Cindy Kunath-Brock

Archive for the ‘Reflexology’ Category

It was like any other summer day as it had been for the previous 44 years.  But, in the matter of a few days, things made an abrupt turn and a new journey had unfolded.

Sound like the beginning of a mystery novel?  Well, it should be.  As someone who is suddenly diagnosed with not one, but two, chronic and life altering illnesses, every minute of every day is faced with the unknown.

Fibromyalgia is an illness with symptoms ranging from bothersome to total disabling.  And, it also includes a host of treatments.  As a newly diagnosed patient, a plethora of medications will be offered–seeming to be the solution.  Yet, as too often is the case, the treatment can be as bad (or worse) than the illness itself.

Two factors play into Fibromyalgia: stress (too much) and sleep (too little).  Too much stress grinds away at your body and can bring you to the brink of non-functionality for a day, a week, a year, or a lifetime.  That coupled with the endless nights of too little sleep manifests into no quality of life.  So, you take all the prescriptions you’re given, accept what is, and just live with it, right?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Settling is never an option when you’re chronically ill.  At some point during your illness, something from deep in your heart and soul stands up and says, “try anything to make yourself better.”  You begin to change your mindset to view any challenges presented–whether it’s finding a practitioner, or paying for treatment-as “growth opportunities” (as it’s so fondly called by a wonderful friend).

The best key for your journey is the Internet.  It empowers anyway, even those disabled by illness, to start taking responsibility for their own well-being.  You do some searching until a door opens (or a web page appears) that catches your eye, and feel that glimmer of hope begin to unfold.  Such was what happened to me.

While looking for a yoga class for people affected by fibromyalgia (and I found none I might add), I discovered a link to Roz Zollinger’s web site for The Heal Center in Atlanta.  I read about what she does, and sent her off an email, explaining my plight.  (I am certain to this day that she felt my suffering though this first email.  That’s no surprise because alternative medicine practitioners can do this.  In some sense, I think we all can do this…but simply don’t know how.)

Reflexology and Aromatherapy balance the body systems so that they do their best work, while simultaneously soothing the mind and soul.  Together, they bring results from the core of your being to your surface self.

Reflexology was not a foreign concept, having tried it a few years early for a problem with swelling my feet.  However, this encounter had all the earmarks of being different. 

The approach was quite surprising: using aromatherapy-or essential oils-as part of her reflexology treatment (something I had not had anyone do previously). Typical beliefs about aromatherapy are that it is simply fragrance put into candles to make them smell good.  This is the misconception of the century.  Aromatherapy is a powerful and amazing treatment option that is both fascinating and different. 

After my first visit, an array of sensations was unveiled: calmness, a sense of peace, hopefulness, optimism, and – most importantly – reduction in the level of pain.  Each weekly visit is filled with anticipation, knowing that a single hour delivered benefits that equated to more hours, days, and weeks of feeling better.

Having sought out reflexology as a solution for pain, it was quite a surprise to discover that aromatherapy solved issues related to both stress and sleep. Now, without standing on a mountaintop and screaming about the results (since that would be just too over the top), the first night using an AmomaBlend™ essential oil yielded the best night of sleep in five years!  In a matter of less than a week, sleeping became a welcome event, while stress a distant enemy.  Emerging was a person no longer lost among a rough road of pain and uncertainty. 

For those experiencing chronic illness, medication should be viewed as only one fork in the road of options.  Reflexology, aromatherapy, massage, and other alternative means should be investigated as well. 

Do whatever you can to understand the power of your own body.  Realize that it seeks out and craves what the Universe offers.  Recognize any growth opportunities offered through non-traditional approached such as reflexology and aromatherapy.  Reaffirm your value to this world by going the extra mile, and take whatever steps necessary to life your life to the fullest.