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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BPM

What is blood pressure?

Your heart pumps blood through your arteries and veins with a force. This force, which is the pumping action of your heart, is your blood pressure.

ii.

Each time your heart beat, the blood pressure in the arteries goes up, and each time your heart relaxes, it goes down. Hence, there is always an “upper” and “lower” pressure that can be measured.

How is blood pressure measured?

The measurement of the blood pressure is simple, quick and virtually painless. A properly sized cuff placed around the arm is filled with enough air to squeeze the artery. This temporarily stops the flow of blood. As the air is slowly released, the doctor or nurse listens with a stethoscope as the blood starts to rush through the artery.
This is commonly done with the use of a machine called a sphygmomanometer. When a doctor or a nurse takes your blood pressure, he or she considers 2 numbers.

ii.

Systolic Pressure
The highest number - this is the pressure exerted by the force of heart to push the blood to all parts of the body through circulation.

iii.

Diastolic Pressure
The lowest number - this is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is filling with blood between beats, produced by the force of the elastic wall of the arteries, pushing the blood to keep all tubes filled.

iv.

Normal blood pressure is given as:
Systolic pressure 120 mm Hg/Diastolic pressure 80 mm Hg

World Heath Organization (WHO) classifies blood pressure into four categories:

Hypertension	above 160mm Hg / 95mm Hg,
Borderline	between 140 –160mm Hg / 90 –95mm Hg
Normal	between 100 –140mm Hg / 60 – 90mm Hg
Hypotension	below 100mm Hg / 60mm Hg

What causes the Blood Pressure to rise?

Your blood pressure will rise if your:

	Blood volume is increased, for e.g., by excess salt in the diet, which retains more water in the blood.
	Blood vessels become hard and narrow, for example, by fatty deposits on the inner wall of the vessels
	Heart pumps too hard and too fast, for e.g., when you are excited or stress

What causes the Blood Pressure to fluctuate?

Blood pressure is not the same for everyone and it fluctuates all the time, even from moment to moment. As the autonomic nervous system controls the blood pressure, it changes the pressure constantly even though we are unaware of it.

ii.

Blood pressure goes up when you are under stress, excited, angry or even when smoking. It goes down when you are relaxed or asleep.

iii.

Your average blood pressure over a period of time is the key to an accurate evaluation.

What is low blood pressure/hypotension?

In general, we do not define low blood pressure by a number, as we do for high blood pressure; rather we rely on the presence of symptoms to show if there is a problem.
Fortunately, the complications for low blood pressure are not as severe as those for high blood pressure. The symptoms include:

Fatigue

Low blood pressure may lead to symptoms such as fatigue due to insufficient blood supply to the muscles

ii.

Dizzy

When our blood pressure gets to low, the brain receives insufficient blood supply, and can cause dizziness.

If this continues or becomes more severe, we can faint. This is more likely to occur when we stand up suddenly.

This can be a nuisance and can sometimes have serious consequences; for example, the elderly may fall and be injured.

Types of hypotension.

Postural Hypotension

Occurs when people stand or sit up too quickly. This is due to the decrease of the sodium level in the body, which will result in decreased blood volume. Blood supply to the brain is insufficient for a moment, thus causing dizziness.

ii.

Overmedication

Physician might sometimes prescribe a strong medication, which may not be suitable for the patient; or patient may unknowingly or accidentally use a high dose of the drug.

Although hyportension is not a disease the patient and physician must be aware of it when it become symptomatic.
Regular exercise is good for people who suffer from hypotension as it increases the number of blood capillaries in the muscles, and the volume of the blood pumped out of the heart.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or Hypertension is a condition when blood pressure goes up and stays up, even at rest. It is known as silent killer, and the first major symptom may be death.

What causes high blood pressure?

For 90% of people suffering from high blood pressure the cause is unknown. The remaining 10% may due to the following:

Age factor

Among people 40 years of age and older, at least 50% had hypertension.

ii.

Heredity - A family history of high blood pressure

If either of your parents have high blood pressure, there is a high risk of you developing it too

iii.

