reflexology, together with a change in diet and lifestyle helps your body regain it's balance. Learn to listen to the body's whispers before they become shouts.

31/01/2022

One of the many benefits of reflexology is improved sleep. If you're not sleeping properly, your body can't heal. Did you know that your brain can only detox properly when you are asleep?
The body detox's via the lymphatic system, but there are no lymphatic vessels in the brain. When we sleep, cerebrospinal fluid travels to the brain clearing out toxins before dumping them into the blood. Studies show that between the hours of 10pm and 2am, physiological repair of the brain takes place and between 2am and sunrise, psychological repair takes place. Neuroscience shows that our circadian rhythm or 24hour sleep/wake cycle is hardwired so doesn't change no matter what time we go to bed or wake up. As maintenance of the brain takes place while we sleep, certain genes created can not be made when we're awake. Now you understand why we experience brain fog after a restless night

13/01/2022

01/07/2021

Take your health into your own hands. Every time you put something into your mouth you are either promoting disease or preventing it. Raw Biotics Defense has just been launched. Buy yours from me today. Prevention is better than cure.

Did you know that the resident bacteria in our gastro-intestinal tracts are playing a large role in helping to regulate our immune systems and our responses to infections?

04/03/2021

If you haven't yet started on a regular probiotic regimen, what are you waiting for!! The efficient microbes monthly newsletter shares the benefits of using probiotics on a daily basis and lists what changes you will see once your gut microbiome is in a healthy state. Remember probiotics won't work if you don't make the necessary lifestyle changes. If you need to stock up, you can contact me directly. Yours in health, Mel

We constantly speak about the need for probiotics and the benefits of such, yet how do we know, as individuals, if they are really working for our bodies? The beneficial gut flora in the gastro-intestinal tract completes a load of varying tasks such as helping digestion, taking in nutrients, produci...

23/02/2021

I know I haven't posted in a while, but this article from Dr Will Bulsiewicz is worth reading. If you haven't heard of him, check out his site theplantfedgut.com
You are what you eat...... literally.

14/11/2020

As you know, our physical and mental health is a reflection of the health of our gut. You are what you eat and what you eliminate (or don't). It is an unavoidable truth, and something we can't continue to ignore. Along with lifestyle and dietary changes, Reflexology is a wonderful tool to help you cope with the stresses of everyday life.

~This article is written by Sarah Otto, Goodness Lover~

Did you know that we should be emptying our bowels at least once every day?

So if you haven’t p**ped today (or yesterday or the day before that)... then you may be constipated. 💩🌞

Constipation is often defined as 3 or fewer bowel movements every week.

BUT many people don’t realize that you can p**p and still be constipated if the bowels are not emptying completely! 😲

The good news is that there are natural remedies to this condition.

The Dangers of Taking Constipation Lightly

Although constipation is one of the most common digestive problems affecting 1 out of every 6 people, it should not be taken lightly.

You see, our bowels are designed to eliminate toxins and waste.

So when things get backed up, toxins are reabsorbed into the bloodstream and waste putrefies in the colon, feeding pathogenic bacteria and fueling inflammation.

That means, being constipated is not only uncomfortable and disruptive. It can also lead to major health problems, like:

👎 Fatigue

👎 Hemorrhoids

👎 Leaky Gut

👎 Joint Pain & Arthritis

👎 Hormonal Imbalances

👎 Mood Disorders

👎 Premature Aging

👎 Autoimmune Conditions

👎 Hormonally-Related Cancers

👎 Colon and Pancreas Cancer

8 Ways to Relieve Constipation Naturally

Clearly, constipation is not something to be taken lightly.

That’s why we’ve compiled 8 ways to help you move your bowels regularly:

🏃‍♀️ 1. Regular Exercise

One of the top causes of constipation is inactivity.

A moderate amount of regular exercise, such as walking or gentle yoga, is sufficient to promote healthy bowel movements. Exercise speeds up the time it takes for waste to move through the large intestine and encourages contractions of the intestinal muscles that keep things moving through the body.

It’s best to exercise on an empty stomach, as exercise encourages our blood to flow to our limbs rather than our digestive organs. Relax a bit after you eat to ensure that your nutrients are well-absorbed and to avoid digestive problems.

💧 2. Hydration

When you are dehydrated, the body pulls water from the colons, making stools hard and difficult to pass.

Pay attention to how much water you drink and listen to your body to determine how much you need. 8 glasses daily is a general guideline, though some people need more or less.

