Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Professional Therapeutic Reflexology

National Reflexology Conference

The Reflexology Association of America (RAA) will be hosting its biennial conference in Orlando, Florida on May 4th through the 6th this year. RAA, the largest and most recognized association of reflexologists in the United States, is a non-profit corporation with membership open to all reflexolgists. The organization’s goals are to advance its members’ interests through public relations and lobbying efforts, and to serve as a national referral board for its member practitioners.

Whether you are a seasoned reflexologist or just exploring your interest, I really hope to see you there. Conference details are available here, and there are a couple of specific issues that I’d like to bring to your attention right now regarding the event.

One of the more appreciated activities of the RAA conferences is the “Share”, a time set aside where attendees can exchange reflexology sessions. It’s a great opportunity to receive some work (sometimes a very different style from what you practice, too) and get to know a fellow practitioner from elsewhere in the country. If you plan to attend the conference and are within driving distance of Orlando, please can you bring your massage table or reflexology recliner? We really need those! If you can help out, please let Maureen Birchfield know at bedereflexology@yahoo.com by April 1st.

The second item is this: If you have been thinking about learning Thai Foot Reflexology, then Orlando might be a good place and time to consider. I will be offering this very popular workshop following the RAA conference on May 7th and 8th. (You do not have to attend the conference in order to take the training.)

So, again, I really hope to see you at the RAA conference this year. (Make sure to come up and say hi.) As nice as blog posts, Facebook comments and emails are, nothing beats meeting face-to-face.

Do You Need a Body to Feel Your Body?

US troops are pulling out of Iraq, and many of these brave women and men return home with serious physical injuries and mental challenges. One of the most devastating is the loss of one or more extremities.

The most common feature of phantom limbs is their absolute reality to the amputee. The eerie occurrence of sensations, such as pressure, cramping, warmth, cold, itchiness, tickling, sweat, burning, a feeling of wetness and/or intractable pain, can give rise to more substance in the invisible appendage than an actual limb. Vivid feelings and a precise sense of  location in space can make the phantom seem so lifelike that an individual may try to step off a bed or try to raise a cup. Stimulation elsewhere in the body can sometimes be felt in a phantom limb.

Seventy percent of amputees experience phantom pain. With hundreds of thousands of military men and women returning home, many missing an arm or leg, the need for understanding the cause and associated suffering of phantoms has never been so urgent.

Ronald Melzack, co-author along with the late Patrick D. Wall, of the gate control theory of pain, has postulated some interesting explanations. The extensive research he and his colleagues lead rattles some of the most accepted concepts of neuroscience, psychology and the relationship between the brain and the body. Here are some of the concepts their research puts forth:

1. The brain is a neuromatrix that not only responds to sensory stimulus, but also generates a characteristic pattern of impulses indicating that the body is intact and unequivocally one’s own.

2. This neural network is prewired, primarily determined by genes, later sculpted by experience. (This is evident in the many people who are born without a limb and yet experience a vivid lifelike phantom.)

3. The brain not only detects and analyzes input; it generates a perceptual experience even when no external stimulus occurs. The brain generates the experience of the body. Sensory input merely modulates that experience; it does not directly cause it. We do not need a body to feel a body!

4. The key to solving the mystery of phantom-limb and other chronic pain situations lies in the brain. It’s all in our heads!

Stay tuned for my next post when I’ll share my own experience working with amputees and discuss the research around reflexology and phantom-limb pain.

 

Sole Salvation

We all know that lubricants moisturize, soothe and seal tissue. Do you know that they can also “feed” your feet with beneficial nutrients? We’ll look at three common ones here: an oil, a butter and an ester.

Castor Oil:

Castor is a pure vegetable oil obtained from the seed of the castor plant, and in its natural state is a pale yellow liquid with a mild odor (as opposed to the adulterated, “stripped-clean” white version often found in drugstores).

Castor has long been recognized for its ability to soothe dry, cracked tissue. A high preponderance of ricinoleic acid (a powerful anti-inflammatory) makes it a perfect remedy for red, itchy feet and undecylenic acid, another active ingredient in castor oil, is widely acknowledged as an effective anti-fungal treatment. Last, but not least, castor oil has been proven to have analgesic (pain-reducing) effects, according to a study published in the Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery.

