Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Professional Therapeutic Reflexology

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Aug 07 2019

Three Smart Business Practices

I think one of the best ways to build a practice is to really take care of the clients you already have. By that, I mean going beyond just providing excellent hands-on service.

Here are three easy ways to do just that:

One

Whenever a client talks about a friend or family member dealing with (fill in the blank) you can pretty well safely assume that s/he is looking for some help for that person. So, give it to them!

* Either inquire a little about the condition/situation and share your insight, or offer a piece of self-care advice for your client to pass on to the friend.

* Explain how you can help this person and then ask your client if s/he would like to give the friend your business card. (Give ‘em two, just in case.)

Two

Give first-time clients ‘goodie bags’. It can be an actual bag or it can be as simple as an envelope, file folder or presentation folder. Inside include a few business cards and brochures of reflexology and/or your business. Add in any of the following:

* discount coupon for a friend

* small foot chart

* toe separators or a small container of the foot scrub you used in your session

* reflexology bookmark

* hard copy of one of your key past online newsletters

* supportive/non-supportive steps for good health

* resources specific to client’s situation.

Ensure that your business name and contact information is on as many items as possible.

Three

Send a hand-written card of appreciation to clients that refer someone to you. Send it by snail-mail! It’s such a treat to receive something of value in the mail these days and so much more personal than a text or email. In order to protect confidentiality, do not name the new client.

Keep a record of clients who refer to you and how many people they have sent your way. When they reach a certain threshold (five? ten referrals?) comp their next session. I call this a WOW! experience. When they go to pay and you tell them the session is on you, they usually say Wow! And they likely will talk it up with others afterward.

These are easy ways to let your clients know you value them. Try it. It’s as simple as one, two, three.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business · Tagged: Business

Jul 10 2019

Explaining Reflexology

I wrote the following to enclose with gift cards people purchase. I figured that some people receiving the gift certificates might not know what reflexology is and therefore hesitate to redeem their amazing gift. And that’s not good!

Please feel free to use what I wrote. 

REFLEXOLOGY

For thousands of years, cultures all over the world have known how to positively influence the body’s complex physiology through the feet and hands. The earliest record of therapy on the feet and hands was documented in the form of hieroglyphics in the Physician’s Tomb at Saqqara, Egypt during the early Sixth Dynasty (about 2300 BCE).

In the modern day, the intentional, therapeutic touch of the feet and hands is known as Reflexology.

Today, the effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field. It is commonly used to relax and support people facing challenges that threaten the quality of their lives.

Reflexology has grown over the centuries into a protocol of unique manual techniques applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands. These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally.

People choose reflexology when they are experiencing:

  • high levels of stress, resulting in sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, etc.
  • pain in the feet and/or hands from overuse, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, excessive text messaging, injuries, gout, etc.
  • less than optimal functioning of a body system, manifesting as respiratory allergies, digestive problems, headaches, diabetes, reproductive issues, dementia, weight gain, ADHD, cancer, etc.

Although hundreds of case reports and research studies have been and continue to be executed proving the efficacy of reflexology, the proof is really ‘in the pudding.’ Try it for yourself. Whether you choose to receive reflexology because your feet and/or hands hurt or to enjoy an increase in well-being of your overall health, I think that you will find reflexology a great way to relax, rejuvenate and restore.

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

Apr 17 2019

Stand Out! Stand Out More!

Okay, you’re a certified reflexologist or licensed massage therapist. Now what? How are you going to stand out in an ever-increasing crowd of other well-intentioned clones?

STAND OUT In the Crowd!

If you’re a certified reflexologist, here are a couple of smart moves:

* Get Board-certified. This is the highest credential a reflexologist can hold.

That designation really shows your seriousness; your commitment to the field and the high standards set for its certificants.

In the US, the only independent, non-profit national testing agency is the American Reflexology Certification Board. In Canada, the organization testing and registering qualified professional practitioners is the non-profit Reflexology Association of Canada.

* Join Your National and State Professional Associations. Because members of a professional Association must adhere to a high standard of ethics and business practices, the public perceives those individuals as more trustworthy and upstanding. Another way to STAND OUT and attract more clients.

Reflexology Association of America (national and state listings)

Reflexology Association of Canada

* Specialize Your Practice.  There are many avenues to take here.

