Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

Archives for 2016

Fighting Athlete’s Foot

teatree__largeAs a reflexologist, I am often asked how someone can rid his or her athlete’s foot for good. I wish there was a simple, one-step, overnight solution to the problem, but alas, fighting any fungal infection is not that easy.

Fungal infections are tenacious. Often, though they may express externally on the skin’s surface, they are a systemic infection that must be addressed with an internal remedy as well as topical approaches. If after strictly following the approach below (or any other valid essential oil/herbal approach) you may wish to consider addressing the possibility of an internal fungal infection.

An Immediate Solution

A remedy that works for many is a combination of Melaleuca alternifolia (often referred to by its more common name of Ti tree or Tea tree) and aloe vera.

Tea tree is a strong anti-fungal, anti-microbial agent good for athlete’s foot, ringworm and other skin infections. Aloe soothes and calms irritated, itchy skin.

Combine 4 oz. pure aloe vera juice with ½ teaspoon of high quality tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use; spray liberally on the infection twice daily. Allow the feet to dry before donning socks or shoes. Use the spray for at least one month, even if symptoms have disappeared, to ensure that the fungus has been completely eliminated from the tissue.

Preventing Reinfection

Take the following steps to prevent reinfection:

  1. Dry your feet well after bathing, especially between the toes (where fungus usually takes hold).
  2. Change socks daily – more often if your feet perspire heavily.
  3. Wear socks that breathe – 100% cotton, or some of the newer microfibers are good choices.
  4. Alternate your shoes daily so as to give them a chance to air out between wearings.
  5. Wear flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms – places where fungus thrives.

Be patient and diligent. You will win the fight!

Bye-Bye Headaches!

reflexology-headaches“I just wanted to take a minute to write you. After taking the Say Goodbye to Headaches class two weeks ago, I have begun to adjust my lifestyle to facilitate better feelings.

I’ve had sinus and allergy issues all my life on top of being asthmatic. It is so wonderful to be clear of that for the most part and just be on a more natural supplement now. I have been able to quit taking daily allergy pills and that awful Affrin I was using to keep my airways moist. I have achieved all that I need from what I learned in class, and don’t suffer headaches and other side effects any longer. It is so wonderful!  Always appreciate the wealth of knowledge you share with us! I hope you’re doing well and I look forward to taking another class with you soon!” … Justin B. LMT, Gainesville, Florida

If you or anyone you know could benefit from learning what Justin did, please join me for an upcoming 1-day class, Say Goodbye to Headaches.

A BIG Step for Reflexology

Big StepFor the first time in the history of reflexology in the United States, the three national associations have agreed to a definition of reflexology that can be used by everyone nationally.

Leaders of the American Reflexology Certification Board (the testing arm of the profession), the National Council for Reflexology Educators (the educating arm) and the Reflexology Association of America (the membership arm) spent the last few months shaping a definition that would clearly explain what reflexology does and how it differs from massage therapy. The explanation leaves room for the scope of practice to include forms of reflexology not recognized by everyone at this point, but practiced by some reflexologists in the country.

Having this one definition supports the reflexology community’s efforts to gain better recognition for reflexology as a legitimate stand-alone practice in the public’s eyes and those of state and national agencies involved with licensure and healthcare.

So, here it is:

“Reflexology is 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.”

I invite and strongly encourage all reflexologists, no matter your level of education, to incorporate the new definition on your websites and in all marketing materials. It will take all our efforts and cooperation – not just the national associations – to advance the field of reflexology to professional status in this country.

Join the movement!

 

Why Thai Reflexology May Be What You’ve Been Waiting For

Thai Reflexology
Thai Reflexology

I’m getting very excited about offering the Traditional Thai Reflexology workshop. I love, love, love sharing this art!

Why Thai?

This is an ideal workshop for massage therapists who are not interested in committing to a full training in western-style reflexology, and yet would like to respond to the requests they get for foot reflexology and would like to stand out in a crowd of massage therapists by being able to offer reflexology.

Thai reflexology techniques are very different that the conventional style practiced in North America, and are offered on the lower legs and knees, as well as the feet. The protocol, as well as the theory and principles, can be learned in just three days.

For certified Reflexologists, Thai reflexology is a great add-on to your regular reflexology menu. Particularly, if you have clients complaining of problems with the knees or calves. I have clients that like to switch back and forth between conventional and Thai reflexology; they can’t decide which they like more.

What Others Thought

“I knew it was going to be interesting. It was more. It was totally amazing as to what this treatment can do for the spirit and body. By far, it exceeded my expectations. You made learning fun and your approach to connecting was non-invasive. Your intent to teach, for us to learn, was very evident.” Danny G.

“For what we learned and for the small fee I am so pleased at what I can do and make money at it. It has been well worth it and it by far exceeded my expectations.” Jenny K.

“Karen’s expression of Thai reflexology, both in theory and her hands-on teaching is something you need to experience.” Debra C.

I hope that you decide to join us for an upcoming workshop. Details and registration can be found here.

