Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

Archives for June 2013

What the Clients Have to Say

I wonder if I sometimes sound like a broken record when I rave about Thai Foot Reflexology. I can’t help myself though – the client experiences are always so thrilling to hear.

Here are comments from a therapist of 10 years just starting to practice Thai Foot Reflexology – I mean she just completed the training last weekend!  Read her impression and that of her first lucky recipients. After all, the “proof is in the pudding”.

Client #1

When I finished the Thai Reflexology session, he said that he felt “like a bird flapping his wings”. He reported that during the session he first felt a warm, tingly feeling in his feet, then lower legs, then his whole body.

~ That’s the energy moving folks. KB

Client #2

The second client, a woman who must use a scooter to get around (due to MS), celebrated her 76th birthday receiving a Thai Foot Reflexology session from me. She said she felt like the blood in her legs was carbonated…which she explained was “a good thing”.

~ Again, the experience of energy being stimulated and blood flow increasing. KB

Client #3

My fibromyalgia client stated that she had been having a “bad fibro attack” for the past two days. She left after her Thai Foot Reflexology session feeling absolutely no pain!

~ Pain reduction – a common occurrence. KB

I am very excited by the results, Karen – all clients said they would like to repeat, maybe once a month! I have several others to work on in the next few days – can’t wait to see what happens with them! Thank you for your wonderful presentation of this material; it was a great experience and I rarely feel that way after a seminar or workshop!  

Next Thai Foot Reflexology trainings:

August 10 & 11, 2013 – Calgary, Alberta (cut-off for discount is July 5)

September 28 & 29, 2013 – Fargo, North Dakota (cut-off for discount is August 20)

October 19 & 20, 2013 – Peachtree City, Georgia

Chronic Foot Pain – What Else Does It Indicate?

Dr. Ida Rolf, the creator of the original 10-session model of structural integration, once said, “When the body is not supported from below, it will attempt to hang from above.” That is why she devoted the entire second session of her game-changing program to the feet.

I remember being “rolfed” years ago in Toronto, after having been rear-ended in a car accident. The work is truly amazing; however, one of my biggest surprises came when receiving that famous second session on my feet. Although I was accustomed to receiving a lot of foot reflexology, nothing could have prepared me for the results of that session. My feet definitely felt grounded, balanced, open, stable and pain-free – all of which I kind of expected. It was what I felt elsewhere that really got my attention.

Up until that point, I think I considered foot work an enjoyable and effective way in which to support the physiology of the body; I didn’t think much of the effect that reflexology might have on the anatomy other than that of the feet.

Over the years, through trial and error and formal study, I have discovered that much of the suffering that people experience in not only their feet, but the knees, hips and low back, results from a number of irregularities within the lower extremity; conditions such as partial talotarsal misalignment, shortened and/or weak tissue in the feet and/or lower legs, nerve impingement, inappropriate footwear and lack of awareness around self-care.

I am very excited to start sharing what I have learned when it comes to alleviating chronic foot pain caused from bunions, hammertoes, gout, plantar fasciitis, peripheral neuropathy, bone spurs, arthritis, metatarsalgia, tarsal tunnel syndrome, injuries, surgery or just plain over use. The added benefit to clients may be not only relief from foot pain, but perhaps even an improvement in the complaints that occur elsewhere in the lower half of the body. Things can shift dramatically when specific work is done on the feet and/or lower legs, and when individuals make certain changes in their lives. It’s why I go to the feet first!

How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain will debut in White Rock, British Columbia on August 24 and 25. (White Rock is just a little south of Vancouver, close to the Washington/British Columbia border.) Please note that the discounted tuition fee ends July 1st, so please act now to save yourself a little money! Next offering will be in Rochester, Minnesota on October 5 and 6, 2013.

The Benefits of Membership

After reading over the membership benefits on the Reflexology Association of America website, a woman wrote and asked me how I personally have benefited as a member of RAA. She asked how becoming a professional member changed my day-to-day life as a reflexologist.

Great questions; I really appreciated them, because I realized when having to come up with a response that I never asked myself those questions when I joined RAA. Maybe I figured I just needed to since I am a professional reflexologist; maybe it just felt like the next logical step to take in my professional career. Not sure, but I do appreciate the opportunity to identify what benefits I do derive by being a professional member of my association. Maybe my responses will provide clarity to others who, like this woman, are considering joining the Reflexology Association of America.

So, in no particular order, here are the reasons I am grateful and proud to be a professional member of the Reflexology Association of America:

1. Client referrals. My name (and contact information that I want to publish) is available on the RAA website for anyone looking for a reflexology practitioner in my area. The RAA listing links directly to my website, an important feature for anyone in business. I have personally acquired many clients this way and this is the number one benefit cited by members.

