From 1 March 2011 the Advertising Standards Authority's online remit was extended to cover companies’ own marketing claims on their own websites and in other non-paid for space they control. This means that complementary therapists all over the country have had to look at their websites with fresh eyes. Even though as Therapists we may know in our heart of hearts that our therapy benefits our clients, we now have to ensure that we do not inadvertently make claims that can not be scientifically substantiated.

The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council's (CNHC) guidance for Complementary Therapists can be accessed here

So, little by little, I am going through my website and re-reading my website from a different perspective. For example, I have seen reflexology benefit clients with back ache, so in my website I need to ensure that I am clear that reflexology 'could' help and that it is my professional experience that it has helped clients and might help clients in the future.

This has prompted me to look a bit more in depth into the research that has been done into reflexology. It seems to come from countries far and wide. Here's just a small sample that I've found....

• REFLEXOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN THE TREATMENT OF NON SPECIFIED LOW BACK PAIN By F.M.Kovacs, V. Abraira, G. Lopez-Abente and F.Pozo, Spain

• TREATMENT OF ACUTE LUMBAR SPRAIN WITH REFLEXOLOGY: A REPORT OF TWENTY CASES By Xiao Zhengke, Hospital of Beijing College of Languages.

• Gao, W., Wang, Z., and Liu, H.(1996). "Preliminary Exploration of Treatment for Insomnia." 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 7-8.

• Reflexions, VOLUME 26, NUMBER 2, April. 2005 Editors: Barbara and Kevin Kunz © 2005 Kunz and Kunz 'Reflexology and insomnia'

• EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF REFLEXOLOGY FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION By Yang Yu-Ru, Chao Ling-Yun, Meng Guan-Ling, cao Su-wen, Hao Jia-Mo, and Zhang Suhui

• MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS By Thomas S. McCreadie, GSSR, Member of the Scottish Institute of Reflexology

• Randomised controlled trial of reflexology for menopausal symptoms, PMID: 12269681

• REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT FOR MIGRAINE AND TENSION HEADACHES By the National Board of Health Council, Denmark, 1995

• Randomized Controlled Study Of Premenstrual Symptoms Treated with Ear, Hand, and Foot Reflexology by Terry Oleson, Ph.D., and William S. Flocco

During my reflexology training days, we were required to complete 60 hours of case studies. They were extremely intresting and produced interesting results. I've decided that my client feedback forms will now look more in depth at the health benefits or otherwise that clients have noticed since their treatment and develop more contemporaneous case studies so that I can evidence my own practice.

If you would be interested in letting me know more about reflexology research that you have found interesting, please do drop me a line via my contact form.

Tonight I attanded a class and met a man I'd never met before. He was obviously suffering from some problem with his shoulder and was suffering from significantly reduced mobility. When I had an opportunity I explained that I was a Reflexologist and that the reflex point for the shoulder was near his little finger. I asked if he'd had something removed. He said he'd had surgery to remove a tumour. I said if he gently rubbed the reflex point on his hand it would help. He said, with a laugh, that he saw a physio twice a week who did that for him.

At the end of the class an hour later, I saw him again and as I left I called over, "Keep doing your hand!", to which he replied, "Nah. I'll leave that to someone else." I left without replying......

Over the next half hour, my emotions have gone from fuming to irritated to sad. Having gone through the trauma of having a tumour removed, I'd have thought anyone would be only to eagre to help themselves. After all, who's tumour was it? And who's recovery is it? The physiotherapist?

I could go on and vent my frustration, but what would that solve? I guess all we can do as therapists is help those who are willing to help themselves whilst the overworked, overstretched NHS professionals have to care for those that don't

I was invited by Clwb Gwawr Caerdydd to do an evening's presentation focussing on 'New Year's Resolutions'. Where to start!?· The obvious route to take was dieting, but not being a fan of dieting myself, I decided to talk about 'aiming to achieve', rather than 'aiming to fail', which often happens with new year's resolutions!!

