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Archives for January 2017

Jan 25 2017

Energy and Reflexology

By Christine Issel, NBCR

Christine Issel is synonymous with reflexology. With over 40 years in the industry, she can rightfully claim co-creation of the Reflexology Association of America, the American Reflexology Certification Board and the International Council of Reflexologists. She is a much sought-after consultant, lecturer, editor, legislative lobbyist and the author of three popular books: Reflexology: Art, Science and History; Eunice Ingham: A Biography; and Reflexognosy: A Shift in Paradigm (with Sandi Rogers). I am thrilled that Christine agreed to write a guest blog, the request for which was stimulated by my reading of her ground-breaking book on Reflexognosy. Feel free to post comments below this article or contact Christine through her website. 

For reflexologists, the questions often arise: Is working slowly more advantageous than working fast? Is it more beneficial to use light to moderate pressure than heavy pressure so that the client can more easily and quickly reach a relaxation response? Is there research supporting answers to these questions?

Here I will attempt to explain some known facts about energy and share some research findings that may shed light on these questions.

Energy Systems

Energy not only surrounds us, it interpenetrates the cells of our body.

The organs of our body are composed of tissues made up of cells, which are in turn made up of molecules and atoms, which are all whirling, pulsating, vibrating fields of energy. All matter vibrates and has a frequency. Within the body are different energy frequencies and systems.

According to the Tiller-Einstein model, the first level of energy moving faster than light is the etheric frequency of matter and energy. On the gross or physical level of the body (i.e., the physical level comprising the densest level of energy) there are biochemical and bioelectrical networks at play. At this level, matter and energy are primarily electrical in nature.

In addition, there are higher invisible energies – a life force – responsible for life and creative expression beyond ordinary human perception. The energy/matter beyond the speed of light is electromagnetic in nature. This electromagnetic network involves the work of the finer subtle energy systems of acupuncture meridians and the chakra-nadis.

The Electro-Magnetic Current

Dr. Robert Becker, (1985) a respected orthopedic surgeon and author of The Body Electric and Cross Currents suggests there is proof the body is an electrical unit operating within an electrical web and an electrical energetic field surrounding the body.

Becker found that the points along the acupuncture meridians enhance the electromagnetic current flowing in the body. It was detected that the meridians had the electrical characteristics of transmission lines, while skin not associated with meridians did not.

Dr. Becker further documented the existence of an underlying electromagnetic life force within the body that stimulates it to grow and heal. His studies show that an injury causes the brain to send low-level electrical signals to the wound that stimulate repair. As the repair process continues this signal diminishes in intensity. The slower stimulating signal in turn slows the repair activity and when the wound heals the signal stops.

Becker found that if the level of current is in a very low range, regeneration occurs. If it is much higher, cell degeneration results. This may explain the healing properties of relaxation, biofeedback and meditation; all of which calm and slow the body down.

Brain Waves

Electrical activity emanating from the brain is displayed in the form of brainwaves.

There are five categories of these brainwaves, ranging from the most activity to the least. At 40 Hz, Gamma waves are important for information processing and learning. In the Beta state, we are the most alert (our day consciousness). This frequency of human brain activity is between 12.5 and 30 Hz. In the Alpha state, with an electrical frequency between 8 and 13 Hz, we are relaxed but alert. The Theta state is one of drowsiness. It is the conscious state just before sleeping and just after waking and the state reached in meditation and is measured between 4 and 7 pulses per second. Delta brain waves are the slowest between 0.1 and 4 cycles per second. When asleep and dreaming, we have reached the Delta state.

These last two stages of brain activity are necessary for the healing and regeneration process to occur.

Reflexology and Brain Waves

In human electroencephalogram (EEG) studies, reflexology was found to create a relaxation response or put the body in a theta state, a state in which it may begin the rejuvenation process and work to the best of its ability to heal itself.

This was confirmed in EEG studies conducted by Dr. Jesus Manzanares, who compared the changes in wave amplitudes with patients receiving reflexology. The EEG presented waves that changed from alpha to theta and delta with the application of reflexology techniques.

Pressure

Sir Charles Sherrington (1861-1952) proved that the whole nervous system adjusts to a stimulus, earning him a Nobel Prize in 1932. He shared the prize with Dr. Edgar Adrian for their work on the physiology of the nervous system.

Adrian also made a discovery all reflexologists should be aware of.

Not long after World War I, he showed that the electrical intensity of the nerve impulse depended on the size of the nerve rather than upon the strength of the stimulus. His discovery suggests heavy pressure is not needed in our work—moderate to light pressure could be just as effective.

The Answers

The above may explain why some reflexologists find that slower movements and moderate to light pressure contribute to a stronger therapy that gives them access to the inner depths of the client both physically and emotionally.

However, it is this author’s contention that all reflexologists have their own innate rate of working just as they have their own unique touch. Each of us must answer the questions posed at the beginning of this article for ourselves, or through training modify our technique for maximum effectiveness.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General, Uncategorized · Tagged: Research, Reflexology

Jan 17 2017

10 Benefits of Being a Certified Reflexologist

Massage therapists who are certified reflexologists STAND OUT!

Don’t believe me? Read Massage Magazine’s article Reflexology Combined with Massage to Improve Treatments – and Business.

I also recommend you read the article I was asked to write for Massage Magazine (Reflexology is NOT Massage) to learn how both the public and massage leaders in the US are fed up with unqualified people claiming to practice reflexology.

Reflexology is effective – on its own, and in combination with massage.

