Washington Health System

A variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and peripheral artery disease, can contribute to poor circulation, especially in the legs and feet. at, in turn, may cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling and pain, that interfere with everyday activities and the pastimes you enjoy. Reflexology promotes a relaxed state of mind, which increases circulation- boosting chemicals in the body, while using targeted touch to reach areas far beyond the feet. HOLISTIC WELLNESS "e basic principle of reflexology is that through the feet, we can treat the entire body, as each organ has a corresponding reflex point on the foot," says Dani Schroeder, Certified Holistic Reflexologist at Spa Harmony at the Washington Health System Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center. "Energy lines called meridians link the feet and the organs of the body. Reflexology uses unique micro movements, such as finger-walking on specific points of the feet, to create responses throughout the body. is helps increase blood circulation while providing deep relaxation and stress reduction." Some patients notice an almost immediate difference in how they feel. Schroeder says individuals with mild circulation issues may experience benefits, such as renewed sensation in the legs, aer just one reflexology session. » LEARN ABOUT ALL OF THE SERVICES SPA HARMONY HAS TO OFFER AT SPAHARMONY.ORG. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL (724) 250-5238. REFLEXOLOGY—A T YPE OF FOOT MASSAGE WITH ROOTS IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE—CAN DO MORE THAN REL A X YOU. IT CAN ALSO HELP IMPROVE YOUR BLOOD FLOW. BENEFITING BLOOD FLOW Reflexology isn't the only Spa Harmony service that can improve circulation. Massage gets the blood moving by stimulating soft tissue, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and prompting the body to release more chemicals associated with relaxation, such as dopamine. "Massage encourages the flow of blood and lymph, a fluid containing waste products," says Debbie Roytas, Executive Director of the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, home of Spa Harmony. "Therapeutic or deep tissue massage improves circulation by increasing oxygen flow throughout the body." Pedicures work just like massage to promote blood flow, but their benefits are confined to the feet, ankles and lower legs. Acupuncture may help improve circulation by stimulating points along the body's energy lines, known as meridians, or by releasing chemicals that aid blood flow. C I RCULATORY SYSTE M Pamper Your W I NTE R 2018 | connections whs.org 5

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