Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

Archives for March 2017

The Academy Has A New Teacher!

Julie WeslingI am very happy to introduce you to the Academy’s newest teacher: Julie Wesling, of Saint Augustine, Florida.

Five years after a short introduction to reflexology in her massage training, Julie signed up in 2014 to explore reflexology a little more with Academy instructor Jenny Runde. That cinched it. As Julie says, “I found my true calling, a home for my skills and training and knowledge and life experience and desire to give.”

You can read more here about Julie’s journey from struggling, frustrated massage therapist to successful certified hand and foot reflexologist and now certified Academy of Ancient Reflexology instructor. Welcome, Julie!

What Ridiculously Successful People Do Every Day

I’m a sucker for articles on productivity. That’s probably why a lot of them end up in my Inbox!

One such article that I read recently came from LinkedIn and was written by a man named Kevin Kruse. He interviewed over 200 ultra-successful people, beginning with the question: “What is your number one secret to productivity?” And then he compiled their answers.

I couldn’t relate all of his advice to my life and business, but a lot I could. Some of these already come easy for me, some not so much. So, here are the ones that grabbed my attention. Let me know below what resonates with you.

Ridiculously Successful People Do The Following Every Day:

They practice a consistent morning routine. Successful people start the day with “me”. They start the day with activities that nurture and nourish them first. Morning routines included all or some of water first, meditation or prayer, exercise, healthy breakfast, inspirational reading or journaling. And then, and only then, does their workday begin. I’ve got this one down for sure!

They start the day with the most important task. Ultra-productive people identify the one task that will take them closer to their goal than anything else – and then they spend a couple of uninterrupted morning hours focused solely on that activity. This habit is something I really need to work on.

They don’t use to-do lists. Highly productive people work from their calendars, not a to-do list. I’m going to try this one. I have a good system right now, but this is worth a try.

They value more than just their work. Successful people give equal time to all things they value, not just their careers. That could be family, exercise, meditation, etc. Different for all of us, but equally important as work, for sure. They carve out time for what counts and schedule it – where else, but in their calendar!

They process emails only a few times a day. Ultra-productive people don’t check emails all day, or respond to social media alerts, texts and whatever other annoying sounds are competing for their attention. Instead, like everything else, they schedule time to process their emails quickly and efficiently. For some, that’s once a day; for others, it’s morning, noon, and night.

I found the only way for me to do this is to turn email function to manual and turn off all sound notifications. Otherwise, I can’t say no.

They delegate almost everything. Ultra-productive people don’t ask how they can complete a task. Instead, they ask, “How can this task get done?”

I am blessed with a great team to work with and try to hand off as much as I can to these masters of what they do. I also have a sign displayed prominently over my desk that says: Do (Important!) – Delegate – Decide (Plan When To Do) – Dump (Not Important). Those are the four choices.

They touch things only once. I’m not good with this one – and I’ve heard this one many times. Productive people try to “touch it once.” If it takes less than five or ten minutes, they deal with it right then and there. Comes back to “Do – Delegate – Decide – Dump”.

They say “no” to almost everything. Billionaire Warren Buffet reportedly said, “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.”

I’ve gotten pretty good with this one. Just this week, I said no to an offer to write a monthly article for a year for a magazine with a circulation of 35,000 readers, and said no to presenting at a reflexology conference on the other side of the world. Why? Because neither got me closer to my goals. Neither brought forth an unrestrained yes; both caused a lot of hemming and hawing.

Energy is everything. Productive people don’t skip meals, sleep, or breaks in the pursuit of getting more accomplished. They have realized that food fuels, sleep recovers and breaks re-charge. With increased energy ultimately comes greater focus and productivity. To that, and to end, I would add receiving regular reflexology and massage!

Reflexology You Say? Well, What Is That?

Another informative article, written by one of the Academy’s 2016 Certification grads, Kelli Scharping, a Wisconsin licensed massage therapist. I’m sure you’ll be able to feel Kelli’s passionate, friendly and light-hearted approach to life from reading this. In it, she explains what those “crunchies” are we often feel in the feet. The article first appeared in a wellness and health coach blog entitled Body Wellness.

Reflexology You Say? Well, What Is That?