Jojoba

Although often referred to as an oil, jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is actually a liquid ester wax derived from the seed of the Simmondsia chinensi plant. What makes jojoba particularly sweet to work with is the fact that its molecular structure closely resembles that of the body’s own sebaceous secretions and therefore absorbs easily into the skin. It contains high amounts of the alpha, delta and gamma tocopherols, natural forms of the anti-oxidant Vitamin E. It is non-allergenic and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), and because it contains no fragile triglycerides, which easily break down and oxidize, jojoba does not go rancid or stain linens. I love it.

Shea Butter

This luscious butter – another of my faves – is cold-processed from the seed of the karite tree (Butyrospermum parkii). In addition to being a great moisturizer, one attribute for which it is highly reputed is that of soothing conditions of heat in the tissue, such as eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, dermatitis and burns (including sun-damaged skin). The list of benefits of this traditional African-derived butter is a lengthy one.

Pure shea butter is pale yellow in color. Beware of white shea butters; they have been treated with hexane (a toxic solvent) to remove both color and the butter’s natural nutty scent. Shelf life is a minimum of one year.

Quality

If you add up the number of times in a day that you put lotions and creams on your hands – you will realize the importance of using chemical-free products. Always purchase organic. You’re worth it.

If you add essential oils to your carrier, choose GC/MS tested oils so you know what you’re getting. Choose oils specific to whatever condition is being presented and you will have a doubly powerful adjunct to your hands-on work.

What do you massage into your clients’ feet at the end of a reflexology session?

Here’s the List of Reflexes to Work for Weight Loss

In the post I published on Friday, February 10 regarding weight loss, I mentioned that, although there was no magical reflex point that could guarantee weight loss, there are points to work that will support and aid someone’s efforts to reach their ideal weight.

What it comes down to is determining what the main reason is for the weight problem. Below is a list of some imbalances that can result in weight issues, and the reflexes on which to focus your sessions:

– Hormone imbalance – endocrine glands;

– Digestion – stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, pancreas and small intestine;

– Elimination – large intestine;

– Stress (Stress is a big reason for weight gain and weight loss. People either reach for comfort foods to fill their bodies with good-feeling dopamine or stop eating.) – adrenal glands, the central nervous system, solar plexus and diaphragm;

– Motivation to move/exercise – adrenals and kidneys (The kidneys control our will and drive.);

– Physical pain – muscles involved;

– Chronic illness – lymph, liver, kidney and adrenals

– Depression- central nervous system and kidneys

Oh yes, and remember the water!

 

 

Ah… The Heart

Since it’s the day of year we humans devote to all things having to do with the heart (like love and chocolate!), I must end the day saying something about this amazing organ that keeps us alive.

Beating 100,000 times a day, this muscle pumps oxygen, food-derived nutrients, hormones and immune cells throughout every square inch of our bodies. By now, most of us know that a healthy diet (a controversial subject in itself), regular exercise, preventative dental care and plenty of fresh air support a healthy cardiovascular system; and that smoking, obesity, acidic blood, noise pollution, exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and a sedentary lifestyle don’t.

As a reflexologist, I have worked with many people with health issues involving the heart. The case that stands out most in my memory though was not a physical one. It was a woman who reported sensitivity as I worked the reflexes of her heart and left lung. At her request, I shared what reflexes I was touching into and asked if that made any sense to her. She burst into tears and said, “I feel like my heart is breaking; I’ve just broken up with my boyfriend.” I was catapulted into remembering that the heart is much more than a pump.

Here are some fascinating facts about our hearts:

– Early Egyptians believed the heart to be the home of thoughts, memories and feelings. Westerners claim the heart to be the bearer of truth and the symbol for love.

– There is no time in utero that the heart starts to beat. The cells beat from the start. As the cells multiply to create the cardiovascular system, they take their cues on how to beat, at what rate, etc. from the mother’s heart. So, when did the mother’s heart begin to beat? If every cell was beating before it was a heart, then how could there be a single moment it became a heart? The heart (and arteries and veins attached), it turns out, is a circulation system with no beginning and no end. Perhaps that is why the Chinese refer to the heartbeat as the cosmic beat.

– The heart remembers. Modern medicine can now confirm that those early Egyptians were right. The heart has its own intelligence and remembers. Much has been written about transplant recipients receiving not only an organ, but the personality traits, temperament and memories of their donor.

– The Chinese pictograph for the word “busy” is composed of two characters: “heart” and “killing”. Hmm…

That last one reminds me of a quote from Lily Tomlin that a friend shared today: “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.”