I talked about food and nutrition; using smoothies to increase your intake of fruit and veg in a day; increasing water intake; and swapping the odd cup of tea or coffee in a day for some fruit or herbal tea.· I took about 8 boxes of different teas with me and everyone was invited to try something new.·

We walked about active living too.· You probably already know that I'm not a fan of the gym, so we talked about doing things differently; parking the car at the further point of the car park and walking a bit further to the super market; getting out into the garden and getting active; doing tai chi; and swinging some poi!· The Club really enjoyed the poi and lots of members came up and did some beginners poi moves with me which was really good fun!

We talked about the benefits of complementary therapy, from Reflexology to Reiki, Chiropractic, Shiatsu and a few other therapies inbetween.· To finish the evening, we talked about having a 'peaeful mind' and the benefits of ensuring restful sleep and relaxation.· For the last 10 minutes or so we all did some meditation together.· Feedback from the Club was really positive and they said that the meditation had a really positive, relaxation effect.

So, a big thank you to Clwb Gwawr for their invitation and for giving me the chance to talk about all the things I am passionate about! Diolch i chi am eich gwahoddiad. Oedd hi'n noson wych!

On Friday evening I ran my 4th Reflexology workshop for Merched y Wawr. Merched y Wawr is a welsh women's group, not unlike the Women's Institute, except that the main language is Welsh. I've run workshops in Cwmbran, Newport, Crickhowell and Aberdare. I run my workshops in this way: a general presentation about what reflexology is, it's history, what imbalances it can help to rebalance and then descripe and share the foot map with the group. I then ask everyone to find their particular reflexes on their hand and then to find the same reflex on a friend's hand. Everyone has really enjoyed learning about Reflexology and have found it useful to put their learning into practice. Also, many of the group have asked about their ability to help their friends, partners and grandchildren outside of the group. I'm certainly pleased to be able to share my learning with the group and also to help spread the wellbeing and the healing outside of the workshop.

Merched y Wawr have asked me to run 3 workshops at the National Eisteddfod this year at Ebbw Vale. I'll be doing my workshop in the 'learner's tent', so whether you're a Welsh speaker or a Welsh learner, you're very welcome to come alone and join in the learning

Thai Foot Massage is a massage of the lower legs and feet that originated in Thailand about 2000 years ago. It has become an integral part of traditional Thai massage and has elements of Shiatsu, Reflexology, Chinese massage and Yoga incorporated into the massage itself. Thai Foot Massage involves hands on stretching and massage, along with the use of a stick to stimulate the reflex points. It is still taught by Buddhist monks in the temples of
Thailand.


Traditional Thai Massage and Thai Foot Massage compliment each other beautifully. Thai Massage balances the elements of the mind and body, while Thai Foot Massage stimulates the internal organs, giving the receiver an holistic treatment.


So what are the benefits of a Thai Foot Massage?
• improved circulation in legs and hands
• stimulates lymphatic drainage
• helps remove toxins
• helps boost the immune system
• reduces stiffness and improves flexibility


Other benefits include:
• detoxification of the immune system
• Accelerated physical healing
• Stress relief
• Improved sleep
• Stimulation of the mind

I've long since heard reflexoogists discussing their first hand experience and evidence of the positive affects of reflexology on the teeniest tiniest of baby feet! My reflexology teacher once told us that the smallest feet she's worked on was a 6 week old baby who was constipated. His little body's elimination processes were kick started within the hour! I've recently stumbled on a very interesting article written by Barbara and Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com/premature.html

Reflexology Impacts Premature Infants
by Barbara and Kevin Kunz

They called her the "poop" nurse, a title she proudly wore. We met her some twenty years ago, a nurse with an interest in reflexology. She worked at a Lubbock, Texas hospital and whenever there was a new born who had failed to defecate for the first time in a timely manner, she'd get the call. She'd apply a little reflexology and "get them to do what I want" as she put it.

