Let’s Get Back to Basics! Start with Foot Reflexology
Reduced to a basic practice, reflexology works with zone therapy. So, this chart is the one I’m displaying first. If you feel that your life is too complicated for reflexology, try massaging your feet and observing where you feel soreness or sensitivity. Rather than feeling you even need to know how you experience these points, just knowing where they are on your feet is enough.
Foot reflexology sessions relax, balance, detox, and heal your entire body.
Reflexology brings about homeostasis – a body balance that is important for your health.
Reflex areas in your feet correspond to the internal organs.
Note where these points are and then work them over the next few days.
Work your toes to help alleviate headaches,
The ball of your foot relieves tension in your neck and shoulders.
Your foot arch relates to your liver, bowel, and kidneys. Manipulate this area gently, especially if you’ve been burning the candle at both ends.
Massaging the top of your foot induces psychological calm.
Modern reflexology is based on the centuries-old theory of Zone Therapy. The principle is that the energy connection should be free-flowing. An energy blockage will imbalance body parts within that particular zone.
Reflexology sessions work to restore free-flowing energy pathways throughout the body, creating homeostasis. This energetic body balance is essential for your good health.
When our bodies are balanced, things work better:
stress is relieved
the immune system improves
there is relief from pain
circulation improves
bowel movements improve
toxins clear
relaxation is better
In short, the body works better!
Most of us know these things but it’s nice to have a short review occasionally. It’s easier to find time in the daily schedule for a reflexology session if we can remember what the session will actually do for us.
On behalf of healers everywhere, I honor you and thank you for seeking wellness throughout your life.
With blogs, books, classes and sessions, I am not here to change your story. I am here as a conduit for your healing.
“Healer’s Handbook” is available as an ebook or paperback at www.thurmangreco.com
I thank you for reading this blog post.
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To learn more about reflexology, download this video.
Ask a friend to join you in a learning adventure. The two of you can learn together and exchange sessions.
I have several reflexology videos on YOUTUBE – Let’s Live with Thurman Greco. These videos are free.
Thank you for your interest.
What to do When it all Gets to be Too Much: Switch Off The Day
The times are overwhelming. It’s as if everyone is “always on”. I find that when I’m always connected, things can quit working. When I’m always connected, I find myself staring at screens, answering every door bell and phone ring.
When things quit working, one of the most effective things I do is switch everything off. This includes me. I switch off – both physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
I turn off electronic devices. The phone goes off. The computer shuts down. The TV is off. I turn off all the lights.
And, you know what? almost everything works better after I’ve unplugged it for a few minutes. And, that includes me.
And, then, I get in my most comfortable chair and give myself a Reiki therapy session.
I begin the session with the symbols and three hand positions to my head. My intention is to relax so that I won’t be so fatigued and overwhelmed.
Now…I know that switching everything off can be difficult. In some cases, it’s impossible. I also know that there comes a time when saying “no” is not selfish.
An important lesson I had to learn as an adult is that when everybody is getting oxygen masks, we sometimes each need to get our own oxygen mask first so we can make sure everyone else is being properly cared for.
So, becoming comfortable with “no” and “off” is something that I had to learn in life.
A life lesson I had to learn was that some people stress me out. Learning to recognize stressor people and situations was (is) important. Once stressors are are recognized, it is easy to avoid them.
Life is more pleasant, less complicated, and easier when stressors are recognized and minimized.
Reiki sessions help. Both Reiki and reflexology promote relaxation and a more positive outlook.
Emergency Reiki sessions are a dramatic improvement. They work even better when they are a supplement to regularly scheduled Reiki therapy sessions.
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PLEASE don’t forget to schedule regular Reiki therapy and reflexology sessions.
Please check out the YOUTUBE channel show. New episodes are released on Tuesdays. “Let’s Live with Thurman Greco” is a positive, entertaining series of interviews which I’ve conducted throughout the last 15 or so years. There have been a few intermissions along the way, but not many.
