Category: Stress

Does ICSI have all the answers?

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, Health & Wellbeing, Healthy eating, hydration, ICSI, IVF, jing, Male Factor, Nutrition, Reflexology, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, supplements, TCM, water

Since the advent of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) problems with male factor in infertility can be addressed and bypassed with this procedure. The ICSI procedure allows particular sperm to be selected for use and manually injected into the egg by the embryologist using a microscopic needle.

But does ICSI always give us the best outcomes?

If the quality of sperm is sub-optimal, the question one has to ask is what impact will this have on the ongoing pregnancy and health of the child going forward?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) our Jing is the substance we inherit from our parents at the moment of conception. Our Jing fuels our growth and development not just through conception and prenatal growth, but all through our lives from infancy to puberty, adulthood and beyond. Jing dictates our constitution and vitality as we move and age through life.

So if we completely disregard the quality of the sperm in favour of the ICSI procedure, what impact will have on the health of the life created? If a sperm is unable to penetrate an egg on its own, what does that say about the underlying Qi of that sperm?

So although ISCI is a wonderful and exceptional advancement in fertility medicine and assisted reproductive techniques, I do believe it should be firmly balanced with other perspectives of male health and vitality.

Sperm are continually created within the body, so taking a break for around 3 months before the next round of IVF is an optimal amount of time to put lifestyle changes in place. Dietary, lifestyle and nutritional changes can have a huge impact on sperm quality.[1] Taking this time and making this effort to improve the underlying Qi and Jing that is passed onto the next generation is fundamentally important. Things to consider:

  • Stop smoking/vaping;
  • Reduced consumption of refined sugars, processed foods,
  • Reduced consumption of alcohol;
  • Increased consumption of a wide variety of vegetables and fruit;
  • Take regular exercise;
  • Increased water intake;
  • Reduce the use of plastics for cooking and water/food storage (switch to glass)
  • Supplement with a good quality preconception multivitamin to include zinc, selenium, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants;
  • Reduce stress (look at meditation, reflexology, acupuncture, spending time in nature);
  • Keep mobile phone away from body [2];
  • Ejaculate frequently [3].

Other options to explore before diving straight into IVF/ICSI:

  • Having a full examination to rule out varicocele, hydrocele and other physical abnormalities;
  • Bloods taken for a full hormone profile;
  • Checking the microbiome to rule out any infection which might be causing levels of damage to the sperm.

“Mounting evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a key role in normal spermatogenesis and can be negatively impacted by diet and environmental perturbations.” [3]

Of course, every couple is individual, and factors such as age, for example, will also determine your route to IVF and ICSI.

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please get in touch.

If you would like support through your fertility/IVF/ICSI journey with acupuncture please get in touch.

References

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32397485/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7848840/

[3] https://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1477-7827-10-115

[4] https://www.fertstertreviews.org/article/S2666-5719(23)00001-4/fulltext

PMS and it’s extremes

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Healthy Snacks, Menstrual Cycle, mental health, Nutrition, Pain management, Reflexology, Stress, supplements, Supplements, TCM, Yin and Yang
Woman experiencing severe menstrual cramping.

Approximately 90% of women suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) at some point in their lives. During the few days leading up to menstruation can present with all sorts of symptoms such as bloating, irritability, frustration, anger, back ache, acne, abdominal cramping and pain, feeling tearful and emotional, as well as anxious and depressed.

Every cell in our body has a hormone receptor, so PMS can be attributed to over 200 symptoms as fluctuating hormone levels can have an impact everywhere in the body. These may be symptoms you only experience during the build up to your period, or perhaps these are symptoms you already experience, but are exacerbated at this time of your cycle.

In TCM terms, the luteal phase of your cycle e.g. the second half of your cycle between ovulation and your period, is when your body is at its most Yang. It is the part of the cycle where there is the most energy. Your body is gearing up for the possibility of a pregnancy with the surge of progesterone helping to really plump up the uterine lining for an embryo to implant. This surge of hormone and surge of energy can make us feel energised and productive, however as this starts to wane and drop just before our period starts, can suddenly leave us feeling depleted. The smooth flow of Qi is now not so smooth, as the progesterone starts to dip and body temperature starts to drop, our overall hormone levels can quickly leave us feeling grumpy and moody, and present us with physical symptoms too.

Switching between the Yang half of our cycle to the Yin half i.e. our menses, can create Qi stagnation. Getting to know your cycles by charting on a calendar, or Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charting can really help you to understand what is going on inside your body, help you identify symptoms and mood changes, and shed light onto areas that perhaps might need further attention.