You can also enjoy herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices, and clear broths. Steer clear of alcoholic beverages and avoid caffeinated drinks in excess, as these can contribute to dehydration.

A glass of hot water soothes the intestines, softens stools, and encourages contractions, providing relief for constipation.

🥜 3. Fiber

Fiber is found in all fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. It is the part of plants that we are not able to digest.

There are two kinds of fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both are found in most plant foods, though in varying proportions, and both are important for digestive health.

Soluble fiber is defined as that which dissolves in water. It improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients, nourishes the beneficial bacteria in the gut, and improves the microbiome. Good sources of soluble fiber include beans, avocado, broccoli, sweet potatoes, apricot, apples, and pears.

Insoluble fiber (which does not dissolve in water) helps with bowel regularity. It adds bulk to stool and draws water into the colon, making stool easier to pass. You can get insoluble fiber from almonds, walnuts, spinach, okra, oat bran, berries, and flaxseeds.

💊 4. Magnesium

Many people (up to 75%, by some estimates) don’t get enough magnesium. If you suffer from muscle twitches, cramps, weakness, fatigue, or poor memory, you may be low in magnesium. Constipation can also be an indicator of a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium draws water into the colon and encourages the intestinal muscles to relax, which improves contractions of the bowel.

Magnesium citrate is a good choice for the occasional relief of acute constipation, while magnesium glycinate is the preferred form for long-term use, as it is both gentle and well-absorbed.

You can also get magnesium from nuts, tofu, legumes, avocado, and leafy greens, especially collards, kale, spinach, and mustard greens.

🍵 5. Ginger

Ginger has a stimulating effect on the digestive tract which can prevent or relieve constipation. Ginger also soothes inflammation in the gut and improves digestion.

Fresh ginger can be added to savory dishes and ginger can be boiled with water to make a warming tea.

Ginger essential oil can also be used. To do so, mix 3-5 drops of ginger oil with an ounce of carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil. Massage the oils into the abdomen, making gentle circles in a clockwise direction.

🌿 6. Bitters

Bitters are infusions of a variety of bitter-tasting botanicals. Common ingredients include milk thistle, dandelion, cassia, gentian, and cinchona bark.

Bitters stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile to support healthy digestion. By improving digestion, regular consumption of bitters prevents constipation and regulates bowel movements.

Bitters can relieve nausea, gas, and bloating. It can also improve satiety signaling in the body so we know to stop eating when we’ve had enough.

🦠 7. Probiotics

Probiotics improve digestion by fortifying the microbiome.

Probiotic supplementation has been shown to improve bowel regularity and stool consistency, along with reducing symptoms that often co-occur with IBS, like pain and bloating.

Additionally, a study review that included over 1,100 participants found that probiotics reduce bowel transit time (the time it takes for f***l matter to pass through the bowels) by 12 ½ hours and increased frequency of bowel movements by 30%.

It seems that Bifidobacteria are the most effective for relieving constipation, though more research is needed to state so conclusively.

😔 8. Stress Relief

Stress can be a prime cause of constipation. Stress triggers changes in the body that diverts energy away from digestion. Additionally, when we’re stressed, we’re more likely to eat poorly and neglect exercise, further adding to the troubles.

Healthy stress management practices are vital for relieving constipation and restoring healthy digestion.

You can protect yourself from the impacts of stress and relieve constipation by practicing mind-body exercises like yoga, meditation, and nature study.

02/11/2020

Pregnancy is one of the most significant experiences a woman will ever have, and in order to sustain the health and development of her growing baby she needs to prioritise her physical, mental and emotional health before, during and after the birth.
Pre-pregnancy reflexology helps reduce toxic load, corrects hormonal imbalances, increases blood circulation, reduces stress & generally prepares her body to support the growing baby.
During pregnancy reflexology helps balance the hormones, helps eliminate toxins, helps manage and even prevent oedema, increases blood circulation to foetus, reduces physical aches and pains, creates a sense of wellbeing for mother and baby, helps prepare for labour.
Post pregnancy reflexology helps induce sleep, increases milk supply, balances hormones, and reduces the chance of post-natal depression.
Reflexology is a gentle, safe yet effective way to support a woman’s body on this special journey of becoming a mother.
I now offer pregnancy reflexology for pre, during and post pregnancy. R400 for 60-75min or R1280 for 4 weekly sessions for 4 consecutive weeks

21/10/2020

My family and I have been taking Rawbiotics on a daily basis for the last year. For the first time ever, none of us even had the sniffles this winter. It's made a huge difference to my teenager son's skin. It really is a must for the whole family. For my Reflexology patients I sell it at R220/litre.

