Water, Water – What are we to do?
It’s really hard to find clean water. Our water is so filled with toxins that our bodies have become toxic waste dumps.
So, what are we to do? We need it to live.
There are 2 issues here, really. The 1st issue is getting clean, pure water. The 2nd issue is using it:
drinking,
bathing,
nourishing our planet.
So, what are we to do? We need it to live.
Getting clean water can challenging.
For starters, filter it. The filter you choose depends on your budget and your water issues. Filters come in several different varieties:
pitchers/carafes
faucet-mount systems
under-the-sink systems.
To learn about your water toxin issues, use your local county water quality report and advice from local water quality experts.
In the past, I used an under-the-sink system and was very pleased with it.
Now I buy my drinking water. Water in the Hudson River Valley is so special. The product I choose is New York Springs USA water, a natural spring water sourced in the Catskill Mountain area of New York State.
If New York Springs USA is not available, I reach for Mountain Valley Spring Water which comes from the Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.
It just so happens that these 2 waters are spring fed.
If I’m working or traveling or shopping out of the area and need to drink a bottled water, I’ll go for an ultra purified brand I know and recognize over a spring fed water which I am unfamiliar with.
When in New York City, I drink water offered to me at the restaurant table. Make no mistake about it. New York City water is the best available anywhere. I know this. I live and work in the area. New York City water comes from the Ashokan Reservoir, an extremely well protected and guarded body of water. Catskill Mountain residents love, honor, and are proud of their water. Nothing but the best is good enough for us.
Although we can’t list things like the vitamins or calories found in water, it’s important for our overall health to keep hydrated.
Water offers a natural detox as it cleans toxins out of the body which collect in the urinary tract. Drink enough water often enough to urinate every 2 hours.
Hydration fights fatigue..something we all battle. There are many tired people wandering around right this minute who are not really fatigued. They are thirsty. At the 1st sign of fatigue, drink water and then give yourself a few minutes for your body to react to the needed hydration.
Water helps the body break food into nutrients as it travels through the digestive system.
Sufficient hydration prevents kidney stones.
Water helps strengthen the adrenal glands.
I offer a glass of New York Springs USA to each of my client partners at the end of the reflexology or Reiki therapy session.
As a reflexologist, please encourage your client partners to keep hydrated. Help them choose the best water for their health and lifestyle needs. They will feel better.
http://www.newyorksprings.com
Hot Springs National Park
Thanks for reading this blog/book.
Please refer this article to your preferred social media network.
Don’t forget to join the email list.
Thurman Greco
Tara Sanders: Healing, Yoga, and Reflexology
healing, yoga, and reflexology
As reflexologists, we add new clients to our practice often. Healing, yoga, and reflexology are important here. Depending on your personality, or your practice, you may ask a few or many questions from them on the intake forms and in the initial interviews.
Trauma is one area of a person’s life which we rarely approach. It is just too hidden, too destructive.
This is wise. Trauma is a subject which our client partners need to bring up when the time is right for them to share. Because nothing is said doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. It just means that the person isn’t comfortable discussing it.
Because, in reality, 1 woman in 4 has experienced domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Personally, I question the 1-in-4 statistic. No woman reports domestic violence or sexual assault if she can possibly avoid it. Reporting is simply too painful.
When I first spoke with Tara Sanders, a Woodstock based yoga instructor and program director in the nonprofit Exhale to Inhale I was suddenly very alert. I realized that we, as reflexologists, need to be more sensitive to the secrets and hidden traumas of our client partners.
Exhale to Inhale yoga works to empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to heal through yoga. Exhale to Inhale yoga guides women through postures, breathing, meditation. Taught in trauma sensitive style, practitioners are enabled to ground themselves in
their bodies
their strength
their stillness.
As this happens, the women connect to themselves. They work toward empowerment and worthiness. This practice can be transformative for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence when they shed the cloak of victimhood.
Healers, reflexologists, and body workers have long known that when a person is traumatized, the event is stored in the muscles.
We also know that reflexology sessions are given a boost when combined with other modalities such as yoga, meditation, breathing, Reiki therapy, and massage.
