Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

Discount Deadline Approaching

I realize that your thoughts and attention may well be elsewhere right now, but I want to remind anyone who is planning on attending next year’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Certification program that January 2nd is the deadline for receiving a $100 early-registration discount.

Visit here to read the details of the training. Click here to go directly to the application form. You will have the opportunity to determine your own tuition, based on where you live and how and when you wish to pay.

Is This Class for You?

Imagine relaxing with your partner, parent, child or best friend and being able to easily and confidently offer that special person a soothing and relaxing hand or foot reflexology session. Better still, being able to treat yourself to the benefits of reflexology!

Well, my exercise teacher and some of the women in my class imagined exactly that a few months ago and took action. At their request, I spent four hours instructing them in basic reflexology. None were professionals; yet all left with skills that they could immediately use to help themselves and their loved ones.

I have been asked by others in the group to repeat the class, and have decided to open it up to the general public this time. If you are a “lay” person (or a massage therapist curious about reflexology), this is your chance to learn how this amazing discipline works and how to apply some simple techniques yourself. Join us on January 21st. I will explain the basic theories, show you how our organs and glands are represented through the reflexes on the feet and hands, and guide you on how to effectively support your body’s systems through the reflexes.

Reflexology for You and Your Loved Ones

Stand Out in the Crowd!

A number of years ago, a friend who ran an antique business decided to specialize in a particular line of authentic dinnerware that was very popular and difficult to locate. With access to a substantial catalog of products, she was able to advertise a large inventory of hard-to-find items for would-be collectors. Her results taught me a big lesson.

What I learned from her business decision was that narrowing services and products actually increases, not decreases, one’s reach. I had always thought that specialization would limit one’s market, but as I learned from subsequent research and other people’s success stories – the opposite is true. By choosing specialization over diversification, a business actually gets to claim a bigger piece of the pie.

Let’s look at the field of bodywork, as an example.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 there were 150,000 working massage therapists in the United States. That’s a lot of practitioners vying for the same clients and dollars. Successful massage therapists have learned that in order to thrive they must stand out in some way.

Some folks – like yours truly – have chosen to put their passion into action, and concentrate their education, marketing and services in one or two areas. For me, it’s reflexology and aromatherapy (a perfect marriage, by the way).

The benefits and advantages to having a specialty are:

1. You become – and become known as – an expert in your field. By specializing in reflexology, I have become the “go-to” person in my part of the world. When people think reflexology, they think of me. People travel significant distances to receive sessions and study with me.

2. There’s no waste of money or time in attending trainings that “might” interest you or benefit your work, or just to earn your required continuing education credits. You know where you interest lies and can focus all your resources on your area of interest.

3. Your clients benefit. Because your expertise and training is centered on one specific approach, you are able to offer more effective, individualized sessions. Results will soar; word-of-mouth will grow your clientele.

4. Following your passion guarantees that you will never lose interest in your career, never “burn out”. The possibilities to expand your knowledge and services are limitless.

5. Your specialty’s professional association will include only like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasam, challenges and clinical experiences.

6. Less competition.

I urge you to make 2012 the year that you follow your passion; uncover the niche that you can own; serve more people more; create the financial success you deserve.

If reflexology is the discipline that’s been calling you, then fulfill your dream now. Allow yourself to stand out in the crowd!

 

Celebrating World Reflexology Week

How do reflexology students fulfill one of their requirements for certification, market themselves and honor the field of reflexology? They throw a reflexology party and invite the city to attend!

A requirement for completion in the Academy’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification is that each student organize and conduct a community outreach program or some other directed independent study. Some folks choose to offer a presentation and mini-sessions to their local teachers, nurses or fire fighters, as a way to thank them for their ongoing service to the community. Others choose to educate and teach a small targeted group (such as the elderly, or those suffering from diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome or Parkinson’s disease) on how they can help themselves with reflexology.

Three Florida participants in this year’s certification decided to band together and really celebrate. Terri Bishop-Brahen (from Ponte Vedra), John Guinta (from Jacksonville) and Adrianne Metz (from Titusville) rented a space at the University of North Florida and then wrote and distributed an invitation to the Jacksonville community to join them in celebrating World Reflexology Week (held annually during the last full week of September). Their September 25th party was broadcasted as a four-hour educational and experiential event not to be missed. John also prepared an article that was published in the city’s Natural Awakenings magazine. As phone calls started coming in, they wisely decided to recruit another set of hands; Jacksonville certified reflexologist, Elke Schreiber, joined the team. On the day of the event, the four arrived 45 minutes early (along with a photographer) to dress the room with reflexology posters, handouts, fun relevant give-aways, music and refreshments. Much to their surprise, there were already people waiting at the door!

My three students each took the podium to introduce the history, theory and benefits of reflexology, describe the difference between reflexology and massage, and answer specific questions posed by the very inquisitive crowd. Guests were then offered the opportunity to receive a 20-minute session on either their feet or hands. No one declined!

What surprised the therapists most was that people stayed the entire four hours! Even after they received their own taste of reflexology, folks chose to stand around and watch the reflexologists at work.

