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Karen Ball, Author at Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Professional Therapeutic Reflexology

How to Provide a Full Body Experience Without Leaving the Foot of Your Table!

In a word: REFLEXOLOGY.

Specifically, foot reflexology.

With reflexology, you can not only influence the state of internal organs and their function but through direct communication with the nervous system relax the entire muscular skeletal system.

The most recent massage research has shown that it is not our physical manipulation of muscles that relaxes them, but the communication that occurs between the muscles and the nervous system. It is the nervous system that gives command to the muscles and indeed all parts of the body to relax.

And that is where reflexology shines!

Reflexology is amazing at relaxing – digestion, breathing, the muscular skeletal system, and importantly our restless minds and rollercoaster emotions. It does so through unique manual techniques that deliver pressure to our neural pathways, which in turn assists the body to function optimally.

Working on the feet, you can maintain six feet of distance (or close to, depending on the height of your client) while offering the benefits of reflexology and massage!

People are hungry for touch and relaxation right now, at the same time that fear prevents many from disrobing for a massage and having a therapist breathing close to their heads (mask or no mask – vaccinated or not). People’s systems have suffered undue trauma this last year; you can provide relief and restoration and maintain safety for all. You just have to learn how – something you can do in just one weekend.

I invite you to spend two days receiving foot reflexology yourself and learning how you can give a full-body experience to those seeking respite. I will be in Venice, Florida on May 22 and 23. Please join us! 

Nourishing a Healthy Life – On & Off the Plate

Unlike many others moving into their retirement years, I am choosing to move into my life of ‘entirement’, the period of my life that I have been preparing for my ‘entire’ life.

I am taking my knowledge and experience in human psychology, nutrition, stress management, anatomy and physiology, pathology, somatic practices, teaching, marketing, therapeutic communication skills, leadership, business management and spirituality to create group classes and one-on-one coaching relationships designed to transform people’s lives.

I hope you will join me! If improved health interests you, please follow my Facebook page at Nourishing a Healthy Life – On & Off the Plate, where I will regularly share information, initiate discussion and keep you up-to-date with group class schedules and opportunities to schedule a private complimentary nutrition health consultation (live or virtual) and/or book a restorative reflexology session in Saint Augustine (as soon as I get my new office opened!).

2021 will see me practicing and teaching reflexology, teaching online and live classes on healthy living, and conducting private coaching sessions. After next year, I will be letting go of teaching reflexology and focusing on simply practicing the art along with my nutrition health coaching business.

It’s All in How You Look at It

If you were to ask me what is the most often asked question I get regarding certification in reflexology, it is, “Do I need a massage license to practice reflexology?”

My response to that question is never simple and sometimes viewed as an obstacle to working as a reflexologist. It needn’t be.

The issue has to do with the legalities surrounding the professional practice of reflexology in the United States. In this context, the word “professional” refers to anyone who accepts compensation for his or her work. “Compensation” is defined to include cash, barter, trade, tithe, love offering, donations; i.e. anything with monetary value.

Since states have different (or no) laws governing the professional practice of reflexology, it is always in your best interest to familiarize yourself with the requirements of your state if you are thinking of practicing reflexology. Because, it all comes down to where you want to practice.

* Most US states exempt reflexology from any licensing laws.

* Some states license reflexology as a separate practice.

* A few require professionals to hold a specific state-issued license before accepting any form of compensation for their services.

* Some states allow an individual with a cosmetology license to offer reflexology as part of nail services.

In Florida, where I live and offer the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification, a license is required. One of the state government’s primary mandates is to protect the public; therefore, the state tests anyone whose services involve touching the human body (healthcare practitioners, cosmetologists, morticians, etc.) to determine if the applicant’s knowledge and skill level are such to safely operate a business; i.e. to do no harm. The preferred license to practice reflexology in Florida is a massage therapy license.

Florida does allow someone with a cosmetology or nail tech license to offer reflexology as part of those services though. These practitioners are allowed to do that because the scope of their license includes massaging the hands and feet. It’s important to note that in these situations, reflexology can only be offered in conjunction with the nail tech services, not as a stand-alone service. For that, a massage license is required.

The above information – my answer to this frequently asked question – can feel like an obstacle to some people who want to just practice reflexology. I can understand that, and I can add, from personal experience, that it can also be seen as an opportunity. Certifications in more than one area can work to one’s advantage. Employers love it when they see multiple skills on a resume. The more education you have and the more variety of services you can offer, the more attractive you are to clients and to a business looking to hire.