Tara teaches the classes without music. She does not touch the students to correct a posture. Lights remain on throughout the class. These sessions offer survivors an opportunity to reclaim their lives through the healing and grounding of yoga.
Tara uses the yoga classes to help her students feel safe, strong, in the present moment. As she teaches, she is a conduit for healing and healthful programs in our community. Reflexology for the Spirit practitioners are also conduits for healing as we work the reflex points to encourage homeostasis.
Exhale to Inhale is a New York-based nonprofit offering free weekly yoga classes to survivors of domestic and sexual assault. After June 20, Exhale to Inhale yoga classes will be taught free of charge to women in area shelters in Upstate New York.
Not everyone has a Tara Sanders available in the community. However, it’s possible to suggest reflexology sessions offered in tandem with yoga, meditation, breathing classes. Whether or not you are aware of your client partner’s experience with trauma or domestic violence is not important. What is important is that you invite your client partner to experience this boost to your modality. Think of healing, yoga, and reflexology as a package.
Hopefully one day soon, there will be more Tara Sanders yoga teachers in communities everywhere.
Thank you for reading this blog/book.
Please refer this article to your preferred social media network.
Don’t forget to join the email list.
Jennette Nearhood provided the media.
Thurman Greco
The Endocrine System – very important for both physical and spiritual health
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM IS MADE UP OF A SERIES OF GLANDS INCLUDING SEVERAL GLANDS WHICH WORK TOGETHER TO MAINTAIN HOMEOSTASIS. They include the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroids, thymus, adrenals, pancreas, and ovaries/testes. In addition to working to maintain homeostasis, the glands of the endocrine system work together to regulate our metabolism, growth, reproduction, and body chemistry.
Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. They work with other body systems and are important to the overall function of a person in everyday life. It’s important that the different Endocrine glands work well.
THE HYPOTHALAMUS, PITUITARY, AND PINEAL GLANDS ARE LOCATED IN THE BRAIN IN THE AREA BEHIND THE EYES. They all three interact with the nervous system. It’s believed that the hypothalamus controls the “mother” gland because it’s believed to coordinate the functions of the other endocrine glands in addition to regulating growth, blood pressure, and sexual development.
When a person is stressed emotionally and spiritually, the pituitary reflex becomes sensitive. Sometimes it’s so sensitive to the reflexologist’s touch that it can’t be worked. When this happens, go to the pituitary gland reflex on the hands and work there.
The pineal gland produces melatonin which is responsible for sleep patterns. Many people believe the pineal gland functions as our “third eye” and works with our spiritual and psychic development.
THE THYROID AND PARATHYROID GLANDS ARE LOCATED AT THE BASE OF THE THROAT. They’re attached to the wind pipe with the thyroid in front and the parathyroids in back. The parathyroids are believed to control calcium and bone metabolism. The thyroid, a very important gland, coordinates how everything in our body works. The thyroid is to the body what the gas pedal is to a car. People with thyroid imbalances often experience anger.
The thymus is a gland located a couple of inches below the thyroid and parathyroids. This gland offers support to the immune system. Our thymus is a certain size when we are born and does not get much larger as we grow up and age. This leads some professionals to believe the thymus is more important in infanthood and childhood than in adulthood. Here again, we have a spiritual gland. The thymus works better when we feel more positive about ourselves.
The pancreas is partially an endocrine gland which works in close conjunction with the digestive system. The pancreas has two parts: endocrine and exocrine. The endocrine part of the pancreas is called the Islets of Langerhans. This is where insulin is produced.
THE ADRENALS ARE LOCATED ABOVE THE KIDNEYS. They work closely with the nervous system to maintain fluid and mineral balance. The adrenals are easily felt because we experience them as “butterflies” in our stomach when we are suddenly nervous. Prolonged stress overload has a negative effect on the adrenals. When the adrenals get overstressed it takes time and effort by the practitioner to return them to balance.
THE OVARIES IN THE FEMALE AND THE TESTES IN THE MALE ARE ENDOCRINE GLANDS. This is a point of creativity in the body. They are managed by the pituitary gland.