 

Thai Foot Reflexology – Sen and Now

Buddha StatueI learned Thai reflexology in 2003, and fell so totally in love with the philosophy and experience of giving and receiving this beautiful modality that I just had to turn others onto this amazing art.

Over the many years of teaching Thai Foot Reflexology, the one constant from attendees was a curiosity to know more about the sen lines, and how Thai reflexology intersected with the western style that most of us have been introduced to in North America.

So, in response to those queries I created a 1-day Advanced Thai Reflexology class that explained how the two models relate (ie. which western reflex points the Thai sen lines run through, and which systems in the body were governed by which sen lines), and also give a more in-depth look at the philosophy of the practice.

Sen

The Thai sen are what we would refer to as meridians or energy lines. They actually resemble the Ayurvedic energy lines (nadis) more than they do the Chinese meridians though, in that they do not correlate with any organ system in the way that the Chinese meridians do.

The Thai meridians all begin at the navel and end at the extremities of the body and are used to address any and all organ systems through which they pass along their course. In that way, the sen more resemble the zones of Chinese reflexology rather than acupuncture.

and Now

Fast forward now to 2016, and I have decided to combine the initial 2-day and the advanced 1-day into a 3-day training I am calling Traditional Thai Reflexology. Enough people have indicated to me that this is the better format for their learning and time schedule.

Video

I am also responding to requests that I provide a video of the hands-on protocol, in addition to the diagramed step-by-step manual that is included with tuition. So, I’m doing that also!

Anyone reading this who took the initial 2-day Thai Foot Reflexology workshop with me over the last 10 years is also eligible to receive lifetime access to the video demonstration of the protocol for review purposes.. Just shoot me a quick email with the year and location that you attended. I’ll include you in the roster. karen@academyofancientreflexology.com

 

I hope that you will join us for an upcoming Traditional Thai Reflexology workshop and experience for yourself what so many others have claimed as “the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation”.

Also, in case you’re wondering, no previous reflexology training is necessary to attend the Traditional Thai Reflexology workshop. This training is perfect for massage therapists and certified reflexologists; the techniques are completely different than what is practiced in conventional western reflexology.

 

World Reflexology Week

WRWBadgeWorld Reflexology Week is Monday, September 19 to Sunday, September 25 – time to start planning!

In 2002, the International Council of Reflexology initiated an annual worldwide event known as World Reflexology Week. The Council’s hope was to unite with reflexologists everywhere to bring reflexology deeper into the local and global communities, and thereby help to create a healthier world.

Fourteen years later, and World Reflexology Week (WRW) continues to gather momentum. It occurs every year during the last full week in September.

World Reflexology Week is a perfect time to educate your community members about the benefits of adding reflexology into their lives, and a great way to promote your reflexology business, your local and national reflexology associations.

ICR has created brochures, posters, sample news releases, logos and many more items to help promote your event. At no cost.

Please let me know how you will celebrate World Reflexology Week. I’d love to give a shout out to you for your efforts through my social media outlets. Send photos!

The Answer is No – and Yes

cameraI have struggled for years when asked if I teach reflexology classes online or have videos of the demos from my continuing education classes.

In response to the first part of that question, it took time and a lot of self-examination to feel comfortable just saying,

“No, I don’t teach hands-on classes remotely.”

I’ve watched how education has moved more and more towards Internet learning over the years, and how many bodywork teachers and schools are converting their programs to these new formats.

I’d ask myself,

“Am I shooting myself in the foot here?”

“Will people interested in learning reflexology just click off my website to pursue someone else’s classes because they’re more convenient?”

“Am I a dinosaur?”

I would drive myself crazy!

But the truth – my truth – is, I just can’t do it.

I have taught hundreds of people reflexology for over more than a quarter of a century, and I have NEVER – I repeat, NEVER – had even one person who was able to watch the demo and then execute the techniques and flow without some feedback and correction from me. I just don’t think it’s possible, even for a very seasoned therapist.

I don’t want people to purchase a video of my work and then start offering it incorrectly, claiming to have learned the protocol from me. That doesn’t sit well with my ethics.

It’s important to me that people leave my trainings having been given adequate attention at the tables; that they leave with some level of confidence and skill regarding what was demonstrated; that their time and money was well spent; and that they leave with something useful to add to their practices.

That said, I also totally get that people who have attended the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification, the How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain workshop and/or the Traditional Thai Reflexology workshop might really appreciate a visual resource for review purposes. There’s a lot to remember in those classes.

So, it’s time to say YES to the request for a visual resource of hands-on procedures!

I have spent a lot of time this year researching and developing a platform that would provide video access to the hands-on protocols of the above trainings for those people who have attended.

The students in this year’s Certification program were the first to enjoy the benefits of a hybrid program, and are loving having videos of all the live instructions. From my end of things, I see the impact having review videos has had on their hands-on work.

I am super excited to announce that beginning with the next weekend workshop in Winter Park (Orlando), Florida on August 20 and 21, attendees of all How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain classes will be given access to a video of the hands-on protocol that I teach in this highly-popular training. The video has been shot, and my videographer, Chrissy Martinez, is editing it right now.