Salt sensitivity factor

About half of those with hypertension are salt-sensitive. Their blood pressure rises when they consume excessive amount of sodium (salt) and drops when they reduce their salt intake.

Salt or sodium draws water into the blood, increasing its volume. This is a common cause of hypertension in many people.

iv.

Obesity factor

Those who are 15% - 20% or more above their ideal body weight are at higher risk for hypertension.

Excess fat-like substances get deposited in the arteries, making them hard and narrow.

Your heart has to pump harder to bring blood to your body.

Alcohol factor

Excessive alcohol consumption may be the key factor in causing the condition in 10% of men and 1% of women.

vi.

Stress factor

When we experience stress such as the pressure produced by fear, anger or anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system automatically increases its production of various secretions, including the hormone adrenaline from the adrenal gland, which raises the blood pressure.

People who overreact to events in daily life may develop hypertension in time.

vii.

Lack of exercise

The more physically fit you are, the less likely you are to suffer from hypertension. Lack of exercise is the most common factor for developing high blood pressure.

viii.

High cholesterol

This leads to hardening of the arteries

ix.

Smoking

‘Nicotine’ found in cigarette increase blood pressure and speeds up arteriosclerosis

How will high blood pressure affect you?

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension itself is not a disease, but it can lead to an increased risk of developing

Heart Attack	Atherosclerosis
Kidney Failure	As an increase in the volume of water level in the body causes kidney malfunction.
Stroke	Occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off & the brain cells in the part cannot function. Stroke may sometimes leads to Blindness.

Common Questions from Customers

When is the best time to measure my blood pressure?

It is not necessary to take your reading in the morning as different people may reacts differently to the time and temperature change during a typical day. Rather, it is best to measure your BP after you are at rest for at least 20-30 minutes, before food.

Nevertheless, it is important to measure and record your blood pressure everyday. At the same time, you can know the tendency of the constantly changing blood pressure. If taking measurements only once or twice each day keep to the same times for easier comparison.

Why blood pressure measurement must be taken on the right arm?

It is not necessary for measurement to be taken only on the right arm as it depends on the designed of the cuff. Thus, as most mercury sphygmomanometer cuff use in hospital or clinic is designed for the right arm, therefore, most people will perceive it as measurement must be taken on the right arm.

Is there any difference between arm and wrist measurement?

Yes. As the measurement position and the thickness of blood vessels are different between the arm and the wrist, the difference for a healthy person will be within +/-10mm Hg for systolic and diastolic reading.

Nevertheless, for people with diabetes, liver disease, hardened arteries and circulation disorder, there may be a difference of +/-20mm Hg between the values measured at the wrist and the arm.

Why should I check my blood pressure at home if I have to visit my doctor once a month?

The main purpose of home monitoring is to enable your physician to get a more accurate overall picture of your blood pressure situation; average blood pressure is the key to an accurate evaluation.

You can help your physician to gather important information when you monitor your pressure at home, such as how your blood pressure responds in variety of daily circumstances, and also to identify the peaks and rise of your blood pressure.

Home monitoring program is also useful to patients whose BP may be affected due to ‘White coat hypertension’. Furthermore, for patients on medication, it helps the doctor to observe the patient’s daily or even hourly reaction to different medication or dosages.

Why is there a difference when BP is checked in hospital and at home?

Many people experience large short-term jumps in BP up to 30 – 40mm Hg due to occupational or personal stress in a typical day. The BP of some patients rises much higher due to ‘white-coat hypertension’ – the tendency of BP to rise when a patient is examined by doctors or medical setting.

Is systolic reading less important than diastolic reading?

Systolic reading usually varies a lot during a day as it depends on how forcefully your heart is functioning to the intensity of activities and stress level. Therefore, physicians usually focus on the patient’s diastolic reading as it usually reflects their true blood pressure status

Is there any different between manual and auto measurement? Will it affect the reading?

Theoretically no, but practically yes. When you are personally applying pressure to the manual device to inflate the cuff, it will inevitably cause your blood pressure to fluctuate. Unless someone is able to inflate the air pressure for you, it is advisable to choose an automatic type of measuring device.

Why are there differences in the reading every time I take my measurement?