KEEPING THE VARIOUS ENDOCRINE GLANDS BALANCED IS IMPORTANT TO US ALL. Sometimes, when an endocrine gland is not balanced, our whole (physical, mental, spiritual, emotional) reflects this imbalance and is affected negatively by it. Reflexology for the Spirit sessions help balance our endocrine system.
AN EXAMPLE OF A NICE SESSION IS TO FOCUS THE ENTIRE SESSION ON THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM. The importance of endocrine balance cannot be overestimated. One effective way to focus on the endocrine system is to offer rotations (about 10 rotations per point) to each of the endocrine glands in the following order: solar plexus, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, liver, adrenal glands, ovaries/testes. Then, finally, return to the solar plexus.
Thank you for reading this blog/book.
Please share this article with your preferred social media.
Please send a comment.
Peace and food for all.
Thurman Greco
Reflexology for the Spirit is an Attitude, Part 2
Although there are stories about people receiving one Reflexology for the Spirit session and going away a changed person, this outcome is the exception to the rule. Generally speaking, several (or many) sessions are needed before the client partner undergoes the changes necessary to bring about healing from the soul out. reflexology, spiritual or regular, is a process, not a pill.
It’s not the place of a reflexologist to provide therapy to a person who has not tried to resolve his/her health issues by visiting a qualified healthcare professional. Reflexologists are not trained to provide services to clients who have not yet received a diagnosis from the primary medical care professional.
Diagnosis is important for the healing process. A person cannot heal without having a name for a disease or condition.
People with issues, who don’t get a diagnosis, never really know what their problem is. Also, their peers never give the person or the condition/disease the credibility it deserves. So, the first step to wellness is a diagnosis.
When a person under the care of a physician comes for regular (or sporadic) sessions s/he needs to continue with whatever meds and/or therapy which has been prescribed by the MD.
This is especially true if your client suffers with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Reflexology for the Spirit practitioners work with the diagnosis provided by the health care professional while recognizing, honoring, and offering healing to the soul which is manifesting issues in the sole.
Thanks again for reading this blog. The next post will discuss colon cleanses and liver cleanses.
This post comes to you from my healing space in scenic downtown Woodstock, NY.
Peace and food for all.
Thurman Greco
Thickened Nails and Skin – Spiritual Protection Issues Need to be Worked Through
This is protection, pure and simple. So, what is being protected?
Secrets? Thoughts? Actions? Beliefs?
It’s not important to know.
So, what are you seeing? Whatever you observe, no matter how unsightly, or benign it appears, you need to persuade your client partner to visit a podiatrist to treat the physical issues. As feet age, podiatrists become more important. There comes a point at which the nails need to be professionally trimmed regularly and the issues presenting themselves in the nails must be addressed.
Spiritual protection issues need to be worked through…especially in the older person because issues affecting the nails don’t heal overnight. It takes regular visits in addition to what the physician or podiatrist has prescribed to work through them.
Encourage your client partner to cleanse the colon and then the liver. As always, begin with a colon cleanse first before proceeding to the liver. These cleanses are important because your client may not see any improvement for months and a colon and then liver cleanse can speed up this process somewhat. Cleaning out the body is the first step in a journey to healthy skin and nails.
Where the thickness occurs on the foot offers clues to the issues beyond the physical disease. Look at the foot. Where is the thickened skin? What body part or system is represented? For example, if a person’s thyroid is out of balance, there will be a thickened place or a callus in that reflex area.
Finally, as a person’s life (lifestyle, beliefs, health) begins to change, you may see feet with peeling skin. Hurray! (Providing this is the change s/he wants.)
When working the feet of a person with thickened nails and skin, reflex the points that represent the problem area. For example, if the thickened skin is in the area of the thyroid, work that area as well as the endocrine system.
SYSTEMS TO WORK: Work the systems related to whatever diagnosis the primary medical care person has given to your client partner. Work the immune system, nervous system, urinary system, endocrine system, digestive system, liver and solar plexus.
