Mindful Reflexology
The limbic system is the part of the brain that is involved in our behaviour and emotional responses, and our fight or flight responses. Deep inside the brain is an almond shaped structure called the amygdala which regulates emotions, fear, emotional behaviour and motivation. The amygdala is part of the limbic system.
Fight or flight is a stress response which is activated automatically when that part of the brain senses danger to a situation or event that is perceived as stressful or frightening. During fight or flight, cortisol is released and when the threat passes, cortisol levels fall and the stress response ends. Short-term stress is generally not a problem as our bodies are built to deal with it. If stress levels remain high, long-term stress can have an impact on our health and wellbeing. The limbic system is working overtime to help your body process your feelings, and if not dealt with, it can lead to physical changes, behavioural changes, cognitive changes and emotional changes.
Mindfulness is about being in the present moment: being aware of your mind and body, being aware of where you are, and what you are doing.
The aim of mindfulness is to help change the way you think and feel about experiences, to relax the mind to promote a non-judgemental awareness of our thoughts, feelings and sensations. We need to be living in this present moment…learning to be happy with where we are in this moment.
Mindful reflexology will help you to gain control over your brain’s irrational emotional reactions by slowing down, taking deep breaths and refocussing your thoughts. Specialised adapted reflexology techniques are incorporated into your foot reflexology treatments to target key reflexes for supporting emotional wellbeing, and an optional guided mindful meditation is available at the start of the session.