So, what did these reflexologists gain from conducting a community outreach (other than course credits, confidence and more outreach ideas)? Here’s what they had to say in response to that question:

“We learned how hungry the public is for reflexology. More people are interested in reflexology than we realized. That is a boom to people like us just starting a business. The diversity was pronounced: young and old, husbands and wives, mothers and sons, all kinds of ethnicities represented. Most people who were at our event knew something about reflexology and had come to it after impersonal and unproductive experiences with western medicine. Our time has finally come!”

Reflexology Rocks!

I clearly remember the first time that I experienced a Stone Therapy session. Back then, there was so much buzz about adding hot and cold stones to a bodywork session, I admit to a lot of skepticism. I decided to try it out anyway. And am I glad I did! The experience I had changed my relationship with myself.

I immediately began to seek out a qualified and experienced teacher, so that I could provide my clients with a similar experience. After hearing the same unbelievable feedback from my massage clients, I began to wonder what it would be like to incorporate stonework into an already deeply relaxing reflexology session. Well, the rest is history. Although it’s been a couple of years since I taught Reflexology Rocks!, I feel moved to do so again.

Stones are part of the earth element; they help us to reconnect with the earth’s grounding, stable force. Used as an extension of one’s own hands, hot and cold mineral stones enhance and often elevate a client’s experience of reflexology to one of almost primordial sacredness. (I didn’t make that up! Those are words I often heard from many nearly speechless clients.)

Rooted in the ancient Tibetan and Native American traditions, Stone Therapy seduces the mind/body to surrender all traces of mental and muscular tension – a logical adjunct to reflexology, don’t you think?

Chilled stones calm and cool inflammatory conditions while heated stones lull the recipient into a deep experience of themselves that almost defies definition. Together hot and cold stones provide a vascular workout for the entire body, both stimulating and relaxing the circulatory system at the same time. As contradictory as this may sound, it is this unique interplay of heat and cold that deeply relaxes and re-energizes a tired body. Homeostasis and balance restored: the prime intention of a reflexology session, right?

I invite you to join our small group on Saturday, November 12 in St. Augustine, Florida from 10am to 2pm, where you will learn how to safely incorporate aromatherapy and hot and cold stones into a hand or foot reflexology session. Stones and all related equipment will be provided in class; resources to purchase your own tools and accessories will be made available. Read more here.

Consider making a weekend of it. Participate in the Reflexology and Essential Oils – The Perfect Marriage class on Friday, November 11. Read how you can take advantage of a one-time only reduced fee.

Reflexology Clinics

The participants of the 2011 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification have been studying and practicing since February, and are now more than ready to offer their services to the public. If you live within driving distance of St. Augustine, Florida, you may want to take advantage of their offer. If you’ve never received a professional reflexology session before or are a reflexologist deprived of work yourself, there are many compelling reasons to join us. You can:

* receive the benefits of a reflexology session focused on your personal needs. You can choose from a foot session, hand session and/or a combined hand and foot session;

* check out your interest in studying reflexology. Discover how a session from a certified reflexologist differs from that of someone who attended a weekend workshop. Talk to your therapist about their experience in the program;

* take advantage of the unbelievably low cost: $25 for one session; for two (same person), $40; for three (same person), $60.

* spend a fun-filled, relaxing day in historical St. Augustine and its gorgeous beaches;

Here’s the schedule:

Foot Reflexology Clinics:

Saturday, July 30

10:30am            1:30pm            3:30pm

Hand Reflexology Clinics:

Sunday, July 31

1:30pm              3:30pm

Monday, August 1

3:00pm

Combined Hand & Foot Reflexology Clinics:

Saturday, October 1

9:30am             10:45am            2:00pm             3:45pm

Sunday, October 2

10:45am            2:00pm             3:45pm

Sessions are 75 minutes each, including hydrotherapy services. Please contact me at 904/553.4067 or karen@acdemyofancientreflexology.com if you are interested in reserving sessions for yourself. Act now. Appointments are booking quickly (no surprise!).

 

 

 

 

Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification

I am excited to announce the dates for next year’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. I know lots of you like to plan way in advance, so I have posted the 2012 schedule.

I find that my certification program appeals to two general groups of people:

• Individuals experiencing a major life change who are looking to develop a new and fulfilling career, whether full-time or part-time.

• Therapists wishing to enhance an already existing healthcare practice.

What these two groups have in common is a passion for reflexology and a strong interest in personal growth and development. They are young, elderly, healthy and not so healthy, confident and not so confident.  They share a sincere desire to heal themselves and through that process to touch the lives of as many other people as possible, to help them improve the quality of their lives.

The Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification:

• qualifies you in the therapeutic application of hand and foot reflexology.

• inspires you to work confidently with nearly 100 reflexes.

• prepares you to design session protocols to address 50 pathologies.

• takes place over 25 classroom days, taught in five 5-day segments, between February and September, 2012.

• offers very reasonable on-site beach accommodations for those traveling a distance.

• is always taught within a small class format.

• offers a number of convenient payment plans.

Full details, including a description of the course content, learning environment, dates, times and tuition are available here.