2. By adding my name and voice to the US national membership organization, I help to bring professional credibility and recognition to the field. Helping to further the field of reflexology and its wonderful benefits is important to me. As the field moves inch-by-inch closer to state- by-state licensing and recognition by the National Institutes of Health, the numbers are very important, trust me. Reflexology is taken more seriously the more practitioners we have operating at the professional level who value their field enough to join forces as members of an independent, non-profit membership organization. As reflexology gains more recognition, so will its practitioners. Plain and simple.

3. Personal credibility. The public perceives someone listed on a professional membership site as being better qualified than those not listed. Like it or not, that’s the truth folks. This is a considerable benefit when people are researching whom they will allow to touch their bodies and to whom they will give their hard-earned money. As a teacher of reflexology, it is equally important to me to be able to state that I am a member in good standing of this country’s only national professional reflexology association.

4. When people contact me (and lots do) looking for a reflexologist in some other part of the state or country, the RAA website is the first place I check (well, actually the first place I check after the Academy’s list of graduates!). I know that I can feel confident referring someone who has successfully completed a program in study of substantial hours. How is that a benefit to me? Well, I feel good knowing someone is going to receive reflexology from a qualified professional and that someone is going to get some business because of my small efforts. And I like feeling good!

5. I really enjoy the Reflexology Across America magazine, delivered to my mailbox quarterly. It keeps me informed of reflexology events, legislative movements, accomplishments and challenges nationally, internationally and state-wise. As a member, I can submit my opinions and articles for publication. As an example, RAA publishes all the research case studies the students in the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification complete. I also really appreciate that RAA has stuck to a policy of printing a magazine and not abandoning the tactile version for an online posting.

6. As a professional member I receive a significant discount to the biannual conference. I’m not really a fan of big gatherings, but just two RAA conferences shifted my comfort level in this area. So much so, that I decided to step up to the plate (see #11). Where else can you spend three days in perhaps a new locale (next year’s is in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico – can hardly wait!) with folks from all over the world who share your passion and curiosity for the same subject?

7. Another benefit is access to reflexology research sites. This is the second biggest reason members visit the RAA website. Research data will increase your confidence in the power of reflexology, which will translate to how you speak about reflexology to others, which will translate into more business and a healthier society. (BTW, watch for the completely redesigned website later this year.)

8. As a member, I receive e-blasts on time-sensitive issues and breaking news, so I stay really current on the important matters affecting my life as a reflexologist, and if necessary to the issue, am given the opportunity to take action.

9. RAA has available to its members a number of printed brochures that can be useful in building a practice: Discover Reflexology and Identifying the Legitimate Reflexology Practice (deals with human-traffickers infiltrating our industry).

10. Several insurance companies offer liability insurance discounts to RAA members. Always nice to save a few bucks!

11. RAA is a family of talented, dedicated and passionate individuals who are extremely inclusive when it comes to the running of the organization. It offers many opportunities to anyone and everyone to engage in dialogue and activities, both state and national, to help shape the future of reflexology. Last summer, following the 2012 conference I found myself just organically wanting to get involved at the national level; that surprise awareness resulted in my being elected to the national board. As a Director, I currently chair the website committee, charged with the complete overhaul of the website, and the education committee that is creating feasible and forward-thinking strategies to increase the quality of reflexology education in the United States. I have to tell you, that since becoming involved – and perhaps this has been the greatest benefit to me of membership – I have felt nothing but joyous camaraderie, amazing support and respect, and most importantly, a sense of contributing to something bigger than me, my own clinical work and even my reach as a teacher. Even if you decide not to volunteer your services, as a professional member you get to vote on who runs the organization.

So, I hope the inspiration for this post agrees with me that there are plenty of reasons to become a professional reflexologist – especially so when the price of membership is so inexpensive ($75 for professional and $50 for associate).

The RAA membership renewal process is now underway for this year. If you would like to join at the professional level or associate level (reflexology student or school), then the time to do that is July 1st when the new year starts. Check the website for  membership qualification details.

Easing Respiratory Allergy Symptoms Naturally

It seems to me that more and more people I run into – adults and children alike – are fighting allergic reactions to pollen. When you realize that the amount of pollen is accountably higher now than it was ten years ago, it comes as no surprise.

According to sources, there are two main reasons for the rise in pollen counts in the air:

1. The first is climate change. Rising global temperatures and humidity levels result in earlier tree, grass and weed pollination that lasts longer into the year. As CO2 levels increase, plants produce more pollen too – three to four times more. (Allergists think the pollen itself may actually be more potent.)

2. Pollen is a fine powdery substance, typically yellow, discharged from the male part of flowering plants. In other words, pollen is the sperm of the plant. Those granular particles are looking for female trees and in the absence of such partners (Many US cities plant fewer female plants in public places now because their flowers and seeds are “messier” to manage.), they well, settle for the human nose.

