Academy of Ancient Reflexology
Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops
Like you, I have seen many videos and read a lot of instructions on how to wash your hands to rid them of possible germs (read Coronavirus). However, I have never seen a video like this one. Its explanation of how soap annihilates viruses and why 20 seconds is the magic number is soooo good! To increase your own understanding, I encourage you to take less than 4 minutes of your life to watch this exceptional video.
Today’s blog is a continuation of the one I previously published entitled, Here’s How I’m Doing It. I want to update one point I made regarding how I’m taking care of myself during the Coronavirus and share a video of how you can work on your own lymph reflexes to support your immune system.
When I wrote the previous blog on March 10, I was under the impression that the Coronavirus caused a form of flu. I later learned this not to be true (again something I shared on the Academy’s Facebook page on March 19). In my ‘normal, regular life’ (whatever that is!), I travel around with hand sanitizers that are made from witch hazel, which is what I wrote about in the last blog. With what I understand now about the Coronavirus I have decided to stick with hand sanitizers that are (rubbing) alcohol-based, at least 60%.
In that previous blog, I also shared that I work my lymph reflexes every night when I get into bed. For those of you who are unfamiliar with where those are on the hands and feet, or how to work them, here is a short video to show you.
Given the choice, I would work on both my feet and hands, if just one, the feet. If you are unable to work your feet, definitely work your hands!
Stay strong. Stay well. We will get through this.
As someone who regularly interacts with the public (in my clinic) and travels the continent to teach groups of people, I’ve had to think a lot about the Coronavirus. I’m often asked my opinion and “What to do?”
So, I thought I would share ‘how I’m doing it’.
I’m taking care of myself.
* First off, I’ve stopped reading articles and social media posts on the topic (most of which just say the same thing). They are way too fear-based for me. I know that operating from fear releases a cascade of harmful chemicals in my body that will interfere with my immune system’s ability to combat viruses and bacteria. And right now, I need to focus on maintaining a strong immune system. That is my main defense. People with strong immune systems are experiencing very mild symptoms from the Coronavirus.
* To start my days calmly, I meditate, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.
* I start the day with a positive attitude, believing in the health of my mind and body to take care of me.
* As a way to manage stress, I make sure to spend a few moments throughout the day taking deep, slow breaths. Intentional breathing calms the mind, which strengthens the immune system.
* I’m making sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep boosts T-cells which helps fight viruses.
* I’m staying mindful of my eating choices. It’s too easy in a time of unrest to resort to high sugar, empty calories to get an immediate hit of feel-good hormones – however, in times like this, what my body needs most is healthy phytonutrients found in organic fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds.
* I’m staying away from alcohol, too.
* Stimulating my lymphatic system by working the lymph reflexes of my feet in bed each night and dry skin-brushing before my evening shower.
* Moving every day. Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a little yoga, lifting a few weights – something to move the lymph, boost immunity and keep the stress level down.
Preventative Measures
* Number 1: I’m washing my hands more and for a longer time. Happy birthday to me – twice.
* Doing my best to keep my hands away from my eyes, nose, and mouth.
* I keep a hand sanitizer in my car to use after touching items in public places. I like to make my own sanitizer since I find the alcohol-based ones too harsh on my skin to be using numbers of times a day. Those made with witch hazel have been shown to be just about as good. I make one with 3 ounces of witch hazel, 1 ounce of aloe vera gel and about 30 to 40 drops of essential oils. My go-to anti-viral oils are Tea tree, cinnamon, clove, lemon, and Eucalyptus radiata.
* I’m taking the following supplements: 1000 mg. Vitamin C and an anti-viral tincture. Some of the herbs known to be anti-viral are ashwagandha, oregano, olive leaf, elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus.
* I have zinc lozenges on hand if I do start to feel any symptoms as well as an oregano throat spray.
* I’m also using a product called Xlear every morning and night. It’s a saline nasal spray with grapefruit seed extract and xylitol in it that cleans, moisturizes and soothes the sinus tissues. (Great for respiratory allergies, too.)
* Keeping my distance. No handshaking. (Did you see my video post on Facebook of the ‘reflexology-shake’?)
* Except for my upcoming teaching engagements, avoiding crowds.
* Using knuckles, elbows, fists, and hips to touch and/or open things as much as I can.