My guests enjoy being on the show and many ask to return. One thing they all have in common: we’ve all met each other somehow in Woodstock, NY
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10 Things You Can do to Live a Longer Life
When you establish everyday habits with a goal toward a longer life, you’ll know you are doing your best to get the most out of each and every day. Seeking a longer life is a serious quest because you have to decide not only how long you want to live but also what you plan to do with all those years you plan to have.
SUNSHINE HELPS YOU
Get out into the sun for a few minutes every day. Ten to 15 minutes of sun daily will help you store the “sunshine vitamin” which will help your body use the calcium necessary to stay healthy for a longer life and avoid osteoporosis.
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon landed at what is now Saint Augustine, Florida, in search of the fountain of youth. He found it there. And, it still exists. Branches of the fountain of youth can be found today in your neighborhood. They are found on the sidewalk where you walk as you exercise. They are also found in the fitness center in your community.
Exercise is a premiere activity for a longer life. It doesn’t matter much what exercise plan you have. Running? Weight lifting? Self Defense? Yoga? Whatever you choose, you need to like it enough to do it several times a week. For me, regular exercise is the Fountain of Youth in action!
STAY CONNECTED
Be a part of your community. The most important thing is that you develop strong social ties. You can get active in a church or synagogue. Or join a book club. Donate time at a library or food pantry. Collect stamps. Whatever you do, choose something you’ll enjoy and show up regularly. Your blood pressure will go down. Your immune system will improve. Your heart will work better. You will have yourself on a path to a longer life.
DRINK TEA
Take time each day to enjoy a cup of tea or a glass of iced tea. Relax, and refresh.
While you enjoy your tea, know that it will boost your immune system because tea is rich in antioxidants which fight cholesterol and cancer. Tea loves to fight free radicals. W hen you drink more tea, you’ll be drinking fewer soda drinks which don’t have the antioxidants and can’t fight diseases like cancer and cholesterol.
GET RID OF PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS.
Stress is not a problem in and of itself. Stress is a word describing how you respond to an event causing mental tension and worry. I do not know anyone whose life is not filled with stress. Stress affects your health when it weakens the immune system and contributes to disease.
I’ve written much about stress in my book “Healer’s Handbook” and in other articles in this blog.
Reiki therapy and reflexology are good anti-stress activities.
Exercise, meditation, a positive mental attitude work to support your ability to shed stress.
DEVELOP YOUR STRENGTH
There are many, many kinds of exercise. Choose one that works for your body and your lifestyle. But, whichever one you choose, include strength training. Strength training is every bit as important as cardiovascular workouts because the strength we develop and maintain in our back, core muscles and legs is what is going to keep us upright as we age and live longer. Strength training keeps the spine straight. Strength training prevents falls. Check with your healthcare provider when you begin a strength training fitness program.
My physical therapist, Carolyn Abedor, teaches a weekly yoga class which she calls “Posture”. I attend this class every week and depend on it to help straighten my spine, my core muscles and my legs.
CHOLESTEROL
Do you know your scores? It’s a good idea to learn, if you don’t. Once you know your cholesterol scores, you’ll be more interested in things you can do to make your self healthier for the long haul.
VOLUNTEER
Statistics show us that people who volunteer live longer than those who don’t. Do you have time in your life to give of yourself? If so, choose an activity which puts you in direct contact with people at least an hour every week.
This task is probably mandatory if you are seriously interested in longevity.
GIVE UP A FEW THINGS
Multitasking creates unnecessary stress and the efficiency gains you experience aren’t that much of a plus in your life. This becomes real when you find yourself caught in a trap of serving demanding people and situations which steal your energy.
Your spirit will tell you when it’s time to reduce your To-Do list and learn to say “no” to demanding people. Simplifying your life can become a spiritual process.