Here’s what happens when those determined pollen particles find their way into your nostrils.

A grain of pollen looks something like a spiny sea urchin. Imagine this prickly invader entering your nasal passages and latching onto the soft mucous membranes that line the bronchial and nasal passages. These tissue membranes contain immune cells loaded with histamines and when an allergen trigger, such as pollen, barges in, the immune cells release histamine to help the body get rid of the intruder by initiating sneezing, watery eyes and itching.

Most allergy medications attempt to treat the symptoms your body initiates to get rid of the allergen, which makes no sense. Afterall, your body is doing what it needs to do to rid you of the pollen. Shoring up the immune system and reducing your exposure to pollen before your body goes into self-defense mode makes far more sense. Here are some proven ways to nip things in the bud, as they say; i.e. create an unwelcome environment for pollen in your life:

Neti Pots. Nasal flushing has been in practice for thousands of years for a reason. It works. Neti pots, small vessels shaped like Aladdin’s lamp, are inexpensive and come with simple instructions. This is a wonderful practice to begin and end the day with and only takes minutes. It’s also a must-do if you feel a cold coming on. The mild saline solution rids the nasal passage of unwanted particles before they can work their way into the tissue. Some people report that it also reduces snoring!

Aromatherapy. Put a couple of drops of Eucalyptus oil in a small dish of steaming hot water. Hang your head over the bowl, place a towel over the back of your head to create a tent, close your eyes and gently breathe in the healing qualities of this oil until you feel your sinuses begin to drip. Do a few times throughout the day. It’s effective and easy.

Alternate nostril breathing. Cover your right nostril and inhale though your left nostril for a count of five. Hold for a count of five. Then cover your left nostril and exhale through your right nostril for a count of five. Inhale through your right nostril and hold for five.. Cover your right nostril and exhale through your left. Do four more rounds. This helps ease symptoms.

Yoga. Downward-facing dog is a position that will help relieve stuffiness and drain trapped mucus from your nasal passage. Here’s an abbreviated way to perform this classic posture: Get on “all fours”, with hands positioned directly beneath your shoulders. Raise your bottom straight up into the air as you straighten both your arms and legs. You will resemble an inverted “V”. Press your hands and feet firmly into the floor as you push your buttocks up into the air. Inhale and exhale for a count of five; repeat four more times. Walk your hands in close to your feet (It’s okay to slightly bend your knees, if necessary.) and slowly return to standing.

Reflexology is a very effective way to clear sinus congestion. If you feel your sinuses congested or swollen, either visit a qualified reflexologist for relief or work your own sinus points. The sinus points are located on the pads of all of the toes and fingers. Breathe into points that feel sensitive until you feel a change in the level of sensation. If you want to learn a very specific and effective technique to work the sinus reflexes (along with lots of other techniques),consider attending one of four foundational reflexology courses coming up soon. They are open to both licensed practitioners and lay people wanting to learn how to support their own health or that of their family.

(foot) Reflexology – June 29 & 30, 2013 – Maitland (Orlando), Florida

– July 13 & 14, 2013 – Tallhassee, Florida

– August 17 & 18, 2013 – Orlando, Florida

Reflexology for the Hands – July 27 & 28, 2013 – Gainesville, Florida

Spices. Add enough horseradish, chili peppers, cayenne, wasabi or hot mustard to your food to cause your nasal passages to temporarily decongest.

Herbs. Freeze-dried stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and butterbur (Petasites hybridus) are natural antihistamines, without the side effects of dry mouth and drowsiness. A Swiss study, published in the British Journal of Medicine, found that butterbur was as effective as the drug cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec.

Laundry. Dry all your laundry indoors during the pollen season, to stop it from collecting pollen. Remove your outdoor clothes when you arrive home, since they will be coated with pollen. Wash bedding often.

Indoor/Outdoor Pets can be a source of pollen as it sticks to animal fur. Avoid petting them a lot. Wear a mask to thoroughly brush them before they enter the house.

Air quality. Keep windows closed. Run the air conditioner to remove excess humidity. No fans; air currents stir up pollen from the floor and furnishings. Use high-quality filters in your AC system and change out monthly or more often, if necessary. Invest in a vacuum cleaner that keeps allergen particles in; vacuum frequently.

Outdoor time. Limit being outside during the times of day that pollen is highest: between 5am and 10am, and dusk. Particularly, avoid exercising outdoors when the pollen count is high.

Face and hair. Wash your face and blow your nose often throughout the day. Wash your hair before retiring if you’ve been outside during the day.

Vaseline. Some folks report that smearing a little Vaseline just inside each nostril helps. If you breathe only through the nose, much of the pollen will stick to the Vaseline.