* Using disinfecting wipes on surfaces such as grocery store carts, gas station pumps, my car’s steering wheel (and other surfaces I touch in my car a lot), as well as wiping my cell phone and laptop keyboard. I make a point of going around my clinic a few times a day and wiping down all door handles, sink faucets, light switches – anything that gets touched a lot by my clinic mate, clients and/or me.
The above all done and in practice, I’m just putting it all out of my mind. I’m staying focused on knowing that I am healthy and strong.
Importantly, if I do feel like I’m coming down with something, I will take to my bed. I will not go out and infect others. I will catch this bug as soon as I can and spend the two weeks of quarantine enjoying my home. My freezer is stocked and I know friends would gladly deposit healthy food on my porch should I ask. And I have a stack of books just begging to be read!
Graduates of the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification learn how to skillfully use reflexology for the purpose of deep relaxation and/or to support people facing health challenges that threaten the quality of their lives. They help individuals confront the most challenging aspects that get in the way of living a healthy and happy life.
And that, in my opinion, is a life worth living – a life dedicated to helping others feel better.
Some of you may be contemplating a new career focus. Others may be looking for a way to embellish an already existing healthcare practice by adding another service to your menu, or learning how to combine reflexology with services you currently offer to produce noticeably longer-lasting benefits for your clients (and consequently a substantial increase in business for you).
Since this year’s program starts soon – Thursday, April 2nd – I thought I would summarize some of the pertinent details for anyone still undecided about registering for this year’s training.
The program is taught in five 5-day modules in the historic beach town of Saint Augustine, Florida. We meet basically once every couple of months, beginning in April and ending in November; Thursday through Monday. The 2020 program dates are:
April 2 through 6, 2020
May 28 through June 1, 2020
July 23 through 27, 2020
September 17 through 21, 2020
November 12 through 16, 2020
Included in the cost of the program are:
– Video access to all hands-on techniques and protocols
– 250-page manual
– Free listing on the Academy of Ancient Reflexology’s directory of
certified reflexologists
– Student membership with the Reflexology Association of America
– Placement of your research case study in over six national and
International publications
– Free on-going support during and following graduation
Curriculum Focus:
– Location of reflex points in the hands and feet, and techniques and
procedures to effectively palpate these reflexes on oneself and others
– Physiological systems of the body and the role reflexology plays in
maintaining optimum functioning of these systems
– Homeostatic imbalances that can occur in the human body and how
to design a reflexology session to address those conditions
– Theories, benefits and research conclusions regarding reflexology
– Uncovering your strongest appeal as a reflexologist, and developing
successful, ethical marketing strategies to create a unique, viable
healthcare business
– Safely incorporating adjunct modalities such as essential oil therapy and
hot and cold stones.
Activities:
– Operate professional reflexology clinics, utilizing health history and
documentation charts designed for reflexology
– Develop and implement community outreach events with your
classmates
– Prepare a research case study for national and international
publication
The total credits awarded for the Certification are 315, which more than qualifies you to sit for national board certification in reflexology and for Professional membership in the national and state reflexology associations in the United States.
I’ve structured the cost of the program to make it reachable for everyone. The base tuition is $3079, with discounts available as well as five different payment plans.
To read testimonials and more detailed information about the program, and/or to register, please visit www.academyofancientreflexology.com. Or, if you prefer, just call me! 904.553.4067
Act now though. April 2 is just over a month away!
I don’t know why, but I woke up this morning remembering a client from a few years ago, who had called seeking help with her painful plantar fasciitis. During the phone call, she shared that her doctor was suggesting surgery and that she did not want to go that route. She had heard that I had a protocol that helped that condition a lot. She said that she had tried cortisone shots and stretches the physical therapist had prescribed, but that she was still experiencing excruciating pain in both feet. I invited her to come in to see what we could do together.
Imagine my surprise when she hobbled in on crutches and sporting three-inch heels!!!
When I inquired if she had considered changing her shoes, she quickly informed me that was not something she was willing to do! It was then I understood why nothing was helping her and that the only plan of action the doc could suggest was surgery.
I basically told her that unless she was willing to make some significant changes, beginning with a change in footwear, all reflexology could do is bring her some temporary relief – no recovery. I told her that as long as she understood that, she was welcome to come in for a specialized plantar fasciosis session as often as she wanted. She received the session that day, left feeling some relief, and never returned. No surprise.
I think that woman was a bit of an exception though. Most people living with chronic foot pain do want to get better and are willing to do something to change the situation.
