Shift work has been defined as any work that occurs during evening, overnight, rotating shifts or early morning shifts.
Having been a shift worker myself for many years, I understand exactly how this style of working can impact both the body and the mind. My personal experience was that no matter how many years I worked shifts, the toll on my body did not get any easier and in fact as I aged shift work became harder and my ability to sleep during the day for any period of time was worse with every passing year.
I am passionate and committed to assist those working shifts to re-balance, de-stress and rejuvenate through reflexology. I have devised a number of different reflexology routines specifically aimed at providing support for shift workers.
Research has found that shift work is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, ulcers, depression, obesity and high blood pressure. Sleep problems (particularly for those working night duty) include difficulty in falling asleep, trouble staying asleep and feeling excessively tired.
The increased risk to health can be attributed to two main causes - lifestyle and biology.
Lifestyle:
Shift workers often have less time to exercise regularly and night duty in particular can lead to individuals having to grab any food available to them and eating less healthy food choices at unnatural times. This can lead to weight gain and a number of different digestive issues including feeling sluggish, bloating, constipation and ulcers.
Emotionally, shift workers can feel isolated from family and friends who may wok more "normal" hours and they can experience feelings of loneliness , irritability, low mood or depression.
Biology:
The body has an internal clock or circadian rhythm that is linked to natural daylight and darkness. This rhythm is what tells the body to sleep when it is dark and to be awake when it is light. Shift work goes completely against our internal body clock and disrupts the natural sleep/wake cycle. This in turn affects body functions and interferes with the natural release of hormones and chemicals in the body. The impact of this can include cardiovascular problems, a weakening of the immune system, mental health issues and it can even affect fertility and pregnancy.
The reflexology treatments I have developed have been written solely with the needs of shifts workers as my motivation.
I target reflexes such as the brain that encourages optimal functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system and the pineal gland which is linked to the biological clock & sleep disorders. Other areas include the cranial and spinal nerves associated with stress and the lungs and diaphragm to target feelings of fatigue & exhaustion. The solar plexus calms and balance the nervous system, the stomach, adrenal glands and large intestines relieve feelings of stress and depression and finally the lymphatics of both the upper and lower body to address feelings of lethargy and tiredness.
I also have developed treatment plans for shifts workers experiencing digestive issues which include working the oesophagus to relieve acid reflux, indigestion or a hiatus hernia, concentrating on the pancreas and liver to help regulate blood sugar levels and working the ileocecal valve in cases of food allergies/intolerances. This area when worked during a treatment can also assist with sluggish bowel movements or constipation as can the large intestines or the sigmoid flexure if bloating or flatulence is experienced.
Finally where headaches are a side effect of working shifts, I concentrate on areas such as the head, eyes and sinuses. Working areas such as the neck and shoulders can help release tension and the liver helps to detox the body.
If recurrent infections or illnesses are experienced I will pay particular attention to the thymus reflex and spleen to help improve immunity levels.
In short reflexology helps increase blood flow and circulation to restore homeostasis balance in the body. It calms the nervous system and helps triggers relaxation. This is turn results in reduced levels of stress and tension which is crucial to the health of everyone........including shift workers of course.
To support colleagues in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces......holders of a Blue Light Card can enjoy 15% off the price of their first treatment upon presentation of the card or app.
To support Veterans and the Armed Forces Community holders of a Defence Discount Service Card can enjoy 15% off the price of their first treatment upon presentation of the card or app.