For example, some people do not just suffer with “regular” PMS, but can experience more extreme versions such as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME). These extreme versions of PMS can be very difficult to deal with and manage on a monthly basis. “Experiencing PMDD can make it difficult to work, socialise and have healthy relationships. In some cases, it can also lead to suicidal thoughts.”1

Understanding your own personal cycle, the length of your follicular and luteal phases, and looking at your BBT throughout your cycle can open up possibilities to improve symptoms you’re experiencing. You might discover that phases of your cycle are too long/short or your temperature is not high enough or too high for example.

Supporting progesterone can help with PMS. To support progesterone production and your luteal phase, add more nutrient dense calories into your diet at this phase of your cycle. After all, your body is gearing up for a potential pregnancy, and some women find that they are hungrier at this time. Adding more protein, and looking at using adaptogens such as Ashwaganda to help manage stress and change. “Adaptogens are the umbrella term for fungi and plant-derived compounds that help the body adapt to stress.”[2] Magnesium is also said to help, as many of us are depleted in magnesium and it is involved in a myriad of daily bodily functions. Using a topical spray or adding in Epsom Salts to your evening bath are easy ways to get magnesium into your body. Magnesium often becomes low as a result of stress. [3]

Managing stress is also key to supporting your luteal phase. Booking in for regular reflexology or acupuncture can offer you the opportunity to feel relaxed and receive some downtime already scheduled into your diary. With acupuncture in particular, treating throughout the cycle can help you regulate and improve your quality of life. Vitamin B complex supports the body’s ability to handle stress. [3]

Understanding your cycle can help you to prepare and plan for what might be up ahead. Scheduling your diary around your cycle can help you to be more productive when you are feeling at your most energised, and avoid difficult social situations when you’re likely to be feeling fragile. You can also use your cycle to help with meal planning and snacking, and scheduling in more gentle exercise within the luteal phase.

If you would like fertility support in Lancashire and to book in with me please get in touch.

  1. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/about-pmdd/
  2. https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-are-adaptogens/
  3. https://webfmd.com/hpa-axis-dysfunction-treatment/

Molecular Hydrogen

by JMReflex, posted in Children, Eco-friendly, Environment, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, headache, Health & Wellbeing, hydration, mental health, Nutrition, Pain management, Reflexology, Skincare, Stress

Hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the universe. It has only 2 atoms, and binds with oxygen to give us water – H2+0.

Molecular hydrogen is the name given to hydrogen that is released into water to give it highly antioxidant properties. There are over 1000 published studies now providing evidence that hydrogen-rich water has many health-giving and therapeutic effects.

Why is water good for you?

If we consider that, as humans, we are made up of approximately 70% water, we should really make clean, living, health-giving water and hydration our number one priority when it comes to health and nutrition.

Tap water is not the same as filtered water

Tap water is drinkable but it is full of various extras such as the growing concern around micro-plastics, chlorine, fluoride, pharmaceutical residues and hormones. Because of these, as well as poor water structure, the tap water consumed does not effectively hydrate the body and penetrate deep into the cells where it is needed. It is a bit like watering a dried up pot plant: most of the water runs straight through into the saucer.

By releasing molecular hydrogen into clean, filtered and restructured water, we are left with water that is highly bioavailable and hydrates the body much quicker and effectively that regular tap water.

How do I get molecular hydrogen into my water?

There are various ways you can get molecular hydrogen into your water. The system I use at home (and have done so since 2021 – I never promote anything I do not use myself) is the Energy Plus Undersink Filter System from Water for Health.

This is a 4 stage filtration process which sits neatly under the sink. The first two filters remove debris and particulate, and other contaminants such as chlorine and fluoride. The third filter uses bioceramics to mineralise the water to give it good structure. It then finally passes through the fourth filter which uses a magnesium substrate to release molecular hydrogen into the water.

Which water filter is best?

A water filter of this nature is my preferred way to filter water, over reverse osmosis (ro) and distilling. This is mainly down to the fact that both of these methods remove absolutely everything from the water, including the good stuff – the minerals – which not only provide all the trace elements your body needs, but also provide a basic structure to the water. So if you do choose “ro” or distilling then make sure you re-mineralise the water before drinking.

For further information please see my affiliate link here. There are currently over 1000 published studies available on the benefits of molecular hydrogen.

Water droplets suspended in mid air.

Salts explained

by JMReflex, posted in Health & Wellbeing, Skincare, Sleep, Stress, Stress, supplements
Salt with a wooden spoon.