So glad you asked! Reflexology is defined by the Reflexology Association of America as:

A protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger-walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a point, applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands. These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally.

The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field.

Well, you may ask, what does that mean? Oh, did you come to the right place!

Reflexology is a science based natural healing art that has been dated back to the Egyptian age but developed by the Chinese 4,000 years ago. It is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet, which correspond to every part, gland, and organ in the body. These reflexes are mapped on the feet and hands in a mirror image of the human body. Please check out these awesome interactive maps from Reflexology-research.com. In a Reflexology session, the act of applying pressure stimulates nervous activity as information. That information is fed to the brain, the brain then forwards

In a Reflexology session, the act of applying pressure stimulates nervous activity as information. That information is fed to the brain, the brain then forwards instructions to the organ associated with the reflex (remember the human body in a mirror image on the hands and feet), and the organ then responds by working towards returning to homeostasis. What a nice organ!

Purely and simply, what reflexology does is improves the circulation of the blood, lymphatics, nervous information, and life energy. If you looked into the body that is what you would see. It also affects our autonomic (automatic) nervous system, which talks to our cardiac muscles, tissues, and glands, as well as controls our “fight or flight” and our “rest and repair” reactions of the nervous system. Reflexology actually very efficiently shifts the autonomic nervous system from the “fight or flight” sympathetic state into the “rest and repair” parasympathetic state. This shift is so important to the human body since we need to be in that “rest and repair” state in order for our bodies to heal. THIS IS THE ONLY STATE IN WHICH HEALING OCCURS.

There are so many people these days that barely get out of that “fight or flight” mode. They all but live there, maybe even for years, taking only minimal time to give their bodies the opportunity to shift while sleeping – if they are even able to do that!

I’m sure we all can relate to this or can think of someone who lives like this. We all know excessive stress is not good for the body. (That’s a whole other discussion!) Our bodies need to experience a relaxed state, and reflexology gets us there.

Let’s dive a little more deeply, though. Reflexology is actually thought to affect the human body on three levels; physical, mental/emotional, and bio- energetically.

The Physical Effect

Physically a primary benefit is circulation. Reflexology improves the circulation of blood and lymphatics. This bump in circulation not only means that these fluids are feeding more oxygen and other nutrients to the organs, but also that waste materials (things that we absorb into our bodies from our environments, what we eat, etc.) are being removed from our cells and lymphatic reservoirs, which help with the proper functioning of our organs and many of our body systems. This waste can clog us up. This clogging, or stagnation, of blood and lymph in the extremities can cause pain and reflexology blocks this pain by encouraging the brain to produce endorphins, which are five to ten times more powerful than morphine! We all know that a body with little or no pain moves much more freely and happily, it moves as it is meant to!

I think even more impressive and important is the way that reflexology can affect the chemicals in our body. I’m talking about the delicate balance of our endocrine system. Our endocrine system consists of the pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, thymus gland, the pancreas, adrenal glands, and ovaries or testes.

Every tissue and organ in the body are controlled by a complex interaction of chemicals and hormones, which is controlled by the brain through the endocrine system. The endocrine system and central nervous system govern the body, and reflexology is one of the few forms of bodywork that can directly influence these systems. Let that one sink in.

The Mental/Emotional Effect

Healing occurs through the physical touch extended from the practitioner to the client. It is through this purposeful touch – the care, concern, and awareness, that the body’s response into healing is activated.

For some individuals receiving reflexology, these scheduled sessions might be the only “downtime” that they have in an otherwise non-stop chaotic life. This time of “rest and repair”, this shift that occurs, is often the catalyst for change. Also, the emotion – the believing that you are doing something so greatly beneficial for your well-being can be a catalyst for change.

It’s our attention to the possibility of healing that can manifest these results.

What a gift to give to yourself, right? The opportunity for your body to heal, to rest and repair!

The Energetic Effect

The third way reflexology is thought to affect the body is through our nonphysical or energetic bodies, or our Chi as it is called in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is how I am going to refer to it.