Your true blood pressure is not a constant set of figures that a doctor can determine with one measurement only. Rather, blood pressure reading may vary from hour to hour – or even within a matter of minutes.

Blood pressure is adjusted and controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), it is fluctuating over the course of the day even though you are not aware of it. An average reading is the key to an accurate evaluation.

What are the consequences of suffering from high blood pressure?

Hypertension itself is not a disease, but it can leads to an increased risk of developing heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and blindness.

FOOT MASSAGERS

Introduction To Reflexology

Reflexology is believed to have originated in China 2,000 years ago, although there are some that it's origin is in Egypt or India. However, charts and studies on reflexology are only found in Chinese materials.

What are reflex-zones?
How does the reflex zone work?
Why is blood circulation so important?
Disturbances of the reflex zones
How do you work on the reflex-zones?
Where do you begin with the message?
How long would a massage last each day?

What are flex-zones?

Reflex-zones are nerve-points, each of which is in communication with other, distant parts of the body. They are found through out the body. Most of the reflex-zones are found in the feet. This is with good reason because no other part of the body is so atrophied and neglected as our feet. Nature intended that man should go barefoot over rough ground, sticks and stones, and it was this way that the reflex zones were looked after. Our environment changed. The area our feet have to work on is now no longer rough and uneven, but has becomes smooth, rolled flat, and asphalt over. Added to that change, we wear the wrong shoes. Through year long close confinement in this prison, the blood-circulation is choked and cut off. The result is cold feet, and, what is much worse, badly circulated reflex zones which can no longer carry out their duties properly.

How does the reflex zone work?

Through massage of the reflex zone, we get a better circulation of both the zone and the organ related to it. How and why it works hasn't been explained scientifically yet, but it's easy to demonstrate that it does work. For example, massage the middle toe of one foot or the other and you'll soon find that the middle finger (its reflex zone is the middle toe) is suddenly the warmest (i.e.. The best circulated) finger of the hand.

Why is blood circulation so important?

The circulation is vital to every organ, since it is the medium for the transport of:
nutrients (anabolic substances), oxygen, hormones, antibodies, and wastes (catabolic substances) Look at it this way: Whatever the disturbance or injury to the organism (whether organs or musculature) it can only be completely cured through the circulation.
That's to say, the better the blood circulation, the quicker the healing process. Experience shows clearly that, when circulation is poor, healing often takes a long, long time.

Disturbances of the reflex zones

If you press a reflex zones, you often detect more or less hard areas: these are the so-called 'deposits' we'll be mentioning throughout this text - formation of uric acid (uric acid crystals) and other sedimentary materials.

How do these deposits begin?

They form exclusively at spots where the blood circulation is somehow disturbed. As in a
fast running stream no sediment is left, so in good blood circulation no sediment
is left in blood vessels and connective tissue. But if the stream is not adequately supplied
with water, it hasn't the strength to carry away the rubbish - so it's left there. Poor blood
circulation behaves the same way, leaving sediment behind to build up deposits. The
larger or smaller deposits, then the more or less the corresponding organs will be
disturbed by lack of circulation. There is, of course, a correlating effect between the
organ and the reflex zone, since they are mutually dependent.

What is usually disturbed first? Reflex zone or organ?

Both are possible. Let's take an accident, as an example. Here, the organ was first affected and, not ten minutes later, the reflex zone, informed of the disturbance, suddenly reacted to pressure with pain. Often, however, the opposite is the case. First the reflex zone is disturbed (shoes), resulting in negative effect on the working efficiency of the organ. Now it can quite easily happen that you are probing around for someone's reflex zones and find hardly a point which does not react sensitively. Don't think the person is deathly ill, it's only that his system is not working at full efficiency. In the reflex zones even the smallest disturbance is recorded. But since very large disturbance must begin as a small one, it is of the greatest importance to take preventive action now, not to wait until something really serious comes along. Today, people talk a lot about prophylactic. It means prevention - and it's hard to find a more profitable method of prevention than reflexology! It can also be that someone will, astonishingly, not react in the reflex-zone even though it's know that the corresponding organ is weak. If you disregard the possibility of a wrong diagnosis, then there's only one explanation: The foot is calloused. First these deposits must be cleared away and then the point will suddenly react powerfully.