Sea salt is really good for soaking in a bath. It is believed to stimulate circulation, help ease muscle cramps, help relieve stiff joints, and soothe the skin.

Sea salt isn’t generally processed that much, it is simply evaporated off the water. So its very rich in trace minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron.

Himalayan salts are very similar to sea salt in composition and trace minerals. However, because Himalayan salt is mined near the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, from some really ancient sea beds which were covered over with ice, lava and snow for millions of years, its thought that Himalayan salts are much purer than our regular sea salt because they are not full of our modern day pollutants.

Epsom salts aren’t actually a salt. They are magnesium, sulphur and oxygen. So when you use Epsom salts you are really using them for their magnesium content. Magnesium is needed in the body for all sorts of daily functions at a cellular level, and it is thought that in this day and age we are all lacking in magnesium due to the erosion of soil quality. Magnesium is very easily absorbed through the skin so soaking in a bath of Epsom salts is a great way to boost your magnesium levels.

Although we do need magnesium to support a whole host of bodily functions, one of the main things we all need it for is stress-management and improved sleep.

So these are the different types of salt explained, so you can now make an informed choice as to which type you would like to bathe in. Happy soaking!

View the bath salts from Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic.

It’s Not ‘Just Stress’: Why Stress Matters More During Menopause

by JMReflex, posted in aromatherapy, Health & Wellbeing, Menopause, Reflexology, Stress

Adrenal health is of importance particularly going through perimenopausal years as well as menopause and beyond. So what are our adrenals and what do they do?

Artistic expression of a human kidney and adrenal gland.

Our adrenals are small glands that sit on top of our kidneys, and are responsible for making and releasing adrenalin and cortisol; hormones produced as part of our stress response, and our sleep/wake cycle.

Imagine you are crossing a road and suddenly seemingly out of nowhere a lorry is approaching at high speed. Immediately your adrenals create a stress response which causes your body to put all of its reserves into your limbs so that you can run fast to safety. Once safely across the road, your body is then flooded with a sense of relief and you will need to rest and recover from the experience. This would be a normal, healthy example of how our adrenals are supposed to work for us.

However, our busy and hectic modern day lives leave us stresed more than ever. Rushing from appointment to appointment, too many things on our to-do list, worries over children, finances, constant attention to our mobile phones, balancing and juggling parenting with careers, all impact our adrenals. As far as our adrenal glands are concerned, this is stress and they will be creating a stress response. A continued stress response, without the physical release or the recovery time.

Clues that your adrenals may need support include:

  • Poor sleep;
  • Changes in the way you’re able to cope with stress;
  • Blood sugar spikes;
  • Fatigue;
  • Mood swings and low mood;
  • Brain fog.

As ovarian hormone production begins to decline during perimenopause, the body increasingly relies on the adrenal glands as an alternative source of hormone precursors. These can be converted into oestrogens in tissues throughout the body, helping to support bone strength, cardiovascular health and healthy nervous system function during and after menopause.

As we’ve already discussed, the adrenal glands play a central role in the body’s stress response, helping us respond to challenges and perceived threats. During perimenopause and menopause, they also take on greater importance as the body adapts to declining ovarian hormone production. However, when the body is under constant stress, resources are naturally directed towards managing that stress response rather than supporting long-term health and repair.

This is why stress management is so important during the menopausal transition. Many of us dismiss stress with phrases such as “I’m just stressed” or “it’s only stress”, yet chronic, ongoing stress can have far-reaching effects on health. It can influence sleep, mood, energy, blood sugar regulation, inflammation and hormonal balance, making it particularly important to recognise and address rather than simply accept.

Ideas to help create balance in your life and to carve out some me-time include:

  • Booking in for a regular reflexology session,
  • Run yourself a candlelit bath,
  • Switch to herbal teas particularly in the afternoon and evenings (liquorice is a great choice),
  • Turn your phone off for an hour,
  • Go for a walk in nature near trees or open water,
  • Add more plants to your living space,
  • Declutter,
  • Ask for help,
  • Look into adaptogens,
  • NYRO Women’s Balance

If you are looking for fertility or menopausal support in Lancashire please get in touch.

Self Help for Constipation

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, aromatherapy, Breath, constipation, essential oils, Fibre, Five Element Theory, Health & Wellbeing, Healthy eating, Lung, Reflexology, Stress, TCM
A person clutching their stomach in discomfort, with a toilet visible in the background.