Anyone who has taken the workshop in the past is invited to send me an email at karen@academyofancientreflexology.com if you would like to receive an invitation as well. (Please mention when and where you took the training.) You have all paid for this information – I’m thrilled to be able to offer you the gift of live images of how to execute the techniques for your review. I really want to see you all out there offering this great service to the public, and I think this resource will support that.

Beginning with the September scheduled dates, the same bonus will be available to all past, present and future attendees of the Traditional Thai Reflexology training.

I love technology and love exploring ways in which to use it to make my life easier and to offer more value to the people I interact with. I feel certain that these videos will contribute to your success. Let me know below what you think!

 

Safety First

Annie's bookI know I’m guilty of sometimes using the terms infectious, communicable and contagious without thought to accuracy. So, I decided to verify my understanding of these terms by checking in with an expert, especially as they pertain to the skin I touch when providing bodywork.

I consulted with Annie Morien, PhD, dermatology PA, researcher, educator, massage therapist and recipient of the AMTA 2015 Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year award.

In Dr. Annie’s very informative book (that’s how her students address her), Infectious and Communicable Skin Diseases – A Pocket Guide for Massage Therapists, she defines the differences this way:

“Infectious Disease. A pathogen (bacteria, virus, fungus) produces an infection on or within a susceptible host by overtaking immune defenses, overgrowth, etc. Although all infectious diseases are capable of causing infection, not all are communicable. Example: cellulitis”

My additional examples: skin boils; infected wounds; candida rashes

“Communicable Disease. A pathogen is transmitted from a source to a susceptible host through direct or indirect contact with the source, resulting in infection. Example: impetigo.”

My additional examples: athlete’s foot; toe and finger fungus; plantar warts; MRSA

“Contagious Disease is a subset of communicable diseases, in that the disease spreads quickly and easily from a source to susceptible host by direct or indirect contact. Example: measles.

My added example: conjunctivitis

Dr. Annie  went on to state, “I find that making the distinction between the terms helps put ‘diseases’ on a continuum of ‘least likely to be transmitted’ to ‘most likely to be transmitted.’  I believe this helps massage therapists and reflexologists distinguish how much risk they have when encountering a client with certain diseases.”

I’m glad I decided to purchase this little gem of a book. I’ve learned a lot from its clearly written content and sharp photos. I wish I had had this book years ago, instead of having to research everything that came my way. It’s ending up being a great resource for me as someone who touches human bodies pretty well everyday and instructs others on the safety factors and skills needed to do that in a professional environment.

If you want to know more, check out Dr. Annie’s website.

Scrub Your Way to Better Health

green scrubbyCold 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 very little cost) this simple addition to a reflexology session offers.

What It Does:

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.

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 “scrubbie glove”. 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 couple of minutes), quickly submerge the hand in water again, to cleanse off any scrub agent you may have used. Dry thoroughly with a thick, dry towel.

Repeat with the other hand and then massage some soothing lotion into the now baby-soft 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.

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 hot foot soak and a reflexology session
  • 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 a cold or cool application if they don’t want it!

We will be adding in a few hydrotherapy applications in the upcoming Reflexology for the Hands workshops. I hope you will join us and learn how to give one of the most relaxing and healing sessions available.

As one of our previous attendees stated, “If you don’t mind turning into Jello, and learning how to do that for others – this workshop is for you! Learn how to massage the body from the palm of your hand. I’m amazed actually that I feel completely ready to do a session fully after just a weekend.”

Building a Powerful Practice

bookAre you struggling to build a viable practice? Don’t know where or how to start? You might find some applicable direction from a book I just read.

The book is called Building a Powerful Practice and it’s written by celebrated reflexologist, Deborah H. Flanagan. Deborah has been a guest speaker on reflexology on the Dr. Oz Show and has been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine. She has built a successful business on her own terms, utilizing both the heart and brains of smart marketing. She shares generously and in simple terms how you too can build a successful practice.

Here’s what I like about this book (in no particular order):

1. It’s short. Only 130 pages. It won’t take you forever to read!

2. Written with candor, transparency and compassion. Deborah does not present herself or her strategy as the only path to success; she shares her experience – her successes and failures – and offers what she’s learned as a guide that you can tweak for your situation.

3. There are 22 chapters breaking down all the various components of creating a successful business. Short concise chapters with no-nonsense advice on such subjects as:
– finding clients in person and online
– defining and reaching your niche
– heart-centered marketing
– staying organized – the necessary administrative end of things
– budgeting
– avoiding burnout
– building confidence
– being true to yourself

4. Suggested action steps for each subject area.

The book includes the perspectives of a number of other wellness practitioners on each of the subjects addressed. I really thought this was a very valuable addition to the book; most business or marketing trainings present only the opinion of one person – the author.

As a bonus, Deborah gives you access to a Business Starter Kit, which includes templates for building an email list, keeping track of income and expenses (including taxes), sample intake forms and gift certificates.

Available on Amazon if you’re interested. (FYI, I received nothing for writing this review; in fact, it will come as a surprise to Deborah should she read it!)