 

The Single Most Important Action You Can Take to Lose Weight

In my 29 years (gasp!) of practicing reflexology, I am regularly asked if there is a reflex point for weight loss. How I wish there was! If there was one spot on the feet or hands that could deliver a desired weight, I would be a very wealthy woman!

In lieu of that imaginary “point”, may I suggest one thing that costs less than Weight Watchers, gastric bypass surgery and a year’s membership at the gym?

That magical item is water. Pure alkaline water. Lots of it. If you want to lose weight, I’m talking 1 liter for every 40 lbs you currently weigh. Drinking that much water alone will do so much to help you reach your desired weight goal. Imagine the results if you combine that with conscious eating, regular movement, adequate sleep, encouraging self-talk and relaxation?

When it comes to balancing your weight, drinking plenty of alkaline water will:

• metabolize stored fat. Your body creates additional fat cells and mucous to protect itself from attack from excess acid in the body. Dehydration makes it impossible for the body to reduce the accumulation of acid that contributes to arteriosclerosis, bone density loss, muscle atrophy, inflammatory conditions and unwanted pounds.

• aid kidney function. Water is the best antidote to fluid retention; the more you drink, the more your body is flushed of excess fluid and acid.

• reduce hunger pangs. In many people, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger! Drink plenty of water throughout the day and watch your cravings disappear.

• improve digestion. Water is essential to your body’s ability to break down food into usable nutrients.

• relieve constipation. Never mind laxatives; adding more water to your day is the first thing you should do.

But back to reflexology… There are actually specific points to work that will assist someone in their concerted strategy to reach a healthy weight. I’ll write about those points in my next post.

90 Reasons to Like Me!

Got your attention, didn’t I?

So, here’s the deal: I’ve created a business page on Facebook and I want you to join. So, to entice you to “like” me, I am going to run a random draw for the next five days. Each day I will draw the name of one person who liked me that day and send that person my detailed, colorful foot reflexology chart as a thank you.

The 22.5 x 38 inch chart displays and labels 90 recognized reflexes (hence 90 reasons to like me!) found on the plantar, dorsal, medial and lateral aspects of the feet. In addition to being a beautiful interpretive work of art that may be proudly displayed in your clinic, the chart will assist you to create individualized sessions for your clients presenting with homeostatic imbalances. So, go ahead and like me now!

http://www.facebook.com/AcademyofAncientReflexology

 

Foot Poster Price Reduction!

While purging my office at year-end, I came across this review of the Academy’s foot chart from the July 2006 Massage Today magazine. I felt proud as I read it and would like to share it with you.

As I read the comments from the reviewer my thoughts went back to the many months spent working on the poster. Although I created the chart of reflexes, I hired an artist to render the design (since I’m not that good of an artist!). Kevin’s girlfriend willingly modeled her feet so as to provide an accurate anatomical representation, and since he was not a reflexologist, getting the exact location of the nearly 100 reflexes took many revisions. At completion, Kevin jokingly said that he figured he had earned a certificate as a reflexologist!

There are a number of good reasons why having a chart on your wall is a smart idea. Since I want more of you to have the advantage of displaying a beautiful and accurate chart in your practice, I have decided to reduce the price of the poster by $10.  Think of it as  New Year’s gift!

Here’s why having a reflexology chart is a good move:

1. They’re fabulous for teaching, since most people are visual learners. You can point out reflexes on the chart that relate to the areas of the feet that got either your attention and/or your client’s during the session. This opens the way for a discussion regarding the health of those specific organs and systems, what actions may be weakening them, and what changes might better support the health of those structures. And that might spur your clients on to taking steps towards improving their health, including booking more appointments with you.

2. Charts are associated with professionalism. They provide a visual statement about you and your business, and give your room the confident look of a healthcare office. Charts remind your clients that you base your practice on science and recognized educational models. Trust in your credentials and abilities is increased.

3. They’re an easily available learning tool for you. A comprehensive chart, such as the Academy’s, hung near your stool, can serve as a reference point as you work. You will see the location of lesser-known reflexes that when worked into your specific sessions will increase results.

4. Clients love charts!

So here’s what Massage Today had to say about the Academy’s foot, starting with a rating of 9.5 out of a possible 10:

“This attractive, professional chart is large, and that is a good thing. The 38 by 22.5 inch size allows plenty of blank space to allow for easy visualization. Foot structures are marked colorfully against a sedate background. There are a lot of reflexology charts out there, and many are too crammed with information in a small space to be of much practical use while working. This one is easy to read for the clients and for a practitioner to use during a session. The large size allows for some structures to be indicated that are not often on smaller charts (i.e. vocal cords, Eustachian tube, axillary and cervical nodes, etc.)

