Karen Ball, Author at Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Feb 12 2020

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?

Feb 05 2020

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

Jan 29 2020

What’s Eating You?

Believe it or not, the first piece of research linking stress with digestion was recorded in 1883! The study revealed that the digestive system is much more than a ‘cement mixer’ and ‘delivery truck’. Results showed that our daily food includes emotions and all of life’s experiences, not just edible substances. Everything we take in is ultimately broken down and ‘judged’ by our digestive systems.

And why is a healthy digestive system important? All organs and systems of the body rely on the health of the digestive tract. Without REAL food (not food-like substances) to sustain them, the cells – and ultimately, the organs and glands – are unable to function. It’s that simple.

Importantly, today’s scientists have also discovered that 75% of the cells necessary for the immune system to function effectively are connected to the gastrointestinal tract! And that means a high-functioning digestive system is key to health and quality of life.

Join Marian Thompson, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and me to learn simple ways to reduce the impact of stress on your digestive system. Discover how easy it can be to make wise food choices in the care of your digestive system, and practice simple reflexology techniques to relax and support smooth operation of your ‘second brain’.

This is a free class offered on Thursday, February 6 from 1 to 3 pm. No reservations; first come – first served.

St. Johns County Public Library
Anastasia Island Branch
124 Seagrove Main Street
Saint Augustine Beach, FL 32080

Jan 22 2020

The Role of Reflexology in Treating Autoimmune Diseases

Your immune system plays a key role in keeping you healthy. It safeguards your body against infections and diseases by blocking pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites from entering and wreaking havoc in your body.

But what if your immune system turns on you and begins attacking your body instead? This is the reality of those who have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.

The Basics of Autoimmune Disease

A properly functioning immune system would be able to tell the difference between invaders and your body’s cells. An autoimmune disease, however, causes your immune system to mistake healthy body cells as foreign ones. Thus, it attacks your body by producing proteins called ‘autoantibodies’ that impair the body’s tissues.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that there are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases that stem from an interplay of genetics and environment. Some of the most common ones are type 1 diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Celiac disease. Typically, medication is prescribed to help ease the painful symptoms of an autoimmune disease. From oral medication to injections the kind of medicine depends on the condition. There’s still no cure for them, but their reaction on the immune system can be managed with immunosuppressants — medications that weaken the immune system’s activity.

Researchers still cannot pinpoint a clear reason as to what causes an autoimmune disease to develop. What’s more, Parsley Health reports that a worrying 20 million Americans currently have some form of autoimmune disease — but most don’t even know. Unexplained rashes, body aches, fatigue, and hair loss are just some subtle but common signs you may be suffering from an autoimmune disease. If these are symptoms you experience, it would be best to consult with a medical professional to check the condition of your immune system.

Reflexology’s Role in Treating Them

Tracing its roots as far back as ancient China and Egypt, the art of reflexology is a form of therapy where pressure is applied to the hands, feet, and outer ears. Reflexology has healing effects like providing deep relaxation, decreasing body pain, and strengthening nerve stimulation, which was previously shared on the Academy’s post ‘The Real Benefits of Reflexology’. So, how can reflexology help aid those with autoimmune diseases?

Living with an autoimmune disease can be extremely stressful, as the bodies of those diagnosed will most likely be attacked by their own immune system for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, a study published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion found that anxiety, depression, and stress in women with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder, significantly decreased thanks to reflexology treatments. This is because its relaxation techniques have the ability to release muscle pain, which has severe implications on both a person’s physical and mental health.

More than just a massage, the pressure applied to the body part touched by a reflexologist can reach different body systems, such as the digestive system, the endocrine system, the nervous system, and the circulatory system. This, in turn, can help bring balance to an immune system that’s not functioning properly. By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system that helps calms down high-energy functions in the body, reflexology lowers the amount of stress-inducing hormones while helping the body harmonize and relax.

Although autoimmune diseases are complex conditions, the simple power of touch can make all the difference for the pain they cause.

Jan 15 2020

A Scary Experience

My hands are essential to all aspects of my life, and I put at the top of that list, my ability to make a living. So, developing hand pain that made it difficult to exert any effort without extreme discomfort and weakness was not good news!

About three weeks ago, I started to feel fairly constant pain on the dorsal side of my left wrist and hand and a little on the lateral side as well. Now, before you go ahead and say it’s because of 37 years of performing reflexology (and 14 actively practicing massage also), let me say this:

I am uber careful about body mechanics and ergonomics when working (and am always ‘on’ my students about this, too). Although I use both hands – thumbs and fingers equally, I am right-hand dominant.

I started on a serious self-care routine of almost constant massage and reflexology of the hand in question, paraffin treatments, massaging and stretching the muscles of the forearm, applying a CBD lotion a few times/day, and of course, resting it as much as I could. (In all honesty, I didn’t have much choice on that last one.)

Nothing was really making much of a difference though.

