Archives for 2015

Oct 07 2015

Scrub Your Way to Better Health

Cold mitten friction is a simple washing with cold water accompanied with friction from mitts, towels and/or a loofah.

You may be surprised to discover how much value (and virtually no cost) this simple modality adds to a reflexology session.

The application of cold initially sets vasoconstriction (constriction of the blood vessels) into play, quickly followed by vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels), which together increase the circulation and elimination of excess heat in the superficial tissues and blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in visceral (organ) congestion.

Rapid movement of stagnant blood allows fresh blood to flood the area, bringing along with it much-needed oxygen and red and white blood cells. Tissue tone is enhanced and metabolism is stimulated.

When to Consider Adding:

as a way to finish a hot stone treatment or when the client exhibits and/or complains of feeling hot
client complains of low energy
poor circulation in the extremities, indicated by cold hands and/or feet
diagnosis of anemia
depression
nervous exhaustion

Points to Consider First:

warm the feet or hands first; this is easily accomplished by giving a reflexology session and/or hot soak
watch for signs of chilling, such as shivering
skin lesions; do not offer cold (or heat)
contraindication for cold, such as Raynaud’s Disease
aversion/intolerance to cold; never force a client to endure if they don’t want it!

Application:

I like to add cold mitten friction therapy to my hand reflexology sessions.

Following a reflexology session, I will quickly submerge one hand in a basin of cold water and remove immediately. Holding the hand over the basin I will then briskly and quickly scrub the hand with a “scrub glove”, as pictured with this post. They can be purchased at dollar stores, drug stores, big box stores and of course, Amazon. I will have submerged my gloved hands into the water first to soften the glove fibers and get the glove wet. (Added bonus to these gloves, they can be re-used. Throw in the washing machine; air-dry. Simple)

You may choose to add in an exfoliation agent such as an essential oil-infused salt or sugar scrub. Just put a little on your wet, gloved hand and scrub away. Remember, that you are not doing massage. The action is quick and vigorous, not slow.

Once done (it only takes a few moments), quickly submerge the hand in water again, to cleanse off any scrub agent you may have used, and dry thoroughly with a thick, dry towel.

Repeat with the other hand and then massage some soothing lotion into the now smoothed exfoliated hands. Your client will love the feel of their new skin and soon afterwards experience warmth in their body as enlivened blood is coursing through their arteries and veins.

Do any of you do versions of a cold mitten friction therapy in your practices already? If so, what do you do?

Sep 30 2015

I’m on a Mission – Are You?

A mission statement is a public declaration of who you and your business are. It’s why you exist. It’s your values, what you stand for, your promise to the public.

Your mission statement is the foundation upon which your entire business is built and operates. It’s what you go back to in times of doubt and decision-making. Will this course of action meet our mission? When first creating a business for yourself, or reinventing an existing one, start there.

Read the Academy’s mission statement and then share yours below. Inspire us!

Sep 23 2015

How Stress Takes Its Toll

The stress response starts in the brain. When the brain detects a threat – whether real or imagined – the hypothalamus, amygdala and pituitary glands go on alert. They exchange information and then send signaling hormones and nerve impulses to the rest of the body to prepare to respond to this thread. This is often referred to as the flight or fight response. It’s a natural and necessary survival response of the involuntary sympathetic nervous system.

The problem is, the brain cannot distinguish between a “real” threat (someone chasing us with a machine gun!) and a thought that we create or perception we may have about a situation in our lives (“I just know I’m going to fail that test!”)

The body then unleashes a flood of hormones. The adrenal glands react to the alert by releasing adrenaline; adrenaline causes the heart to pump faster and the lungs to work harder so as to deliver more oxygen to the brain and body. The adrenal glands also release extra cortisol and other glucocorticoids, which help the body convert sugars into the extra energy needed to respond to the threat. Nerve cells release norepinephrine, which tenses muscles and sharpens the senses to prepare for action. The eyes dilate, hearing becomes more acute, even the sense of taste and smell increase; all to take in more information regarding this impending and/or perceived threat. Functions considered unnecessary for immediate survival, such as digestion, fighting infections and even feeding an incubating fetus, are all put on hold in order to rally forces to deal with the situation at hand.

