Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Professional Therapeutic Reflexology

Safety First

Annie's bookI know I’m guilty of sometimes using the terms infectious, communicable and contagious without thought to accuracy. So, I decided to verify my understanding of these terms by checking in with an expert, especially as they pertain to the skin I touch when providing bodywork.

I consulted with Annie Morien, PhD, dermatology PA, researcher, educator, massage therapist and recipient of the AMTA 2015 Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year award.

In Dr. Annie’s very informative book (that’s how her students address her), Infectious and Communicable Skin Diseases – A Pocket Guide for Massage Therapists, she defines the differences this way:

“Infectious Disease. A pathogen (bacteria, virus, fungus) produces an infection on or within a susceptible host by overtaking immune defenses, overgrowth, etc. Although all infectious diseases are capable of causing infection, not all are communicable. Example: cellulitis”

My additional examples: skin boils; infected wounds; candida rashes

“Communicable Disease. A pathogen is transmitted from a source to a susceptible host through direct or indirect contact with the source, resulting in infection. Example: impetigo.”

My additional examples: athlete’s foot; toe and finger fungus; plantar warts; MRSA

“Contagious Disease is a subset of communicable diseases, in that the disease spreads quickly and easily from a source to susceptible host by direct or indirect contact. Example: measles.

My added example: conjunctivitis

Dr. Annie  went on to state, “I find that making the distinction between the terms helps put ‘diseases’ on a continuum of ‘least likely to be transmitted’ to ‘most likely to be transmitted.’  I believe this helps massage therapists and reflexologists distinguish how much risk they have when encountering a client with certain diseases.”

I’m glad I decided to purchase this little gem of a book. I’ve learned a lot from its clearly written content and sharp photos. I wish I had had this book years ago, instead of having to research everything that came my way. It’s ending up being a great resource for me as someone who touches human bodies pretty well everyday and instructs others on the safety factors and skills needed to do that in a professional environment.

If you want to know more, check out Dr. Annie’s website.

Building a Powerful Practice

bookAre you struggling to build a viable practice? Don’t know where or how to start? You might find some applicable direction from a book I just read.

The book is called Building a Powerful Practice and it’s written by celebrated reflexologist, Deborah H. Flanagan. Deborah has been a guest speaker on reflexology on the Dr. Oz Show and has been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine. She has built a successful business on her own terms, utilizing both the heart and brains of smart marketing. She shares generously and in simple terms how you too can build a successful practice.

Here’s what I like about this book (in no particular order):

1. It’s short. Only 130 pages. It won’t take you forever to read!

2. Written with candor, transparency and compassion. Deborah does not present herself or her strategy as the only path to success; she shares her experience – her successes and failures – and offers what she’s learned as a guide that you can tweak for your situation.

3. There are 22 chapters breaking down all the various components of creating a successful business. Short concise chapters with no-nonsense advice on such subjects as:
– finding clients in person and online
– defining and reaching your niche
– heart-centered marketing
– staying organized – the necessary administrative end of things
– budgeting
– avoiding burnout
– building confidence
– being true to yourself

4. Suggested action steps for each subject area.

The book includes the perspectives of a number of other wellness practitioners on each of the subjects addressed. I really thought this was a very valuable addition to the book; most business or marketing trainings present only the opinion of one person – the author.

As a bonus, Deborah gives you access to a Business Starter Kit, which includes templates for building an email list, keeping track of income and expenses (including taxes), sample intake forms and gift certificates.

Available on Amazon if you’re interested. (FYI, I received nothing for writing this review; in fact, it will come as a surprise to Deborah should she read it!)

Reflexology for Cancer Patients

MoisheIt seems everywhere I turn these days someone has cancer. It’s either someone in my immediate circle or some celebrity being reported on.

Cancer is the great leveler. No matter the stature or prominence of the individual, when cancer enters a family, it is usually an isolating and fear-provoking experience.

I want to share the power of reflexology as a safe and positive addition to other cancer treatment approaches; one that has proven to change suffering to healing, desperation to hope, anguish to contentment and fear to peace.

I also want to introduce my friend and colleague from Israel, Moshe Kruchik – a man moved to create a testament to the gift we give our fellow human beings when we honor and respect their body’s innate drive to heal.

A number of years ago, Moshe took it upon himself to organize the first International Symposium on Reflexology and Cancer. Out of that memorable event came the book, Reflexology for Cancer Patients, a selection of 53 papers from 12 medical doctors and reflexologists who have used reflexology to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. The book also tells the story of survivors who claim reflexology as an integral part of their recovery process.

The book reveals how reflexology closed the lonely chasm that develops between family members and patient by including the family as part of the reflexology team. Being able to offer purposeful, loving touch removed the fear that the patient was too fragile to approach, to touch; and in doing so strengthened the bonds that always existed.

An appendix at the end of the book provides useful information regarding Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Therapies in Palliative Care (CAM) including definitions of therapies recognized by CAM; prevalence of use in various populations; cost effectiveness; risks, benefits, contraindications; which therapy is best for individual disease processes (based on evidence-based research).

I think Reflexology for Cancer Patients is much more than worth a read. It’s inspirational –  and imperative for any reflexologist wanting to provide care to those people in their life who are suffering with cancer.

The book can be purchased directly from Moshe’s website or through the book’s Facebook page.

Babies, Bathwater, Bicycles, Breakfast & Spilled Milk

I received a wonderful gift today and want to share it with you. (I do so with the permission of the authors.)

This gift is actually entitled “The Gift”, and it is a book that was primarily written for students of complimentary and alternative medicine modalities. As I read this short e-book, the benefits to those of us already in practice were obvious.

So, I re-gift this little gem with love. Download and read what babies, bathwater, bicycles, breakfast and spilled milk have to do with your practice!

 

Save Your Hands!

I travel and teach a lot, and there has never been a class where at least a few people don’t complain of chronic pain in some part of their musculoskeletal body. I am constantly correcting postures that place hands and backs in the most vulnerable of positions. I cringe when I think that, without awareness and correction of their body mechanics, compassionate and well-intentioned people will leave the profession they love and trained for because of injury – and it’s all preventable!

Visit this link to learn more.