Research shows a role for reflexology even smaller infants, the premature baby while a recent Daily Mail (England) article shows the impact of a simple touch to the foot.
The Daily Mail article of August 4, 2008 was titled "Premature Baby Survived Because Mother Tickled Her Feet." Tiny Emma Young was one pound, 3 ounces at birth with an under-developed heart that required surgery. The first time her breathing stopped nurses sprang into action, tickling her postage-stamp-sized feet. "Nurses and Emma's mother Angela Young were amazed to discover that by tickling the soles of the baby's feet jump-started her body and got tiny Emma breathing again." Emma Young's mother sat by her side tickling her feet literally dozens of times a day for 8 weeks. Emma overcame the problem at 15 weeks.

"Recently Emma celebrated her first birthday. At her age she has a normal weight and height.Š 'My daughter is alive thanks to her feet being tickled. It really is a miracle that she is still with us,' said Mrs. Young Š 'Now she has a great sense of humor - which must have been all the tickling we did to keep her alive. We still tickle her feet now, but it's just to make her laugh, and there's no better sound in the world for us than her giggling.'"

Emma is not alone as a premature infant with breathing problems. According to the Web site www.kidshealth.org, "Apnea is another common health problem among premature babies. During an apnea spell, a baby stops breathing, the heart rate may decrease, and the skin may turn pale, purplish, or blue. Apnea is usually caused by immaturity in the area of the brain that controls the drive to breathe. Almost all babies born at 30 weeks or less will experience apnea. Apnea spells become less frequent with age.Š "In the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), all premature babies are monitored for apnea spells. Treating apnea can be as simple as gently stimulating the infant to restart breathing."

A Chinese study demonstrates that reflexology helps with further problems experienced by the premature baby. Premature infants with a 32 to 36 weeks gestational age were randomly divided into treatment group of 35 and a control group of 34. A significant difference was found in sleep, sleep duration, weight gain compared to the control group (standard care) (Yuqi, Shao-ying, Ms Aw gold, "Touch with reflexology massage on the area of weight premature infants," Z hejiang Chinese magazine 2006 02)

© 2008 Kunz and Kunz

The research, which used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to measure the brain activity of people undergoing reflexology, is the first study of its kind and offers tantalising proof that differences in the brain can be made by stimulating specific areas of the feet. The fMRI study, which took place at the University of Tohoku, investigated three reflex areas relating to the eye, shoulder and small intestine. As pressure was applied to each reflex area, the scientists were able to compare the fMRI imaging against the known region of the brain for each individual body part.

Somatotopical relationships between cortical activity and reflex areas in reflexology: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study (Tomomi Nakamaru, Naoki Miura, Ai Fukushima and Ryuta Kawashima)
Abstract
We examined the somatotopical relationship between cortical activity and sensory stimulation of reflex areas in reflexology using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Three reflex areas on the left foot, relating to the eye, shoulder, and small intestine were stimulated during the experiment. A statistical analysis showed that reflexological stimulation of the foot reflex areas corresponding to the eye, shoulder, and small intestine activated not only the somatosensory areas corresponding to the foot, but also the somatosensory areas corresponding to the eye, shoulder, and small intestine or neighboring body parts. Thus, the findings showed that reflexological stimulation induced a somatosensory process corresponding to the stimulated reflex area and that a neuroimaging approach can be used to examine the basis of reflexology effects.

Reflexology induces the relaxation of muscles and releases any obstructions in the flow of energy. Any tightening of the muscles due to pain or pressure can be eased away. Reflexology encourages the release of the body’s natural hormones, such as endorphins and these can induce an analgesic effect, reducing the pain from....
e.g. sciatica, headaches, shoulder pain, aching knees etc. Reflexology also moves the body into a relaxed state where its natural healing abilities can work at optimal levels. Many studies have shown that after a few sessions, the timing and position of the pain and the intensity of the pain is reduced. Reflexology is not a typical massage and you may feel slight discomfort as imbalanced reflexes are touched. Some people find reflexology extremely relaxing, so don't worry if you fall asleep during the treatment! Treatment usually lasts for approximately one hour and a few treatments may be necessary, as the benefits of Reflexology build up gently and gradually. The number of treatments will depend on your individual requirements. As with some other complementary medicines, where the body is being assisted in healing itself, some reactions may occur. You may feel lethargic or emotional; develop a cold or a skin rash. These reactions are temporary and a sign that the body is going through the natural healing process, clearing out toxins and working towards its own balance. Some people may have an instant positive reaction, with an increased feeling of vitality and well-being. Reflexology is very relaxing and I offer it to people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. If you live in Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Aberdare or even Cardiff, you can easily access my Therapy Room, in my home in Edwardsville. I am just a stone's throw from the A470 and easy to find. You can access my location map here.