In a modern society, many of us believe that we simply have to take our probiotics whenever we have a course of antibiotics or if we are feeling a little unsettled with our digestion. However, after you have established a good gut flora from a stint of probiotic use, you cannot simply leave your gut...

01/05/2020

~ I am open for consultations during lockdown ~

I trust you are adjusting to the new way of life and that you are taking the opportunity to look after your own health and well-being, by eating wholesome foods, exercising, soaking up the beautiful winter sunshine and spending quality time with loved ones.

Never before has strengthening your immune system been as important as it is now.

Let me help you to be the healthiest version of ‘you’ yet.

Reflexology is not only a powerful tool in helping to strengthen the immune system, but it can also help the body deal with the high levels of stress and anxiety that we are facing in these uncertain times.

As an AHPCSA registered Therapeutic Reflexologist, I have been given the green light to practice during lockdown. I have received a memorandum from the AHPCSA with directions on how to keep my practice safe and not spread the Covid-19 virus. I will be limiting my appointments to 2 patients a day, so that I can properly sanitize between patients. I am fortunate to have my practice at home, which eliminates you as the patient from coming into contact with the public. I have masks and hand sanitizer and will do the treatment with the door open, allowing fresh air into the room at all times. Once you have made an appointment, I will email you a letter of confirmation to carry with you as a ‘permit’ to travel.

Don't let the lockdown bring you down!

Please contact me via whatsapp should you wish to book an appointment

24/04/2020

Just what I was talking about yesterday. I do now stock these probiotics for my patients

We are currently going through a time that has the ability to cause some of us anxiety, stress and even depression. How can we ease the sense of stress and overwhelming anxiety on a daily basis? Probiotics! Probiotics can reduce stress levels and lessen anxiety. The beneficial live bacteria found in...

23/04/2020

The health of the gut determines the overall health of your body. The saying 'You are what you eat' therefore has a much deeper meaning. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates said "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food". He already knew then that the only way to maintain health is by eating a healthy diet.
Health starts in the gut and is dependant on good digestion. The PH of the gut should be below 4 for the hydrochloric acid and enzymes to break down food into usable molecules. If undigested food makes it's way into the body, the body becomes acidic resulting in inflammation & allergies. A diet rich in whole foods such as raw fruit and vegetables, whole grains and good quality vegetable protein, helps to increase acidity in the stomach thereby decreasing acidity in the body.
Another very important aspect of gut health is our gut microbiome. Research has shown that we have more than 1 billion bacteria, weighing 2kg, in our guts! The microbiome is being referred to as another organ because it has it's own genetics and chemical make up.
These bacteria, along with keeping the lining of the gut healthy, synthesize vitamins and amino acids into absorbable forms. The gut microbiome comprises 80% of our immune systems and also produces 90% of the serotonin, our feel good hormone, that we need.
Diets high in sugar, artificial colourants, preservatives, flavourants, processed foods, caffeine and alcohol as well as ongoing use of prescription medicine, disturb this sensitive ecosystem.
With the current Covid-19 pandemic, it is even more important to look after your gut health thereby strengthening your immune system. Adding a good quality liquid probiotic to your everyday routine can go a long way to maintaining health and well being.
Yours in health
Mel

23/04/2020

Welcome to therapeutic reflexology, your pathway to health and healing. Your body wants to be well and is constantly striving to find balance. Disease is a sign that your body is out of balance. Reflexology, together with the appropriate lifestyle changes, can help you regain a balanced state thereby optimizing health and well being.

17/04/2020

Meridians, What exactly are they and what is their relevance to your health?

Meridians are subtle energy pathways in the body that not only supply the organs with 'Chi" or energy, but also protect the organs from damage by directing toxins away from them.

In order to function optimally, our meridians require a good supply of 'Chi' from the food we eat and the air we breathe. The closer to it's natural form our food is, the more chi value it will have. This is because chi comes from the sun, the centre of our universe. I like to encourage my patients to focus on the chi value of their food, rather than the caloric value.