How do you work on the reflex-zones?

Anyone - from baby to graybeard - can be massaged. These are two basic ways:

Manual massage
Step-massage

Let's take a little closer at the two.

Manual massage

First requirement for a good massage is that masseur and subject be sitting comfortably and as relaxed as possible.

Massage-position for all reflex-zones in the sole of the foot. The foot of the person being massaged should be laid on the masseur's knee, so that the latter has the sole free and open before him. Massage-position for the reflexes in the region of the toes and metatarsal bone. The subject bends his leg, place the foot flat on the masseur's knee.

Massage of the reflexes on the heels, around the ankles and the bones round about. The subject turns himself to one side and the masseur holds, depending on the reflex-
point being massaged, the inner or outer side of the foot.

Now the person is sitting before us in the correct position and we can start the massage.
Whether with the top joint of the thumb or a knuckle makes no difference- but please, short, well-trimmed nails! What is important is that you use enough cream. The cheapest cream is good enough, just as long as you get the desired 'gliding' effect. Use, depending on the point you're massaging, a circular or up-and-down action. Do I hear you saying already: Shouldn't massage always go towards the heart?' That holds good for larger areas like, for example, the reflex-zone of the sciatic nerve. There, pressure is strong towards the heart, is only a glide away from it. The principle here is that the massage stimulates the lymph-flow. If downward pressure is used, it will act like a brake and that is to be avoided - since many people, in any case have a weak lymphatic circulation. How strong should the massage pressure be? Begin gently, strengthen the pressure slowly. You'll soon establish the tolerance level, as you work facing and observing your subject.

Step-massage

In place of the laboriousness and fatigue of manual massage, we can take other steps
with the feet. From the day of creation, it was ordained we should tread barefoot over rough ground, sticks and stones. That way the foot automatically received reflex-zones massage. You should do the same thing today. Unfortunately, there are barriers to this natural way. Bad weather, snow and cold force us to settle for another method. For this reason, the PRO REFLEXOLOGIST was constructed. It comes with rotating knuckles protrusions to provide you with a more defective and penetrating massage. The ability to vary the speed and width of massage meant that you can customized a massage that will best meet your requirements. There are no gaps between the knuckles and these are shaped according to the structures of the human hands and feet, so that a better fit can e achieved and thereby a closer massage of the reflex zones. The positioning of the knuckles in rows provides rhythmic stimulation while the pre-programmed sequences provide more thorough and healing massages.

Where do we begin with the massage?

Reflexology should not only be a treatment of symptoms but also eliminate the disturbances at there roots. So we should always be interested in the original cause, and it's be show that, in the human body, never just one organ is weak. Since a disturbance in one will cause one in another, further away. Therefore, we should take care that the body as a whole is working at full efficiency. When the case is front of you is not an urgent one - like heart failure, for example, a migraine-attack or an injury (where the corresponding zone is always to be massage immediately) you always begin with:
Kidneys, ureters and bladder,
In order that the toxic substances (uric acids) that will be dissolved by the full massage will also be eliminated from the system and won't just encumber the circulation. At the beginning, this is the part of the system on which you should spend most time.

The head - the central control of all organs
Gastrointestinal tract (the gut), liver and pancreas. Decontaminating and metabolizing organs. On their functioning depends whether building stuffs (anabolic substances) are always ready for each organ.

The lymph-points,
whereby the breaking down of waste matter is ensured and sufficient antibodies are always available.

How long should a massage last each day?

Every reflex point can be massaged without harm for five minutes. In cases of acute disorder, this time can double or tripled without risk. Caution is necessary only in the liver and spinal column reflex zones. The liver reflex zone may be massaged for more than five minutes only if the kidneys are functioning efficiently enough. Otherwise, a lot of toxic substances are released, come into the circulatory system but are not washed away. That's something we want to avoid. The reflex zone of the spine should not be massaged for too long, since a heightened blood flow can caused a temporary
reaction. If you want to build up your system generally, we recommend you spend half an hour each day on reflexology.