I practiced reflexology in Toronto, Ontario where a license was not required. When I moved to Florida, I legally had to obtain a massage therapy license before I could hang my shingle. Attending the Florida School of Massage was one of the best decisions of my life; both in terms of the knowledge I acquired and the personal growth experience. Without a doubt, everything I learned in my massage and hydrotherapy training supported, and continues to support my reflexology practice.

Some people who contact me choose to complete massage training first and then take the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification as advanced training. Some do it the other way around, choosing to ease into the field of bodywork by first completing reflexology training (less time commitment, money and complexity). Either way is fine.

Like the Florida-based woman who called recently (and the inspiration for this article): someone looking to get out of her current work field who has held a lifelong interest in reflexology. Rather than see the requirement for licensure as an obstacle, she got excited. Like me, she has most times been a little less than satisfied with the massage aspect of pedicures, and immediately saw the niche she could create for herself as the nail tech that includes effective reflexology. Yes!

It’s all in how you look at it.

The 2021 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification begins on April 1 and will be the last time I offer this enriching program. After 30 years of teaching reflexology, I have decided to move on to other interests. Act soon, if you wish to acquire the knowledge to be able to skillfully offer foot and hand reflexology to your community. Because of social distancing requirements, enrollment in all classes next year will be limited.

If you wish to see a current listing of stipulations regarding the practice of reflexology in the United States, please visit this link.

Do I Have To?

Based on how many people I see wandering around my community ‘sans-mask’, I wonder how many of you have heard that question from clients whom you’ve told to wear a face-covering when coming in for a session. Even those people who agree to your policy over the phone often show up ‘mask-less’, asking, “Do I really have to?”

That puts bodyworkers in a really awkward position.

We want to ‘meet our clients where they are’ at the same time that we need to assume the responsibility our profession and license demand of us to establish and enforce safety guidelines within our businesses. Seeing multiple clients in a week necessitates compliance to common safety procedures so that everyone – including you – remains healthy.

So, what to do?

I think starting with acknowledging that having to wear a mask while giving or receiving reflexology sucks. For both parties. That’s the truth and yet wearing a mask is one of the best ways to keep both people safe. End of story.

Here are a couple of guidelines that you may want to consider, keeping in mind that setting and imposing policies at your place of business may not be within your purview.

* Clearly state your policy regarding mask-wearing in multiple ways: on your website; displayed on the outside of your office entrance and inside on an office wall; on health history intake forms; verbally when making appointments and or boldly stated on your scheduling app. Make it clear that there are no exceptions. Masks must be worn the entire time the individual is in the clinic.

* Explaining to reticent people that you are required to follow the rules set out by your regulatory agency will deflect the responsibility away from you and onto your governing Board. The client may find it easier to comply with that.

* Someone may inform you that they have an exemption card from the Americans with Disabilities Act. Acknowledge that the card may exempt that person from litigation, but it will not protect either of you from infection. And that preventing the spread of COVID is your intention.

* Have enough 3-ply cloth masks for yourself on hand so that you can change out for each client. Have a supply of disposable surgical masks in the office should someone forget to bring theirs.

* Thank your clients for being proactive about protecting themselves and you. We’re in this together.

Bottom line, don’t make exemptions because you are afraid of losing business or of offending people. Wearing a mask in public these days is a health issue. It is not a political issue or an issue of personal freedom.

 

A Legend Dies

Dwight Byers, the founder of the International Institute of Reflexology in St. Petersburg, Florida, has passed away. Dwight was the nephew of Eunice Ingham, our ‘mother’ of reflexology, and devoted his entire life to spreading her teachings around the world. His loss is felt by many around this planet.

I got to know Dwight a bit over the last three years since my involvement with the Florida Association of Reflexologists. He was a committed supporter of our Association right from the get-go and liked to call me every once in a while, to just chat. He wasn’t much for technology, but he did like to talk!

You may be interested in learning a little bit more about this colorful, dynamic man. Rest in peace, Dwight Byers.

The New Classroom

In two weeks, I’ll be on the road to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to teach my first workshop since February! Yikes! I hope I remember how to behave! 🥴

Throwing a gathering now is not as easy as it was before. I ended up changing the venue so that I could have a larger space. I want to allow for more than six feet between tables. I’ve been constantly running through the days in my mind and determining what precautions I will need to take to ensure that all of us are safe.

One thing I realized just a couple of days ago was that I could no longer accept an odd number of participants in my classes. I don’t want two people standing at the foot of the table working at the same time. So, accepting registrations is a little trickier than usual.

