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faeces to the anus. Bowl problems and constipation are treated with pressure points to the ‘C’ shaped area found in the lower part of the soles and palms.

      Cardiac area This area is responsible for the heart and blood circulation so any problems with nervous anxiety or bad circulation can be treated by applying pressure to the upper central sole and upper left palm.

      Sciatic nerve This is the largest nerve in the body and it runs from the very bottom of the back down the outside of the thigh and leg. It can be painful if trapped and cause untold problems. Soothing pressure points at the very bottom of the heal and wrist can help relieve some of the pain.

      Shoulders We all have tense, tight shoulders but cannot massage them directly ourselves but the next best thing is using the pressure points on your hands to treat them indirectly. Massage all over the palms and pressure points around the pads of the palms for tension release.

      Reflexology on the feet is regularly used to treat other parts of the body and training a partner or family member to massage your feet is well worth the effort! The pressure points on the feet are similar to those on the hands but because the sole is a larger area it can be easier to treat.

      The hands and feet have an exceptionally rich supply of blood and nerve endings. This gives them the ability to be very sensitive and functional as well as warm and strong. When treating the hands and feet it is always better to work with massage movements running towards the top of the arms and the top of the legs as these areas are closer to the heart. By encouraging this flow of blood and lymphatic waste upwards you are stimulating those systems to work more efficiently and quickly.

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      n Massaging stimulates the blood supply which turns the skin pink. This is known as ‘erythema’.

      Though the muscles in the hands and feet can be very strong they are very delicately structured. Muscles help retain heat from the blood and keep the extremities warm even when they are not being used. As a masseuse your hand muscles can become exceptionally strong and so exercising them is useful. Hand and foot exercises are great to do as part of a nail treatment at home to relax and warm the muscles as well as mobilising joints and nerves to help prevent repetitive strain injuries.

       THE PROFESSIONAL TOUCH

      It is always better to receive treatment from a qualified reflexologist and the recommendations set out here are for a temporary self-treatment fix only. Should you feel unwell or have a condition that needs medical attention, seek the advice of a medically trained person before proceeding with self treatment.

       Nature

      Improving the appearance of nails without the use of products can be effectively done by following a good exercise regime to constantly increase the blood supply to the growth zones of the nails. A good diet will be high in nail nourishment like vitamins A, B, C, D and E as well as minerals like zinc and magnesium which boost nail strength. Protecting the nails from chemicals and cleaning fluids helps keep their appearance glowing and a good trim now and again will maintain their shape and prevent splitting and peeling.

       Nurture

      Other than the above most of us require a little more from our nails than just functionality. There is nothing wrong with adding a little pampering pizzazz into your life with a lovely nail treatment and a vibrant colour to finish! So out with the norm and on with the fabulous!

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       how to...

       THE FOOT GYM

      Feet can easily become tired, puffy and painful. These exercises help relax muscles and mobilise joints in the feet, aiding relaxation especially after wearing high heels all day!

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      Image Scrunching up and flexing the toes is the best way to exercise the phalanges, enabling freer movement of the toes.

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      Image You will do this instinctively after wearing high heeled shoes but a regular phalange stretch works wonders for relaxation of toe muscles.

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      Image Pointing the toes is a great foot relaxer, too. Just be a little careful about quick movements as this can cause cramp in the toes which is uncomfortable!

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      Image Foot circles can really manipulate the tarsal joints in the ankle and help with lower leg swelling. Rotate the foot to the extremities of its capabilities but ensure no pain is felt.

       how to...

       THE HAND GYM

      With age, illness or even just cold weather, joints can get stiff and painful. Try these simple hand exercices before carrying out a manicure to awaken tired joints and loosen tight muscles.

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      Image Make a fist with your hands and squeeze as hard as you can to increase strength in your wrists and fingers. Repeat nine more times.

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      Image Place hands in the prayer position.

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      Image Apply pressure to each set of fingers in turn...

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      Image ... to stretch the base of the fingers without putting pressure on the knuckles.

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      Image Wrist rotating is good for mobilising the carpal joints but be sure to do this slowly and if pain occurs cease the action immediately.

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