ESSENTIAL OILS: myrrh, lemon, frankincense, tea tree, lemongrass, oregano, wintergreen, peppermint, tangerine, lavender.
Many conditions exist for which Reflexology for the Spirit is appropriate. However, there is much more information to share with you. When a client partner comes to you with an issue which you feel may have spiritual layers, contact me and I’ll write about it in a post for you.
Thank you for reading this blog. It is an honor and a pleasure to serve you in this way. As always, this post comes to you from my healing space in scenic, downtown Woodstock, NY.
Peace and food for all.
Thurman Greco
Swollen Ankles and Feet can be Troublesome to Your Client Partners
Focus warm ups on the swollen areas in addition to your regular warm ups. Schedule appointments later in the day when edema sufferers seem to have the most problems.
Try to get your client partner to consult a medical professional. Often, people don’t realize these issues can be symptoms of systemic problems needing medical attention. You’ll offer relief and solace to the spirit and you are going to reduce swelling but
a physician needs to give a diagnosis.
The underlying cause of edema needs to be addressed.
SYSTEMS TO WORK: warm ups to the swollen areas, urinary system, immune system, nervous system, digestive system with emphasis on the liver, circulatory system, and the solar plexus.
ESSENTIAL OILS: tangerine, geranium, German chamomile, wintergreen, peppermint, lavender, grapefruit, helichrysum.
Thanks again for reading the blog. Our next post is the final one in this portion of the book/blog. It will focus on Thickened Nails and Skin. After the post on the Thickened Nails and Skin, we’ll be shifting gears to focus on other factors important to a Reflexology for the Spirit practitioner.
This post is coming to you from my healing space in Woodstock, NY.
Peace and food for all.
Thurman Greco
Sweaty Feet can be very “trying” for a Reflexologist.
For starters, the natural inclination is to just not touch the feet. Don’t worry. Use an antibacterial spray on the feet to clean them off. Wear gloves if you are worried that you’re going to “catch” something.
Remember this: A person with sweaty feet is a person whose Adrenal glands are in serious passing gear.
There are several things your client partner can do. We can’t prescribe these things but it’s nice to know what they are: soak the feet in salt water to change the bacteria, rub the feet with alcohol and let it dry, change shoes and socks often, and spritz with cleansing spray whenever possible.
Suggest a visit to a podiatrist to make certain there are no infections, etc. Whatever the condition, you still have a person with serious spiritual conditions needing your attention regularly.
SYSTEMS TO WORK: adrenals, nervous system, immune system, urinary system, digestive system with emphasis on the liver and the solar plexus.
ESSENTIAL OILS: bergamot, Roman chamomile, frankincense, lavender, marjoram, wintergreen, myrrh, rosemary, sandalwood, thyme, ylang ylang, and spruce.
Thanks again for reading the blog. Our next post will focus on Swollen Ankles and Feet.
As always, this post comes to you from my healing space in Woodstock, NY.
Peace and food for all.
Thurman Greco
More About Allergies and Reflexology for the Spirit
Be aware of the products used to clean the home, pets, car, and workplace. Products should be used that come under the category of “hypoallergenic”. It won’t do much good to wash sheets and blankets in hot water with a detergent containing scents and coloring that create allergic reactions.
Finally, your client partner needs to try to resolve issues with persons causing problems. Your client partner will then have more energy to deal with the other allergens in life.
Often, it’s necessary to use the services of an otolaryngologist and an allergist as well. Desensitizing treatments can be very effective for persons suffering with contact allergies. One tried and true natural method is allergy shots.
This may seem like a lot to do. But, over time, a better quality of life will emerge. The purchase of over-the-counter preparations to deal with constant allergy symptoms will decrease. Life will, hopefully, improve.
AREAS TO WORK: respiratory system, immune system, sinuses, digestive system, endocrine system, liver and solar plexus.
ESSENTIAL OILS: German or Roman chamomile, wintergreen, lavender.
That completes the section on allergies. Our next section will be on ankle breaks and sprains – both very spiritual events.
Thanks for reading this blog.
Peace and food for all.
Thurman Greco
