By Louise Richardson, Certified Reflexologist
There seems to be a resurging interest in gardening, whether it is a flower garden or raising food for your family. While the benefits of fresh foods are great for our bodies, and cheerful flowers are great for our soul, the act of planting seeds, tilling, and weeding is not great for our hands.
There are many repetitive tasks, especially with large garden plots. These motions may aggravate existing conditions of arthritis or carpal tunnel, or cause stress injuries. More than likely, gardening just makes your hands achy and stiff.
As our gardening season begins, it is important to start the habit of stretching, especially if you have been sedentary. Stretches should be done slowly, and without bouncing. Take some stretching breaks while gardening:
• Offset the forward bending by arching your back backwards. Then do some side-to-side stretches.
• Extend your arm and bend your hand downward at the wrist. With the other hand gently press your hand back toward the body.
• Then bend your hand upward at the wrist and again gently press fingers back toward the body.
• Holding your hand up, slowly bend your fingers down, one joint at a time.
Slowly bring fingers back up and stretch the fingers outward as far as comfortable.
Additionally, your hands and forearms will appreciate self-massage with a moisturizing or pain-relieving cream or lotion. And better yet, why not schedule a hand reflexology session that can address those aches and pains, and help to prevent that repetitive strain?
Happy Gardening! And remember, home-grown food is medicine from God, and home-grown flowers are God’s prescription for peace and comfort.
To your health,
Louise Richardson, Certified Reflexologist