Indian Head Massage is a treatment which has its roots in old Ayurvedic techniques involving work on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face. Various massage movements are used in and around these areas and an average treatment session will last approximately 45 minutes. The aim of Indian head massage is to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders. A variety of massage movements are used to relieve accumulated tension, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement. IHM is also used to aid the condition and health of the hair, including stimulating growth, particularly when combined with the use of natural organic oils. Indian Head Massage is used by practitioners to help reduce stress and fatigue, increase mental clarity, and relax and rejuvenate the receiver. The Hindi word for head massage is "Champi" and aspects of the treatment have a long tradition in Indian families. Mothers would stroke their daughter's hair to promote its growth and health. Narendra Mehta - blind from the age of one - grew up in India and head massage was an integral part of his life. He came to England in the 1970s to train as a physical therapist and in 1978 returned to India to study the benefits and practice of champissage, extending it to include neck, shoulders and face. On his return to England, he developed a sequence of movements. There is no right or wrong way and sequence of movements vary from one therapist to another. Remember that Indian Head Massage is reduced by 40% on a Tuesday! One hour treatments are £15 instead of £25 very Tuesday!!!

Last night I gave an introductory presentation / training session to Merched y Wawr Cwmbran. It was a really great evening and it was lovely to see so many ladies there.

Diolch yn fawr iawn i'r merched i gyd am y croeso cynnes iawn. Nes i fwynhau'n fawr iawn cwrdd a'r merched ac hefyd rhannu gwybodaeth am adweitheg, pwnc agos at fy nghalon.

I'm looking forward to my next Merched y Wawr evening will be on the 11th March in Newport.

Last week I had a phone call from an Associate Director from the Sherman Theatre, asking if I would be prepared to offer some therapies and to have a discussion with a playwrite who was currently doing some research to get inspiration for new characters and new plays! I was, of course delighted and this evening, I had a lovely hour offering therapies and talking about myself to the lovely Sharon Morgan, who has appeared on our TV screens in many programmes such as Belonging, Torchwood, High Hopes, Pobol y Cwm and lots more! Sharon told me that she was on a 5 day course visiting a number of different people and places to gain inspiration and on Saturday she and 4 other playwrites will be locked in a room and will have to write up their ideas! The Sherman Theatre will be closing for a 12 month refurbishment shortly, and during that 12 months, the Theatre will be out on the road, performing the dramas, plays etc that will be developed from this course. I am really looking forward to the results and whether I can pick out a little bit of 'me'!!!

Over the years that I have been practicing reflexology I have been delighted at the positive impact reflexology has had on clients suffering with 'backache'. The ailments have ranged from a twinge in the mid-back, to neck pain, an aching lumber region, sciatica and more. One particular client had been taking strong painkillers for some months to a maximum of 6 in a day. He had two reflexology session, two weeks apart. During the two weeks between his first and second treatment he took two painkillers in total! The relief was visible both in his posture, facial expression and even tone of voice. I have also had clients suffering sciatic pain who have responded well to reflexology. Between two and four treatments and the pain and discomfort has been significantly reduced and even disappeared in some cases. Other clients who suffer back pain and have come for reflexology have reported improved sleep, ability to walk for longer, less general stiffness and improved bowel and bladder function. I am continually impressed by reflexology's ability to improve people's back pain, often after only a few treatments

Happy New Year! Happy Calennig! Calennig is a Welsh word meaning 'New Year celebration/gift', though literally translates to "the first day of the month," deriving from the Latin word 'kalends'. The English word 'Calendar' also has its root in this word. The tradition of giving gifts and money on New Year's Day is an ancient custom that survives even in modern-day Wales, though nowadays it is now customary to give bread and cheese. Many people give gifts on New Years morning, with children having skewered apples stuck with raisins and fruit. The Calennig was a small decoration with a great history.