So Many Reasons to Receive Reflexology!

This last week I gave sessions to two people who have been absent from my table for a few months now. My heart melted listening to their comments afterwards:

“I forgot how much I love foot reflexology!”

“That was the deepest experience of myself I have every had!”

“I needed that so much!”

“That was unbelievable!”

That got me thinking of my own experiences receiving reflexology and the numerous benefits that I, and others, get from this profound modality.

In an article that I wrote for Massage Magazine I outlined the three main reasons people seek out reflexology. I realize that for many others though, their love for reflexology is motivated more from their experience of being in that altered state that the alpha and theta brainwave patterns deliver. Here’s what I’ve been privileged to witness:

1. Reflexology is grounding for people who see themselves as “spacey, ethereal, in the clouds”. These are generally people who fall under a predominant Air or Ether quality, whose minds float around amongst many ideas, and struggle with the more mundane tasks of daily living. After reflexology, they report feeling more grounded – literally – and more able to effortlessly take care of business, without sacrificing their desired state of being. They report feeling more connected to the earth.

2. By letting go of conscious thought, the subconscious mind can more readily offer up solutions to dilemmas or problems people are wrestling with. I take advantage of this aspect of reflexology a lot. When I am trying to reach some sort of decision on something, I will quietly pose the question just as I am about to slip into that delightful parasympathetic state. I am always rewarded with a clear awareness some time during the session that perfectly directs me to the needed action or decision. Some times the answers lie in another part of our being other than the thinking brain, and reflexology really delivers here.

3. Receiving a reflexology session provides a rich resource for images and symbolic meanings for many creative souls. You can read of such comments from one artist here. My home has been blessed by a number of gorgeous works of art that resulted from this particular woman’s sessions.

4.  Reflexology provides an alternate, gentle approach to healing for people undergoing mental/emotional therapy. Especially when received congruently with talk therapy, reflexology allows individuals to feel themselves as healthy, happy and at peace, without having to actually understand anything about the mechanism by which they achieved that desired state. I still recall a client from years ago telling me that his reflexology sessions were as valuable, if not more so, than his talk therapy, because he did not have to explain anything about what was going on for him; he could just be. What a gift!

5. People in recovery from substance abuse use reflexology to both assist in detoxification and to calm a nervous system reeling from withdrawal. The ability to relax as deeply as reflexology provides, and to enjoy the prolonged benefits for hours and sometimes days afterwards, is invaluable for people under this level of stress. One of the grads of the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification has focused much of his attention to this population. An amazing way to support the difficulty of breaking addictions.

6. Some people like reflexology because they find that their dreams over the next few nights are more vivid than usual. Dream interpretation is a highly recognized way in which to understand the language of the subconscious brain. In dream analysis, symbols, rather than words, explain lingering physical symptoms, anxieties, mental conflicts, etc. to the dreamer open to what is being shared.

So, you see, there are lots of very good reasons to learn how to gift the people in your life with reflexology. There are three opportunities to learn foot reflexology over the next two months. Register now to guarantee a spot.

June 29 & 30, 2013 – Orlando, Florida

July 13 & 14, 2013 – Tallahassee, Florida

August 17 & 18, 2013 – Orlando Florida

And before you leave this page, please share why you receive reflexology. Maybe we’ll grow the list!

Cha Yen Recipe

In a previous post I wrote about Cha Yen, Thailand’s popular cold tea drink. Many of you requested the recipe for this delicious beverage and I’m going to share my easy recipe for it today.

If you attend any of the upcoming Thai Foot Reflexology workshops, I will personally serve you a cup of it myself!

June 15 & 16, 2013 – Jacksonville, Florida

August 10 & 11, 2013 – Calgary, Alberta

September 28 & 29, 2013 – Fargo North Dakota

Recipe

A traditional cha yen (tea with milk) is made with China black tea, milk, sugar, star anise, vanilla bean, clove, cinnamon, cardamom and orange rind. I have experimented with those ingredients and eventually settled on a version that starts with a high quality purchased Thai tea blend. Here’s my healthy recipe for one cup:

1 heaping t. Arbor Teas’ organic Thai tea blend www.arborteas.com

¼ t. orange rind

smidgeon of crushed cloves (not powder)

big pinch of crushed cinnamon stick

1&1/4 t. coconut sugar (can substitute maple syrup)

2 T. coconut milk

Put first four ingredients in a teapot (preferably one with an infuser).

Pour ½ c. boiling water over tea ingredients and steep for 4 minutes.

Pour tea into glass or cup. Discard tea ingredients.

Stir in sweetener.

Add ½ c. cool water. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes.

Refrigerate until cold.

Stir in milk.

ENJOY! Go native – use a straw!