Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Professional Therapeutic Reflexology

Last Chance to Attend How To Relieve Chronic Foot Pain Workshop

Left hand holding heel of left foot. Bottom of foot has flames coming from it.

I want to let you know that registration for the How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain workshop in Tucson on November 6 and 7 will close this coming Saturday, October 23.

If your clientele includes people living with mild or severe foot pain, I strongly encourage you to join us. From what you will learn in our two days together your clients will experience a noticeable improvement in their situation.

We will examine dozens of foot pain conditions, how the allopathic world approaches them and how we reflexologists can address those conditions. I will also share a hands-on protocol that I use to help people suffering from plantar fasciosis/fasciitis, peripheral neuropathy and tarsal tunnel syndrome that involves releasing impingement along the S1 nerve root and re-educating the muscles attaching into the feet to track correctly. That particular protocol is responsible for the reputation I have for being the ‘go-to’ person to see when experiencing foot pain.

You will leave the training with an illustrated manual, one of the Academy foot charts, document templates to use with clients, and access to a video of the protocol so that you can review at home.

In case you are wondering if I offer this training online, or if I would offer it online in the future, the answer is no. I’m ‘old-school’ when it comes to teaching hands-on techniques. My experience has taught me that people need live feedback and correction when learning new techniques such as I will share. Please note that the Tucson date on November 6 and 7 is the last time I will teach this workshop before retiring from teaching reflexology.

Click here to register.

I hope I see you there!

Build a Niche Practice Providing Solutions to Foot Pain

Hand drawn figure with feet on fire.

Several years ago, I was surprised to discover that I had developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot. In all honesty, I had, up until that time, not paid much attention to the condition. I had no choice then!

Online research indicated that it could take a year to correct and that was not acceptable!

I set about to learn as much as I could as quickly as possible, by reading current literature, studying with a chiropractor who specialized in the condition and mining information from earlier trainings I had taken. I’m happy to say that I was able to create a recovery plan that allowed me to return to normal within three months.

Since then, I have studied and learned even more and have been able to help countless others rid themselves of this painful condition. I learned that there are many external reasons and physical imbalances that can cause plantar fasciitis and its advanced and more serious cousin, plantar fasciosis. It’s not always a case of tight calf muscles. (It wasn’t for me.)

While sharing my knowledge and experience with other reflexologists over the next few years, I kept being asked about other painful conditions, so I decided to morph the plantar fasciitis class into the current How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain workshop. This training has helped many reflexologists stand out in the crowd as the go-to person in their community when foot pain is the issue. By taking the information shared in the workshop these therapists have built successful niche practices serving people with chronic foot pain.

I invite you to join your fellow reflexologists and me this year, either in Vancouver, Toronto, or Tucson to learn this valuable work.

  • Learn a reflexologist’s approach to 19 conditions that cause chronic pain in the feet.
  • Practice a specific hands-on protocol for plantar fasciitis/fasciosis, tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy.
  • Gain access to a video of the hands-on protocol.  
  • Leave with an illustrated manual and client form templates.

Added bonus! – if you join me in Vancouver, you can help me celebrate my birthday!

Here’s a link to the details.  Thank you in advance for sharing this with your fellow therapists. I sincerely appreciate that and hope to see you in one of these three locations!

  • September 18 & 19 – Vancouver, BC
  • October 2 & 3 – Toronto, ON
  • November 6 & 7 – Tucson, AZ

How to Provide a Full Body Experience Without Leaving the Foot of Your Table!

In a word: REFLEXOLOGY.

Specifically, foot reflexology.

With reflexology, you can not only influence the state of internal organs and their function but through direct communication with the nervous system relax the entire muscular skeletal system.

The most recent massage research has shown that it is not our physical manipulation of muscles that relaxes them, but the communication that occurs between the muscles and the nervous system. It is the nervous system that gives command to the muscles and indeed all parts of the body to relax.

And that is where reflexology shines!

Reflexology is amazing at relaxing – digestion, breathing, the muscular skeletal system, and importantly our restless minds and rollercoaster emotions. It does so through unique manual techniques that deliver pressure to our neural pathways, which in turn assists the body to function optimally.

Working on the feet, you can maintain six feet of distance (or close to, depending on the height of your client) while offering the benefits of reflexology and massage!

People are hungry for touch and relaxation right now, at the same time that fear prevents many from disrobing for a massage and having a therapist breathing close to their heads (mask or no mask – vaccinated or not). People’s systems have suffered undue trauma this last year; you can provide relief and restoration and maintain safety for all. You just have to learn how – something you can do in just one weekend.

I invite you to spend two days receiving foot reflexology yourself and learning how you can give a full-body experience to those seeking respite. I will be in Venice, Florida on May 22 and 23. Please join us! 

Do You LOVE What You Do?

You must make a Chice to take a Chance or your life will never Change.I am happy to report that I do. I feel both blessed to be on the path I walk and recognize that my life’s work was built mostly from acting on well-thought-out choices, not chance.

One guiding principle I have worked from is to always pay attention to my inner voice; the part of me that ‘knows’. Those messages come to me when I am deeply relaxed, usually when receiving reflexology or about to fall asleep. And, believe me, the instructions always surprise me and always involve taking a chance.

Last week I had one of those communications as I was waking up. As is customary, I paid attention. I don’t always do what I’m being told (hah!), but I always give the idea serious consideration.

After a lot of deliberation, I have decided I must cancel the 2021 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification program. I was ever hopeful and optimistic about gathering a group of excited and inspired people together this year, but alas, it seems that the nightmare named COVID had other plans. A year into this pandemic and things don’t look any better.

So many massage therapists interested in attending this year were forced to shutter their practices for a good portion of 2020 and subsequently found themselves without the finances to invest in themselves and their businesses at this time. Add to that the uncertainty of this unpredictable virus and climate – well, you get it. Prospective students just feel too uncomfortable making a 10-month commitment. I understand.

I do plan to continue to offer workshops in 2021 though. Two or three-day commitments seem to be more do-able for most. If you are already a certified reflexologist or a massage therapist with a strong basic training and practice in the art, and you would like to expand the ways you can lovingly help your clients optimize their health, then please join me in this my final year of teaching reflexology.

Reflexology is so powerfully beneficial for our bodies and minds it’s impossible to list all the ways here. But first and foremost, 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!) Your clients will fall in love with reflexology and how good it makes them feel.

If your inner voice is compelling you to dive a little deeper into reflexology, then check out the workshops already scheduled for 2021 and keep up to date on future dates being added. Hope to see you!

As for now, I’m off to Atlanta, Georgia this weekend to show folks How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain.

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