At my bi-weekly scheduled reflexology session about 10 days ago, I requested a paraffin treatment and hand reflexology. I also mentioned to my reflexologist, Julie Wesling, that I had noticed that my hand did not feel any better in the morning after a long night’s rest. In fact, I thought it felt worse. We both wondered if I was somehow placing my hand in an awkward position while asleep.

Julie suggested I try a wrist brace and I am sooo glad I followed her suggestion!

First off, it was not uncomfortable to sleep with. I don’t know that I was even aware of it once I fell asleep.

The first morning, I thought it felt a little better, but questioned whether I was just wishing that to be so. The second morning, there was no doubt. And the third; even better. It probably only took four or five nights of sleeping with an inexpensive drugstore wrist brace to bring my hand back to full pain-free function.

That experience reminded me of how fortunate I am to have chosen a path of bodywork for my life. I am so grateful for the fact that I have a good grasp of anatomy and kinesiology, and know so many self-care techniques to try before turning over the welfare of my body to an allopathic approach.

I think acting quickly also contributed to my speedy recovery. Waiting to see what happens might have developed into something far more serious requiring an invasive procedure to right.

Jan 01 2020

And In The Beginning Was the Word

Another year has ended, and as is the custom for so many, today is the first day to put into action all those well-intentioned, laboriously thought-out New Year’s resolutions.

I am going to confess here that I have never written even one New Year’s resolution for myself. I’ve never started going to a gym or yoga class in the first week of a new year either. If I’m honest, I have to admit that it is probably because I did not trust myself to actually repeat said action for the next 365 consecutive days. It seemed daunting to me, and not wanting to feel like a failure, I just never engaged in this public practice. Instead, I watched everyone around me confidently voice their resolutions for the year and then slowly (or sometimes quickly) abandon them without another peep.

But, this year a friend shared an idea that resonated with me; one that I could get on board with and just felt right.

The idea is to pick a word – just one word – as yours for the year ahead.

As I listened to and read about, others’ words that inspired them, I realized that they were, for the most part, all nouns. That didn’t work for me. Nouns are words that identify something, and I have no problem naming things I want to do or accomplish or change. The challenge is actually doing. So, I decided to choose a verb, an action word.

So, in the beginning – of my new year – is my word: COMMIT. Commit is a word that encompasses resolve, strength, dedication, responsibility, and accomplishment, and implies drive, initiative, and action.

This year I COMMIT to being as accountable to myself as I am to others. My word will guide me in the direction I want to take and the choices that will get me there.

Want to join me? What’s your word for 2020?

Dec 04 2019

The Seven C’s of Success

For nearly three decades, Tom Morris, one of the world’s top public philosophers and pioneering business thinkers, has been on a mission to bring philosophy back to the center of daily life.

Traveling the globe, working with world-class business executives, athletes, coaches, administrators, and entrepreneurs, Tom realized that, regardless of the field or industry, everyone wanted the same thing: advice about excellence.

So began his search to find the universal conditions for success and the skills or arts involved to achieve it. “My claim,” Tom said in an interview with the DailyStoic, “is that for success in any challenge, the great practical philosophers have taught me that we need what I call the 7 Cs of Success”.

The 7 Cs of Success

“You can find all seven of these ideas in the writings of Seneca or Marcus Aurelius,” Tom added. “The great thinkers understood greatness.”

All of Tom’s 7 Cs of Success fall under what the Stoics called the dichotomy of control. Basically, we can control some things and can’t control others—and we should focus on what we can control. The Stoics knew that in the chaos of life, as in sports, fixating on things we can’t control is not a recipe for success, but for great agony and despair.

The road to success—winning championship titles in sports, becoming a bestselling writer, or a successful entrepreneur— is just that: a road. And just like you travel along a road in steps, excellence is a matter of steps. Excelling at this one, then the next, and then the one after that.

Today, spend some time with Tom’s 7 Cs of Success. Where are you along the road? What can you do to make the next step? Focus on that—the things you do control.

(shared with permission from the Daily Stoic, because I think the above also applies to a bodywork practice.)

Nov 27 2019

Holiday Gratitudes

The holiday season officially starts tomorrow in the United States. For me, that’s Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice and Christmas. I’m excited! I LOVE this time of year. Lots of socializing with friends, yummy food and exchanging thoughtful expressions of appreciation.

Annually, I mark the beginning of the season with a two-mile Gratitude Walk along Saint Augustine Beach with two of my Amigas. This year, one is going to be out of town, so we are adapting. Two of us will walk and take turns sharing things for which we are grateful. We will also take turns reading from a list supplied by our missing friend. It’s a great way to start the day and the season.

This year, I have even more for which to be grateful. After three years of dreamin’ and schemin’, including 10 months of being homeless (but not on the street, don’t worry!), and six months of designing and building, I have moved into my forever home! And, I love my new home!

As I write this, I sit amid chaos, but enjoying the energy of what I have manifested – with the help of many, many people, who extended generosity, hospitality, advice, and encouragement!

You

As a way to express my gratitude and appreciation to you, I wish to repeat the same gift idea that so many took advantage of last year.

