Trying something new is often associated with New Year resolutions but with Summer coming to an end, now is the perfect time to find ways to help with some of the negative associations of Winter before they plunge you into the Winter blues. If you struggle with the short days, long nights and cold - sometimes dreary - weather this article by our Reflexologist Chris explains why Reflexology might just be the answer…

To quote the title of the famous Beach Boys album, an “Endless Summer” is something most of us can only dream of – meanwhile October has arrived and the nights are slowing drawing in….

This time of year sees the beauty of the picturesque morning dew as we open our bedroom curtains, but it can mean that our home and work place heating is turned up to the max, making a perfect environment for germs and bugs to be exchanged. For some of us, colds and fever symptoms can be a sign of stress or Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder (1), as our bodies lack the sunlight and natural vitamin D to fully function.

However, this should not be a reason to neglect our health, and for a Reflexologist, I see many people who find this to be a challenging time of the year, for all of the above reasons and more.

I see many cases of common colds and flu-like symptoms, from the occasional sniff, to the feeling when we wake, where we want to just pull the duvet over us for another 10 minutes.

This story was reminiscent of a recent patient I had seen, where the symptoms of “feeling down, the winter blues and trouble lifting myself” had made an unwelcome visit.  In Reflexology terms, we head straight to the root of the problem, starting with the head by focusing on the big toe; this area can help with headaches, sinus congestion and a sore throat.  After this we work the rest of the body as best practise, including the Lymphatic (Immune) and Respiratory (Breathing) systems and, along with some rest, the patient should see immediate signs of improvement.

Remember, Reflexology is perfect for boosting your natural immune system and lymphatics, as well as giving your self-esteem a much-needed kick in the morning.  So, why not help your body get through the winter, long before you need to reach for the night nurse, and give Reflexology a try?

To find out more about how Chris and Reflexology can benefit you and to book your 30-minute taster session for just £20, click the image above.

(1) seasonal affective disorder (SAD) a mood disorder characterised by depression, extreme lethargy, increased need for sleep, overeating, and carbohydrate craving. It recurs each year in one or more specific seasons, most commonly the winter months