Therapeutic Health Massage

07/07/2025

We have some last minute weekend appointments available this coming weekend 7/12 & 7/13!

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Massage Therapy in Huntsville, AL

11/11/2024

Baby Brains and Foot Reflexology

An apple a day keeps the doctor away or so the saying goes. But what happens to a young baby who receives foot reflexology almost every day? The answer: enhanced activation in parts of the brain.

That’s the conclusion of researchers following an infant’s progress with fMRI brain scans in a recently reported case study. While researchers were testing for improvements in hearing following a limited application of reflexology, they found activities in parts of the brain (see below) were enhanced for the infant receiving reflexology compared to infants who did not.

An infant was diagnosed with hearing impairment, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), at three months of age. Chinese researchers used fMRI brain scans to follow the progress of the infant who received 30 minutes of reflexology applied to both big toes, five days a week for 24 weeks. At the conclusion of the study the baby at nine months of age was tested to have normal hearing.

Such results raise the question: what would happen if foot reflexology was to be applied to the whole baby foot every day? A better start on life for the little one?

“Conclusion: This study demonstrated that foot reflexology benefits infants with SNHL. The activation of auditory areas and hubs of the language network, such as the middle temporal gyrus, thalamus, and frontal cortex, was enhanced by foot reflexology (in contrast to infants in a non-reflexology control group). In contrast, the activation of the occipital cortex was decreased. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report physiological evidence that foot reflexology affects infants with SNHL.” (https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-2710677/v1)

11/11/2024

What are the benefits of reflexology on brain health and function?

Reflexology has been found to have several benefits on brain health and function. Some of these include:

1. Stress Reduction: Reflexology helps to reduce stress and promotes relaxation, which can have a positive impact on brain health. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

2. Improved Blood Circulation: By applying pressure to specific points on the feet or hands, reflexology improves blood circulation throughout the body, including the brain. This increased blood flow can enhance brain function and improve cognitive abilities.

3. Enhanced Sleep Quality: Reflexology has been shown to improve sleep quality, which is essential for optimal brain health. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, reflexology can help regulate sleep patterns and ensure restful sleep.

4. Pain Relief: Reflexology can help alleviate headaches and migraines, which are often associated with brain health issues. By targeting specific reflex points, reflexology stimulates the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.

5. Mental Clarity and Focus: Reflexology can enhance mental clarity and focus by reducing mental fatigue and improving concentration. It helps to clear the mind, improve cognitive function, and increase alertness.

6. Emotional Wellbeing: Reflexology can have a positive impact on emotional wellbeing, which is closely linked to brain health. It helps to reduce anxiety, depression, and mood swings, promoting a sense of overall emotional balance.

05/07/2024

Starting this week! Mindful Movement for Chronic Pain: Wednesdays at 11am

05/03/2021

Yoga by the River is FREE for all experience levels and such a relaxing way to spend your Tuesday evening and Saturday mornings!
Come spend an hour finding a little zen in nature starting May 15.

04/28/2021

Looking for another way to take care of your body and yourself?

Every Body Yoga sangha begins this Saturday May 1st at Bailey Cove Farmers Market 9am-10 and runs through the summer...all ages, all abilities, all experience levels, all bodies. FREE