It's that strange time between Christmas and New Year when you can really relax and have a chance to unwind. The mad dash of the Christmas roast is over for another year and you don't need to start planning New Year's Eve just yet! So, you're in that nice stage of limbo when you can wonder around the shops and pick up bargains if you fancy or go out for walks or maybe just stay in and watch some family movies.

Today is the Winter Solstice, Winter Equinox or Yule and it's one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Technically, it's occurs exactly when the earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'! It is known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the seasonal differences.

Many cultures celebrate various combinations of the winter and summer solstices, the equinoxes, and the midpoints between them, leading to various holidays arising around these events. For the December solstice, Christmas is the most popular holiday to have arisen. In addition Yalda, Saturnalis, Katachun, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Yule are also celebrated around this time

Yule is a Pagan celebration and was celebrated in Britain long before Christianity arrived. The Celtic Druids would celebrate Yule by burning a log during the long dark, short days to conquer the darkness. Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were wassailed with toasts of spiced cider.

In modern times Christian all over the world celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas, which falls on December 25. However, it is believed that this date was chosen to offset pagan celebrations of Saturnalia and Natalis Invicti. Some believe that celebrating the birth of the “true light of the world” was set in synchronisation with the December solstice because from that point onwards, the days began to have more daylight in the northern hemisphere. Wishing you all a happy Yule!

It's day 7 of my hideous cold and I can say it is only marginally better! I can't remember having a cold that has lasted this long, been so lingering and debilitating before! Usually 5 days and I'm back in work and back to normal. Not only do I have a cold, but I've lost my voice too, have lost my sense of smell and have lost my sense of taste. What a pain!! As a complementary therapist, I'm really ... disappointed that the cold bug has got me, even though I eat lots of fruit and veg., drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep! It's time I found a new therapist near our new home, someone to help me keep the bugs at bay! if you're feeling under the weather or can feel a cold heading your way, come for some reflexology to help your body fit of the bugs and viruses and heal itself. Reflexology points of ...focus

* Head/Sinuses: To help decongest the head and sinuses.
* Lungs/Bronchial Tubes: To help break up congestion
* Spleen & Thymus :o help with immunity

And now, I'm off for an orange, plenty of Vitamin C required!!

Well, we've been in the new house over two weeks now and it has rained every day. So, the plans for the garden will have to wait for spring! So, we're working on the inside! The new therapy room is looking really lovely, painted in a warm toffee colour. With dimmed lighting and a few candles burning, it has just the relaxed atmosphere I was looking for. The next big job is the kitchen, cnsequent to many hours spent in Ikea, looking, thinking planning and deciding! The aim is to have a fully functioning new kitchen by Christmas, which, I was informed today will all be over a month from now!! Eeek!

On the train to Llanelli with my iPod, pad and pen. I don't usually travel this way. I probably haven't been on a train in this direction since Uni days, some 12 years ago. Bust Bee BlogI can't really work out where I am; so used to getting in the car, pointing the bonnet towards the M4 and heading off. But, I cannt deny, I enjoy my train journeys. On the busy short journeys I get to people watch and on the longer journeys I get to enjoy the greenery going by. Some lovely glimpses of rivers winding below the track. From Cardiff Central to Pontyclun in just over 10 minutes. Try doing that by car! I can't say I'm a covert and would happily give up my four wheels permanently, but for now, while I have no choice, I'm going t enjoy my journey and yes, definitely, the train can take the strain!