I am happy to announce that Reflosocks and Chrankets are now in stock at the magical

Dragonfly in Totton!

Go to http://www.dragonfly-totton.co.uk/home for more information.

Om Shanti

The Five Elements(that is wood, fire, earth, metal and water) are an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and defining your five element ‘type’ can  be a crucial part of maintain good health and eliminating ‘dis-ease’ or imbalance .Of course not everyone fits perfectly into any particular type, just as we don’t all fit our astrological profile exactly.

Here is some general information about the Wood element – see if you recognise any of the characteristics in yourself, or someone you know!!

 Wood Element

Associated season – Spring

Colour – Green

Taste – sour taste – wood personalities like sour foods such as gooseberries, unripe fruits, salad and green veg .Chicken, wheat , tomatoes, rhubarb, vinegar, pineapple and sprouts are all beneficial to wood element people .

Associated organs and emotional analogies: Liver (anger) and Gallbladder (bitterness)are all about planning, decision making, vision, and organising. The liver controls movement of fluids in the body so stagnation or imbalance can cause a person to become angry, unmotivated, frustrated, irritable, obstinate, unable to plan ahead, over assertive, and prone to rages .The gallbladder meridian when out of balance can lead to bitterness, depression and inability to make decisions.

Wood element people can have addictive personalities i.e . get hooked on alcohol, drugs etc.

Physical manifestations : The gallbladder meridian zigzags across the head so wood element people can be prone to migraine and headaches, neck tension, eye issues, digestive problems, skin complaints,knee issues, (in fact any ligament or tendon issues) .Women with gallbladder imbalances may be prone to heavy periods and fibroids ,and, more obviously, gallbladder problems!

The outlet for the liver and gallbladder is the eyes – do you know anyone with piercing yet watery eyes? In my experience a classic symptom of someone with a chip on their shoulder, bitterness issues, and a bad temper simmering just under the surface. Keep a subtle eye on their alcohol intake next time you go to the pub with them (!), they are likely to have a liver imbalance and can be prone to rage – you have been warned!   

Wind is the other element associated with the liver and gallbladder meridians  –‘ wood’ people don’t like the wind and can become ill if exposed to it ,(the gallbladder points on the neck are called the ‘windgates’)so wrap a scarf around your neck and keep out of drafts.    

We are very pleased to announce that G Baldwins are now stockists of Reflosocks;

G Baldwin and Co are purveyors of oils,beauty products, herbs,remedies and much more,and are based at 171/173 Walworth Road London, SE17  1RW.  

Reflotherapies will be at the Larmer Tree Festival this year ! Come and see us in row F at the Global Bazaar.

We have the best festival item in the world,the Shmangle,plus  Chrankets to keep you warm at night in your tent,and all sorts of other useful and fun things going on!

At last - I have finally managed to get the amazing Shmangle blanket onto Reflotherapies website!

The Shmangle is the ultimate accessory for the outdoor enthusiast - a cosy fleece blanket with a waterproof back and a hood.What more could you ask,except perhaps for a handy backpack to put it in? Well, guess what? The Shmangle folds into its' own backpack - sorted!

Shmangles come in boy and girl colours and even a plain blue in case you like your blankets to be sensible and quiet. 

Are you slumping over your desk again? Yes you! Are your feet hot and irritable, encased in office wear all day ? If you have tenderness in specific parts of your feet,they might be trying to tell you something. Reflexology works on the idea that your feet are a reflection of your body and all its’ organs and systems so if you have tender toes for example it could be that you are just starting a cold;If you have a headache quite often your big toes will be very tender-see below for an easy way to shake off that fuzzy head ! Have a look at the following foot reflexology excercises and give your feet a bit of TLC next time you have a break. Note – please warn your nearest colleagues before you unleash your feet in a crowded office!

