Yvonne Hough Better Life Essentials

11/17/2025

It’s not unusual to feel sleepy, heavy, or even emotionally drained after a reflexology session, and it’s actually a good sign that your body is responding.

Reflexology activates the parasympathetic nervous system - the “rest and digest” branch responsible for slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and triggering recovery processes. When the body shifts out of a chronic stress state (sympathetic dominance), it finally has permission to relax, repair, and rebalance.

That deep relaxation can sometimes feel like fatigue, especially if your system has been running on adrenaline or stress hormones for a long time. The tiredness isn’t a side effect. It’s a signal that your body is resetting its internal balance.

📚 Research supports this response:

Studies, including McVicar et al. (Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2007), show measurable reductions in heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety levels following reflexology - clear indicators of parasympathetic activation.

A 2011 pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that reflexology sessions produced significant decreases in salivary cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone), reinforcing the link between reflexology and stress reduction.

Improvements in sleep quality and relaxation have been documented across multiple clinical settings, from cancer care to maternity wards, all pointing to the same physiological mechanism of rest and regulation.

💧 How to support your body afterward:

Drink water to help the body process metabolic by-products released during deep relaxation.

Avoid caffeine or alcohol immediately after your session to prolong the calm.

Rest if you can, even a short nap or quiet time helps integrate the benefits.

Feeling tired after reflexology is simply your body exhaling and catching up on the rest it’s been asking for. 😴

11/08/2025

Bergamot

10/25/2025

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane this weekend as it lashes Jamaica and parts of the northern Caribbean, bringing days of life-threatening, potentially catastrophic impact.

10/15/2025

10/15/2025

Our brain and gut are deeply connected. When stress settles into the mind, the body responds—and digestion is often one of the first systems to falter.

I’m reminded of our student David, who struggled with severe gut issues that disrupted every part of his life. His doctors couldn’t find anything wrong until a new practitioner finally diagnosed him with IBS. Every case of IBS is unique, with its own triggers. For David, it was stress—specifically, the long hours and constant pressure of his job.

During a much-needed vacation, he discovered essential oils. What started as curiosity turned into relief. He noticed that as his nervous system calmed, his digestion followed. He could eat a wider variety of foods again and felt like himself for the first time in years. But when he returned to work, his symptoms came roaring back.

Eventually, David made a hard but powerful choice: he left the job that was making him sick. He devoted himself to learning aromatherapy.

David’s story is a reminder that healing often begins with safety—when the body no longer feels under threat, it can finally rest, digest, and repair. Sometimes, the path to better gut health isn’t just about what we eat, but how we feel.

Aroma supports us by working directly with the limbic system—the brain’s emotional center and the bridge between mind and body. When we inhale essential oils, their chemical messages travel along the olfactory nerve to influence heart rate, breathing, and the release of stress hormones. In this way, scent becomes more than fragrance. It becomes communication. A gentle reminder to the nervous system that it is safe to soften, to release, and to trust the body’s natural rhythm again.

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Have you read my guide on Essential Oils for Digestion? It tells you which essential oils can help, and offers recipes for using them safely.
---> Comment BELLY and we’ll send you a link.

10/01/2025

09/30/2025

09/30/2025

09/30/2025

07/21/2025

💛 Bergamot has a bright, citrusy aroma that’s known for creating a soothing and uplifting atmosphere—perfect for moments when you need a little emotional refresh.

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💧 How-To:

1. Place a drop of Bergamot on your fingertip (dilute if needed).

2. Press gently into the Shen Men point on one or both ears.

3. Breathe deeply for 1–2 minutes while focusing on a calming thought or intention.

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✨ Other oils to try with this practice:

🌞 Citrus Bliss® (Invigorating Blend)
• Bright and cheerful aroma
• Great for starting the day with positivity

🌿 Lavender
• Known for its calming and relaxing properties

🌼 Roman Chamomile
• Often used to create a peaceful atmosphere

💧 Frankincense
• Promotes a grounding and meditative experience

🌱 Copaiba
• Supports a soothing environment

🌸 Neroli Touch
• Floral and sweet scent for a calming ritual

🌺 Rose
• A gentle, comforting floral that feels nurturing

🍊 Wild Orange
• Refreshing and energizing scent that helps lift the mood

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💫 You can rotate these oils based on what you're feeling or blend them with a carrier oil for a custom routine. Listen to your body and let your self-care be intuitive. 💕