Possible reactions
Through intensive stimulation, it can be but doesn't have to be - that an organ produces a temporary reaction. Most vanish in a short time. It's important in case like this not to get worried and give up, but to continue with the massage. The following are possible temporary reactions:

i.	Swollen ankles, especially with people who have lymph blockages
ii.	Varicose veins that suddenly stand out more strongly. These veins now carrying more blood and so become more visible.
iii.	Open wounds in the legs. Where legs have a very bad circulation and have a consistent tendency to open places. This reaction is thoroughly positive: It means that since the poisons can't be destroyed internally, they are leaving the body this way externally.
iv.	Attack of fever. Caused by massage of the lymph - glands, but always and only when there is an infection latent in the body.
v.	Increased pains in an organ.
vi.	Bruises, when the calcium content is wrong.

What is foot refleoxology?

Reflexology is one of the oldest known methods of natural healing (also known as an ancient art of healing). Evidence shows that Egyptian, Chinese and Indian cultures have practiced reflexology for over 4000 years.

Reflexology is a therapy, which deals with the principal that there are reflex areas in the feet, and hands, which correspond to all of the glands, organs, and parts of the body. By stimulating these reflexes, it helps to release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. It also helps to ease away tension and improve circulation.

Reflexology is a simple yet effective system of foot (and hand) massage. It can be used to restore and main the body’s natural balances and encourages healing.

Reflexology zones.

The science of reflexology used today, was founded by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American ear nose and throat surgeon. He noticed that the pressure on specific areas of the body produced an anaesthetizing effect (pain relief) on the related area. Developing his theory, he divided the body into 10 equal zones, which ended in the feet and hands.

He found that there was an energy link between all parts of the body falling within a particular zone, and that by applying pressure to one area, pain could be reduced in other areas within that zone.

In 1930’s, a massage therapist, Eunice Ingham, refined Dr. Fitzgerald’s zones and developed what is now known as ‘Reflexology’. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot, mirrored congestion or tension in a related part of the body.

There are various systems of energy flow that can be tapped into. Acupuncture uses a system of meridians, or lines along which the energy is channeled. Reflexology is based on a rather different system whereby the body is divided into zones as described.

Where there is a blockage in the flow of this energy (also known as ‘qi’), then sooner or later some discomfort is experienced. When the blockage is released, energy can flow freely and the body’s natural tendency to heal itself and recover its balance can operate.

How does reflexology work?

When certain points on the feet are pressed, the electrochemical nerve impulse at the nerve ending travels to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to various parts of the body. Stimulating these nerve endings thereby promotes relaxation, improves circulation, stimulates vital organs in the body and encourages the body’s natural healing processes.

Why the feet?

The hand, as well, contains all the same reflexes as the feet, but these are not as easily identified, mainly because the hands are smaller and the precise points are harder to find accurately.

Nevertheless, the feet are a prime target of crystal deposit congestion. Sometimes, lactic acid can be felt in the foot in the form of little crystals. This is sediment due to poor eating or lack of exercise. Feet are also usually restricted in shoes preventing natural movement and air supply of the foot, thus nerve and blood supply to the feet is slowed down.

The feet are also the end point of the circulation & blood has to circulate back up against the force of the gravity. Congestion will impede this function & toxins will tend to stagnate in the feet. Therefore treatment on the feet is more effective than treatment on the hands.

The effect and health benefits of foot reflexology

Reflexology treats the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease. It is suitable for acute and chronic conditions and as a preventative therapy. It is a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonizing the body.

Foot reflexology assists in the enhancement of blood circulation and it increases the elimination rate of toxic substances.

By stimulating the nerve point we are indirectly massaging the internal organs to correct any internal disorder.

Why is healthy circulation so important?

The circulation is vital to every organ, since it is the medium for the transport of:

Nutrients (anabolic substances)

Oxygen

Hormones

Antidotes

Waste (catabolic substances)

The better the blood circulation, the quicker the healing process. Experience shows clearly that, when circulation is poor, healing often takes a longer time.

Easing pain by foot reflexology.

The body produces its own painkillers, known as ‘endorphins’. These are produced by the pituitary gland. Stimulating the reflex point of the pituitary gland helps the body to release endorphins to reduce pain.