Of course you can now begin to understand why people are so unhealthy! Why so many people suffer from high cholesterol, diabetes, HBP, depression, hormonal imbalances, auto-immune disorders and why so many of our children have attention and behavioural disorders. The food most people eat is so overly processed that there is no resemblance to it's original form and therefore it has very little to almost no chi value. Compare a large bowl of green salad with raw vegetables, added nuts and seeds, fresh herbs and avocado topped with a home made vinaigrette to a big mac and fries from the local drive though. It's clear which one nourishes you, and which depletes you.

When we consume these foods, not only are we depleting our meridians of vital energy, but we are also placing a greater demand on them to get rid of the toxins which can damage our organs.

There are 12 meridians in your body, 6 of which start/end in your fingers (lung, large intestine, triple burner, circulation, heart & small intestine) and the 6 main ones which start/end in your toes (liver, spleen/pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, kidney, bladder). Toxic buildup/congestion along the meridians is experienced by us as physical ailments/symptoms. Where or what symptom is experienced will tell us which organ/organ system is under strain.

Reflexology stimulates the body to get rid of toxins on a cellular level, so that chi can flow freely though the meridians. Together with a healthy diet and lifestyle, regular reflexology treatments can help you to maintain health and wellness.

Yours in health and wellness

Mel

10/04/2020

~ The Body wants to be well, its our birthright! ~

My journey with reflexology started in July 2017. We were on a family vacation in the Eastern Free state when my then 11 year old daughter contracted a really terrible stomach bug that lasted for about 5 days. She was so sick, we were in the middle of nowhere and I felt desperate. So desperate I used a few reflex points that I remembered from a book I had at home. Although she didn't recover immediately, by stimulating the specific reflexes she definitely had some relief from the nausea and vomiting.
I have always chosen natural and wholistic therapies over medicine and was intrigued. I wanted to know more. When I got back home I researched possible courses and came across IARMAT in Rivonia. It was then that I realised this wasn't just a course, but a 2 year diploma. The more I researched, the more I knew this was for me. I enrolled and started studying 1 month later.
My daughter became my first case study. She'd suffered with eczema and allergies since a baby, even though I had a natural home birth, breast fed for 2 years, ate relatively healthily, didn't vaccinate, tried various homeopathic treatments, desensitization injections, elimination diets, skio, you name it I tried it. We even now have a chemical free home.
Reflexology does not have instant results. There were many times I doubted whether It was working. She got much worse before she got better & the treatments were painful, but with encouragement from my own reflexologist & my teachers I persevered.
After about 20 weekly treatments, we slowly started seeing an improvement. She has now been eczema free for nearly 2 years. She still does not eat gluten or eggs and follows a very healthy diet and we also maintain monthly maintenance treatments.
The human body is a very complex organism which continues to function despite what we do to it. We will never fully understand the inner workings of the body which is why reflexology is so effective. It works with the body, not against it, fine tuning it. The body wants to be well. It's our birth right. All of us have an innate healing ability, if we can just learn to listen to the whispers before they become screams. Given the right tools we can all experience radiant health.

Yours in health & healing.

Have a blessed Easter.

Mel

07/04/2020

Therapeutic reflexology is not only a way to improve health, but also to maintain it. We put our bodies through tremendous amounts of stress every day, be it from work, relationships, technology use, lack of sleep, poor diet, pollution, toxins in our homes and environments, medication, etc. The build up of toxins disrupts the bodies natural flow of energy, eventually leading to dis-ease.

Reflexology helps the body to shift these toxins, by circulating oxygen on a cellular level. The feet are seen as a microcosm of the body, with each reflex representing a specific organ/organ system. When the reflexes are stimulated, an electrical impulse is sent along energy pathways called meridians. Because the whole body is connected, a chain reaction of physiological responses is set in motion, bringing balance & healing on all levels.

What to expect:
Treatments are 45-60 min long. The therapist uses a firm pressure to stimulate the reflexes on the feet, following a set sequence. Some reflexes may be painful, which will help the therapist to understand which organ systems are under stress. Pain is a result of toxic build up in the body.

How many treatments:
This depend on an individuals state of health, and how quickly they respond.
The first 2-3 treatments may trigger a detoxifying effect or bring an underlying condition to the surface, so it is best to keep them as close together as possible. Once the healing crisis passes, 1 treatment a week is recommended until a state of balance and healing is achieved. Thereafter, every 4-6 weeks is recommended.

Any-one can benefit from reflexology, no matter age, culture, s*x or state of health.