HALT HYPERTENSION
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common cardiovascular disease in America. There are three things to know about hypertension:
For the most part, hypertension is preventable with proper diet and lifestyle.
Many people suffer with hypertension and don’t even know it.
Hypertension leads to kidney failure, damaged eyesight, cognitive impairment, and other situations.
There are four things you can do about hypertension:
Cut down on salt.
Lose excess weight.
Keep moving.
Pitch the cigarettes.
DODGE DIABETES
Diabetes is a disease which, in many cases, can be prevented and controlled. Like hypertension, diabetes is a silent disease for many people.
And, if you are interested in living a longer life, you need to respect it because diabetes can trim 10 years off your life expectancy.
If you think you have diabetes, or if you have diabetes, get yourself on the correct eating plan, get active, and do the things your healthcare provider tells you to do.
Thank you for reading this article! Please share it with your favorite social media network.
Hopefully you found some things which will benefit your search for a longer, healthier life. More tips will follow soon!
Thanks again.
Thurman Greco
Progress of the Book
The book is, at last, being edited! Real book progress is being made. I hope to get it to the publisher soon. I plan to go over it one last time about mid July.
Thanks to everyone for your patience.
Please share this exciting news (for me, anyway) with your favorite media network.
Thurman Greco
Woodstock, NY
Reflexology for the Spirit and the Chakras – Now let’s put it all together.
We’ve spent the last few posts learning things we can use at our healing table. But, the question remains: How do we use what we’ve got here?
Suppose a person comes to your table with asthma. This is a fourth Chakra issue. So, right away, you know that you’re going to be working with the physical issues associated with asthma. But, you’re going to also be working with grief…a major issue that everyone faces at some point.
Offering Reiki therapy in conjunction with the reflexology will help balance the Chakras. Be sure to work the fourth Chakra reflex point.
When a person comes to you for reflexology sessions because they have lower back pain, you know that you need to work certain reflex points. But, in addition, it helps to know that a person with lower back pain is dealing with a first Chakra issue.
This person is grappling with his/her core beliefs. Reflexology for the Spirit and Reiki therapy will be very supportive. Include a few moments working the first Chakra reflex point.
This process continues up the body with each Chakra. When a person comes to your table with an issue, you determine which Chakra is affected. Knowing this will help you explore the spiritual issue. Then, you bring in Reiki and help balance the affected Chakra.
Another approach you may use is a Chakra session. In a Chakra session, you’ll work the Chakra reflex points exclusively. When you offer a reflexology session focusing exclusively on the Chakras, it will be shorter than a regular reflexology session. Your first such session should be no more than 30 minutes. Divided up, the Chakra session will offer 15 minutes of work on each foot.
In a 30-minute Chakra session, you’ll include a 5-minute warm up on the right foot, then work the Chakra reflex points for 5 minutes. Finish with a 5-minute warm down. Move on to the left foot.
Work the left foot the same way: Offer 5 minutes of warm ups, then work the Chakra reflex points for 5 minutes. Finish with a 5-minute warm down.
Complete the session by holding the feet for a few moments. Working the Chakras in reflexology can be deep therapy.
After your client partner gets off the table, spend a few quiet minutes with him/her just to make sure the transition back to “now” is smooth.
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Thurman Greco
Putting it all together – The Chakra System, Reflexology for the Spirit, and Reiki Therapy
Chakras work together. If one is unbalanced, the entire system is affected. The Chakras communicate with one another as their energy moves up and down the spine from Chakra to Chakra.
When this Chakra System is open and functioning well, the human body is in a positive, stress-free, alert state. When the energy traveling from one Chakra to another is not balanced, the body is stressed. Even though the imbalance may be limited to only 1 Chakra, the system will be affected.
Humans use several ways of communicating with ourselves, other humans, and the environment around us:
the cranial brain
the nervous system
the abdominal brain
the energetic layers surrounding the physical body
Using the cranial brain, we know what is going on around us, We observe it, We form opinions, belief systems, and we communicate with others using language, both written, spoken, and body language. We use our senses:
our eyes,
ears,
skin,
nose,
intuition.
