I am supposed to be so stressed ...

You see, I havent been for a foot reflexology for a long, long time. So having some time on my hands whilst waiting for the little one who was at piano class last week, I decided to venture into the mall next door to her music school, and walked into the foot reflex shop.

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body.

It is believed that reflexology can reduce stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium. Reflexology works as the pressure techniques applied to the feet or hands interact as a part of the body's nervous system creating: relaxation, improved circulation, exercise of the nervous system and the benefits of touch.

Reflexology assessment takes place as stress cues are evaluated. Stress cues show adaptation to stress in a part of the foot or hand or a reflex area that reflects stress in the body. Adaptation is shown by visual signs such as callousing, knobby toes or a bunion. Indications of stress are also seen as sensitivity to technique application or touch signs perceived by the reflexologist as technique is applied. The assessment of such stress cues allows the reflexologist to target areas of stress and to design a session of pressure technique application appropriate to provide relaxation specific to the individual.

(Source: www.reflexology-research.com)

As I used to get a foot massage on a fairly frequent basis previously, and had a package with the shop, the guy at the shop pulled out my card and said - : "Wow! You havent had a session for more than a year! "

Anyway, he then started on the foot massage. Before he was two minutes into it, I felt intense pain. Honestly, I dont remember it being so painful before so I mentioned it to the guy. He replied - that's your eyes. Your eyes are probably strained. Hmmm .. I thought to myself ... he is probably right. Been playing a bit too much computer games, and what with the ipad. I notice that it seems terribly bright, and I do feel the strain each time after I use it.

The next thing I knew, I felt intense pain again: this time he said it was my ears ... I guess from having to put up with the noise level at home, now that the kids are home more with the exams over.

Barely two minutes later, I again alerted him to the intense pain, and this time he said: it's your head, too many things on your mind and you are stressed! I felt like saying: What do you expect? With 3 kids at home and their different schedules to contend with, sometimes I dont even know if I am coming or going!!

The next time I felt pain he said: It's your back. You must suffer from backache right? Boy! was he right! After sitting for too long in front of the television or computer terminal or long periods of driving, I sometimes experience backache. And I blame it on my poor posture, it seems more comfortable slouching than sitting upright!

Next it was my liver, he attributed it to having had to much rich food. My, Oh my, my unhealthy diet is now catching up with me. He advised me to cut down on seafood especially shellfish/crustaceans ... my favourite. Which reminds me, I shouldn't have had the 2 giant chilli prawns (with all that roe in the head) for dinner just last night!

And he concluded that my blood circulation is weak.

You want to know the funny thing: I actually dont feel all that stressed. Especially with the exams over and the schools closed, I actually have a relatively more relaxed schedule. My stress level is probably brought about by all that he told me ...which has me now worrying about how come I am so stressed and not know it! Now that's REAL stress!!

I guess what I need is more full body massages to get the blood going in the whole body, not just a foot reflex, and that would sure soothe all those aches away!

Which reminds me I have to get off the computer right now, before I strain my eyes even more.