If you have people who are willing to participate in their own healing with any number of chronic foot pain conditions they are living with, then I invite you to attend the ‘How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain’ workshops scheduled in Toronto and Pennsylvania this year. We’ll look at dozens of painful foot situations and how we can provide hands-on support and education for each. You’ll leave knowing a highly-effective hands-on approach for plantar fasciosis (what’s the difference between plantar fasciitis and fasciosis?), tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy (as well as video access to that protocol so you can review whenever you want).
March 28 & 29, 2020
Toronto, ON
September 26 & 27, 2020
Harrisburg, PA
I’ve heard people question why they should study reflexology in a physical classroom when they can just as easily take a free course online. That’s a reasonable question, and I’d like to address that today.
I am convinced that you cheat yourself by only watching free content online IF you are ready to get serious about reflexology, yourself, and the dream of a happier life for yourself.
If you’re still at the place in your life where surfing Internet videos engages enough of your curiosity, then do that. But, if you’re ready to dive deep, then step onto the diving board!
Free content may offer you information, but it can never produce the results that a personal instructor’s thought, effort and commitment to you and your success will deliver. It’s not possible.
Online programs are formatted for the masses; the material is generalized and nonspecific to you and your life. You deserve more than that and will need more than that if you want to build a successful practice for yourself.
From the very beginning of the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification we focus simultaneously on mastering the two sides of a successful reflexology practice:
By the time your classroom hours are fulfilled, you will be equally adept at offering a reflexology session and have created a marketing plan to create a successful reflexology business.
And, I’ll hold you accountable to your business plan!
We’ll set up a private consultation to fine-tune your ideas for success and establish achievable goals and deadlines that will get the results you want. I’ll hold you to your commitment (unless, of course, you don’t want that support).
I wish I had had a coach when I started out; someone to help me to move past the limiting beliefs that stopped me from being all that I was meant to be. I didn’t, so I had to figure it all out for myself. Let me be your personal coach – make your journey easier than mine was.
Another thing to consider when contemplating whether to take an online course (free or paid) or take your reflexology certification in a classroom setting:
If you wish to become nationally board-certified in reflexology, or licensed in reflexology (five US states require a specific license to practice reflexology) and/or hold a Professional level membership with the national and/or state reflexology organizations, you will require live classroom hours of training – plenty of them. These organizations consider live classroom instruction, supervision and feedback essential to attaining the skills to practice safely and effectively.
I charge for my reflexology trainings because I see value in what I have to offer. I’m proud of my teaching abilities and have been recognized nationally by the Reflexology Association of America for “serving as a role model for all educators to inspire students to aspire to create a successful life on their own terms.”
I’m way better than free!
Join us (this year only) in Gainesville, Florida for the 22nd Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification. Classes start April 4, so act now.
Stress wears on you – you’d have to be living under a rock not to know that. But, are you aware of how chronic stress, depression and lack of sleep affect your skin?
Intense or chronic stress increases the production of cortisol, which decreases the skin’s ability to repair itself.
Stress causes you to tense your facial muscles, often without realizing it. Those repeated frowns and grimaces ultimately will leave their mark in the form of permanent lines.
Here are a couple of easy counteractive measures:
– Reduce stress and anxiety by exercising.
– Include gentle instructions to consciously breath when giving reflexology sessions. That will drive more oxygen to the skin cells for healing. If you notice clients with taut facial muscles, give some attention to the reflexes of the jaw and temple.
Depression is associated with a decrease in growth-hormone synthesis, which inhibits the ability of the skin to repair itself at night.
Here are a couple of counteractive measures:
– Seek out professional help to resolve the causes of your depression; keep a referral list in your office to share with clients wishing to work through their mental health issues.
– Regular exercise – proven to help defeat depression.
– Reflexology is a wonderful antidote to depression. It allows people to feel themselves in a whole, relaxed state; the way one should feel; the way we were born to be.
Lack of sleep. Without enough deep sleep, the skin can’t properly undo daily damage. Sleep deprivation puts the body into stress mode, causing more cortisol to be produced. And that takes us right back to the top of this article!
Here are a few preventive measures:
– Get more sleep – turn off all electronic devices at least ½ hour before going to bed. Do not read with a Kindle.
– Improve your sleep hygiene. Remove all electronics from your bedroom; sleep in a very dark room; drop the room temperature to 68 or 69 degrees.
– Sleep on your back – a “smooshed” face looks creased.