In addition, the pressure applied during reflexology also acts to interfere with the pain signal being transmitted to the brain, forcing the body to close the ‘pain gates’. This interrupts the pain cycle; eases pain and help the body to relax.

Must foot reflexology be painful to be effective?

When performing reflexology, it is not necessary to apply strong pressure to make you feel pain as to be effective. Pain will not be encountered especially when one is in good health, with cleared energy pathways and healthy organs. However pain or discomfort may occur when:

Body systems are under stress

There is a possible organ or system disorder

There is some blockage or congestion of an energy pathway

There are lactic acid / crystal deposit accumulated in the feet

Who will benefit from foot reflexology?

Reflexology can benefit people of all ages. Anyone in good health can benefit because reflexology works as preventive therapy, and is deeply relaxing. It can also be benefical for:

Working adults under stress (mentally or physically)

The elderly with poor blood circulation, stiff joints and other typical age-related problems

Children, who can improve their health, build a strong immune system and boost their resistance to illness

General Health and Medical Knowledge related to Foot Reflexology

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that causes swelling. It is a common cause of pain and disability. 40% of people over the age of 65 suffer from arthritis. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to stop arthritis, but there are a number of treatments available that will help to ease the pain and slow down the progress of the diseases, or even delay the onset.

Types of arthritis

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common form of arthritis, with 1 in 10 people suffering as they get older. The knees, hips and spine are usually the first areas of the body to be affected. As the disease gets worse, it will become increasingly difficult to move the joints - initially due to pain, but later because the joints will become swollen and misshapen.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is the most severe form of arthritis and will affect one person in every hundred. It occurs when the membrane, which lines the joints, becomes thick and swollen. Unlike osteoarthritis, this affects the fingers and toes first. The onset is often slow and many joints, particularly the arms, feet, wrists and hands, will become stiff, painful and swollen, inhibiting movement. This is not a disease of old age, unlike Osteoarthritis, which primarily affects the elderly.

What is rheumatism?

Rheumatism is the common term for any disorder of the muscle and joints, which causes aches and pains. The term is often used to describe quite minor aches and pains as well as more serious disorders, properly known as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

What is gout?

Gout is the malfunction of the metabolism, which results in arthritis, initially in one of the body’s main joint, usually the big toe.

Gout is caused by uric acid crystallizing out the blood supply, as a result of eating certain high-purine foods (such as organ meats or certain oily fish); or as a result of sufferer getting hot and sweating. The crystals of uric acid form in the parts of the body with the worst blood supply, which includes the joints, causing very painful arthritis.

How reflexology helps in arthritis, rheumatism and gout?

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all cells, and removes waste products and toxins such as uric acid. The body’s own healing power is activated by reflexology massage. This resulting “Healing Crisis” cleanses the body, expelling excess toxins and regulating future intake and expulsion of toxins, improving blood circulation. Drinking water, preferably warm, boiled water, after foot reflexology treatment, will assist in rapidly flushing the toxins from the systems.

In addition, reflexology helps to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Stimulating the reflex point of the pituitary gland produces these. Nevertheless, the pressure applied during reflexology also acts to confuse the body with different sensations to response to, forcing the body to close the ‘pain gates’. This interrupts the pain cycle; eases pain and help the body to relax.

Common Questions and Answers

Must strong pressure be exerted during foot reflexology treatment?

Reflexology does not require strong pressure, nor does it need to be painful in order to be effective. It should be comfortable and relaxing because to distress a ‘stressed’ body will further inhibit the free flow of vital energy, resulting in a slower healing process.

How long a massage is required in a day?

A session of 15-20 minutes, not more than twice a day is recommended for a healthy person. However, for users with kidney problems, diabetes or for pregnant women, it should be done only once a day for about 10 minutes per session.

What is diabetes mellitus? How does reflexology help?

Deficiency or total lack of insulin production by the pancreas causes diabetes mellitus. The result is a low absorption of glucose by the cells and the liver and a high level of glucose in the blood. The clues are frequent urination, frequent thirst, a feeling of tiredness and leg cramps etc. If a person is taking insulin for this condition, it is important that they measure their blood sugar regularly when receiving foot reflexology.