Spring & Summer Foot Reflexology Trainings

Some people claim that of all our body parts, our feet tend to suffer the most. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know that there’s nothing worse than sore feet; and sore feet are guaranteed if neglected. These trusty servants carry our full body weight and identity every day of our lengthy existence here on earth. They provide a foundation upon which we “take a stand”, and allow us to move forward in life.

Knowing how to intentionally work the feet – beyond a relaxing foot massage – can also provide a solid foundation on which to build your career. Check out your interest in making reflexology a part of your life; attend one of only three remaining opportunities in Florida to study foot reflexology between now and the end of the summer.

For those who live on the gulf-side of the state plan to attend the workshop scheduled in Naples next month on May 14th and 15th.  For those on the east coast of Florida: it’s July 16th & 17th in Jacksonville. A final option would be to attend the 3-day Restorative Reflexology training in St. Augustine June 10th though 12th, at which you will learn how to give both a hand and foot session for the purpose of relaxation.

First four people to register for any of the above-mentioned trainings receive a free colorful 38” by 22.5” foot reflexology poster. Florida and National massage continuing education credits are provided. The Restorative Reflexology training also provides ARCB credits.

Reflexology Certification

Are you ready to take your love of reflexology to the next level? If you have already checked out whether the Academy’s Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification is the right program for you, the next step is to determine if our curriculum meets your goals.

The Certification offers you in-depth practical training in hand and foot reflexology designed for both relaxation and pain management. You will learn how to specifically address over 50 pathological and non-pathological conditions within a reflexology session and assist clients to create a self-directed wellness program.

You will leave this training with a 230-page manual, book guide and numerous resources for related information and products.

Topics covered:

  • location of nearly 100 reflex points in the hands and feet, and techniques to effectively palpate these reflexes on yourself and others
  • 12 physiological systems of the body, and the role reflexology plays in maintaining optimum functioning of these systems
  • over 50 homeostatic imbalances and how to create a reflexology session to address those conditions
  • theories and benefits of reflexology
  • zones of the feet, hands and body
  • zone therapy
  • anatomy, physiology and structural pathology of the feet and hands
  • history-taking skills
  • hydrotherapy
  • aromatherapy
  • marketing
  • professional ethics
  • therapeutic communication skills
  • the role of genetics and epigenetics in health and disease
  • legalities of practice
  • self-care and ergonomics

Attendees will:

  • create and operate professional reflexology clinics, using health history forms and documentation charts designed specifically for reflexology
  • offer an in-service to the staff of a major national bodywork publication
  • complete a self-chosen directed independent study to support their knowledge of reflexology OR design and implement a community outreach program offering reflexology
  • plan and execute an outcome-based research case study on a health condition of their choice

This year’s certification begins February 10th. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be awarded a 315 hour certification in hand and foot reflexology. Complete details are available here. Continuing education credits are awarded to Florida-licensed and/or nationally certified massage therapists.

Pain Management and Reflexology

Although many people are aware of the relief massage therapy offers musculoskeletal pain, many folks are surprised to learn of the long history that reflexology enjoys in this area. Some people even think that reflexology holds an advantage over massage in addressing pain disorders, because reflexology can address both pathological and non-pathological musculoskeletal pain, while massage addresses only the latter.

In North America, reflexology’s association with pain management began in the early 1900’s, when Dr. William Fitzgerald, often referred to as the “father of modern reflexology”, introduced zone therapy into his medical practice. Dr. Fitzgerald successfully utilized reflexology techniques to anesthetize his patients for nose and throat surgeries. One of Dr. Fitzgerald’s many research findings also taught us that “when pain was relieved, the condition that produced the pain was also generally relieved”.

In my reflexology practice I can think of countless times that my services resulted in long-term relief of both somatic and visceral pain: headaches, neck and low back pain, plantar fasciitis, TMJ dysfunction, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains and menstrual cramps, to name a few.

In my own life, I can recall many occasions as well. One in particular stands out, when I had driven out-of-town to teach a weekend workshop. Rather suddenly I found myself with an excruciating toothache. During the workshop I worked constantly on the teeth reflexes on my hands, and was able to reduce my #9 pain level to a bearable #2, until such time I could get home to have it attended to. All of that without any medication!

Like massage, reflexology is divided into the relaxation model and the pain management model. Because I personally believe that relaxation is the basis of health, I choose to include instruction for both protocols in the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. In the program, students learn how to specifically address well over 50 pathological and non-pathological imbalances that cause acute and chronic discomfort and pain. When they have completed their training, these folks are well-equipped to help people seeking their assistance.

Some economists believe pain management to be recession-proof. That makes sense. People In pain will go to any length to find relief from their discomfort. They will look high and low for someone who can provide hope, answers and a plan that can restore function and ease. No matter the cost.

Those same economic researchers tell us that manual therapy is the fastest growing segment of the service industry. If you haven’t already, maybe it’s time you joined those of us who have dedicated our lives to helping others live their best life? The true reward for a reflexologist is having happy clients return to say they are living pain-free.  Success like that is both gratifying and lucrative for any manual therapist.

What’s been your experience with pain management and reflexology?