When the threat passes, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels drop. If the occurrence of (real or perceived) danger presents too often, continued high levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine damage the arteries, which can lead to a host of health problems. Chronic low-level stress – a condition that many North Americans live in – keeps the glucocorticoids in circulation, leading to a weakened immune system, loss of bone mass, suppression of the reproductive system and problems with memory retention. The statement that stress kills is not too far off.

There’s nothing wrong with this fight-or-flight response; in fact we are hard-wired to have it jump into action when needed. But annoyance with the subway or traffic is not the place. If you want to undo or reduce the effects of perceived and/or thought-induced stress, call on the parasympathetic state to induce the rest and repair state. Stay calm. Relax. Your life depends on it.

Relaxation is the basis of health. There are many ways in which to teach your nervous system to respond to unwanted situations with calm. Reflexology, of course, is one. It naturally shifts the autonomic nervous system from the sympathetic (flight or fight) to the parasympathetic state (rest and repair). The experience of receiving reflexology allows you to feel yourself in a relaxed state; without that experience, it is impossible to induce it yourself at will.

What do you do on a regular basis to teach your brain and body to function from a basis of relaxation?

Sep 15 2015

New Website and Contest!

I am excited – actually, ecstatic – to announce that our new website is finally done and mounted! For those of you who have ever created a website (this is my fourth – yes, I am a little crazy!), you know how much time is involved. Trying to do that between teaching, traveling, writing, clients, creating, and just plain having a life is a lot. But, it’s done and I’m very happy with it – thanks to the talents and patience of Neesha Anderson of SunCloud Web Design.

Please take a gander – on any device you prefer. This site is mobile-friendly. Start by clicking on the Home button above. Lots to see, including:

videos of me demonstrating reflexology
comments from certification grads and workshop attendees
an introduction to the Academy team – believe me, I don’t do this all by myself
photos of Academy grads (well, some of them)

and much more to come!

To entice more people to join our newsletter list, I am running a contest over the next week. Anyone who registers to receive the monthly e-newsletter between today and September 25 is eligible to win a gift package of reflexology and health-related items. And not to exclude those of you already part of the family, a gift package will also be awarded to one lucky member currently receiving the newsletter, if you post a comment below.

I hope you will take a moment to let me know what you think of our new website.

Namaste,

Karen

Sep 09 2015

Why Clients Return

Consumer satisfaction polls from the spa industry (which accounts for 25% of bodywork sessions received in the United States) have revealed two glaring points worth examining. The two most important factors that motivate people to return for future sessions are:

Safety. Within the first 3 minutes, guests determine how safe it is to let their guard down. If they don’t feel safe, they won’t return. Period.
Communication from the therapist regarding pressure. If pressure is too much or not enough and the therapist doesn’t care enough to inquire or alter their pressure in response to the client’s feedback, they won’t return. Period.

So, how would you rate yourself on these two issues?

~ Do you know how to create an environment of safety? Do you even know what that means in a therapeutic relationship?

~ Have you ever examined the subtleties of boundary violations: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual?

~ Do you project your own preferences regarding pressure onto clients? Afraid you will hurt, so you pull back? Believe that only deep, penetrating pressure makes a difference in physiology, so “lean in” as much as you can? (This is a perfect example of a boundary violation; not being clear on where you end and the client begins.)

In building my practice and business, I always look to what I’m doing – or not doing – when I’m not getting the outcomes I want. I find that more than not, the “problem” is with me, not external circumstances like the economy, a saturated market, lack of awareness on the public’s part or the stars. My own relationship with power and money, my communication skills and the ability to provide a safe environment lay the foundation for my success, not the marketing strategies I employ.

