Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

The Need For Touch

I am someone who gets paid to touch others. And now, I don’t.

Although I love what I do for a living and acknowledge the gift my therapeutic touch is to others, I don’t think I fully recognized how important that touch was to me. Until now.

I’ve been sequestered at home for three weeks and for the most part, have been fine with it. By nature, I am an introvert and can easily entertain myself. However, I have always been able to connect with friends when I please. Not now.

I have a beautiful home with a screened-in porch that I spend lots of time in these days. I walk or bike my neighborhood most mornings. I cook a lot. Sleep long hours. Read. Meditate every morning. Tackle items on my long-overdue To-Do list. Listen to inspiring and educational podcasts. Engage a lot in virtual happy hours, virtual coffee klatsches, Facetime and individual chats on the phone, so I’m not really social distancing; I’m physically distancing.

What I am missing though is touch.

I live alone. I realized about a week ago that I was missing touching others and being touched by others. And, as I explored that more, I realized that what I was really missing was the energy of others. After all, I don’t always touch my friends when we get together. But, we sit near one another, and smile and talk and laugh and sometimes cry together. Our energy bodies are touching. I see now that what I am really missing is that connection. Our energy.

I’m not feeling sorry for myself nor am I depressed. I am just recognizing something that is true for me, right now. I know I can and will be/am fine because I know there is an end to it. The more I – we – adhere to staying home, leaving only when absolutely necessary, the sooner this will all be over. I look forward to seeing and touching my clients again, and to greeting my close friends with a big smile and long hug while we wait for seats at a bustling, loud and crowded restaurant!

The Magic Of Soap And 20 Seconds

Like you, I have seen many videos and read a lot of instructions on how to wash your hands to rid them of possible germs (read Coronavirus). However, I have never seen a video like this one. Its explanation of how soap annihilates viruses and why 20 seconds is the magic number is soooo good! To increase your own understanding, I encourage you to take less than 4 minutes of your life to watch this exceptional video.

 

 

How to Work Your Lymph Reflexes

Today’s blog is a continuation of the one I previously published entitled, Here’s How I’m Doing It. I want to update one point I made regarding how I’m taking care of myself during the Coronavirus and share a video of how you can work on your own lymph reflexes to support your immune system.

When I wrote the previous blog on March 10, I was under the impression that the Coronavirus caused a form of flu. I later learned this not to be true (again something I shared on the Academy’s Facebook page on March 19). In my ‘normal, regular life’ (whatever that is!), I travel around with hand sanitizers that are made from witch hazel, which is what I wrote about in the last blog. With what I understand now about the Coronavirus I have decided to stick with hand sanitizers that are (rubbing) alcohol-based, at least 60%.

In that previous blog, I also shared that I work my lymph reflexes every night when I get into bed. For those of you who are unfamiliar with where those are on the hands and feet, or how to work them, here is a short video to show you.

Given the choice, I would work on both my feet and hands, if just one, the feet. If you are unable to work your feet, definitely work your hands!

Stay strong. Stay well. We will get through this.

Extinguishing the Internal Flame

For many years, researchers have suspected a link between low-grade chronic inflammation and many critical diseases. Numerous studies have pointed to it and now one, in particular, may finally provide the evidence needed to prove it.[i]

Ten thousand subjects were tested with an anti-inflammatory drug to see if it would lower the rate of heart disease. It did. But the surprise was that it also reduced lung cancer mortality by more than 77% and reports of gout and arthritis!

I’ve read many articles regarding the ill effects of low-grade inflammation in the body, but none was as succinct and as simple to understand than The Cure for EVERYTHING, in a recent AARP Bulletin. I think the information is worth sharing:

Two Kinds of Inflammation

Not all inflammation is bad. On the contrary, acute inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process our bodies innately know to call upon in the event of injury or trauma to the body.

If you sprain an ankle and it swells up, or you cut your hand resulting in pain and redness, or become infected with a flu virus that causes a fever to spike – these are all signs that your body is responding to the need for healing chemicals to be released to help remedy the situation. Once the condition improves, the inflammatory process ends. All good.

And then there is acute inflammation’s troublesome cousin – chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is caused by a misfiring of the immune system that keeps the body in a constant state of alert.

The danger with existing in this chronic state of inflammatory alertness is that eventually all healthy cells in the body are damaged.

