Medical Keywords - Everything you need to know about health.

Environmental Toxicity and Detoxification

The overuse of pesticides and other chemicals are cause for great concern. Like no other time in history, our food chain is full of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fumigants and fertilizers laced with heavy metals, all of which are toxic to humans. And to make matters worse, we have food additives, preservatives and artificial flavorings and colorings pervading the products in our supermarkets. Fruits and vegetables, which is supposed to be health food are sprayed and treated with ripening agents and waxed to make them look appealing to the eye. Toxic chemicals are everywhere, in our homes, in our water and in the air we breathe.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also did a study that showed us that indoor pollution is just as worrisome, in most cases more serious because people spend so much time inside. Indoor pollution levels average two to five times greater than outdoor pollution and in some cases up to 100 percent higher. That is something to be worried about. There are many indoor pollutants that people don't even know about that are harming them. Things like animal hair, asbestos, bedding, carbon monoxide, disinfectants, dust, electromagnetic fields, formaldehyde in building materials and many other products, hair sprays, household cleaning products, lead, radiation from microwaves, television screens and computer monitors, mold, paint, pollen, pesticides, radon, solvents and tobacco smoke all significantly compromise our health. In fact, some product in the home such as certain plastics that emit styrene, benzene (which also happens to be in ice cream), 4-PC chemicals from carpet and formaldehyde from kitchen cabinets and other wood work all emit volatile components in the air.

So if all of this is a problem, what can we do about it? Of course, we should watch what we eat. As many holistic nutritionists would agree, you will find that it is very beneficial to consume as much whole foods as possible. Read your labels and keep in mind that processed foods are one of the biggest sources for the toxin build up in our systems; the very toxins that reflexology strives to rid the body of. Outside of a whole foods diet, make sure to drink plenty of water, cut down, or better yet eliminate caffeine, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise and get adequate rest. Reflexology will help take care of the rest!

You may be asking how that is possible? Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to reflexes of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding areas of the body. Furthermore, reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system and encourages the release of endorphins, the natural feel good hormones that are well documented in relieving the effects of stress.

Reflexology is meant to bring your body to a state of well-being. Only in this state is your body able to heal itself. When your body is full of toxins, your immune system is severely compromised, making you much more likely to succumb to sickness. Reflexology is a beneficial tool for improving circulation, relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems; fibromyalgia; depression and even arthritis report significantly improved conditions as a result of the treatment.

No matter what your state of health is at this time, reflexology can be a part of good preventative care. Without effectively eliminating toxins from our organs, they will eventually cause havoc and we will be led down the path of sickness and disease. In a society that relies heavily on chemically laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to "heal" the sick, it is more than time to put matters into your own hands.