You may be drawn to a particular model of reflexology, such as Pre-natal and Pregnancy, Cranio-Sacral, Structural Reflexology®  or  Traditional Thai Reflexology.

Or you may wish to work with a specific population, such as those living with headaches, chronic foot pain, or PTSD.

The options are numerous. Pick one. STAND OUT in the crowd!

So, I can’t move on here without letting you know of opportunities to study some of those listed above!

If you want to learn all you need to learn to add Traditional Thai Reflexology to your toolbox, or if How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain is more up your alley,  check out the upcoming classes.

STAND OUT More!

I have to admit that I am surprised when I run into therapists today who haven’t implemented these two simple operations. In this day and age of convenience and technology, they should be part of everyone’s business model. If you haven’t already, do so – Stand Out More!

* Online Booking. This is a must. I am always tickled when I wake up to find that someone booked my last open appointment that day sometime late the night before (while I was fast asleep). Make it easy for people to book with you whenever the thought crosses their mind. Stop playing telephone tag.

There are plenty of apps out there. I checked out a few and settled with Schedulicity. It’s easy to navigate and set-up, and even easier for clients to book or change appointments. Clients receive automated, customized messages confirming appointments as well as a reminder(s) prior to appointments.

* Accept Credit/Debit Cards. Many people do not carry cash or use cheques anymore. Don’t lose business by not offering the option of using plastic.  I like Square. People know it. It can be customized with a menu and more and is very easy to use. No monthly fees; you pay a small percentage for each sale. The money is in my bank account the next day.

There are, of course, many other ways you can stand out. What sets you apart in your field?

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business · Tagged: Marketing, Business

Mar 13 2019

Why Study Reflexology With Me When You Can Learn For Free Online?

I’ve heard people question why they should study reflexology in a physical classroom when they can just as easily take a free course online. That’s a reasonable question, and I’d like to address that today.

I am convinced that you cheat yourself by only watching free content online IF you are ready to get serious about reflexology, yourself, and the dream of a happier life for yourself.

If you’re still at the place in your life where surfing Internet videos engages enough of your curiosity, then do that. But, if you’re ready to dive deep, then step onto the diving board!

Free content may offer you information, but it can never produce the results that a personal instructor’s thought, effort and commitment to you and your success will deliver. It’s not possible.

Online programs are formatted for the masses; the material is generalized and nonspecific to you and your life. You deserve more than that and will need more than that if you want to build a successful practice for yourself.

From the very beginning of the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification we focus simultaneously on mastering the two sides of a successful reflexology practice:

  1. The skills to offer a results-oriented reflexology session. That involves more than just learning hands-on techniques. It’s how to put it all together. It’s knowing how and when and why to offer what.
  1. The steps to manifest an ideal business and life for yourself. It pains me to no end to see people invest their time, money and heart into something and then never reap the rewards they imagined for themselves. For that reason, we start right at the beginning of the program to clearly visualize your dream and strategize an action plan to make that dream come true.

By the time your classroom hours are fulfilled, you will be equally adept at offering a reflexology session and have created a marketing plan to create a successful reflexology business.

And, I’ll hold you accountable to your business plan!

We’ll set up a private consultation to fine-tune your ideas for success and establish achievable goals and deadlines that will get the results you want. I’ll hold you to your commitment (unless, of course, you don’t want that support).

I wish I had had a coach when I started out; someone to help me to move past the limiting beliefs that stopped me from being all that I was meant to be. I didn’t, so I had to figure it all out for myself. Let me be your personal coach – make your journey easier than mine was.

Another thing to consider when contemplating whether to take an online course (free or paid) or take your reflexology certification in a classroom setting:

If you wish to become nationally board-certified in reflexology, or licensed in reflexology (five US states require a specific license to practice reflexology) and/or hold a Professional level membership with the national and/or state reflexology organizations, you will require live classroom hours of training – plenty of them. These organizations consider live classroom instruction, supervision and feedback essential to attaining the skills to practice safely and effectively.

I charge for my reflexology trainings because I see value in what I have to offer. I’m proud of my teaching abilities and have been recognized nationally by the Reflexology Association of America for “serving as a role model for all educators to inspire students to aspire to create a successful life on their own terms.”