The culprits in this destructive attack are the neutrophils, the second line of defense that the body releases when inflammation just won’t go away. They are referred to as the ‘hand grenades of the immune system’. And for good reason. They destroy all cells, not just sick or damaged ones, but healthy ones as well.

The linings of your arteries or intestines are attacked, as well as the tissue in your brain, pancreas, liver, muscles, and joints. Cellular damage can trigger diseases such as diabetes, dementia, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and depression.

Nothing to sneeze at.

Reducing Chronic Inflammation

There is a lot written about diet and lifestyle choices that affect the level of inflammation in the body. Suffice to say, it is worth investigating for yourself and implementing some of what is suggested. Remember that internal inflammation is not something we can see or even feel, even though it may silently be mounting a lethal attack on our tissues.

Here are some commonly-referenced suggestions for lowering a chronically inflamed environment in the body:

  1. Eat plenty of anti-inflammatory foods, such as cold-water fish (salmon and tuna are examples), tofu, walnuts, flax seeds, soybeans, garlic, olive oil, black tea, ginger, rosemary, and turmeric. Load up on fruits and veggies.
  2. Cut back or eliminate foods that create inflammation: red meat, and anything with trans fats, such as margarine, corn oil, deep-fried foods, and most processed foods.
  3. Control sugar intake. Avoiding ‘white foods’ will do much to cut out the highly-refined simple carbohydrates that spike blood sugar and play havoc on the pancreas.
  4. Exercise regularly. Do anything – something – doesn’t matter what. Exercise helps to prevent inflammation.
  5. Manage your weight. Excess weight carries with it more inflammation.
  6. And, finally, manage your stress. Living with chronic stress releases a cascade of hormones in the body that inflame and damage our body’s tissues.

Make stress reduction a regular part of your healthcare strategy. Pick your medicine: meditation, yoga, walks in nature, intentional breathing, tub soaks by candlelight, and of course, reflexology and massage.

The above measures will pay off over time. Your health will improve, and you will reduce the risk of chronic disease.

[i] ‘The Cure for EVERYTHING’; AARP Bulletin November 2019

Six Keys to Reducing Inflammation

Here’s How I’m Doing It

As someone who regularly interacts with the public (in my clinic) and travels the continent to teach groups of people, I’ve had to think a lot about the Coronavirus.  I’m often asked my opinion and “What to do?”

So, I thought I would share ‘how I’m doing it’.

I’m taking care of myself. 

* First off, I’ve stopped reading articles and social media posts on the topic (most of which just say the same thing). They are way too fear-based for me. I know that operating from fear releases a cascade of harmful chemicals in my body that will interfere with my immune system’s ability to combat viruses and bacteria. And right now, I need to focus on maintaining a strong immune system. That is my main defense. People with strong immune systems are experiencing very mild symptoms from the Coronavirus.

* To start my days calmly, I meditate, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.
* I start the day with a positive attitude, believing in the health of my mind and body to take care of me.

* As a way to manage stress, I make sure to spend a few moments throughout the day taking deep, slow breaths. Intentional breathing calms the mind, which strengthens the immune system.

* I’m making sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep boosts T-cells which helps fight viruses.

* I’m staying mindful of my eating choices. It’s too easy in a time of unrest to resort to high sugar, empty calories to get an immediate hit of feel-good hormones – however, in times like this, what my body needs most is healthy phytonutrients found in organic fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds.
* I’m staying away from alcohol, too.

* Stimulating my lymphatic system by working the lymph reflexes of my feet in bed each night and dry skin-brushing before my evening shower.
* Moving every day. Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a little yoga, lifting a few weights – something to move the lymph, boost immunity and keep the stress level down.

Preventative Measures

* Number 1: I’m washing my hands more and for a longer time. Happy birthday to me – twice.
* Doing my best to keep my hands away from my eyes, nose, and mouth.
* I keep a hand sanitizer in my car to use after touching items in public places. I like to make my own sanitizer since I find the alcohol-based ones too harsh on my skin to be using numbers of times a day. Those made with witch hazel have been shown to be just about as good. I make one with 3 ounces of witch hazel, 1 ounce of aloe vera gel and about 30 to 40 drops of essential oils. My go-to anti-viral oils are Tea tree, cinnamon, clove, lemon, and Eucalyptus radiata.

