Holistic Therapies For Reducing Stress

Holisitic therapies for reducing stress and improving mental health are becoming more and more common. With many people seeing positive affects on their overall wellbeing through Reflexology, Reiki. Plus taking time to invest in their own self care with massage.

Therapies For Improving Mental Health

In 2022, 1 in 4 people experienced a mental health problem of some kind. With 1 in 6 people reporting anxiety and depression in any given week in England (Source Mind.org).

Plus a staggering 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope. (Source mental health and gov.uk). This breaks my heart.

April and May were ‘Awareness Days’ for Stress and Mental Health. I want to share with you some of the tips and techniques as a Holistic Therapist, some of which are what I teach to my clients.

Holistic Therapies for Mental Health & Reducing Stress

Here are my top 3 treatments to help your overall mental wellbeing I carry out here at Haven House Holistics;

Massage
Touch can be so very therapeutic. Massage works with the Vagus Nerve and is one of the most effective therapeutic techniques you can have. The Vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate. As well as vasomotor activity, and certain reflex actions, such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting.

There’s one vagus nerve on each side of your body. They each run from the lower part of the brain through the neck to the chest and stomach. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, electrical impulses travel to areas of the brain. This alters brain activity to treat certain conditions.

How amazing is that?!

Reflexology
This treatment is carried out on the feet and whilst it works on the body and organs. It also helps the mind. I LOVE this treatment. It work’s on absolutely everything in your body without you even having to touch that specific area.  Amazing hey?

Read more about this on a little post I wrote HERE

Reiki
Balances energy and if feeling out of place it rebalances everything with mind, body and soul.  Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands”. It is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.

If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress. If it’s high, we’re more capable of being happy and healthy. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit. Creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.


With the theme of cost of living crisis this year for the charity; Mind. I’m sharing some ideas of what you can do yourself at home;

At home ideas for reducing stress

Go for a walk – endorphins are amazing to uplift your mood and reduce stress. Just being in nature and listening to the birds and the trees can be so soothing, connecting to your surroundings.

Deep breaths – in slowly for 4 seconds and out slowly for 4 seconds. This can help calm down the nervous system and reduce your heart rate. This also helps the Vagus nerve too.

Meditation – Practicing mindfulness can allow you to be present in that moment. Not have racing thoughts and sitting quietly for a moment or two can be very soothing and calming.

Talk – talk to your friends and family if you’re feeling low or stressed, a problem shared remember.

Dance – I love a kitchen disco! With my fave song on (which today is Pink Sunshine by Fuzzbox by the way) and it helps shift my mood no end!

If you do feel that life is heavy, please don’t think you’re alone. Contact Samaritans 0330 094 5717 or visit Mind www.mind.org.uk to get some extra help or visit your GP.

Take good care lovely and my door is always open.

Much love


Karen x


Award-Winning Massage Therapist Halifax. If you’re looking for a holistic massage therapist in Halifax or elsewhere in Yorkshire, get in touch by visiting my contact page or you can browse our treatment page for all our wonderful massages and other holistic treatments.  We provide the best massage therapy in Halifax. We work with Pinks Boutique for all our essential oils and creams.