Nadia Marks tries facial reflexology for Psychologies magazine.
The invitation to go to Cornwall, to the beautiful Tresanton Hotel in St Mawes to experience their four day ‘revive’ programme was the best I’d had all year and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The neck ache and tense shoulders I’d been experiencing for longer than I cared to remember, due to sitting in front of a computer all day, was getting the worse of me. Four days of healthy food, exercise and treatments under the observation of Dr Mariano Spiezia, medical herbalist and homeopath turned out to be just what I needed.
My first treatment will be facial reflexology, designed to stimulate my facial muscles and nerves, aid blood flow and hopefully alleviate some of my tension.
Like foot reflexology, the face treatment works on the principle that different areas of the face connect to different areas of the body, such as the liver, kidneys or lungs, and by stimulating the various nerve points, or meridians, you can improve energy imbalances and general health. Where they differ, is that facial reflexology works directly on the neurological systems accessing the brain and the central nervous systems. ‘By achieving deep relaxation during the treatment, the parasympathetic system is activated, which helps to repair, restore and rebalance the body and its natural energy functions,’ explains my therapist, Graham.
A blend of aromas fill the room; coconut and ginger to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, rose hip and wild rose to revitalize and rejuvenate it. For maximum effect Graham will use a combination of products from both the ‘Inlight’ range created by Dr Spiezia, and the ‘Lone Sornsen’ range, inventor of facial reflexology. I take a deep breath, sink into the couch and close my eyes. The next time I open them, I’m informed that forty five minutes has lapsed. ‘You went into a state of deep relaxation,’ he says. ‘Perhaps the deepest I have ever come across!’ I feel a little regret that I have missed the entire process, but apparently it is precisely during this state of deep relaxation (or sleep) that the benefits of this particular treatment occur.
Once awake, I feel incredibly refreshed and alert and when Graham hands me a mirror, my face looks a lot brighter than when I first came into the room. After four days of reflexology, walks along the glorious Cornish coastline and healthy eating, it wasn’t surprising that I went home a new woman. A simple tip, of holding my stomach and pelvic floor on a count of five repeated three times, given to me by Nikki the exercise teacher seemed to miraculously ease my chronic lower back pain. I have now added it to my daily routine and it continues to be beneficial. The facial reflexology eased my neck and shoulder ache and added vigor to my winter skin but I’m sure that the combination of activities and treatments for almost a week culminated in giving me a general feeling of well being.
Try this at home:
Facial reflexology was developed over a period of thirty years by holistic therapist, Lone Sorenson, combining practises from South America, China and Vietnam. To learn more about her work and details of therapists near you, visit www.reflexologiafacial.es
Read: Facial Reflexology (B Jain Publishers) by Lone Sorenson
Facial Reflexology: A Self-Care Manual (Healing Arts Press) by Marie-France Muller, PhD
Nadia Marks stayed at Tresanton Hotel, Cornwall. From xx per night. The four day Revive programme costs from XX and runs all year round. www.tresanton.com
My Favourite products
Organic Face Cleanser: ((inlight range)
The antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of this cleanser leave the skin beautifully clean whilst the shea butter, evening primrose oil and jojoba oil, rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids nourish and help promote skin elasticity. It contains green tea, ginger, lavender and rosemary which also tone and stimulate cell regeneration.
Organic Line Softener: ((inlight range)
A balm that has been formulated to reducing the appearance of lines also good for scar tissue, pronounced stretch marks and darkened patches from sun damage. It contains shea butter and macadamia oil which are antioxidants evening primrose and sunflower oil for regeneration, and Jojoba oil for elasticity. It also contains Carrot oil, rich in beta-carotene, helps with eliminating wrinkles.
“Inca Earth” The Rosa Mosqueta Oil: (Lone Sornsen range)
100% Pure Rose Hip oil with a touch of essence of Wild Rose. Rose Hip oil revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin. It has wonderful anti-ageing qualities and keeps your face looking young and fresh, it also provides excellent protection against sun damage.
All available on line
www.lonesorensen.com
www.inlight-online.co.uk
©Nadia Marks 2010