Chi is defined as the electromagnetic field of information with the body that is congruent with the energy running through the Universe. Research indicates that electromagnetic energy within the body can be conducted through the vast network of connective tissue throughout the entire body, and our body’s connective tissue is now recognized as a semiconductor that both absorbs and generates the same organic chic that is created by the Earth.

When Chi is blocked within a zone or part of the body, the organs within that zone or area lack adequate energy and are therefore unable to function properly.

Reflexology is thought to “break-up” or disturb” energy blockages in order to get this energy moving again.

One reflexologist explains, “As gentle to intense pressure is applied and massaged, the body is thought to experience a ‘release’ of congested energy in the tender spots, therefore leading to relief of painful conditions and body ailments. Reflex points stimulate energy or Qi (CHI) through the body energy lines or meridians as known in Chinese Medicine.” These blockages can, for the record, be energetic or physical. For example, caused by an injury, either past or present.

Reflexology is all about getting the body, physical and nonphysical, back to balance!

What Does It Feel Like?

You may also be wondering what receiving a reflexology session might feel like.

There are many types of “sensations” that may be experienced while receiving a reflexology session. The most common ones are a quick, sharp sensation; one that seems to burn or radiate; and one that is found to be tender, feeling similar to a bruise and continues to be when returned to multiple times during a session.

Factors that can contribute to or explain these “sensations” are: the development of excess nervous tissue at reflex points, overall life tension, blockages of energy, and anatomical pathologies or disorders (like bursitis, neuropathy, bone spurs, bunions, etc.) As one reflexologist writes, “A diseased body part will show up as a sore spot in the same segment of the foot or hand.” Simply stated. It could indicate an imbalance, disease, or stress in the organ or corresponding body system being worked. Say the gall bladder reflex is tender, that is part of the digestive system. So, instead of working only the gall bladder reflex, the therapist would work the reflexes for the entire digestive system.

Another example could be if someone receiving reflexology experiences extra sensation in the area of the heart reflex, which could be emotion-based, high blood pressure, etc. It does not automatically mean that there is something wrong with the heart. We would need to consider all of the facets. Think of our hands and feet as body scanners. They don’t lie! They are talking to us, telling us what is going on in the body, and giving us a heads-up.

No Crunchies!

Lastly, I would like to share what these congested points are that a reflexologist feels during a session. Studies through colored biopsy photos of the feet of live patients have shown us the make-up of both congested and asymptomatic or “normal” reflexes.

The deposits in both groups show a mass of connective, vascular, and nervous tissues in the hypodermis. The asymptomatic samples are made up of 8 percent nervous tissue, while the congested samples are made up of 42 percent nervous tissue. So, according to these studies, what is being felt is an entanglement of the excess nervous tissue created in response to, and as an indicator of, an unhealthy organ. Specific reflexology techniques applied to congested reflexes can “untangle” the nerve fiber adhesions and break the dysfunctional link between them. Hello, homeostasis!

So there you have it, folks!

We know that reflexology deals with the entire person, not a specific part of the body and that it affects the constitution of our being, our essence! We know that it can reach areas of the body and affect us in ways that cannot be reached by standard bodywork.

Through engaged and honest inquiry and communication between client and therapist, and diligent tracking of where the therapist is working in the body in relation to the hand or foot being worked, it is possible to get an overall picture of the stresses and imbalances a client is experiencing in his/her life.

Like I said before, the feet don’t lie!

 

References:
Reflexology by Walter Last; www.health-science-spirit.com/reflexology
Foot Reflexology for Simple Self-Healing by Stasia Bliss (Liberty Voice)
Reflexology-Taking Charge of Your Health and Well-being www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu
Shared Origins of Reflexology, Acupressure, Acupuncture & Massage www.naturalhealers.com

The Ideal Learning Environment

I’ve been teaching for over 30 years. One thing I have noticed over that time is that many people have a lot of anxiety around learning environments. A lot of adults remember really awful classroom experiences from their childhood, where they were shamed for having a different learning style, endured test anxiety, or were expected to just sit there all day breathing in information and never being given the opportunity to breathe out any questions or opinions or doubts.

Those past experiences, when carried into the present day, can really spoil an amazing opportunity to re-frame the experience of learning. To allay as many fears as I can in advance, I like to provide a blueprint for what people can expect during the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification.