Constipation can vary from being an irritating problem that flares up from time to time, to a debilitating chronic condition causing abdominal pain and other complications.

Physically, constipation can be caused by all sorts of things including a lack of fluid and healthy fats and oils, sedentary lifestyle, a diet lacking in fibre, medication and food intolerances. 

Mentally and emotionally it can be triggered by stress, inability to let go of things such as the events from the past, and unwillingness to take in new life, new things, change. 

If there is a lot of faecal compaction the laxatives will only soften the newer stool; the compacted stool will remain. The best way to move stool is to bulk it out with insoluble fibre. This will create a larger stool to push everything through, without absorbing water which would make the stool very hard, difficult and painful to pass. Good sources of insoluble fibre are flax seeds soaked in water, or porridge oats. Both will form a “gloopiness” which is known as mucilage. This is an oily lubricant which will help assist the intestinal tract.

Both reflexology and acupuncture would be beneficial for constipation as both will offer space and time to deeply relax which will switch on the “rest and digest” and break the cycle of “fight or flight”.

Below are some self help tips you can try if you’re are suffering with constipation. These can be tried alongside the general advice of increasing water intake, increasing fibre intake, gentle exercise, increasing healthy fats and oils and reducing white refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, caffeine, alcohol and stress.

Look up the following acupuncture points using the internet and gently massage these twice a day for 2 minutes. Do both left and right sides. San Jiao 6 (lower arm) and Gall Bladder 34 (lower leg below the knee).

From a reflexology point of view, ask a friend or family member to gently massage the lower half of the soles of your feet. This general guidance will cover the small and large intestine reflexes. Here is a foot map as a general guide.

Close up of ear showing 2 auricular points

Ear points for the intestines (large circle) and rectum (smaller circle) can be gently massaged. Please see the diagram here. Add gentle pressure using finger and thumb, rotate and release. Do this no more than once to begin with, covering the whole area. Then wait as the body digests the action. Note that over stimulation can create feelings of nausia and dizziness, so “less is more” in this case. If any point is sensitive, this is a good indication of imbalance. Treat both ears.

When using the toilet, use a stool to raise up your feet so that you are replicating the squatting position, which is the best position to pass stools. For more information see Squatty Potty.

Ask a friend or family member to massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction. You could also include hips and lower back. Essential oils could also be used. A recommended book would be The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Woomwood. As I’m not a qualified aromatherapist I won’t make suggestions here.

Take a table of flax seeds, cover in water, and soak. Once softened add more water and a small amount of good honey and drink. Do this twice a day. If this is completely undesirable then an alternative option would be to make up porridge using organic oats and water (no milk or sugar). Sweeten lightly with good honey.

Deep breathing exercises. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the Lung and Large Intestine channels are paired; the Lung is the Yin breathing in our essential life Qi, and the Large Intestine is letting go of waste, and the old. Spend a few minutes focusing on taking deep breaths, through the nose and into the belly, and then release. 

As with all self-help information, use at your own risk and do not substitite for prescribed medication or consultation with your GP/medical practitioner.

  • Ear Points for Fertility: The 28 Day Protocol title
Ear Points for Fertility: The 28 Day Protocol title - Image 1

Ear Points for Fertility: The 28 Day Protocol title

£17.00

A practical self-guided fertility ear acupressure programme featuring pattern identification, point-finding photographs, a four-week routine and tracking tools to help you use ear acupressure consistently and confidently.

 

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Understanding puberty in girls from a TCM perspective

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Children, Depression, Eating Disorders, Fertility, Health & Wellbeing, Learning, Puberty, Reflexology, Sleep, Stress
Close-up of a person's legs wearing black high-heeled shoes and a white dress.

We can all remember the struggles of our teenage years; problems such as acne, the start of our periods, breasts forming, getting used to wearing bras, peer pressure, increasing levels of school work and home work, not being able to get out of bed in the mornings.

As a parent, I want my own daughters to have an easier time than I did. As a therapist, I am more aware of the strains put upon children and teenagers, and how this can effect them physically, psychologically and emotionally.

In my previous blog post, I explained in general terms about our Kidney energy being responsible for our growth and development, and reproductive health. If we experience a painful puberty it is likely that we will experience a more difficult menopause. We also want to optimise fertility, pregnancy and childbirth in between these two milestones, as well as general health and wellness, and they are all interlinked.

