This weekend I was lucky enough to visit both Southwold and Aldeburgh with my husband. The Suffolk coast is in my opinion one of the most beautiful parts of the UK and a place that I feel has an almost magical effect on me. I feel clear-headed whilst there. I’m calm yet buoyant. I’m excited by the prospect of challenges whilst simultaneously not having a care in the world and I know I’m not alone in feeling like this by the sea. So, is it magic??
I definitely sleep better by the sea. In fact, when I first arrive, it’s a struggle to keep my eyes open past 10pm!
Agatha Christie novels are stuffed full of characters who retreat to the coast so that they may recoup whilst “taking the sea air”. Well, I assumed that this was no more than an old-wives-tale, akin to using leaches in medieval times to cure all ills; yet, it’s undeniable that I felt calmer, happier and healthier this weekend by the sea.
So, magic? Old-wives-tale and therefore just my imagination? Or is there a scientific explanation?
I didn’t have to do much research before discovering it is the latter.
Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen. This enables us to think clearly, quickly and positively. The increase in oxygen absorption encourages us to do more exercise, which we do with greater ease making us feel healthy and elated. The increased oxygen absorption also aids our sleep.
Negative ions also balance levels of serotonin, a body chemical linked with mood and stress. The sea air literally calms us.
The great thing about being calm is that far from being an idle state, we are often at our most productive and social.
I’ve sometimes wondered whether walking our feet along a pebbly beach inadvertently stimulates some reflex points. Perhaps it’s the earth’s natural reflexology foot massage, enhanced by paddling in the cold sea water. Nature’s first reflexology treatment and a million miles from Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Fenchurch Street and Canary Wharf!
However, if you are working in Bank or Liverpool Street or frantically running around Hackney trying to get things done and the sea air is simply not an option, do not feel blue! Reflexology balances serotonin and cortisol, which demonstratively reduces stress and anxiety. I’m not sure that your reflexology treatment will necessarily increase oxygen consumption; however, we start and end your reflexology session with deep breathing which can only be a good thing! And as a reflexologist, I have a particular gift for enabling restful sleep. Many clients have said to me that the sleep following their reflexology treatment is the best they’ve had in years.
So, though the sea air seems far away from us in this fabulous city of London, perhaps Feet Pray Love Reflexology can be our Whitechapel on Sea! 😉