We feel pain, emotion, know when we are ill, afraid, or happy.
Our abdominal brain sends much information to the brain. There is a continual flow of information going from the digestive tract to the brain which keeps the brain informed about what is happening in the body. The abdominal brain sends more information to the brain than the brain sends to the intestinal tract. This leads me to believe that the intestinal brain is more important than we realize.
Our Chakras work together as a communication system. The Chakras communicate with:
one another,
our bodies,
those around us,
the entire universe.
So far, this book/blog is focusing on the seven major Chakras located along the spine. In reality, each person has many more Chakras, all of which work together. They also work with our cranial brain, central nervous system, and our abdominal brain to assist and guide us in our journey through life.
The interconnection created by our Chakras, our cranial brain, our nervous system, and our abdominal brain results in a beautiful spiritual consciousness which supports us in our journey through life.
Reflexologists, as you work to facilitate homeostasis in your client partners, don’t leave out the Chakras. Include this fascinating energy system as you work.
BothRreflexology for the Spirit and Reiki therapy fit into this spiritual communication system. When you offer reflexology to a client partner and you set up the session with Reiki therapy, you expand the power and scope of the healing you offer. As you reflex the feet, if you include the Chakras, you are adding even more power to what you are doing:
Reflexology for the Spirit
Reiki therapy
Chakras
You bring about homeostasis as you balance the energy systems of the body. You work to connect your client partner with all that is. Your client partner’s body, mind, and spirit are joined through the Chakras located throughout his/her body.
This is truly healing the mind, the body, and the spirit at the same time. This is Reflexology for the Spirit.
WOW!
Thank you for reading this blog/book. And…thank you for your patience as I work to finish this book.
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Thurman Greco
The Third Chakra and Reflexology
The reflex point for the third Chakra is the upper half of the instep, below the ball of the foot. This reflex point is found on both feet. Third Chakra issues include
anger
shame
victimization
self esteem
IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO LEARN ABOUT THIRD CHAKRA ISSUES WITHOUT QUESTIONING:
How important is doubt in your life?
Can you make decisions?
How important is fear in your life?
Are you able to carry through decisions and plans to fruition?
Do you have to be right in every decision?
Do you always have to be the center of attention?
Do you lack willpower?
Do other people control your life?
Do you think for yourself?
Do you act on your own?
Can you survive on your own initiative?
Anger is a third Chakra issue because that’s where much anger is stored. Depending on how the Chakra is balanced, anger can range from no energy to excessive energy. Third Chakra anger focuses on self-esteem because the third Chakra governs our power.
We can feel this anger and need for power in our solar plexus, the home of the third Chakra in the body. This Chakra is where we feel “butterflies” when we are nervous as we develop our personal will.
The third Chakra is closely connected to Chakras one and two as energy moves up the spine from the base. As the energy reaches the third Chakra, it begins to take on a shape and a vocabulary as it finds its voice. The third Chakra is where we develop our own personal truth, formulate our own personal authority, and integrate personal power into our lives.
The third Chakra is the result of the development of the first and second Chakras. This is where we give voice to our truths.
Reflexology for the Spirit sessions offer homeostasis, the balance of all body systems.
Reiki therapy sessions balance the Chakras.
Meditation is important to a balanced third Chakra. An unbalanced third Chakra creates a person unable to manage power.
An unbalanced third Chakra affects one’s posture, body language, and spinal alignment. It’s difficult to separate the physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties in this area. Yoga helps.