The following behaviours can have a significant impact on a young woman’s health:

  1. Early sexual activity. This can have an impact on uterine health at such a vulnerable time, causing imbalances such as blood stasis.
  2. Excessive physical work and exercise. During puberty, this may cause weakness and deficiency in the developing body (Spleen and Kidney), which in turn can lead to stagnation. Of course this depends on the individual constitution, but it is important to be aware of as a parent.
  3. Exposure to external cold. Young women are vulnerable to invasion of external cold, particularly during puberty. Social pressure to wear clothes that reveal the lower back and abdomen, going out without a coat and scarf, prioritising their physical appearance over their well-being can leave them prone to being attacked by the external pathogen of cold. If cold attacks the uterus, it will contract and cause stagnation.
  4. The use of tampons blocks the natural downward flow of blood and can cause stagnation. There are also many other health risks associated with tampons including the exposure to environmental oestrogens which is covered in a different blog post.
  5. Emotional stress and anxiety will have a massive impact on energy levels, depleting the Kidneys and creating excess Heart energy. If it is held onto then this can cause stagnation.

Taking care during this sensitive time will have a massive impact on our young women’s health as they get older. Common problems such as period pain, irregular periods, heavy/scanty periods, infertility, endometriosis, anxiety and depression, fatigue can all be improved through gentle communication, education and sensitivity around these issues at a young age.

If you are interested in receiving some acupuncture or reflexology sessions please contact me directly for an initial chat.

If you are looking for holistic support for your health in Lancashire please book an appointment.

Reflexology for Diabetics

by JMReflex, posted in diabetes, Health & Wellbeing, Healthy eating, Reflexology, Skincare, Sleep, Stress

It is well known that people with diabetes need to look after their feet. In very basic terms, when the blood is not releasing the sugars into the cells of the body, the blood can get syrupy and thick, which means that it isn’t flowing smoothly and is not getting to the extremities as efficiently and as effectively as it should. Because of this, some of the smaller blood vessels become restricted and nerve endings can start to become damaged, causing peripheral neuropathy.

My first ever reflexology client I booked after qualifying was an elderly lady with type 2 diabetes. She was keen to have her feet touched and worked on because of the peripheral neuropathy she was experiencing. Her symptoms were numbness and tingling, making it difficult for her to walk and difficult to sleep. She found the treatments soothing, comforting and relaxing.

It is well known that reflexology can improve circulation within the body: the main contraindication for the treatment is thrombosis and clotting, simply because the improved flow of blood could cause the clot to move. With this in mind, it is a great treatment for diabetics.

Being diagnosed with any type of diabetes, but especially type 2 diabetes diagnosis in later life, can be very difficult to manage.  A massive change in lifestyle, eating habits and general discipline around food choices, exercise, blood sugar monitoring and medication timings can be very stressful not just for those with diabetes but also the surrounding friends and family. This is where regular reflexology treatments can be so beneficial for so many of life’s illnesses and problems, because it is such a great stress-buster.

Regular reflexology will also optimize the condition and health of the skin of the feet and ankles. As diabetics will have restricted blood flow (particularly to the extremities), this can cause excessive dryness, making the skin fragile and thin, and causing serious problems if a wound occurs. Healing will take much longer and may lead to other complications such as infections and ulcers. Ensuring that the skin is thoroughly moisturized and nourished will be hugely beneficial in maintaining the overall health of the feet.

In addition to general reflexology, the specialized sequence of Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) may also be a good choice to make in a multi-faceted approach to managing diabetes. Diabetes causes the lymph vessels to become weak and too permeable, compromising the flow of lymph and thus the immune system.[1] We know that it is likely that the RLD sequence has a causal effect on the lymphatic system through studies conducted and results published around managing breast cancer related lymphoedema.[2] Of course more research is needed to present evidence, but I wholeheartedly believe in the modality of reflexology and the powerful effect it can have on the mind and body.

If you need further support in managing your diabetes take a look at my colleague The Diabetes Lady for online coaching and individualised advice.

Book in for reflexology today.

[1] http://revistaseletronicas.pucrs.br/ojs/index.php/scientiamedica/article/view/10095

[2] http://www.reflexologylymphdrainage.co.uk/abstract-2016.html

Jackie Marsden is a Reflexologist, Acupuncturist and Foot Reading Practitioner, based at Elder Cottage Clinic, Warton, Preston, PR4. She is a full member of the Association of Reflexologists.

Acupuncture for Infertility

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, Menstrual Cycle, Stress, TCM

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of traditional medicine, which has been used in China and other eastern cultures for thousands of years to restore, promote and maintain good health.

Research has found that acupuncture treatments can have a positive effect on those trying for a baby and can actually aid the conception process.