toe squeezing!
A much neglected pastime in my opinion - get your toes one at a time,starting with the big toe,and give it a good squeeze all around the fleshy underside,and a pull and a wiggle.The toes all relate to the head and brain and you will probably find if you have a cold your toes will be VERY tender.If you have a headache your big toe might be sore along the inside-give it a good rub and feel yourself relaxing instantly. If you feel a bit embarrassed about exposing your feet, keep your socks on and push your toes into the floor, bending them forwards and back gently as you sit in your chair.

lung relaxer and cough remedy
Do this excercise if you have a persistent cough - make a fist and push it into the top third of your foot underneath( under your toes from the ball of the foot across). Push this part of the foot whilst gripping it with the other hand and let your toes curl around your fist - this will stretch the top of the foot and stimulate the circulation. Now run your fingers down the outside of your big toe to the dip between the toe and the ball of your foot - If you have a cough you should find lots of lumps under the skin here - give them a good rub and a push and this will help to shift your cough.
constipation remedy –
This is easily done on the hands - it is amazing how reflexology can help if you have constipation or a tummy upset. Get a pen or pencil and hold it horizontally between you palms, then roll it between the fleshy pads under the thumbs. This again might be 'lumpy' especially the left thumb pad if you are constipated.
Feeling hormonal?
Ladies , if your hormones are getting the better of you there are two things you can do to your feet to help balance the hormones and stop you having the urge to stab your neighbour with a stapler or eat excessive amounts of chocolate: a, massage all around your heels and under the ankles –theses areas all relate to the reproductive organs and hold a huge amount of tension at certain times of the month. b, refer to the big toe squeeze as the biggest toe holds the reflex point for the pituitary gland,the key to all our monthly misery!


Give your feet a bit of T.L.C. and you will feel better all over!
Samantha Fisher MICHT MDYTA

The new Reflosocks are now in stock so buy yours here ! Reflosocks are now available in three adult sizes :

medium - to fit shoe size 3-7

large - to fit shoe size 8-10

extra large - to fit shoe size 11-14  

If you have visited Reflotherapies recently and have been frustrated at not being able to order any Reflosocks,we are happy to announce that we are expecting our new stock between Christmas and New Year !

In February 2009 Reflotherapies conducted a trial in conjunction with Fibromyalgia U.K. on 48 fibromyalgia sufferers to find out if Reflosocks for back and neck pain would be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Testers were asked to wear Reflosocks as often as possible for approx. 6 weeks after which time a feedback form was sent to them .
56% of testers reported that Reflosocks were extremely helpful/very helpful/quite helpful in alleviating their condition.
54% of the study group were able to reduce the level of painkillers they were taking.
33% reported increased mobility
30 % reported an ease in joint pain
30 % reported improved circulation
44 % reported sleeping better
37% found that their energy levels seemed to improve.
The following are quotes from users :

" Not only do they take the pain away or lessen it,which is a benefit in itself,but if I am feeling tense (which makes the pain worse anyway)-they help me to relax and feel very mellow."

" they do seem to help and are most comfortable;I don't want to take them off."

"There is some pain relief in my back and shoulders - I can knit more now,which I enjoy."

"Thankyou so much for the socks .They have definitely made a difference."

" When walking with Reflosocks on I can feel pressure points picking up painful areas underfoot,which is most relaxing."

" Any easy way to try reflexoloy."

"They help - relief at last!"

"Its' a convenient and easy way to help oneself."

"they improved my mobility and circulation whilst at work."

Did you know that reflexology can work wonders for you when your bowel is a bit sluggish and you just can't go ?! Here's what you need to do :
Turn your palms towards you,particularly the LEFT palm, and have a good feel of the fleshy pad at the base of your left thumb .This area on your hand relates to the bowel and if you are constipated you might find that this area is lumpy or tender . Give it a good massage - a good tip is to roll a pencil or pen between your palms over the fleshy pads at the base of your thumbs - and see what happens! Make sure you drink plenty of water to help things along .
This is also safe for children as they will sit for ages on the toilet waiting for something to happen!