Physically, the third Chakra governs:
Stomach
Liver
Spleen
Pancreas
Gall Bladder
The third Chakra is a major power point. When you work with your client partner’s third Chakra, you offer an opportunity for the person to develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
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Thurman Greco
Guided Meditation: An Angel Points the Way to a Digestive System in Perfect Health
SEEK OUT A COMFORTABLE PLACE WHERE YOU WILL NOT BE INTERRUPTED. Turn on some quiet music if you like. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Feel your body as it becomes comfortable in this place you have chosen.
TAKE A FEW DEEP BREATHS. Now, take a few relaxing breaths. As you breathe in, feel the healing air you are bringing into your body. As you inhale now, feel the pure healing air as it enters your nose, throat, and lungs. Each time you inhale, allow your body to breathe in more healing air into your lungs and then into every artery, and finally every vein in your body.
With each exhale, you release toxins, stress, negativity which have collected throughout your digestive system. Your exhales are gently detoxing your system.
As you are breathing in this healing air, you become aware of a a special healing light accompanying these inhales. As you inhale, feel the healing light wash over your body. Feel this healing light as it bathes your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being.
Now, notice that this light is focusing on your digestive system, washing toxins and any issues away. This healing light gives health to your digestive system beginning with the mouth and traveling down through the esophagus, stomach, liver, small and large intestines, rectum and anal canal. This healing light brings health to every organ down to the cellular level.
Breathe deeply and naturally now for a few moments as you receive the nurturing energy from this light. Allow your digestive system to melt into this healing moment. Allow your digestive system to absorb this purity and perfection. Relax a bit more and listen for the sounds of the forest which is enfolding you.
You find yourself on a path in the forest. As you move down the path, you feel the air on your skin. You smell the soil, the leaves. You hear the forest sounds: the birds, rustling leaves, small animals skittering. The healing light you breathed in a few moments ago is allowing you to become one with the forest.
YOU NOW BEGIN TO NOTICE A FEELING OF HEALTH. You feel very alive.
You look down the path and see an angel ahead. You notice everything about this angel who is welcoming you. You will want to remember this angel and this place when you return for visits. Notice the colors, the textures, the sounds, the smells.
This angel is here to help you focus on the health of your digestive system.
You feel that this angel is here to help you be healthy and stay healthy.
Your angel begins to share with you how your body is now working as it properly should. You pause a few moments and receive the wisdom this angel has for you.
You begin to gain insight about what blocks need to be released, what organs need more nourishment, how to channel stress and negative emotions into positive life experiences.
AS YOU GAIN INSIGHT, YOU BEGIN TO HAVE YOUR OWN QUESTIONS. You know this angel has the answers for you. You know that if the answers do not come immediately, there is no need for concern. You know from the angel’s presence that the answers will come in another time or at another place.
It’s time for you to go now. It’s time for you to return to your room and your safe, comfortable place where you began this meditation. As you leave the forest and return to the comfortable place in the room, you feel the healing light stay with you.
You return to the moment relaxed, refreshed, knowing you can visit this forest and this angel whenever you want.
Thank you for reading this guided meditation.
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Peace and food for all.
Thurman
Digestive System: Bottom Line Information, 16 Essential Oils, 44 Foods Which Nourish the Digestive System, and Improvements to be Expected to the Digestive System
BOTTOM LINE:
The digestive system is very quick to tell us if it’s distressed. Marge D’Urso taught that over 50% of people who visit reflexologists suffer from digestive disorders. A well-functioning digestive system is necessary for a healthy body. The importance of the digestive system to our overall health cannot be overrated.
Because the nervous system communicates with the digestive system, focus on the nervous system before working the digestive system. Follow this with attention to the digestive system including a focus on the intestinal tract. Because good health begins in the intestinal tract, work it a often as you can in your sessions whether or not the person has voiced complaints.
