Hospitals and health providers across the world record the maximum rise in cases of upper respiratory tract infections in both children and adults between the months of January and April. The shifting of weather from winter to spring (and from summer to autumn in the southern hemisphere countries) makes the environment conducive for viruses, bacteria, spores and pollens (which inflict allergic reactions including throat conditions in people) to grow and disperse in the air. And though the micro-organisms also bring about a spate of other conditions like stomach flu and secondary infections, the number of cases with sore throat outweigh any other contagion.
The best home support-remedies include frequent saline gargles, keeping warm, and drinking ginger-honey teas. This supplementary support can be boosted further by administering a mix of aromatherapy and reflexology on a patient exhibiting symptoms of sore throat. Here is a look at what can be done before you report to the doctor, in the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms. (If symptoms persist in intensity beyond 48 hours, it is advisable to consult a mainstream, conventional or Allopathic doctor)
ESSENTIAL OIL MIX THAT MAY BE USED DURING THE TREATMENT*:
• Option A:
Carrier oil - 2 ounces of safflower oil
Top note oil – 1 drop of Bergamot oil (caution--not to be used on sensitive skin. Not to use neat on skin--always dilute. Not to be used before sunbathing)
Middle note oil – 2 drops of geranium oil (caution--not to be used on sensitive skin. Not to be used during pregnancy)
Base note oil – 1 drop of ginger oil (caution--not to be used on sensitive skin)
• Option B:
Carrier oil - 2 ounces of safflower oil
Top note oil – 2 drops of Clary sage oil (caution--not to be used during pregnancy. Not to be used before driving or if alcohol consumption is expected)
Middle note oil – 2 drops of lavender oil (caution--not to be used by low blood pressure patients. To be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. Not recommended in people with psoriasis)
Base note oil – 2 drops of sandalwood oil
• Option C:
2 drops of eucalyptus oil in 2 ounces of lemongrass oil or fennel oil
PROCEDURE:
1. The therapist will hold your left foot using both the hands. The therapist’s fingers will be placed on top of your foot and their thumb at the base/ balls of your foot.
2. Then the foot is "loosened" with a back and forth movement--the big toe is gently brought forward and the little toes are gently pushed backward simultaneously.
3. This is followed by toe rotation for each toe of the left foot - clockwise and then anti-clockwise rotations
4. Lastly, foot wringing technique is added - first gently and then with moderate intensity.
5. The relaxation techniques 1 -4 are then performed for the right foot. These steps 1 through 4 end the foot relaxation part of the therapy.
6. Next, the treatment is carried out by working the reflexes of the throat and tonsils on your left foot. The tip of the therapist’s thumb will be used to press the base of your big toe.
7. Now the therapist will work on the fleshy area between the big toe and your next toes with press and slide technique. This will be done several times. This area represents the tracheal and bronchial reflex.
8. The therapist will use this to get cues of the tender spots underneath the pad of the big toe. Generally the spot here will feel tender due to presence of a throat disorder.
9. After this, the center of the ball of the foot, (located in the top one-third of the foot) will be massaged using thumb walk technique. A press and slide rule may also be applied. This is the lung reflex.
10. The diaphragm reflex that runs traversely at the base of the top third of the foot or located just under the lung reflex running horizontally across the foot is also worked upon.
11. In case you experience difficulty in swallowing, then your therapist will also work the reflexes of the lymphatic system so as to stimulate the lymph fluid to make the throat feel soft and flexible again instead of dry and abrasive. The reflexes of the lymphatic system are located at the base where each toe joins the foot at it’s last digit, on the dorsal side of the foot. These spots need to be thumb pressed 5-7 times each.
12. Steps 6 through 11 will then be followed for the right foot.
13. At the end, your feet will be wiped of any excess oil mix that may remain with cotton wool. In some cases another round of relaxation for the whole foot may be given (Steps 1-4) before release.
NOTE: The same areas represented correspondingly on the top of the foot may also be worked upon. The procedure explained above benefits cases of emphysema, pleurisy and asthma as well.
*Please note that only therapeutic grade oils should be used for therapy. All essential and carrier oils can start an allergic reaction on sensitive skin and most of the oils should not be used during pregnancy. Some oils are harmful to conditions of epilepsy, etc. Do not use any oil whose aroma you are uncomfortable with. Consult your aromatherapist or holistic health therapist before using any oil.
Benefits, side-effects, prior preparations, costs, duration of procedure, recovery and resumption of daily activities as well as support issues should be discussed with your therapist for each type of treatment option before starting on your treatment.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers) and An Urban Woman's Integrated Fitness Guide (Publishers: Hay House). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com. Visit www.mamtasingh.com