Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

Wintertime Is For Planning

New Year’s Resolutions aside, I’ve always felt that winter, in general, is the ideal time for planning. The colder temperatures and shorter days do not lend themselves to planting or reaping. But this makes it the perfect time for reflection and goal setting.

Especially this winter! If you’ve been laying low during the worst weeks of the pandemic, what do you see yourself doing when you are able to more fully do as you wish?

Do you want to grow a business? Expand your knowledge and increase your qualifications?

If you’ve ever been curious about exploring the opportunity of offering reflexology to the world as a certified professional, now is the time to fulfill your dream!

Why reflexology?

  • It’s very popular; there’s a high level of interest from the public. A recent episode of the Netflix series “Virgin River” even showed a nurse practitioner use foot reflexology (along with aromatherapy) to help a needle-averse patient accept a much-needed IV.
  • You will make a real difference in your clients’ lives (and your own!). You’ll have expertise in a specific approach to offer effective, individualized sessions. Whether you offer reflexology as a stand-alone session or combine it with massage, everyone wins. (Therapists who open with targeted reflexology techniques report getting better – and easier – results from their massage efforts.)
  • You’ll grow a successful business. Your clients will experience amazing results, they will tell others and return for more. Word-of-mouth will grow your clientele.
  • Certification demonstrates your seriousness and commitment to helping people achieve better health.
  • This program is designed with your health and safety in mind. Protocols are in place to minimize exposure to COVID, and you will learn how to minimize your clients’ risk as well.
  • In using technology to its fullest advantage, students have access to a private website with videos of all classroom demos, plus additional educational content.

2021 is the last year that I will be teaching the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. If you register now and pay in full by February 15, you’ll receive a $200 discount.

Consider this grad’s experience:

“These past … months have added a sense of wholeness to my experience on a physical, mental as well as spiritual level. I have gained a deeper understanding of communicating through touch, and a deep appreciation for having a career that visits that space of awareness. This program has greatly broadened my ideas of starting my career, and my confidence about its success. … I have learned a great deal about being a professional.”

Contact me to see if professional certification in reflexology is right for you.

Oils, Lotions and Butters

Glass jar of body butter with spoon and surrounded by pink roses.Although it’s true that bodyworkers use lubricants to be able to easily glide across tissue without causing discomfort, more often we use lotions, oils and creams out of habit.

As an example, when I learned reflexology, I was taught to work ‘dry’. When I learned how to give a Swedish massage it was using an oil; connective tissue and neuromuscular therapy, a butter. It’s what I was taught and how I carried on.

You may have been shown something different. No matter what though, we could all give a little more conscious thought to the use of lubricants so that we can make our work easier and more effective, because too much lubricant (the word means ‘slippery’) decreases real contact.

I still prefer to offer reflexology without lube; I can distinguish between tissue changes better and feel like I am making better contact with my client as well. Anointing the feet with oil or butter at the end has become a luscious way to end the session for me.

Maybe we might better serve our clients if we reduce the amount of lubricant we use to just enough to reduce friction but still allow for ‘meaningful contact’. After all, that is one of the main reasons people seek us out, isn’t it?

 

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.

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.

Planning the Future; Letting Go

I have two big announcements to make today.

#1  We have just selected and published the dates for the 2021 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification in Saint Augustine, Florida. I have booked the same lovely new Marriott Courtyard at the beach as we had planned on holding the program this year. I am completely confident that by April of next year, our ‘new normal’ will have solidified into a working model in which we can safely gather, learn together and have fun. I sincerely hope you will join us because what I am about to say right now does not come easy. However, here goes:

 #2  After months and months of deep thought and self-examination, I have decided to end my career as a reflexology educator to professional practitioners. I will teach next year, and perhaps in 2022, and then close it down. This is a big step to share publicly what has been on my mind for a while now; hitting ‘Publish’ makes my decision real and somewhat scary.

I have taught reflexology for 35 years, so it is a big part of who I am and how people know me. I will write more on this later but suffice it to say if you have ever wanted to learn how to be a skilled and highly qualified reflexologist with a strong foundation on how to build your business so that you will stand out in the crowd, ACT NOW. Because of what I imagine will be limitations regarding the number of people that can safely gather together, the class size will be small.

Could Reflexology Help You Grow A Massage Practice?

I think so. Actually, I know so. Based on my own personal experience and that of other massage therapists I know.

This is a very good article written by Michelle Milder, a reflexologist in California, on the subject for Massage Magazine. Well worth a read as you consider how to re-boot your business in the coming year.

Do Adults Need Touch?

Much has been written about the importance of touch in childhood development.[i],[ii],[iii] but, what about adults? Turns out our need for touch does not diminish as we age. We unconsciously reach out to shake the hand of someone we’ve just met, greet people we know and love with a smile and a hug, hold hands with people we love, and offer loving touch to someone in pain.

Well, at least we used to.

Now, the idea of getting close puts us on alert; dredges up primordial fear and even anxiety in some. What to do then during these times? Here are some simple suggestions you can incorporate into your lives and share with clients that you are maintaining contact with:

* Stimulate your own touch receptors by massaging a luscious warmed oil all over your body before taking a hot shower or bath. In Ayurvedic medicine, self-massage is called Abhyanga and is credited with stimulating circulation and helping to eliminate toxins. Traditional oils of choice are sesame and coconut but use what you have.

Put a little oil into a glass container and then warm in a pot of water. Start with your feet, circle the ankle joints and then continue up the legs with long strokes. Do the same with the arms. Massage the oil into your abdomen in a clockwise direction as you look down at your own stomach. Finish with long strokes across your upper chest and gentle strokes on the face (avoid the eyes). Don’t use too much oil. Some will be absorbed into your skin; the rest will be washed off in the shower.

Try it for a change on the weekend and see what you think. Take your time and really feel your touch.

* Give yourself a hand or foot reflexology session. Do it mindfully, not as something to do with your hands while watching an adrenaline-pumping television drama. Refer back to the short video on March 25’s blog for a simple reflexology procedure you can do on yourself that will help support your immune system right now.

* If you live with furry friends, love ‘em up a lot! They will go mad and so will you.

* And remember to move your body to help release more endorphins, our body’s ‘feel-good’ hormones. Blast a favorite piece of music and dance! Take a walk around your neighborhood – I bet you usually just drive out of it every day and likely miss a lot of what’s there.

I continue to think of you often and send healthy ‘vibes’ your way. I’m starting to think of how I can give back when all this isolation has passed – that gets me excited! I’m looking forward to a rekindled business model later in the year.

 

[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2865952/

[ii] http://www.changingminds.org/explanations/needs/touch.htm

[iii] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201310/loving-touch-is-key-healthy-brain-development