2021

As I stated in an earlier blog, next year will likely be my last year of teaching reflexology. I plan to teach as much as I can and am opening up my calendar now to schedule the 2021 events. I already know I will be heading to Atlanta, Georgia; Gainesville, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Deland and Saint Augustine, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; Arizona; Toronto and Winnipeg, Canada. Please reach out as soon as possible to put your locale on the schedule, if you want me to come to you. I plan to drive to as many places as I can, so as to avoid airports and airplanes!

Safety Precautions

I fully expect to be putting safety procedures into place until the end of 2021. Here’s what I will insist on, first from the venue, then myself and of course, the attendees:

Hotels

* Increased industry-standard cleaning and sanitation procedures for guest rooms, based on recent guidance from the CDC, WHO and the AMLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association)

* Daily housekeeping service by request

* Unnecessary items removed from guest rooms

* Streamlined processes between guests and hotel associates to minimize contact, including clearly marked distancing spaces

* Disinfection of high-traffic areas and sanitizing stations throughout the hotel

In the Classroom:

* No-touch thermal temperatures will be taken at the arrival of all classes days

* More than six feet of distance will be set out between massage tables and lecture seating

* A fresh face covering (covering both nose and mouth) required while in the classroom

* Each attendee is expected to use their own table coverings, towels, foot tub and foot lubricants, and to use fresh linens on each day of class

* Tables are to be disinfected between usages. Participants should bring the disinfectant they typically use to safely sanitize their table surfaces.

* Frequent use of hand sanitizer throughout the days. I will bring and suggest that all participants bring as well.

* Classroom will be vacuumed, cleaned and sanitized, and trash removed prior to each day of classes. Hotels will be expected to follow industry-standard cleaning and sanitation procedures based on recent guidelines from the CDC, WHO and the AMLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association). In non-hotel venues, I will work with owners to ensure that standards as set out by the ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals) and the FSMTB (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) are carried out. I will either personally clean the classroom at the end of each day or arrange to have the owners do so.

* Other guidelines will be explained upon arrival, dependent on the variables of the various locations.

In a Nutshell

No matter the extra expense and effort that it will now take to present quality trainings, I am committed to giving it my all this next year. I love and have sorely missed, sitting with others of my tribe and sharing information, stories and our hearts. I imagine you have missed that in your life also, so let’s plan our lives – while minimizing risk –  to once again include communing with our friends and colleagues. Contact me if you want me to visit.

Back in the Saddle!

I am excited to announce that I will be back in the classroom soon! I can hardly wait!

I will be teaching a 2-day workshop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on September 26 and 27 on How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain. This is my only workshop between now and the beginning of 2021. Since I plan to retire from teaching at the end of next year, this will likely be the only opportunity to learn this highly useful information in this part of the US.

You will learn a hands-on protocol that addresses plantar fasciitis/fasciosis, tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy (and get life-time access to a video of the protocol), as well as strategies to customize sessions for 16 other painful foot conditions.

Because I anticipate that extra sanitation and disinfectant precautions will need to be taken well into 2021, I am putting strict protocols in place starting now in Harrisburg and for all future events.

I want you to know, in advance, what to expect. To begin with, I have rented a very large hotel room so as to accommodate the more-than-required distancing that I want to establish. Please also note the following protocols and whether they are something you are willing to comply with if you plan to join us:

In the classroom:

* No-touch thermal temperatures will be taken at the arrival of classes both days

* More than six feet of distance will be set out between massage tables and lecture seating

* A fresh face covering (covering both nose and mouth) or face shield required for both days while in the classroom

* Each attendee is expected to use their own table coverings, towels, foot tub and foot lubricants – not share with others – and to use fresh linens on the second day

* Tables are to be disinfected before and between usages.

* Frequent use of hand sanitizer throughout the days.

* Classroom will be vacuumed, cleaned and sanitized prior to both days of classes

* There will be other logistics that will be explained upon arrival.

The hotel’s commitment

* Increased industry-standard cleaning and sanitation procedures based on up-to-date guidance from the CDC, WHO and the AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association)

* Guest rooms are left vacant for 24 hours after the departure of guests before the cleaning staff enter to clean and sanitize

* Daily housekeeping service by request; you may choose to not have anyone enter your room

* Unnecessary items removed from guest rooms

* Streamlined processes between guests and hotel associates to minimize contact, including clearly marked distancing spaces

* Disinfection of high-traffic areas and sanitizing stations throughout the hotel

* Very low guest room rate of just $99/night

* Restaurant and bar are closed

I hope that you will join me. I want to see as many of my colleagues as possible over my remaining months of teaching reflexology! If you have taken the How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain workshop with me in the past and would like a live refresher, please contact me directly for savings on your tuition.

