Canton’s Panacea Healing for your Body and Sole

Back hurt? Shoulders ache? Feet burn? Barb Porlides, owner of Panacea, may have an answer for all that aches you.

About Town sat down in the cozy, calming environment where Porlides uses ancient remedies such as: Reiki; Reflexology; as well as Detox Foot Bath Treatments and other creative energy healing, to deal with modern stresses.

AT: Let’s talk about summer feet. Barefoot or no?

BP: Go barefoot as often as possible!

Kicking off your shoes allows your feet to breathe and to expand to their natural shape. Walking on diverse textures stimulates the reflexes in the feet.

It also allows you to connect to the earth through your feet, up your body and into your head. 

AT: Going barefoot can get rough on the feet though.

BP: Callouses and rough skin from walking around barefoot or wearing sandals may keep some areas of your feet from receiving the stimulation the reflex points require to keep all the organs in your body functioning optimally. 

So, every barefoot adventure should come with a reflexologist included!

AT: So, are flip-flops a good alternative?

BP: Flip-flops are fine for short periods of time, but they don’t provide enough support for your feet and can give you arch and heel pain if you wear them for too long.

Listen to your feet! If your sandals or shoes don’t feel right, change them.

AT: Who are your typical clients?

BP: Women, 40 to 70 years of age.

AT: What about the guys?

BP: We usually get the men through their wives getting them gift certificates. They usually don’t come on their own.

AT: What would you say to the guys to get them to come in and try a healing treatment?

BP: You’ll like it! It’s like a work out, but I do all the work! It’s stress relieving, so you relax and help remove all that is harmful to your body, like exercise is meant to do.

AT: What if someone is ticklish?

BP: It’s a different kind of touch, even for the very ticklish.

AT: What’s a good 'intro' treatment?

BP: I usually start with reflexology since more people know what it is and they enjoy doing it. Reflexology has the same beneficial effects as a full body massage in terms of releasing toxins, distributing energy, etc.

Reflexology also lowers blood pressure. We know that lives have been saved. Even, (well-known cardiac specialist and TV host), Dr. Oz talks about massaging and pressing the big toe to lower blood pressure.

It helps me to relax also. It’s meditative for everyone involved.

AT: How about one last great tip for summer stress relief?

BP: Show your feet some love by giving them a workout. Sit in a chair and rub a golf or tennis ball from your heel up to your toes, spending extra time massaging the tense areas.

Take deep breaths while you roll to help oxygenate and relax your muscles. Then, switch to the other foot.  You will touch many energy blockages and contacts; every organ and system in the body.

Then, pamper your feet. Wash and apply moisturizer every day. Use a foot scrub at least once a week.

You can also put peppermint essential oil in cool water and soak your feet to cool down your body.

Here’s the Deal

Panacea: Healing for Body and Sole; 101 River Road, Canton. 860-294-1296. www.panaceahealing.com; panacea_healing@yahoo.com.

Ask about the ½ hour Introductory Session for $10.