Wellbeing improver is a female in her 70s. Due to physical and emotional health issues her anxiety levels were very high when we met. The lockdowns had exacerbated her anxiety to the extent that she seldom went out. Also, she found she had difficulty helping her daughter out with her grandchildren, a task she usually relished.
A few words about anxiety
Anxiety is an intense apprehension that may or may not have an obvious cause. It affects more women than men. It is a mental health dis-ease that can translate into physical symptoms.
Possible symptoms are headaches, abdominal cramps, frequent urination, sweating, flushing, being on edge, inability to concentrate, worrying thoughts, disturbed sleep patterns. It can also lead to comfort eating, which, as we know, can lead to other difficulties.
Anxiety has a way of feeding itself. Therefore, when we suffer from it, we find ourselves caught in the proverbial vicious circle. Anxiety manifestations are an ALARM our body is sending to us.
Our work together
Wellbeing improver decided to help herself and to have reflexology sessions which her health plan refunds up to a set amount a year*.
During her first session, wellbeing improver reported noticing sensations in her body and head. She soon noticed that she her breathing had greatly improved becoming more even and calm. She stated that her legs felt good, and they were less tense and achy.
This was a good start and an important outcome of our session together: she was no longer
so numb and was noticing tension ebbing away. She felt so much better from this one session
that she said: it was a miracle!
.
Reflexology works on rebalancing the different systems in the body and is a gentle way to bring about relaxation on a physical, mental and spiritual level.
We worked together for several months, first on a weekly basis, then fortnightly and progressing only when she needs it. For most of the time, she has not symptoms at all of anxiety and when she does get a symptom, she can usually self-manage it. So, now she is coming occasionally.
Our interactions were always an exchange where the wishes and the likes of Wellbeing Improver were taken into consideration. Furthermore, she had the choice to accept or reject any suggestions made. Consequently, she was in control of her needs being met.
Throughout our sessions, the general wellbeing of Wellbeing Improver steadily improved. There were also more specific niggles such as pain in the knee, strain in the throat which got looked into in the context of the general.
It was not all a calm sailing
Not all the weeks in-between sessions were good, and anxiety reared its head at times when
Wellbeing Improver had to face anxiety-prone situations such as going to the dentist.
A reflexology session helped immensely as she commented: very calm and
restful breathing; it has been the first time for a week. I am a whole different person.
There was yet another hiccup down the line at the prospect of meeting someone when I was
told my anxiety is back
. True it “was back” but NOT at the levels of anxiety experienced
at the start. The symptoms were not as strong, and she recovered more quickly. She chose to
have a further reflexology session to give herself an added boost.
Here are a few benefits Wellbeing Improver experienced throughout our work together:
∞ Calmer and deeper breathing
∞ Much more relaxed
∞ Ankles less swollen
∞ Legs less tensed and achy
∞ Neck and shoulders more relaxed
∞ Nervousness experienced during the night abated
∞ Sleeping longer, sounder, and deeper
∞ No comfort eating so she has lost one and a half stone in weight
∞ More energy
∞
She said I feel like a different person
All these improvements meant she gained confidence and started going out on long walks.
Moreover, she was able to help out with the grandchildren again. In addition, she got to
enjoy singing again without any strain, and for longer periods as her throat was
80% better
. This brought her a lot of joy and pleasure.
Manageable and improving
Wellbeing Improver’s anxiety levels are down at a level that she can self-manage. Her niggling pains and aches are manageable, some have disappeared. She will continue to improve over time and thus be able to enjoy life better.
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