In a desire to help reflexologists and massage therapists struggling with their procurement and retention of clients, I offer proven strategies and insight in the Marketing and Professional Empowerment classes. They’re inspiring, motivating and fun! Please join us when you’re ready to grow your practice.

Sep 02 2015

Self-Talk

Self-talk. Are you even aware of the messages you give yourself? What might happen if you changed just one word? “Can’t” for “How”?

~ Why can’t I lose weight? vs. How can I be more healthy?

~ Why am I always so broke? vs. What do I need to do to create and keep more abundance in my life?

~ Why is business so slow? vs. What steps can I take to create an awesome experience for my clients that they will want to tell others?

~ How can I get more clients? vs. How can I add more value to my community?

~ How can I sell more gift certificates? vs. How can I interest my clients to give the gift of health to their family and friends?

~ Why are my clients always late? vs. What am I doing that encourages lateness?

~ I can’t afford to get certified. vs. How can I afford to get certified?

Aug 26 2015

Therapeutic Reflexology

Therapeutic Reflexology – A Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Competence is a really good book. In addition to 343 pages of content and 94 pages of useful Appendices, it comes with a DVD demonstrating reflexology techniques and self-care stretches, and offers an online companion study guide. There is even separate online access for instructors – a move that clearly demonstrates the author’s intent for her labor of love to serve as a text for teaching organizations.

Therapeutic Reflexology was written by Paula Stone, a nationally certified massage therapist and reflexologist who can boast over 30 years of experience as an educator and wellness advocate. The book has been available for awhile and is the culmination of Paula’s professional life; her gift to the world of wellness. Here’s how Paula describes the beliefs from which this book was born:

“Contemporary holistic reflexology views the body as a whole organism. Correct technique applied to the reflexes of the feet (or hands, ears, etc.) affect the entire body – helping it to achieve homeostasis and through homeostasis, better health. Often those who practice reflexology feel a tender point, refer to a chart, and conclude, “There is a problem with so and so.” There are several issues with this approach. First, this is diagnosing, which is legal only when the practitioner has a license permitting diagnosis. Second, this reflects the conventional view of the body as a collection of symptoms. All actions – all states – of the body, emotions, mind, and spirit – are interdependent on each another. There is no separation. This holistic view is the underlying principle of this book.”

I am a firm believer that one must learn hands-on applications, such as reflexology, in a live classroom setting, where observation and feedback are available from a highly qualified and experienced practitioner/instructor. It is essential that a teacher both see and feel a student’s work in order to guide a learner’s path to that of skilled practitioner. That said, Therapeutic Reflexology serves as a wonderful adjunct to a classroom setting.

The book (which I reviewed for the publisher before publication) is broken down into four parts, each of which is amply illustrated with graphics and photographs. Each part begins with stated learning objectives, and ends with a summary of the material presented and questions to test what the reader has learned.

The Overview begins with the history, science and various forms of reflexology (foot, hand, ear, body, iridology). Then the author moves onto theories and allied practices such as massage, aromatherapy and manual lymphatic drainage.

A Reflexology Practice delves into the core competencies of running a reflexology-based business. This chapter deals with more than just sound business practices, scope of practice, licensing issues, certification requirements, book-keeping, boundaries, ethics and insurance. It covers basics like designing a session, frequency of sessions, identifying goals, contraindications and considerations, client responses to reflexology and charting. These are all critical topics to know before opening your door as a reflexology business owner.

Fundamentals. This is the section “newbies” will likely be most interested in (but please do not ignore the previous chapters). These pages focus on the core hands-on techniques, after covering the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the lower leg and foot, ergonomics and all-important self-care strategies.

Reflexology in Practice shows the location of reflexes on the feet, takes a look at the anatomy and physiology of all the systems of the body, and suggests a protocol for addressing each within a reflexology session.

There are many features of this book that I like. One is the case studies sprinkled throughout Part 4; another, the “Think It Over” boxes, which ask questions on thought-provoking topics – often controversial – that provide opportunities to develop necessary critical thinking skills.