With this solution, you will simplify your holiday to-do list, eliminate the stress of holiday shopping AND look like an angel to the people in your life. Buy everyone in the Saint Augustine vicinity a reflexology gift card! And ta-da! YOUR SHOPPING IS DONE!

Order these beautiful gift cards for your friends and family at the tremendously low price of $30 for a 30-minute hand or foot reflexology session!

Give REFLEXOLOGY!

* the gift of health and relaxation

* the gift that fits perfectly into the sensible practice of giving ‘experiences’ rather than ‘stuff’

* the gift that keeps on giving

* the gift they’ll be talking about for quite some time

Although I don’t usually give 30-minute sessions, I am offering them for the low price of $30 because I realize that not everyone’s budget can include multiple gift cards for the regular $85 70-minute session.

Let me know how many gift cards you would like, and we’ll determine the fastest way to get them to you.

LET THE HOLIDAYS BEGIN!

Oct 30 2019

Different Approaches to Knee Pain

Years ago, I was called to give a reflexology session to a woman awaiting knee surgery. Her pain and dysfunction had progressed to the point that she was relegated to a wheelchair to navigate her own home.

I arrived at her home and after an in-depth assessment suggested a traditional Thai reflexology session. I explained that this particular model of reflexology acknowledged the muscular relationship between the feet and lower legs and extended the hands-on work right up to and including the knee. She agreed.

We were both ecstatic that she was able to get up and walk on her own following the Thai reflexology session. She managed to move about her home during the final week leading up to her surgery with only the aid of a cane.

Since that time, I have used both traditional Thai and conventional western reflexology to assist people with knee pain and restrictions and immediately following knee surgery. I have found reflexology to be very helpful in supporting people with the very real challenge of ambulation when living with knee pain.

I recently read a study that pitted another natural approach for knee pain against one of the leading pharmaceuticals drugs, diclofenac. You may enjoy reading it.

Oct 23 2019

Have A Body? Then You NEED Bodywork!

Many people believe that the only time to visit a reflexologist is if you have foot (or hand) pain. That is so far from the truth!

If you have a body, then you need bodywork! It’s that simple.

Yes, reflexology can help with foot pain, but you are missing out from improved wellness, if that is all you think reflexology is good for.

Slaying a Dragon

When I attended massage school, we all operated under the assumption that it was our mechanical manipulation of the soft tissue that relaxed the muscles we were working on. However, the latest research indicates that not to be true. It turns out that it is contact with the nerves that relays messages to the brain that then sends back signals to the muscles to ‘let go’ or ‘hang on’. The brain is what relaxes the muscles, not the massage techniques!

Which is one reason I love reflexology. There is no ‘middleman’. No matter the complaint, we talk directly to the brain for assistance and support. And get it!

The most important thing we can all do for our health in this wild and crazy world we live in is to reduce the negative effect of unwanted chaos and stress on our bodies and minds. Quite often it is our response to daily stressors that is what creates muscle tension, pain and substandard organ functioning. Making relaxation the first line of attack against the stressors life throws at us makes it possible to live a healthy life. Relaxation is the basis of health.

What To Do

There is a lot you can do. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Remove or reduce the number of stressors you have in your life.

* Cut out activities that add to the stress in your life. Choose only activities that bring you joy and do not rob you of necessary ‘downtime’.

* Consider carefully with whom you spend your time. Choose friends that are positive, supportive and do not regularly seduce you into unhealthy activities.

* Get adequate sleep. With the right amount of sleep under your belt you will be less likely to respond to challenging events in a way that elevates the stress hormones in your body. Being well rested makes it possible to ‘go with the flow’.

2. Learn to say “No.” I used to be guilty of this one. Someone would mention something coming up that sounded like fun, or asked if I would help out with something (that I valued), and I would immediately say, “Yes!” Later, I would feel stressed by yet one more commitment I had made. Now, I stop and think about whether or not I realistically have the time to devote to it.

3. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques on a regular basis.
There are so many to choose from. The most important thing though is to just do something!

* Meditation. Even 5 minutes will help you to learn to still your mind and slow down your responses to external events.

* Take time in nature. Just be in nature though; not on your phone while in nature.

* Yoga or Tai chi. Not only are you moving your body, working on balance, and practicing intentional breathing, these two activities are fantastic at reducing stress.

* A luxurious bath. Dim the lights. Even put on some relaxing music, if you want. Lock the door and do not emerge until you have soaked for 20 minutes and then lovingly anointed your body with a body butter or cream.

* Structure regular bodywork into your life. If you are one of the people who think you don’t need reflexology because your feet or hands don’t hurt, I invite you to run an experiment: Schedule a monthly session and see how you feel in three months. Together, we can set a goal and then support your body to reach it.

P.S. The added benefit of regular reflexology is the support it gives to all the internal systems. Poor digestion and/or elimination, sleep issues, chronic headaches, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances – all these, and more,

So, that is why you need reflexology on a regular basis, not just when your feet or hands hurt!