So here is what the Academy instructors strive to create in the classroom:

Our intention is to provide ample time for the study and experience of Reflexology within a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.

We will begin each day preparing ourselves for the work that we do. There are many ways: quiet contemplation to focus attention on what’s important; a body-scan while following the breath; simple body movements relative to the day’s studies; a chance to “check-in” – report anything of significance in our lives that we need to clear before we can be present.

Working from a holistic model of education, we have designed this program to nurture, not control. The Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification is a feast for learning that uses a variety of teaching methods that will grab your interest and guarantee your success in grasping the program’s extensive content. We seek to encompass and integrate multiple layers of meaning and experience, rather than narrowly define human possibilities.

The classroom space will be what is termed both bounded and open – the instructor will guide discussions towards the topic, while at the same time allowing students the space to formulate and share their own ideas. The environment shall be open to the voice of the individual and the collective; shall honor the “little” stories of the individual as well as the “bigger” stories of the world’s disciplines and traditions, and shall respect speech and solitude as essential to the full realization of what the inner teacher is trying to say.

The quality of relationship within the community is held to be sacred, dynamic and authentic, not manipulative or hierarchical. Participants will take responsibility for co-creating the classroom experience along with the instructor. Respect and kindness are assumed. Sacredness, humor, silence, seriousness and fun co-exist smoothly.

Stinkin’ Thinkin’

You know what I’m talking about. That negative self-talk that stops you from even considering what you really want out of life. The mental tapes that keep you prisoner in a life you hate; stop you from asking the really important questions, like:

            How do I manifest a prosperous, satisfying life for myself? 

            What can I do to help improve the quality of life of the people I care about? 

            What meaningful action is going to align with my core values and life purpose?

It took many years for me to get around to examining those questions.

You see, I was raised for one purpose: to get married and have children. And by age 16, I can tell you that that did not appear at all appealing to me. After years of helping to take care of three younger siblings (whom I love, don’t get me wrong), and watching my mother service every family member’s needs but her own, I knew I wanted something else.

But what?

In the era I was raised, I saw only four options for girls, other than marriage. Become a:

~ Nurse. Health was my worst subject in high school; I fainted whenever a needle pricked my skin. (No lie. My mom took me to the doctor to receive the regular kid vaccinations, rather than get them at school with everyone else. Doc would have me lay down before he even pulled out the equipment.)

~ Teacher. The only attractive thing about this job was the two months off during the summer. School was fun for social reasons. As far as sitting in a classroom all day and listening to content that did not interest me…oh no. Couldn’t imagine ever wanting to stand in the front of a class all day either.

~ Bank teller. Hated math. Still do.

~ Secretary. I had no interest in sitting on my “toosh” all day pounding away at a keyboard for someone.

The future looked kind of dismal. And yet, when I look back now on the choices I turned my back on, what is it I actually do and LOVE?

~ I operate a healthcare practice. (No needles though!)

~ I teach – with passion and engagement.

~ I pound away on a computer for hours at a time – but, at least for myself.

~ Math – well, I still don’t like it. I rely on Quickbooks to do the calculations and a fantastic accountant to keep me out of trouble.

How I made it from dismal options to the fabulous life I lead now is a whole other story you can read here, if you like. ‘Cuz, today I’m here to talk about stinkin’ thinkin’, and specifically how to convert stinkin’ thinkin’ into I CAN thinking.

So, when you think about what it is you really want to do, do these stinkin’ thoughts arise?

I CAN’T…. it’ll be too hard.

I CAN’T…. I’m not smart enough.

I CAN’T…. I don’t have the time.

I CAN’T…. I don’t have the money.

The secret is, we all experience those thoughts at some time. The trick is to train yourself to become aware of your thoughts and notice those ugly, unproductive, sabotaging ones and turn them around – fast. Substitute self-defeating thoughts with this question instead:

HOW CAN I……..?

Live with that question for awhile. Ask yourself every night just as you’re about to fall asleep. One day, sit down and write the question down – using your dominant hand. Then pass the pen to your other hand and wait for the answers to arise. Write them down. You will be surprised.

As the late Wayne Dyer said,

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”