* I’m taking the following supplements: 1000 mg. Vitamin C and an anti-viral tincture. Some of the herbs known to be anti-viral are ashwagandha, oregano, olive leaf, elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus.
* I have zinc lozenges on hand if I do start to feel any symptoms as well as an oregano throat spray.
* I’m also using a product called Xlear every morning and night. It’s a saline nasal spray with grapefruit seed extract and xylitol in it that cleans, moisturizes and soothes the sinus tissues. (Great for respiratory allergies, too.)

* Keeping my distance. No handshaking. (Did you see my video post on Facebook of the ‘reflexology-shake’?)
* Except for my upcoming teaching engagements, avoiding crowds.
* Using knuckles, elbows, fists, and hips to touch and/or open things as much as I can.
* Using disinfecting wipes on surfaces such as grocery store carts, gas station pumps, my car’s steering wheel (and other surfaces I touch in my car a lot), as well as wiping my cell phone and laptop keyboard. I make a point of going around my clinic a few times a day and wiping down all door handles, sink faucets, light switches – anything that gets touched a lot by my clinic mate, clients and/or me.

The above all done and in practice, I’m just putting it all out of my mind. I’m staying focused on knowing that I am healthy and strong.

Importantly, if I do feel like I’m coming down with something, I will take to my bed. I will not go out and infect others. I will catch this bug as soon as I can and spend the two weeks of quarantine enjoying my home. My freezer is stocked and I know friends would gladly deposit healthy food on my porch should I ask. And I have a stack of books just begging to be read!

Foot Reflexology and Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a painful condition that characteristically causes frequent, urgent, burning urination, pelvic pain and a host of other symptoms varying from person to person.

2019 Academy grad, Grace M. Beck, decided to test whether or not weekly foot reflexology sessions might help to decrease the anxiety, frequency/urgency issues and pelvic pain of a 69-year-old female living with IC since 2006.

The results were favorable and very encouraging. Read how the study was administered.

What Are You Waiting For? Stand Out In The Crowd

Graduates of the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification learn how to skillfully use reflexology for the purpose of deep relaxation and/or to support people facing health challenges that threaten the quality of their lives. They help individuals confront the most challenging aspects that get in the way of living a healthy and happy life.

And that, in my opinion, is a life worth living – a life dedicated to helping others feel better.

Some of you may be contemplating a new career focus. Others may be looking for a way to embellish an already existing healthcare practice by adding another service to your menu, or learning how to combine reflexology with services you currently offer to produce noticeably longer-lasting benefits for your clients (and consequently a substantial increase in business for you).

Since this year’s program starts soon – Thursday, April 2nd – I thought I would summarize some of the pertinent details for anyone still undecided about registering for this year’s training.

The program is taught in five 5-day modules in the historic beach town of Saint Augustine, Florida. We meet basically once every couple of months, beginning in April and ending in November; Thursday through Monday. The 2020 program dates are:

April 2 through 6, 2020

May 28 through June 1, 2020

July 23 through 27, 2020

September 17 through 21, 2020

November 12 through 16, 2020

Included in the cost of the program are:
– Video access to all hands-on techniques and protocols
– 250-page manual
– Free listing on the Academy of Ancient Reflexology’s directory of
certified reflexologists
– Student membership with the Reflexology Association of America
– Placement of your research case study in over six national and
International publications
– Free on-going support during and following graduation

Curriculum Focus:
– Location of reflex points in the hands and feet, and techniques and
procedures to effectively palpate these reflexes on oneself and others
– Physiological systems of the body and the role reflexology plays in
maintaining optimum functioning of these systems
– Homeostatic imbalances that can occur in the human body and how
to design a reflexology session to address those conditions
– Theories, benefits and research conclusions regarding reflexology
– Uncovering your strongest appeal as a reflexologist, and developing
successful, ethical marketing strategies to create a unique, viable
healthcare business
– Safely incorporating adjunct modalities such as essential oil therapy and
hot and cold stones.

Activities:
– Operate professional reflexology clinics, utilizing health history and
documentation charts designed for reflexology
– Develop and implement community outreach events with your
classmates
– Prepare a research case study for national and international
publication

The total credits awarded for the Certification are 315, which more than qualifies you to sit for national board certification in reflexology and for Professional membership in the national and state reflexology associations in the United States.

I’ve structured the cost of the program to make it reachable for everyone. The base tuition is $3079, with discounts available as well as five different payment plans.