Left and right views clearly are differentiated, which is particularly useful for the plantar views. There also are dorsal, medial and lateral views, which many charts either do not indicate, or the print is too tiny to be easily seen. Left & right views are included in the dorsal, medial and lateral views; this is convenient, but redundant, in that the info bilaterally is the same (my note: that is true for the medial and lateral views, not dorsal). Still, the views offer a convenient no-brainer for quick access.

The whole poster is laminated on both sides, also useful if the need arises to remove oil marks. Grommets for easy mounting are provided in the four corners. I recommend this poster, and it will find a place in my office.”

Visit here to see a picture of the chart and ordering details.

 

Five Chronic Conditions We Can Help

On a recent teleconference call regarding the future Healthcare Reform Bill, one of the presenters stated that the five most common chronic illnesses for which allopathic medicine has little to offer are:

1. Stress (including post traumatic stress)

2. Depression

3. Diabetes

4. Pain management

5. Hypertension

Looking at that list I can’t help but see the broader landscape of conditions linked to these common complaints. Modern medicine now acknowledges that stress plays a role in up to 90% of all chronic conditions and that depression, diabetes, chronic pain and hypertension (serious imbalances themselves) all lead to other disturbing and often life-threatening health complications.

Alternative medicine practices, such as reflexology and aromatherapy are well positioned to address these five illnesses, and in fact boast a long history of research and clinical evidence to support it. It seems to me that tackling these imbalances before they develop further is the answer (if not before they even manifest). Let’s look at some results with reflexology and a few of these complaints.

Diabetes

John Guinta, graduate of the Academy’s 2011 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification, recently completed a seven-week research case study using reflexology with a man struggling with diabetes. There’s a lot to learn from this encouraging study. One point that stood out for me was the subject’s increased motivation (and follow-through actions) to lose weight and get moving more while participating in the study, both of which are recognized stepping stones to improved health. Newfound hope, coupled with John’s care and attention, seemed to act as a catalyst to do more for himself. That itself is worth the time of the study.

Brenda Toomey’s earlier report on the effects of reflexology on Type 2 diabetes is also listed on the same page.

Depression

I have lengthy clinical experience working with people with depression. One gentleman comes to mind who once told me that reflexology was as effective, if not more, in helping him heal from depression as his “talk therapy” sessions. “Counseling sessions,” he told me, “help me to understand the thought processes that pushed me into depression: reflexology allows me to actually feel myself healthy and whole again.”

Pain Management

If you’re interested in pain management, take a look at how reflexology affects musculoskeletal pain, gout and pain associated with endometriosis and fibromyalgia.

What sort of experiences have you had working with highly stressed people, or those suffering from depression, diabetes, chronic pain or hypertension?

365 Thank Yous

I hope you all are enjoying this end-of-year holiday season in whatever way you choose to celebrate. I came across a book the other day that I really loved and want to share it – as my holiday gift to you.

The book is entitled “365 Thank Yous” and was written by US lawyer John Kralik. The book reprints 365 thank you notes Mr. Kralik sent – one every day for a year – during a very difficult time in his life.  What happened as a result of his decision is both heart-warming (especially the first note sent to his son) and inspiring. You can watch a short interview here in which Mr. Kralik explains his motivation and some of the surprising results arising from his decision.

For many years, I have believed that gratitude is the quickest route to happiness, and have regularly made my appreciation tangible in a gratitude journal as well as direct verbal expressions to others and to myself. “365 Thank Yous” has inspired me to kick it up a notch, to write a thank you note, not every day as the author did, but one every week over the next year. And I’m starting with this one to you:

Dear Readers: Thank you firstly for reading my blog posts. I love the process of selecting a topic and then reaching inside for words to share that I hope will have some usefulness or meaning for you. Without you, there would be no one to “talk” to; to listen.

Thank you for posting your own thoughts and opinions, both through this blog site and my personal e-mail. I know how busy all our lives are, and I am touched that you take time from your busy schedule to communicate with me.

And finally, thank you for sharing your hands, heart and intelligence to help others heal their lives. I acknowledge your desire to further your education, and to contribute the best you have to the world. As Wayne Muller once stated: “To dedicate a single act to the healing of others is a day well lived”.

I wish you a joyful, peaceful and safe holiday! Until next year…