Areas of stimulation are: Pancreas, pituitary gland, eyes, adrenal glands and kidneys.

How reflexology helps in hypertension?

Hypertension caused by stress can be helped by stimulating reflex points such as the heart, kidneys, adrenal gland and thyroid gland as it helps in reducing stress and induces deep relaxation.

Which reflexology technique is better – hand or machine?

Performing reflexology using hands by a professional, trained and well experience reflexologist is obviously more beneficial, as they are able to locate the tender area or reflexes, using adequate strength to massage individual reflex points.

The advantages of a machine are such that it is available any time of the day, and can be shared by all family members. Improvements in technology have bought some reflexology machines very close to imitating a hands-on reflexology session.

Is foot reflexology safe during pregnancy?

Gentle massage on the feet and reflexology can be very beneficial if you are pregnant. On the physical level, any aches and pain can be greatly relieved, as it can alleviate conditions such as water retention and nausea. On the deeper level, the massage will help you, and of course the baby, to feel nurtured and supported. In fact regular treatment during pregnancy can very much improve the quality of both the pregnancy and the birth. Care should be taken however to keep the sessions shorter and less frequent.

HANDY MASSAGER

Common Questions and Answers

What are the benefits of using the massager?

Massage is an effective stress reliever, both mentally and physically, as it reduces fatigue and rejuvenates the body. It also helps in improving blood circulation and prevents build-up of lactic acid, which causes painful muscles.

How long can I use the machine?

Massage is just like doing exercise; too much exercise can also overstress the body, causing muscle spasms. Massage not more than 30 minutes on any spot continuously.

Are there any side effects?

Basically there will not be any side effect on massaging, however there may be some possible reaction should one “over massage”. Massaging continuously on a single spot for too long may cause muscle spasms.

Also take note not to use too much strength on the site of injuries while massaging to relieve pain, as this will hinder the recovery of the muscle tissues.

Why are there different speeds? How do I make the right choice?

The speed selection provides a wider choice for individual need. To enhance the flow of blood circulation, one could choose a higher speed, as it will be more effective in preventing the build up of lactic acid. For relief of pain or muscle cramp, start with a gentle speed.

Why is the massager so heavy?

The machine is specially made to have a strong weight so one need not use too much strength in pressing the massager on the muscle area in order to get the desired effect. This also makes it more durable and stable.

How can I massage my back and shoulder without help?

The machine is specially designed with a broad, flat base so you can place the massager on a chair or lie against it when massaging the back or the shoulder area. You could also place it on the floor to have a foot massage.

Why do I feel itchiness after the massage?

This means that the massage has been effective in improving your blood circulation. If your blood circulation is usually slow, the massage can cause a sudden increase in flow, causing the itchiness.

This is because the small vessels are unable to support the sudden increase in circulation hence you feel itchy, the sensation you feel when the circulation is rushing through the small vessel that is yet to expand to cater to the extra flow of blood circulation.

The natural response to the itch is to scratch the skin causing friction, creating the skin surface to warm up and expand the blood vessels.

GLOSSARY

Aerobic	Describes organisms or metabolic activities that require oxygen. Also refers to any kind of exercise which makes the heart beat faster.
Aorta	The principal artery in the body; which carries blood from the heart to other major arteries.
Artery	A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
Autonomic Nervous System	The sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the nervous system, which work “automatically”, without conscious control.
Blood Cells	Various types of cells within the blood. Red cells are chiefly concerned with carrying oxygen, platelets, small clear cells, are important factors in blood clotting; and finally a variety of white cells, all of which help to combat infection.
Brainstem	The bottom section of the brain that joints onto the spinal cord. It controls many body functions automatically.
Capillaries	The smallest blood vessels.
Carbohydrate	One of the three main types of substances that make up food. The others are protein and fat.
Cardiac Muscle	The involuntary muscle of which the heart is composed.
Cardiovascular System	The general term for the circulatory system, the arteries and veins that carry blood to & from the heart, and including the heart itself.
Cholesterol	Fat-like substance essential to the structure and metabolism of cells