I’m way better than free!

Join us (this year only) in Gainesville, Florida for the 22nd Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. Classes start April 4, so act now.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business, Certification, Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology, Uncategorized · Tagged: Marketing, Certification, Business, Hand reflexology, Foot reflexology

Dec 12 2018

Are Advanced Credentials Worth It?

“No matter how rigorous or extended, your initial training will only see you through the first five years. Then you will be doing one of two things: subsiding into a rut, or chafing at the bit to be able to do more. “ Thomas Myers

When I read Myers’ comments recently, I was reminded of the years following the completion of my initial reflexology training and later massage program. His statements echoed my experience, for sure. I felt like I had a strong foundation in both disciplines, but recognized that I lacked advanced information that would allow me to be more effective in helping people with very specific challenges. And, today when I read posts from fairly recent grads on various Facebook reflexology groups, my thoughts are confirmed. Most have no clue as to how to create a targeted session for the clients arriving with complicated and serious health concerns.

It’s why I’m a big advocate of advanced certifications, and why when I’m looking for a therapist, I look first to their training resume.

A Specialty Certification indicates, to me, the following:

* Expertise in the field; exceeding entry-level requirements

* Demonstration of proven critical thinking skills, deeper knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, indications and contraindications

* A serious commitment to contributing to the health and well-being of others

* An expanded ability to effectively treat those seeking help

I also agree with Til Luchau’s thoughts stated in a recent national bodywork magazine:

“People often pick careers in massage and bodywork because they require so little training. Although that means we start working and earning relatively quickly, it also means we rapidly get to the limits of our knowledge, abilities and earning power. It might also be part of why so many in our profession don’t last more than a couple of years. But it’s also an explanation for why those who do last, thrive and develop satisfying careers are so often voracious learners who see education as something that extends over their entire lives.”

I love being in classes with like-minded people intent on improving themselves and the lives of others. It’s inspiring to me and renews my interest in what I do. (In all honesty, I also love, that I get to be the student for a change; no responsibility!)

The advantages of investing in one’s career through advanced schooling are many. Here are some that come to my mind:

* your business will grow, both through word-of-mouth and professional referrals

* your practice will open up to new and varied clients, stimulating your intellect and calling on you to work outside your routine

* renewed motivation, enthusiasm and passion

* increased confidence

* professional respect

* self-fulfillment

* STAND OUT IN THE CROWD!

If you are thinking of tackling a certification program, there are important questions to ask when shopping around:

* Is the program content adequately described?

* What is the limit on the number of participants? The student/instructor ratio?

* Are learning outcomes stated? What you will be able to do with this additional knowledge?

* Are the number of learning objectives reasonable for the length and cost of the program? (A colleague just told me about seeing an ad for ‘a fully credited reflexology course online for only $19.99′. Buyer beware!)

* What are the instructor’s credentials?

If you are thinking that you would like to add reflexology to your skill set, I would be thrilled if you would take a look at the Academy’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. The next program begins in April. Contact me if you don’t find answers to all your questions; I’m happy to chat.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business, Certification · Tagged: Certification, Business

Dec 05 2018

Dream Big. Aim FAR.

According to the well-thought-of astrology site, Astro Butterfly, December is the best time to dream big and envision a new reality for yourself. The planets Jupiter and Neptune encourage us this month to envision something that doesn’t yet exist.

I had to smile when I read this in my Inbox yesterday. Why? Because four other reflexologists and I decided that was exactly what we would do. We would shoot for the stars and create a formal chapter of reflexologists for the state of Florida.

We announced the birth of the Florida Association of Reflexologists – FAR, for short – a few days ago. We plan to GO FAR, and we totally trust that the stars will guide us as we aim our intentions high.

Florida has been without a reflexology membership organization for many years now – and it’s time the Sunshine State got back in the game. Florida reflexologists deserve and need a strong support network! At the Reflexology Association of America conference in Chicago earlier this year, five of us got talking and decided to fill that void.

We invite all reflexologists and lovers of reflexology to GET INVOLVED! As a fledgling organization, we could use help in so many areas. Here’s how you can get involved right now:

★ Sign up to receive our periodic newsletters.

★ Follow us on Facebook. Chime in when you feel moved to do so.