I am in awe of the love and thoroughness that went into compiling Therapeutic Reflexology. If you have a sincere desire to help others through reflexology and are self-motivated, then you could well learn how to build a successful reflexology practice by completing the activities outlined in this wonderful text after you have completed your initial training.

Aug 19 2015

Your Two Brains

I have been intrigued with the “gut brain” and the vagus nerve for some time now. I think that my curiosity has blossomed into love though; sparked by numerous articles that have come my way in the last couple of months. The most recent was published by Neuroscience News and reveals a relationship between Parkinson’s disease and the vagus nerve.

The study sited in the Neuroscience News publication clearly identifies a link between constipation, the vagus nerve and Parkinson’s disease. It’s an important study; I hope you will take a moment to read it. If it’s true that chronic constipation and other digestive issues are early markers for Parkinson’s disease, it makes sense to take steps early in life to ensue a properly functioning gastrointestinal tract.

According to an older research study published in Denmark, chronic constipation is the second leading ailment that brings people to seek out reflexology. I can certainly agree with that; it’s one of the top reasons people have sought out sessions from me.

The Vagabond Nerve
The wandering vagus nerve (vagus is Latin for “wandering”) is the most important nerve of the parasympathetic system that influences digestion. This vagabond nerve meanders from the brain to the stomach and digestive track, with stops along the way at the heart, lungs, spleen, liver and kidneys. Branching nerves are involved in speech, eye contact, facial expressions and even your ability to recognize other people’s voices.

The vagus nerve is also known as cranial nerve X, the tenth and longest of the cranial nerves to emerge from the posterior skull. It has approximately 1000 single nerve fibres and over 100 million nerve cells.

A couple of points that that have really grabbed my attention are:

~ Ninety-five percent of serotonin produced by the body is found in the digestive track, not the brain, as previously believed. Serotonin is often prescribed for reasons of psychological health, but interestingly, also for digestive distress. That makes sense now. In addition, dozens of other neurotransmitters and hormones we thought only to exist in the brain and spinal cord are now known to also live in the intestines.

~ One of the more fascinating facts about the vagus nerve is that 10% of these nerve communicate to the organs in the gut, while an astounding 90% communicate back to the brain. That certainly explains why in traditional Chinese medicine, the gut is referred to as the second brain. Maybe it should be the first?

Since the vagus nerve operates as part of the autonomic nervous system (the critical part that runs the show, behind the scene), we aren’t aware of its role in our lives; however, without proper functioning of this nerve, it would be difficult to carry out the everyday functions that we take for granted, like breathing, eating and speaking. No wonder I’m in love with this nerve!

The Vagus Reflex
The vagus nerve reflex is found bilaterally on the plantar surface of the feet under the medial sesmoid bone of the first metatarsal. Try incorporating it into your sessions with people struggling with respiratory and digestive issues. Who knows – it may end up being good medicine against future brain disorders.

Why You Should Attend These Classes

EO Bottles I love to share my knowledge and experience regarding the safe and legal use of essential oils in my practice and my success in helping people with chronic headaches. There are some good reasons to add this information to your tool kit.

Reflexology and Essential Oils

First off, I will not be promoting essential oils from specific distributors. I do not represent any company, nor am I a distributor for any multi-level essential oil company. Instead, I will teach you the easiest and most accurate way to determine the quality of oils from companies you are interested in purchasing from.

Essential oils are not just nice-smelling potions; they are strong, medicinal chemicals that must be treated respectfully and with knowledge. The class, therefore, will focus on the safety factors in using essential oils in your practice. We will look at the therapeutic properties of some easily accessible oils, dilution options, and choosing oils to match your client’s profile and health needs. The application methods shared will all be topical or via inhalation; to use essential oils internally in the United States is classified as practicing medicine – a license for which is required. I will share ways in which you can safely support your reflexology clients with the addition of essential oils, and you will have the opportunity to make two products to take home to use.