ESSENTIAL OILS TO USE WHEN WORKING THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM INCLUDE black pepper, coriander, fennel, ginger, peppermint, rosemary, nutmeg, mountain savory, clove, lemon, tarragon, basil, grapefruit, spearmint, lemongrass, copaiba
FOODS NOURISHING THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM INCLUDE apples, apricots, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, coffee, dandelions, eggs, fennel, flaxseed oil, garlic, ghee, grapefruit, green beans, green tea, kale, leeks, lemons, mushrooms, oatmeal, okra, olive oil, onions, papaya, peppers, pineapple, prunes, pumpkin, rutabagas, spinach, squash, strawberries, tea, tomatoes, turnips, water, watermelon, yogurt
Of the foods on the above list, the following foods are also on Johnny Bowden, Ph.D.’s list of the 150 healthiest foods on earth.
apples, apricots, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, coffee, dandelions, eggs, fennel, flaxseed oil, garlic, grapefruit, green beans, kale, leeks, lemons, mushrooms, oatmeal, olive oil, onions, peppers, pineapple, prunes, pumpkin, strawberries, tea, turnips, water, watermelon, yogurt.
So, you’ve actually got two lists here. The top list is the list of foods nourishing the digestive system. The second list is those foods on Johnny Bowden’s list. This gets a little complicated but it’s worth knowing. If you have problems with the information and how it’s listed, please let me know.
IMPROVEMENTS TO BE EXPECTED FROM SESSIONS TO THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM:
The importance of digestive system health cannot be overestimated. Both disease and health begin in the intestinal tract. Regular sessions focusing on the digestive system encourage a healthy digestive system. WOW!
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Peace and food for all.
Thurman Greco
Follow this with attention to the digestive system including a focus on the intestinal tract. Because good health begins in the intestinal tract, work it as often as you can in your sessions whether or not the client-partner has voiced complaints.
Reflexology Blog – Digestive System
THE DIGESTIVE PROCESS BEGINS WHEN WE CHEW OUR FOOD. It continues as the body breaks down the food we eat and turns it into subtances which can be absorbed and used for growth, repair, energy.
The digestive system is composed principally of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and the anal canal.
IT IS EMOTIONAL AND IS QUICK TO TELL US IF IT ‘S NOT WORKING PROPERLY. That is one strong argument for reflexology sessions. They bring about homeostasis which is important to digestive health. We have a tendency to hold worry in our stomach.
Once food is eaten, it travels down the pharynx and esophagus to the stomach. When the food leaves the stomach it moves to the small intestine. This is where most of the nutrients are absorbed. This is also where fear can find a safe place.
What actually happens in the process of digestion regarding the food and the interaction of the food with the chemicals and how the body absorbs the resulting nutrients is complicated. This process is not completely understood by many people.
A good description can be found in several chapters of “The South Beach Diet” by Dr. Frank Agatston in which he describes the digestive very thoroughly using a vocabulary we can all understand.
Finally, the large intestine moves the undigested and unabsorbable food to the anal canal and rectum where it is excreted.
Eating and digesting food is not just about getting nutrition. It’s a very spiritual process. How do we assimilate things that are happening in our lives and in the world around us? Our digestive system not only absorbs nutrients and discards those things not needed but we also use our digestive system to absorb feelings, sensations, experiences. When we are forced to hold back our feelings, it’s reflected in our digestive health.
It has been said that health begins and ends in the intestinal tract. It is true that an unhappy, angry, frustrated person has a much harder time maintaining digestive balance and health.
WHEN WE WORK THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM REFLEXES, WE ENCOURAGE THEM TO NORMALIZE THE FLOW OF DIGESTING FOOD THROUGH THE SYSTEM.
Although all the parts of the digestive system are very important in a Reflexology for the Spirit session, work the liver during every session. The liver is a large organ and it has a bigger job to do because it’s a detoxing machine. People are becoming more toxic because of the pesticides in our food, the toxins in our air and water, and the things we eat which aren’t really food.
Pay special attention to the large intestine when offering a Reflexology for the Spirit session. Maintaining a healthy large intestine is extremely important to your client’s overall health.
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Peace and food for all.
Thurman Greco