Below are 10 ways reflexology will help you STAND OUT IN THE CROWD:

  1. Extremely effective as a relaxation modality (for many people, more than massage).
  1. Can be used therapeutically to address many physiological imbalances not accessible through other hands-on modalities, especially conditions affecting the endocrine system.
  1. Beginning a massage session with targeted reflexology makes the massage easier on the hands and way more effective.
  1. One of the few modalities that can be used directly following surgery to help speed healing.
  1. Very popular. High level of interest from the public.
  1. Very portable, flexible and cost-effective way to help people.
  1. Can be used as an introduction to full body massage.
  1. Appealing to folks who are uncomfortable with disrobing and being touched.
  1. Easy on the therapist’s body.
  1. Certification indicates your seriousness and commitment to helping people return to health.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification · Tagged: Certification, Business

Jan 11 2017

30 Ways to Spend 30 Minutes

Ever wonder what you could do with just half an hour? Lots. Whether you choose to rejuvenate, make someone’s day or tackle a nagging project, a lot can be accomplished in just 30.

  1. Recharge yourself spiritually. Meditate, attend a religious or spiritual study class, read something inspirational or connect with your spiritual self in whatever way works for you.
  2. Invest in your primary relationship. Set aside sacred time for just you and your partner. It’s more important than any business appointment.
  3. Get a reflexology session. Even a 30-minute session will make you feel like a new you. And it’s a great relaxer.
  4. Catch some daytime zzzz’s.
  5. Walk your way to good health. Thirty minutes of walking a day improves your physical health, helps you manage stress and boosts self-image.
  6. Pick out a beautiful card and write a letter of appreciation to someone special. Send it the old-fashioned way – through the mail.
  7. Call an old friend. Reconnect with someone who has supported you through the good times and the bad.
  8. Take a bath. Light the candles. Pour yourself a cool glass of fruit-flavored sparkly water, and lock the door!
  9. Clarify your goals. Seeing your goals in black and white may inspire you to take action in the direction of your dreams.
  10. Grab a book and get lost. Head to your favorite café, order a tall latte, and sit back and relax.
  11. Hold a family meeting. Let everyone air their grievances, work together to solve problems and make plans for the future.
  12. Write your partner a love letter, and leave it somewhere s/he’ll find it when away from you.
  13. Ask your massage therapist to stretch your body out. In addition to feeling very flexible and limber, you will be surprised at how energized you will feel afterwards.
  14. Play a (ongoing) board game with some children.
  15. Turn the music up loud and dance!
  16. Do a crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Studies show that puzzles are one of the best ways to keep the brain functioning.
  17. Plant some flowers – or a tree. The fresh air and the satisfaction of contributing to the earth’s beauty are very rewarding.
  18. Stare at the stars, and let your mind wonder freely about what it’s like up there.
  19. Totally turn yourself over to a yoga class.
  20. Paint or sketch an image that comes to your mind. (Don’t show anyone!)
  21. Walk a dog – yours or the neighbor’s.
  22. Get a pedicure or manicure. You’ll feel special.
  23. Drive outside your city or town and marvel at the wild kingdom in which you live.
  24. Put photos in an album. Watch your heart soar with fond memories.
  25. Share an ice cream cone with a friend.
  26. Put a care package together and send it with love anonymously to an organization or family that could use it.
  27. Set up online connections to have regular monthly payments automatically deducted from your bank account. The half hour it takes to set these up will save you from having to write checks, address, stamp and mail envelopes every month.
  28. Chip away at chores. Set a timer and ignore all distractions until it rings.
  29. Write about what’s important to you. Pick up a beautiful journal and record your dreams, your musings on the world or yourself.
  30. Make a new friend. Offer to visit residents in nursing homes who don’t have family or friends to drop by. Not only will you be spreading a little kindness, but you may gain important insights by talking with someone who has traveled this planet longer than you.

And for good measure, here’s one more: Go outside and play!

 

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General · Tagged: Self-care

Jan 04 2017

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Immune Function

Winter weather in the northern hemisphere demands that we take just a little more care when it comes to our health. Here are five easy ways to boost your immunity and reduce the likelihood of succumbing to whatever bug is making the rounds:

  1. Wash your hands frequently. Good hygiene has been scientifically proven to raise your body’s level of its most important and abundant protein – albumin. The higher the albumin, the more your immune system is boosted. Wash your hands often, especially before a meal, after using the toilet, or after shaking hands with lots of people. Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible to reduce the number of harmful invaders that can enter your body through your nose and mouth.
  1. Pamper your sinuses. This works great when your nose runs like a faucet. Fill a clean sink with a quart of fairly hot water, and add about ¼ cup of salt.   Swish the salt around until it dissolves, and immerse your face in the water for five to ten seconds. Repeat this three or four times, allowing the water to run into your nasal cavity (keeping your mouth and eyes closed!)
  1. Keep your nose clean and protected. Prepare a quick nasal rinse by adding two drops of liquid grapefruit seed extract (also known as Citricidal or Nutribiotic) to two ounces warm water. Cup a small amount of the water in the palm of your hand, then lean over and gently “inhale” the water into your nasal passages. Do this two or three times before bed and first thing in the morning. The grapefruit seed extract will coat your nasal passages and help fend off harmful invaders.
  1. Soak your toothbrush. Regularly soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide after using it. Or purchase a Zapi toothbrush sanitizer. It doesn’t do much good to introduce immune boosting practices into your life and then turn around and repeatedly expose yourself to “bugs” via a contaminated toothbrush.
  1. Get adequate rest and relaxation. The body can only heal itself and maintain proper functioning when it is in an alpha state of consciousness or deeper. Those states of brain wave activity are reached during sleep, meditation and therapeutic bodywork. Make sure to get an adequate and regular number of uninterrupted hours of sleep every night. And make receiving regular reflexology and massage therapy part of your wellness plan, not a once-in-awhile luxury.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General · Tagged: Self-care

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