Yay it’s May! A new month means another calming technique to try. But first, I need to relay that April’s Quest for Calm resulted in the sweet smell of success! I immersed myself in art of aromatherapy. While I planned to diffuse scents of lavender, clary sage, and geranium three times a week for 30 minutes at a time, I ended up inhaling these aromas just about every day. Because the plug-in diffuser was so easy to use, I found myself just flicking the switch on when I entered my craft room. Within minutes I was enveloped in peacefulness. Changing the scent only required me to dab a few drops of essential oil onto a cotton pad that was simple to insert and remove. Another plus!
While each scent I used is known for its quieting properties, I favored two of the three. Lavender with its sweet dry floral aroma did put me in a relaxed state of mind. The Geranium essential oil smelled of roses which I love, so this scent cheered me more than calmed me. And Clary Sage had a bitter-sweet aroma that didn’t appeal to me. Still, it did ease my restlessness. The “Home Harmony” kit I purchased through Mountain Rose Herbs also included Sweet Orange and Ylang Ylang essential oils, both are thought to support a positive mood, so I will give them a sniff, too. Ease is everything, so I will continue to employ aromatherapy anytime I need a shift or boost in my mood. And because the diffuser can be plugged in anywhere, I can also use it any room of our house or even when on the road. Bonus!
Now for this month’s practice. At the start of May, I chose a technique that focuses on another of our five senses. This one is essential for our survival and development. We experience it when pressure and vibrations are transferred by receptors in our skin. It is very powerful, causing our brains to release feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. It is of course, our sense of touch! Because touch calms our nervous system, slows our heartbeat, and lowers blood pressure, I am trying my hand at reflexology.
From my journal: November 10, 2021, Newbury Park, California
“Facial was good yesterday…relaxing…amazing how massage can make us feel and look better.”
The ancient art of reflexology involves applying pressure to and massaging specific parts of feet, hands, and ears. It is believed that the nerves in these areas correspond to other parts of our bodies. For example, massaging the tops of our thumbs can relieve headaches. While reflexology can be learned and practiced at home, guidance is needed to identify reflex points. For this reason, consulting a reflexologist, reading books, and using charts can be helpful. To make this simpler for me, I have decided to concentrate my practice on my feet only. And in doing so, I bought a set of reflexology socks with a massage tool. This way I’ll be able to pinpoint the exact spots on my feet that I’ll need to work. The cost? A small investment of $10.
My goal this month is to set aside 20 minutes, three times a week to activate my reflex points. As suggested in articles on this healing technique, I will get in a comfortable position, wear my socks, and then check in with myself. Is there tension in any part of my body? Head? Chest? Stomach? If so, I will use the massage tool and rub it gently into the designated area to relieve tightness or pain. If I simply want to relax, I will do an overall massage of four main areas. First, I’ll apply pressure to the backs of my toes to alleviate any tension in my head and neck. Second, I’ll press the balls of my feet to open up my breathing. Third, I’ll rub the instep of each foot to help any nervousness in my stomach. And fourth, I’ll massage the outer edges of each foot to loosen up any stiff muscles.
And as in past months, I’ll document my discoveries and will share them with you. Is there nothing more healing and soothing than the human touch? The answer lies in my waiting hands.
A Journal Journey 