★ Enter a logo design; win a free FAR membership until June 30, 2020 (that’s 18 months) and receive credit on FAR’s (soon-to-be) website as our Logo Designer. If not you, maybe you know a student who needs items for his or her portfolio? Just send the design as a JPEG file to yours truly by December 20.

You might include the shape of Florida; a graphic of feet, hands and/or ears; the letters FAR and/or ‘Florida Association of Reflexologists’.

Finalists will be sent out in an e-blast on December 27 to all FAR members to vote on. And yes, that means membership will open soon. Only members will get to vote, so make sure to stay informed (through the newsletter and Facebook) of when you can get an inaugural membership!

★ Build our website. If you have experience in developing on a WordPress platform and are interested in submitting a bid, please contact – guess who? I’ll send you the RFP.

And, I think this is the perfect segue into who the founding FAR board members are:

Karen Ball, President (Saint Augustine)
Julie Wesling, Vice-President (Saint Augustine)
Lorna Eaton, Treasurer (Miramar)
Gail Lanning, Secretary (Delray Beach)
diane Wedge, Director (Venice)

Please join us in our excitement as we support the wonderful healing art of reflexology and all the practitioners in Florida, the U.S.A. and the world!

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business, General · Tagged: Marketing, Business

Nov 28 2018

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.

Embark on a new career focus or embellish an already existing healthcare practice. Learn 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. STAND OUT IN THE CROWD!

Graduates of the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification help individuals confront the most challenging aspects of their lives through skilled touch, loving respect and non-judgmental appreciation for the difficulties inherent in charting a path of recovery through the maze of conflicting information and personal beliefs that get in the way of living a healthy and happy life.

The program is taught in five 5-day modules. Attendance at all five modules in the same year is required.

2019 Program Dates:
April 4 through 8, 2019
May 30 through June 3, 2019
July 25 through 29, 2019
September 12 through 16, 2019
October 31 through November 4, 2019

Location: The Body Shop, Gainesville, Florida

Credits: 315 credit hours, including outside assignments.

Included in the cost of the program:

  • 250-page manual
  • Free listing on the Academy of Ancient Reflexology’s directory of certified reflexologists
  • One-year membership with the Reflexology Association of America and Florida Association of Reflexologists (for Florida residents)
  • Placement of research case study in 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
  • Uncovering your strongest appeal as a reflexologist, and developing successful, ethical marketing strategies to create a unique, viable healthcare business
  • Theories, benefits and research conclusions regarding reflexology

 Activities:

  • Operate professional reflexology clinics, utilizing health history and documentation charts designed for reflexology
  • Develop and implement two community outreach events, one on your own and one with your classmates
  • Prepare a research case study for national and international publication

Investment:$3079
Discounts and payment plans are available.

I keep the class size small so as to insure that I can give everyone lots of attention and supervision, and so that we can co-create an environment of safety and intimacy in which to learn, grow and have fun.

Enrollment is well under way, so ACT NOW to reserve your seat.

A certification program in any subject is a commitment of time and resources. Your choice is best determined by how you think and feel after some self-inquiry and careful research. Answer these questions for yourself. Determine if this program is right for you.

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

Oct 17 2018

It Takes A Village

The author, Isabelle Allende, once said that “The end doesn’t justify the means; the end is decided by the means. If we’re petty and greedy and shallow and put our need to win ahead of our humanity, then nothing good will come of our careers.”

We need to support each other.

As bodyworkers, we need to stop thinking of other practitioners as competition; instead, to see ourselves as part of a community working to improve the health of our friends and neighbors. Only healthy minds and bodies can build strong, healthy communities. And, as the saying goes, “It takes a village.”

We’re all in this together, so let’s start working together. Let’s focus first on helping to improve the quality of our clients’ health, not our client base. Ultimately, that will build our clientele.

When I first graduated from the Florida School of Massage in 1989, many naysayers predicted that it was impossible to build a practice in Gainesville – there were just too many licensed therapists in a town that boasted one of the top two massage schools in the country.

