I mean, the new trente size at Starbucks is barely big enough to give me the energy to keep up!

These days, our senses are inundated by the beeps and bleeps coming from modern gadgets (and all I want is some more bling!). The loud sounds of traffic and construction; the stinky smells of pollution; the ever-present sight of big buildings and billboards everywhere we look; the cheap taste of the less-than-healthy, but easy-to-access fast foods; and the unnatural feel of synthetics and chemicals are all bombarding us seemingly all the time.

It’s no wonder that we’re uptight and stressed! Wouldn’t it be refreshing to make time for influences that can calm us so that we can relax and enjoy life? Would

the world become a better place if we all became healthier and happier? You bet!

Maybe there would even be fewer tragedies in our society if each of us took more time for helping ourselves and, in so doing, spread more peace and less stress…

There are times when I just have to find a way out. Of course, that sounds easier than it is… Who has time to go away, even just to Ojai for the weekend? I mean, who would eat fast food if they had the time (or money) to eat fresh-cooked organic foods?

There seem to be constant reminders of how chaotic this world has become, influencing my thoughts in subtle ways that create unintended ripple effects. Luckily, I
found my R&R in a home visit from Reflexologist and Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member Charles Haywood (310-467-2232, http://www.reflexologyLA.com). Even though my doctor doesn’t make home visits, I now know a healer who actually wants to help!

When Charles first told me about Integrated Reflexology by explaining how acupressure points on the hands, feet and ears can impact my overall health, I thought he was stretching reality. Still, I decided to give it a try.

Beyond that, this amazing experience feels like a massage and incorporates specific attention to the appropriate pressure points depending on your body’s individual needs. These are places where our nerves are networked to a “map” of the entire body and where touch techniques can help remove stress and increase energy. Having tried it, I can only think of it as an art form though I’ve seen the scientific charts showing me how it all works.

While I worked in my home office, Charles set up his table, turned on some relaxing music and lit a few candles in my front room. Finally, he poked his head in the office to tell me he was ready and I shut down the system. Really… I shut it all down! Sometimes, in order to totally re-focus, I need to unplug everything – the computer, the phone, and everything else that whirs and whistles.

Getting busier and busier, I’d forgotten how nourishing it can be to unwind and unravel the tangles of “too much to do.” Under the hands of a skilled and thoughtful professional, I experienced an hour of full-sensory solitude that melted a web of daily pressures. I lost track of time on what felt like an island of tranquility. The very next day, it was easier to see my options for overcoming the challenges in front of me. Instead of snapping back at an important colleague and friend, I was able to breathe deeply and respond with a win-win idea.

While I’m not a scientist, my interest in holistic and integrative health and wellness makes me curious about the medicine and research behind modalities like reflexology, yoga, sound therapy, and even more esoteric alternatives.

That’s one reason for the existence of our national Holistic Chamber of Commerce – to make it easier for you to find holistic and eco-friendly health solutions wherever you are. It’s easy to search from our home page at www.TheHolisticChamberOfCommerce.com!

Relaxed, refreshed and recharged after my reflexology session, I realized that, while science is important, I won’t know if it works for me until I try it for myself. I know I’ve taken prescriptions that didn’t have their intended results (and worse, had unintended side effects). Now, I’m looking for healthier ways of living so I can save time and money in the first place.

While ancient Eastern medicine has centuries of evidence and experience backing it up, it is even better to see for yourself why complementary methods work for so many people. Here in L.A., getting out of our regular routines, even for an hour of peace and quiet, can act as a re-set button for an over-stimulated society.

These days, I see that by taking better care of myself, I can take better care of those I care about. That is my ongoing gift to all my friends and family. It is a gift that can last for the rest of our lives.

By using all of your senses – smell, sight, sound, taste and touch – and opening up to unique experiences, you too can improve your life and the lives of those around you!

This article can be re-printed in your ezine or website if you include the following information: Camille Leon represents holistic and eco-friendly professionals and practitioners through The Holistic Chamber of Commerce, an emerging national organization. For more info, visit http://TheHolisticChamberOfCommerce.com or call 310-490-6862.