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Archives for April 2017

Apr 26 2017

Comparing Thai Reflexology With The Western Style

Thai reflexology is often referred to as the “marriage of India and Asia”, because it incorporates elements of India’s Ayurvedic medicine (which are its origin), Japanese shiatsu and Chinese reflexology.

When asked how Thai reflexology compares to our western model of reflexology, Thais will respond with “same same”, meaning “similar and not the same”. Here’s what they mean by that colloquialism:

Although both models work to reestablish homeostasis in the body, the focus in Traditional Thai Reflexology is not on reflex points, as it is in conventional western reflexology. Thai reflexology seeks to restore balance within the body’s 72,000 sen (energy lines), by removing energy blockages and strengthening the flow of energy within the sen, rather than stimulating the optimal functioning of organs through the stimulation of reflex points. With energy balance reinstated, the body is then free to correct whatever imbalances are present.

Although the session can be offered on the floor, in the west a massage table or reclining reflexology chair and stool are more often used to accommodate the physical needs and preferences of a western society.

One aspect of Thai reflexology’s development that I really admire is how the protocol manages to avoid repetitive strain injuries. Utilizing stretching and a variety of manual techniques applied to the feet, lower legs and knees, very little stress is put on the digits or vulnerable joints of the hands.

People receiving Thai reflexology always report feeling relaxed afterwards; the treatment is also more often described as refreshing and revitalizing, as opposed to sedating.

If this interests you, please join me for an upcoming workshop to learn how to give this lovely session. It only takes three days to learn the protocol!

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Thai Foot Reflexology · Tagged: Thai reflexology

Apr 19 2017

Living With or Healing From Headaches

With media reports as prevalent as they are for headaches, you’d think there must be an increase in people affected. That turns out not to be true. In the United States at least, the statistics have held pretty steady over the last decade.

The most recent statistics, released in 2016, show that 22.1% of females and 10.1% of males report living with pain, with approximately 12 million people visiting doctors annually for relief from headaches. At least one-quarter of that group suffers from severe chronic tension or migraine headaches.

So, why the increase in reported headaches then?

It turns out there are two reasons:

  1. Advanced diagnostic machines;
  2. A more informed and assertive patient population.

Those two factors have led to a doubling of tests being performed in the last 10 years.

Advanced testing procedures are not without drawbacks though. They are expensive, can lead to additional and often unnecessary procedures.

And it turns out maybe not the best course of action.

New research has shown that lifestyle changes often have the biggest impact on reducing the incidence of headaches, and particularly those associated with sleep. According to one study, for example, 50% of people reporting chronic migraine headaches also disclosed poor sleep habits. A change in sleep habits made a significant difference for these subjects.

Scientists now believe that it makes sense to approach headaches first from a self-care strategy, leaving a medical consultation as a follow-up in the event that lifestyle changes aren’t the solution. I agree with that line of thinking; most – not all – but most headaches result from habitual practices that sabotage our well-being. And that is why I created the Say Goodbye to Headaches class.

The challenge to living headache-free is two-fold: first to identify the behaviors that contribute to head pain, and secondly, find agreeable substitutes for those behaviors.

In the Say Goodbye to Headaches class, attendees learn how to help clients to identify their headache triggers from a list of nearly 70. They learn how to coach clients in creating lifestyle changes they are willing to make and how to offer a hands-on reflexology session designed specifically for that client.

I hope you will join us at an upcoming workshop. With 12 million sufferers in the country, I figure you must know a few you can help!

Migraines and Insomnia

Lifestyle Change for Headaches

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Self-care, Hand reflexology

Apr 12 2017

Traditional Thai Reflexology

Of the four branches of traditional Thai medicine, reflexology is arguably the most popular treatment used to maintain health in Thailand. In addition to the monks and doctors providing treatments, it is not uncommon to see rows of people seated at the side of the street at the end of the day exchanging sessions with one another.

Here in the United States, reflexology-based foot sessions are one of the most requested spa and clinical services available. Unlike the conventional style of reflexology practiced in America – which requires many hours of training – Traditional Thai Reflexology can be learned in just three days of study, making Thai reflexology a unique, pleasurable and beneficial treatment that you can add to your tool kit, whether a certified reflexologist or licensed massage therapist.

I have been teaching Thai reflexology for nearly 10 years now, and never cease to be amazed by, not just how satisfied clients are in receiving, but how wonderful I feel when giving this session. Gently moving my body and joining my client in the exchange of pure energy is so, so gratifying. And I get paid to do it!

Please join me for an upcoming class to learn how you can to Stand Out In The Crowd with Traditional Thai Reflexology!

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Thai Foot Reflexology · Tagged: Thai reflexology

Apr 05 2017

Chronic Back Pain Anyone?

Studies document that chronic pain affects more people in the United States, and incurs greater costs than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined. I’ll repeat that: Chronic pain affects more people in the United States and incurs greater costs than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined. There are an estimated 100 million people in the United States living with chronic pain, most of the back, headaches or arthritis. [i]

To compound the problem, opiates and other drugs do a poor job of relieving much chronic pain and can result in serious risks, including addiction.

Two participants in last year’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification decided to research whether regular reflexology would help two women who have suffered from back pain for years.

Read Eleanor Miles study here and Rebecca Tate’s here.

[i] Scientific American, December 2014

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology, Research · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Research, Hand reflexology

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