I thought about that. There were a lot of therapists in the city, and, I thought, that meant the community was likely more educated about massage and bodywork than one that didn’t have many people practicing in it. Therefore, I decided that having a lot of therapists around could be an advantage – I wouldn’t be starting from scratch to explain the benefits of my work – I just had to demonstrate that I was the best person to turn to. It was up to me to rise to the top, to STAND OUT IN THE CROWD.

There were thousands of people living in Gainesville back then. They all had bodies and therefore, they all needed bodywork to stay healthy. That meant there was a very large pool of clients to share with other professionals. That was – and still is – my perspective. I have my specialty; others have different approaches, skills and trainings that might be better suited in certain situations. We are a citywide team.

When I started out in 1989 in Florida, I brought a specialty to my practice – my training and six-year expertise as a reflexologist. That allowed me to stand out. And allows me to continue to stand out. When people talk about reflexology, my name is the first one people think of.

Have you found your niche? What interests you enough to stay engaged, to keep delving deeper into understanding the body, to stand out as the ‘go-to’ person in your community?

If you think reflexology might be your pathway to success, please check out the information regarding next year’s certification program. Feel free to contact me for a personal consultation on whether reflexology and the Academy’s program are a good fit for you.

Others have helped me over the years, and I’d consider it a real privilege to help you.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business · Tagged: Business

Sep 12 2018

The Two-Headed Monster Of Running A Therapy Business

In interviews conducted by Til Luchau with 2500 massage therapists, a couple of surprising beliefs revealed themselves regarding the likelihood of building a successful bodywork practice or not. I noticed also how the success ratio rose when participants had an open mind regarding their businesses.

My own experience perfectly aligns with Til’s discoveries. When I was attending massage school in 1989, I had a very clear vision of how my professional career was going to go. Yep! I was going to go immediately into private practice in a beautiful spa-like environment that I would create (of course). And then….

I got offered a position with a local chiropractor that would guarantee me a monthly paycheck and provide me my own room in which to build a private clientele. I turned my nose up at it. That was not what I wanted!

Fortunately, for me, one of my massage school instructors intervened and told me straight up that I would be stupid not to jump at the opportunity to support myself completely with bodywork right out of school. Not wanting to be seen as stupid, I accepted.

And that move turned out to be an important and probably the best move for me. Not only was I able to support myself completely doing reflexology and massage, I got to put my hands on a lot of people with a variety of physical challenges, build my confidence and experience, and network with other practitioners in the community. I also got to test reflexology’s ability to influence musculoskeletal pain, as the doctor allowed me to decide what approach to take with each of his patients.

What I learned from those four years with the doc was, number one: to be open-minded and flexible with how I would go about realizing my vision. I learned that I could keep my eye on the end goal (of being in business for myself) and allow life to present me with the stepping-stones that would get me there. In hindsight, I realize now how much more prepared I was, after a few years under my belt, to run my own therapy business than when I first graduated school.

And that leads to the second and the most important distinction, and the one that surprised Til from his interviews.

Right out of school, both reflexology and massage, I thought of myself as a practitioner – a reflexologist, a massage therapist. I really had no idea that if I was going to open a business, I would have to shift my perception of myself from that of a practitioner to that of a business person. I had to move from managing a ‘product’ (my hands-on services; i.e. perfecting and improving my techniques, practicing good therapeutic communication skills, adding to my education, etc.) to managing the ‘company’ that managed the product. Those are two very different hats to wear, and I really didn’t understand that concept when I started out.

It took time, but I get it now. I can comfortably identify myself as a businessperson whose services (I prefer ‘services’ rather than ‘products’!) I manage are a:

* hands-on reflexology practice

* teaching academy

* professional writing career

Too often I witness reflexologists and massage therapists cower when it comes to placing a value on their time and services. Well-intentioned, caring people who are willing to jeopardize their ability to support themselves (and sometimes a family) rather than charge what their work is worth; what they are worth.

A businessperson talks to clients about business (the price of a session, scheduling recommendations, consequences of late arrival or cancellation, etc.). A therapist talks about the therapeutic services (choice and benefits of the model of bodywork, influence of repeated actions on anatomy, lifestyle changes, referrals, etc.).

The roles cannot be interchanged, and one person can adequately manage them both.

Both skills can and must be learned.

If you look at your own work situation, where are you strongest? Where do you need to put some attention? And are you willing and ready to do so?

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Business · Tagged: Business

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