To read testimonials and more detailed information about the program, and/or to register, please visit www.academyofancientreflexology.com. Or, if you prefer, just call me! 904.553.4067

Act now though. April 2 is just over a month away!

An Amazing Life – The Road Taken

I’m sure you’ve heard this before: Follow your passion.

Well, I don’t buy into that statement.

My passion is not “out there” to be followed like some puppy chasing a ball.

My passion is inside me. And it’s something that developed from following my curiosity. I wasn’t born with the many passions that propel me through my day; they matured by my paying attention to what interested me and then checking those interests out.

It wasn’t always that way for me, however.

Years ago, when people would ask me what my passion was, I felt like a failure. I didn’t have one! I mean, where does one find passion? Are we playing a game of hide and seek here? Is it available on Amazon? I do have Prime, you know!

Here’s where curiosity took me:

🌹My love of scents and where they took me in my head – and why I liked some brands of a particular aroma and not others – intrigued me enough to sign up for a free introductory class in aromatherapy offered when I was a massage student 31 years ago.

🦶🏼My curiosity (and skepticism) about how contact with the feet could affect stress levels and health motivated me back in 1983 to enroll in the Reflexology Association of Canada’s foot reflexology certification program.

❓My interest in the role belief systems play in our ability to experience a happy and prosperous life propelled me to take a weekend course entitled Happiness is a Choice, offered by the eminent Option Institute.

Did I know where those initial steps would lead? Nope.

Did I have a plan in mind to create what’s turned out to be an amazing life for myself? Heck, no!

I was just following a tickle I felt inside; something that had grabbed my attention.

And guess what! Each of those initial steps left me wanting more!

I picked up a couple of books on aromatherapy and read like crazy. That sparked more curiosity and more questions. Decided it was time to spend face-time (the real face time) with someone who knew something about the topic. I took a weekend workshop with Christina Polnyj at Essential Education International, and that did it. Signed up to take certification training in a chemistry-based program, offered by Andrea Butje at Aromahead Institute of Essential Oils Studies. (I loved feeling like the mad scientist while learning how to formulate blends for specific needs!)

Once I finished my reflexology training, I was, to say the least, fired up! I was eager to see how people other than my classmates would respond to the work. I started offering sessions to friends in exchange for their services and taking note of how their emotional, mental and physical lives were changed. And that’s when my curiosity turned into a passion! I just had to offer it to everyone I could in my hometown of Toronto! A business was born!

After the 2-day workshop in belief systems, I felt like an addict – I had to have more! I was mesmerized and loved my teacher. I took another weekend course and then took the plunge to explore all my beliefs in an 8-week residential program that changed my life. That experience formed the foundation upon which I have built my entire life and business.

Every one of these actions was triggered by my curiosity. Following what interested me is what developed the passions that inspire and drive me still today. I didn’t follow my passion; I followed my nose. My curiosity lit the match that sparked the fire that I bring to my work and life.

So, what are you curious about? What gets you thinking “Hmmmm” every time you see or hear something? What will you explore in 2020?

If you have even an inkling of curiosity about reflexology, I urge you to join me for a 2-day introduction in Reflexology for the Hands on May 16 and 17 in Gainesville, Florida.

You’ll either feel inspired afterward or not. But, you’ll know if this is a path to meander for a while longer. You’ll either feel it or not.

If curiosity has already kicked you down this road, and you’re ready to discover where a comprehensive training in hand and foot reflexology might lead you, well, what are you waiting for? Jump in!

Read about this year’s Therapeutic Hand and Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. The program starts on April 4, so don’t waste any time!

Who knows – your curiosity may explode into a passion! And God knows, the world needs more passionate, compassionate people right now with a burning desire to contribute something of value!

Change the World One Sole at a Time

I’m on a mission. A mission to help as many people as I can to relax.

Obviously, I can’t do this alone, so, I must share with others of like mind all that I have learned over the last 40 years of professional practice and personal experimentation. I’m writing today to recruit a tribe of people with the same goal as me: to help as many people as they can to feel better and enjoy their lives more.

I believe too that we learn to relax by experiencing it, not by telling ourselves (or heaven forbid, being told by someone else) to “just relax”. The experience of feeling ourselves in a relaxed state is what creates the desire for more. The body wants to feel relaxed. It functions better that way.