Fertility focused acupuncture treatments can help to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormonal levels, regulate the menstrual cycle and help improve the lining of the uterus and quality of eggs released. Additionally, conditions such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis have also been shown to improve with acupuncture.

Benefits to male fertility have also been helped by acupuncture with positive effects on sperm count, sperm morphology and mobility.

Some of the positive effects of acupuncture in fertility treatments are thought to include:

  • regulates the menstrual cycle and promotes regular ovulation
  • regulates the hormones to produce larger numbers of follicles
  • improves the functions of ovaries to produce better quality eggs
  • enhances the vitality of sperm
  • relieves the side effects of drugs used in IVF
  • increases the thickness of the uterine lining so to encourage successful implantation
  • reduces the chance of miscarriage

It is known that stress has an adverse effect on the fertility hormones. Acupuncture can be used to support the process, thus enabling couples to cope with any stress and anxieties they may experience during this time. The acupuncture treatment can help promote a calm, positive and relaxed frame of mind which can bring a more successful outcome for conception.

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please get in touch.

Information for this blog has been taken from British Acupuncture Council

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist and clinical acupuncturist, working from Elder Cottage Clinic, Warton, nr. Preston.

[Book Review #1] Everything You Need You Have

by JMReflex, posted in Books, Five Element Theory, Health & Wellbeing, Learning, Mindfulness, Presence, Reflexology, Self development, Spirituality, Stress, TCM

I recently discovered this little gem of a book while browsing the local library.

Gerad Kite’s Everything You Need You Have: How to be at home in your self is such an easy read, yet so powerful in places with little nuggets to take away and use on a daily basis. It’s simplicity is what makes it so special.

There is also an alignment with the Five Element Theory which also interested me after studying and qualifying in Clinical Acupuncture last year. The natural movements of life according to the tangible elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water (see summary below).

So, I invite you to join me “At Home” and you will be at home in your self. Because, what we’re looking for simply isn’t out there – it is within. We believe that we have to be busy, doing stuff, achieving things, in order to be successful. But really there is no such thing as success – these are just events playing out, finding their way, following natural law.

We have ended up living almost exclusively “in the head”. Standing in the place of “I think” limits us in time and space and for many people great suffering and pain. We have forgotten how to retreat from our thinking minds and take pleasure in the bliss of simply being alive – to “be”; and to know that one’s existence is so much more than mere sequence of events that plays out before us, confirming that we’re “somebody” with a “life”. I find this so humbling and so profound, and also very useful.

It is useful because, when one gets caught up in life’s day to day stresses, or worries, or emotional burdens, it is liberating to retreat back to “Home” (although we never really left) and observe what we are thinking, feeling, experiencing. This is the true essence of life. It is the awareness that what we are going through is simply not real: it is transient and changeable. The quality of Home is peaceful and permanent.

As a reflexologist, offering clients the opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the power of touch is where a lot of healing can take place. And surely this is offering or opening up a path towards “Home”? Switching off the mind and focusing on “the now”. For the past and the future are there by virtue of memory and fantasy – courtesy of the mind – and neither are real in “the now”.

Gerad gives the reader insights, exercises, tools of  how to re-discover Home within your self, and also examples of clients he has helped throughout his career.

Enlightenment is beyond mundane tasks, but it is found within them.

Short Summary of The Law of Five Elements

Gerad states “The unique balance of the five elements that create and maintain you are the gift of your life. This is the foundation and reality of who you are. You are  both a unique form and an integral part of Univeral intelligence, flow and evolution.”

Wood (Liver and Gall Bladder)

  • Get up and grow
  • Renewal
  • Timidity to belligerence
  • Perspective

Fire (Heart)

  • Joy of “Being”
  • Be open to things and experience them from Love
  • Joy emerges from the compassion of Home
  • Easy forgiveness
  • Healthy boundaries (and knowing these)

Earth (Spleen and Stomach)

  • Satisfaction
  • Natural motion “give and take”
  • Identify our needs
  • Integrity
  • Reciprocity, sharing and caring, giving and receiving

Metal (Lung and Large Intestine)

  • Gives the whole cycle of life its value
  • Importance of letting go of all attachments
  • Understand the impermanence of our outer life
  • Root in the quality of the present moment
  • Self value and worth

Water (Kidney and Bladder)

  • This is the base element: death, regeneration and survival
  • The closest we can get to Home
  • The origin of all life
  • Simplicity of Being
  • Stores our essential nature
  • Primitive and True
  • Who are you?