We had a wonderful day at our recent Pop Up Market and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who came along, shopped with our amazing stall-holders and enjoyed the garden. It was truly uplifting to see people chatting and laughing in our garden. With all the hard work Colin and I put in to get the garden ready, it really does make it worth while to see our visitors relaxed and enjoying themselves.
We were so lucky with the weather – a light shower just as the stallholders had set up was a little worrying but it came to nothing and we had a beautiful day after that.
Oscar (the dog) was in his usual role as meet and greet, which he carried out admirably and Colin kept the stallholders happy with homemade bread and plenty of drinks.
Thank you to our stallholders for their donations of raffle prizes and thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets to raise money for the Bedford Daycare Hospice. I’m delighted that we raised £140. The Hospice staff were very grateful for your generous donations, see the photo of my presentation with a Thank You certificate in the hospice garden with some of the team I work with on a Friday.
Stress is the body’s natural reaction to a perceived threat or challenge. However, due to our frantic and high-information world, many of us suffer from chronic stress, which damages our physical and mental health. Complementary therapies are a fantastic solution to ease stress and its associated symptoms.
Let’s look at three of my favourite ways to increase relaxation and balance the body in times of stress – Reiki, reflexology and aromatherapy.
Reiki
Reiki involves channelling healing energy through the hands to promote healing and relaxation. It was developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui, who studied healing methods and spirituality for years. During a spiritual awakening, a method of healing was revealed to him. He named it Reiki, which comes from the word “rei”, – meaning universal or spiritual, and “ki”, – meaning life force energy.
Stress disrupts energy flow through the body, leading to energetic blockages. Reiki promotes balance and relaxation in the body’s energy systems, releasing these blockages and returning our bodies to their natural state of balance and harmony.
Several studies show the promising effects of Reiki on stress and anxiety. Out of an analysis of thirteen studies, eight showed Reiki to be more effective than a placebo for depression, anxiety and stress.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a therapy that uses pressure on specific points to encourage relaxation and healing in the entire body.
The premise of reflexology is that the body’s systems and organs are mirrored or reflected in smaller outer regions, such as the feet, hands, ears, and face. So, by stimulating them, the body’s natural healing processes are activated, bringing the body back into a state of balance and calm.
For most people the sensations of touch, particularly of having the feet ‘rubbed’ by someone they trust releases a good deal of tension. Additionally, the relaxing benefits of a tranquil treatment room with soft music and lighting, warm blankets and aromatherapy oils will help to ease stress from the physical and mental bodies.
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses essential oils (concentrated plant extracts) to promote physical and emotional well-being.
These oils have aromatic compounds which interact with the olfactory system when we inhale them. The olfactory system is closely linked to the limbic system, which governs emotions, memory and behaviour. As a result, different oils affect how we feel – they can relax or energise us according to their unique properties.
Certain essential oils have also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a common bodily response to stress, which makes aromatherapy a beautiful and non-invasive way to support your body through difficult times.
There are several studies which show that essential oils have a positive effect on stress and mood. For example, one study demonstrated that lavender oil decreased blood pressure and heart rate while increasing feelings of relaxation. Another study on adolescents showed that aromatherapy significantly lowered stress responses compared to a placebo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these therapies offer promising benefits for reducing stress, and numerous studies show that these practices have a provable impact. From reducing anxiety to improving sleep quality, reiki, reflexology, and aromatherapy provide a range of holistic tools for stress management that are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle. So why not try them out and see if they work for you? Click here to find out more and access the booking form
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