Stress is our internal response to external changes and challenges, whether real or imagined — a deadline at work, an upcoming dinner with the in-laws, relationship issues or just our imagination running wild. 

We experience stress when we lose faith in our ability to cope, whether with the world in general or with specific people and situations. At some point in a busy day this feeling of helplessness can strike any of us and we feel “stressed out.” 

Our stress response is a signal that our body and all its major systems have been activated. This classic fight-or-flight reaction is not just in our heads. It’s an automatic response that reverberates throughout our entire body. Adrenaline is released, muscles tense up, our stomach tightens, our heart rate quickens, breathing becomes shallower, blood vessels on the skin surface contract, blood pressure rises, digestion and intestinal processes shut down. 

None of these conditions are meant to persist for very long. The body couldn’t stand it. They are short-term responses to immediate perceived dangers. Yet we live in a society that is constantly presenting us with stressful situations. Unless we take conscious action, our stress response stays permanently turned on, even at low levels. Such extreme mobilization can only be maintained for so long before our minds and bodies show signs of exhaustion.

People under chronic stress are prone to more frequent and more severe viral infections, such as the flu or common cold, and vaccines, such as flu shots, are less effective.

Consider the following:

• 77% of those surveyed suffer adverse physical/psychological effects from stress.

• 75% to 90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.

• Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.

The simple truth is that stress breaks down your body’s natural support systems and defenses, while relaxation streng-thens them.

One the most important things you can do to return your body to optimum health is to release stress, whether physical, mental or emotional. Reflexology, both a science and an art, is a proven method to help you deeply relax and let go of your stress. Reflexology stimulates the reflex areas and soothes the thousands of nerves in your feet, hands, ears and face that enervate each of your organs, glands and every part of your body. 

The profound relaxation you experience through Reflexology helps to normalize body functioning, increase energy, reduce vascular constriction, improve circulation and assist in the release of toxins.

Give yourself, friends and loved ones the gift of better health and well being with Reflexology. Enjoy a natural, powerful way to release stress and restore balance to your body, mind and spirit.