The wisest, smartest part of me will find a way to give me more of what I want. With each experience of relaxation, my ability to let go increases and deepens. With each experience, I want more.

That is one reason why I teach reflexology live, and not through an electronic medium. I want everyone enrolled in my programs to experience the benefits of reflexology and deep relaxation for themselves, not just copy some hands-on techniques that I might demonstrate.

What Stress Does

In this crazy world we live in right now, the importance of learning to relax has never been greater. Here’s just a sampling of what happens when the body is under chronic stress:

*The heart beats faster.

*Blood pressure increases.

*Breathing becomes shallow and rapid, reducing the amount of oxygen available to your body. (Remember, oxygen is our primary food.)

*Blood sugar rises, paving the way for diabetes.

*Endocrine functions are disturbed, including a surge in the production of adrenalin and cortisol.

*The immune system weakens, making you more vulnerable to illness.

*Digestion is halted.

*Aging is accelerated.

Scientific studies have found, over and over again, that chronic stress increases the likelihood of developing really serious illnesses, including heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, panic attacks, depression, stomach ulcers, chronic fatigue, and migraine headaches.

And that’s why I LOVE reflexology!

What Reflexology Does

Reflexology is a very enjoyable and highly effective way to reduce stress. I’ve never had anyone get up from my table and not give me that feedback. Personally, I’d have a session every day if I could!

Reflexology is also easy and fun to learn to give.

What former participants have to say about the Academy’s 315-hour Professional Certification:

“Though I know it’s just the beginning, I feel like I really KNOW this stuff, and I’m getting good at educating the public, which feels like a very important thing. This was very well-rounded, as it dealt with not only reflexology, but also business, communication, and tying it all together…..‘Enlightening and encouraging’ is actually a good summary phrase for the whole program!”

“I’ve learned a lot and have added work that my clients are loving, and even gotten new clients. There’s a fresh buzz in my business, and my brain is full of new ideas. I’m really glad I decided to do this…… It’s really enlivened my practice, and I look forward to what happens next.”

“Karen is incredibly knowledgeable about reflexology, aromatherapy, marketing, and has really created what feels like an excellent ‘graduate program’. I really appreciated being able to ask so many questions and keep getting clarifications. I felt very well supported during the program.”

We might not be able to help everyone on this planet, but we can make a difference in our clients’ lives, and also our own. Whether you offer reflexology as a stand-alone session or combine it with massage, everyone wins. Your clients feel better; they tell others and return for more.

Register now to attend this year’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. Added bonus: you’ll get to hang in the beautiful beachside resort of Saint Augustine, Florida! The program begins on April 2, so act now!

Together we can become an army for good, changing the world one sole at a time! Are you in?

Helping Those Who Help Themselves

I don’t know why, but I woke up this morning remembering a client from a few years ago, who had called seeking help with her painful plantar fasciitis. During the phone call, she shared that her doctor was suggesting surgery and that she did not want to go that route. She had heard that I had a protocol that helped that condition a lot. She said that she had tried cortisone shots and stretches the physical therapist had prescribed, but that she was still experiencing excruciating pain in both feet. I invited her to come in to see what we could do together.

Imagine my surprise when she hobbled in on crutches and sporting three-inch heels!!!

When I inquired if she had considered changing her shoes, she quickly informed me that was not something she was willing to do! It was then I understood why nothing was helping her and that the only plan of action the doc could suggest was surgery.

I basically told her that unless she was willing to make some significant changes, beginning with a change in footwear, all reflexology could do is bring her some temporary relief – no recovery. I told her that as long as she understood that, she was welcome to come in for a specialized plantar fasciosis session as often as she wanted. She received the session that day, left feeling some relief, and never returned. No surprise.

I think that woman was a bit of an exception though. Most people living with chronic foot pain do want to get better and are willing to do something to change the situation.

If you have people who are willing to participate in their own healing with any number of chronic foot pain conditions they are living with, then I invite you to attend the ‘How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain’ workshops scheduled in Toronto and Pennsylvania this year. We’ll look at dozens of painful foot situations and how we can provide hands-on support and education for each. You’ll leave knowing a highly-effective hands-on approach for plantar fasciosis (what’s the difference between plantar fasciitis and fasciosis?), tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy (as well as video access to that protocol so you can review whenever you want).

March 28 & 29, 2020
Toronto, ON

September 26 & 27, 2020
Harrisburg, PA