Over the past few nights I've not been sleeping well. I blame it on the effect of the November super-moon. As I lay awake at 3am after trying and failing to fall asleep I was reminded of how hard having a sleep disorder can be. The following days were spent in a fog of tiredness and I felt so happy when last night I fell back into my normal routine of good, reviving sleep.
Sleep is so important as it allows the body to rest and get ready for the next day. During the deep stages of sleep the body repairs and regenerates tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system to help you recover from illnesses.
A good night's sleep also helps with mental health, relieves stress and anxiety and assists problem solving.
At my clinic in Cambridge I have clients that come to me suffering from Insomnia and I have seen some great results from using Reflexology. One of the most common responses from people after they have had a treatment for any issue is a good night's sleep.
During a treatment I apply pressure to specific reflex points on the feet to improve lymph, nerve and blood circulation, aiding the body's own healing potential.
Below I've drawn a foot diagram to show some of the primary reflex points that can help to improve sleep.
The best areas to focus on to regulate the sleep cycle are the glands; these include the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenals. The pituitary is the centre for the body's hormones and regulates the circadian rhythm which is the sleep-wake cycle. The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolism and the adrenal glands help the nervous system and blood sugar levels.
Other important areas are the diaphragm and solar plexus. These have a powerful effect on calming the body, getting it primed to slumber by regulating breathing and heart-rate.