Although I created this class for reflexologists (we will talk about some of the common conditions presented to reflexologists that we can help with essential oils), it is not necessary to have experience in giving reflexology or massage. We will not be practicing bodywork, but instead will be making essential oil products that can be used in your practice or for your own personal use. Feel free to invite friends who are interested in improving their wellbeing with aromatherapy (adults only). The cost of materials is included in the registration fee.

Say Goodbye to Headaches

Apparently, about 45 million people in North America suffer regularly from headaches. The most difficult part of eliminating headaches from one’s life is of course, identifying the cause. And that is especially true for reflexologists. When someone presents to a massage therapist with a headache, the session is focused on relaxing the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders. Good choice if the headache is what is classified as “primary”. If, on the other hand, the headache is “secondary”, it is essential to be able to identify the health situation, so as to focus a reflexology session accurately. Massage helps primary headaches, reflexology, primary and secondary.

The class I am offering focuses a lot on identifying the cause of headaches, the changes that need to be introduced in order to eliminate, or at least reduce, the severity and occurrence of headaches, and focused hands-on sessions for specific causes that include reflexology, massage, essential oils and acupressure. So that you may help as many people as possible in your community (remember those 45 million?), I will provide you with tools and forms with which you can conduct individual or group coaching sessions with people to help uncover the cause of their headaches. Together we can reduce that outrageous number!

I hope the above helps clarify things and that you will take a moment now to register. I am confident that you will leave these classes with additional knowledge and tools that will increase your ability to help more and more people in your circle.

Aug 12 2015

Make The Senses Work For You

The five senses often hold the key to quick stress relief. Turns out that engaging all of the senses, rather than just one, can multiply the benefits. This is so easy to do in a bodywork practice.

Visual

How does your space look? How it looks affects how people feel. Remove clutter. Clutter engages the brain; you want to encourage your clients to disengage from thought, if only for one hour.
Choose soothing colors, textures and images. Bright colors, mind-engaging art draws the attention first outward and then towards thought.
Lighting. Provide adequate lighting for pre-session discussions and for your client to disrobe and get dressed following the session. Dim the lights during the hands-on portion of your time together. This subtly distinguishes a separation between the outer and inner worlds. Some clients love to block out all visual contact when receiving; have an eye pillow on hand.
How are you dressed? Neutral, calming, conservative clothes, or bright, stimulating, eye-catching attire?

Auditory

Start with the ambient noise of your office. Reduce disturbing outside noises, using a white noise machine if necessary.
Choose music (if the client wishes to have) carefully: instrumental, rather than singing; constant rhythm, low volume. Maybe even ask the client to choose.
How about the tone of your voice?
Are you inclined to chatter throughout the session, a practice that many clients find disturbing and even resent? Establish beforehand how much conversation the client wants; let her decide.

Olfactory

Olfactory impulses are conveyed to the primary area of the limbic system (visceral brain or the emotional switchboard of the brain) of the cerebral cortex of the brain, where they are interpreted as odor. Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing & hormone balance, fragrances may be one of the fastest and more pleasurable ways to achieve physiological and/or psychological effects on the body.

Study aromatherapy; incorporate essential oils into your lubrications. Burn candles between sessions to infuse the air (blow out during session; burning candles eats oxygen).
Remember that your own body odor will have a strong impact on your guest’s experience. Odors such as garlic, onions, perfume, cigarette smoke and strong body odor are not generally well received.

Taste

Offer a hot or iced herbal tea to clients to enjoy while filling out initial forms. Stock your waiting room with seasonal healthy drinks and/or water flavored with fresh mint, fresh fruit and/or cucumber slices.
A “homeopathic dose” of chocolate is often appreciated following a session!

And finally…

Touch

This is what your clients expect, what they came for! The above-mentioned sensual gifts simply serve to prepare your clients for your skilled and healing touch.

Use an “airplane approach” when beginning your session. Abrupt contact can put the person’s nervous system on alert; a slow, gradual sinking in will continue your well-thought-out plan to bring your client to a deep state of relaxation.
Adjust pressure to client’s desire. But that goes without saying, doesn’t it?