Because of the extended space needed to provide social distancing, attendance will be severely restricted. If you or anyone you know are interested in attending, I would suggest that you act very soon to guarantee a seat.

How To Increase Vagal Tone

When I first read about and studied reflexology in 1983, I never heard mention of the vagus nerve. Nowadays, it’s the buzz word for improved everything!

I’ve been reading up a lot about the vagus nerve in the last few years and it does seem to be critically important for wellness. One reason that is so, is because it is the longest nerve in the body, running from the brain down to and wrapping around the various digestive organs. (This nerve lives up to its name. ‘Vagus’ is Latin for ‘wandering’.) Just from its location, we can surmise that the vagus nerve influences a number of bodily functions.

I found the article entitled How to Control Inflammation with Your Brain to be a simple and straightforward explanation of how to unlock the power of the vagus nerve for your own self-healing.

To the suggestions cited in the article, I would add reflexology. There is a reflex for the vagus nerve on both of the feet and one that smart reflexologists will want to give a little more attention to during their sessions.

How to Control Inflammation with Your Brain  

Pain Relief in Pennsylvania

Left foot on fireAlthough I was forced to cancel the How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain workshop in Toronto next month, I am thrilled to share that we are going ahead with the training in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on September 26 and 27! I’m so excited to be getting back into the classroom.

Very strict sanitation protocols will be in place for this training so that all of us can feel safe while participating and leave as healthy as we arrive. Here are some of the steps that will be employed:

In the Classroom

* No-touch thermal temperatures taken at the arrival of classes both days

* At least six feet distance between massage tables and lecture seating

* Masks (covering both nose and mouth) or face shield worn by all in the classroom

* Separate table coverings, towels and foot lubricants for each attendee

* Frequent use of hand sanitizer throughout the days

* Classroom will be cleaned, sanitized and electrostatically-sprayed prior to both days of classes

In Hotel

* Increased industry-standard cleaning and sanitation procedures based on recent guidance from the CDC, OSHA and the EPA

* Electrostatic sprayers used in guest rooms and common areas

* Daily housekeeping service by request

* Unnecessary items removed from guest rooms

* Streamlined and protected processes between guests and hotel associates minimizing contact

* Sanitizing stations or wipes throughout the hotel

* ‘Grab & Go’ breakfasts available until Breakfast Bar is allowed to re-open

* Hot tub and exercise facilities closed

Because of the extended space needed to provide social distancing for the workshop, attendance will be severely limited. Act now if you want to attend. We are already nearing capacity.

Follow this link to read the details of the workshop and to register.

A Marriage Made in Heaven

Many reflexologists like to include essential oils in their practices – in a number of ways and for a variety of reasons.

Oils are absorbed into the body through our capillaries, lymph ducts and/or the lungs. It is essential (pun intended) that the scents actually be plant essential oils, not fragrances, and be pure and unadulterated. There are many other points to take into consideration if you wish to work with essential oils that will be provided through a quality aromatherapy training.

Smart oils to add in right now would be ones that support the respiratory system (Eucalyptus, Fragonia, the firs and/or pines) and the immune system (Tea tree, Lemon, Ravintsara, Lavender, or Douglas fir).

Easy Routes to the Inside

One pleasant way to introduce aromatherapy is through the respiratory channels. Adding oil to a steam diffuser is the most common way. Burning what are marketed as essential oil candles is not considered as advantageous. First off, the scent is usually from a fragrance and not an essential oil, and once burned to a high temperature an essential oil would lose its therapeutic value anyway. Burning candles in a small enclosed room also robs the space of valuable oxygen.

Adding a 2% solution (10 to 12 drops per ounce) of an essential oil to your foot butter or hand lotion is another wonderful way to introduce the benefits of essential oils to your clients.

All oils are primarily lipid (fat) soluble so they penetrate quickly through the skin and into the bloodstream. Guess where the majority of skin capillaries are located in the body? Yes, your feet and hands!

I remember years ago teaching a hydrotherapy workshop with another instructor who decided to demonstrate this to the students. To whoever was agreeable, she rubbed a garlic clove on the bottom of their feet. To everyone’s surprise, those people’s breath all smelled of garlic within about 30 to 40 minutes! Point made.

Once applied to the skin or inhaled, the body generally takes about 30 – 90 minutes to entirely absorb the essential oils. Strong blood circulation increases the absorption rate. Once again, what increases circulation? Reflexology.

Reflexology and essential oils – a marriage made in heaven!