– Try a short hot tub soak – 10 minutes – before heading to bed. Add some relaxing essential oils to the bath water, or spritz them on your pillowcase.
– Work on your own reflexes before going to sleep. Focus on the central nervous system, diaphragm and solar plexus reflexes to promote sleep, reduce stress and combat depression. Add in the lymphatic and liver reflexes to help with skin health.
The above is useful information to share with clients. Please feel free to print out and distribute or re-write in your own words. Clients really appreciate educational tips.
I hear lots of people say that 2019 is going to be an amazing year. I know that must feel like a beacon of hope for a lot of people; 2018 was a tough one for many.
But, how do we know that this year will be better? Is it possible to foretell what sort of year is ahead?
Sometimes, I like to look at the astrological events going on that might impact our experiences here on Earth. I don’t claim to understand it all, but I like balancing the mundane earthly events that we give so much credence to with the heavenly influences of the surrounding universe. I like to believe that there is more going on than what I can see; that there are forces greater than my own at work. It gives me a broader perspective.
So, if this interests you at all, here’s what I understand about the year ahead:
* The most beneficial of all the planetary transits in 2019 is Jupiter in Sagittarius. That’s because…
* Professional astrologers call Jupiter ‘the great benefic’; meaning it is the most beneficial planet in our solar system. And because…
* Jupiter’s home is Sagittarius, and when a planet is in its home sign we get the best that planet can offer.
That tells me that there is no better time than this year to turn dreams into reality. The entire Universe is behind me. I know from my past that my dreams – the repetitive thoughts that will not give up residence in my brain – are what steer me to live a life of purpose; give me a reason to get out of bed each morning (even on these cold mornings!). I also know equally well that ignoring my dreams and aspirations is what alienates me from myself, leading to all sorts of unwanted feelings and outcomes.
And I suspect I’m not alone in this.
Jupiter helps us to be more in sync with the opportunities that surround us. And, if you have found it difficult to notice the opportunities that align with your purpose, never fear. Sagittarius is here!
You’ve probably seen images of Sagittarius, the archer. Depicted as half horse, half man, he lives in unity with both his animal and divine natures.
Sagittarius aims far, farther than the stars his arrow points to.
Sagittarius is here to inform us that the sky is not the limit!
Sagittarius reminds us that possibility lies beyond what we can see; that we can achieve anything if the target is aligned with integrity and our life’s purpose. Those feelings of excitement that fire deep within us when we identify a goal are Sag’s way of reminding us that we can do more; that there is a reason for our existence on this planet. I think it is our responsibility to move forward on our dreams – the world needs what each of us is uniquely here to offer.
Stay excited people!
Make 2019 the year that you seek meaning and purpose. It may be for the first time in your life or maybe you’re at a threshold where it’s time to write a new chapter in the book of your life. Whatever – just do it!
The universe rearranges itself to accommodate your picture of reality. It’s the physical law of action and reaction. So, shoot higher than you’ve ever imagined possible.
If it is your dream to help people improve the quality of their lives – as well as your own – take advantage of this opportunity:
Take a short quiz and see if reflexology might just be your path, as it was mine. If you decide not, then keep your eyes open – Jupiter will deliver!
Dive into continuing education. I just did. I spent last weekend with a gifted teacher who inspired me to no end.
Get excited about what you are learning. Tap into and express your gratitude for the privilege of learning. Many in this world are not afforded that opportunity.
Share that excitement and your new skills with clients. Grow your business.
Here is the Academy’s line-up for trainings this year:
Tired of Living With Painful Feet?
January 19th 1 to 3pm
Saint Augustine, Florida
* a free community class for people who wish to learn what they can do to relieve their chronic foot pain
Register: https://bit.ly/2FbqZX7
All the following workshops provide continuing education credits for the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB), the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC), the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, and the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy.
Visit this link for details and to register for any of the following.
Say Goodbye to Headaches
February 23rd 9am to 6pm
Atlanta, Georgia
Reflexology: Massage Therapy’s Secret Weapon
March 10th 9am to 6pm
Gainesville, Florida
Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification
begins April 4
Gainesville, Florida
Traditional Thai Reflexology
April 26th to 28th 9am to 5pm
Killington, Vermont
(foot) Reflexology
May 4th & 5th 9am to 6pm
Winter Park (Orlando), Florida
(foot) Reflexology
May 18th & 19th 9am to 6pm
Lake City, Florida
Traditional Thai Reflexology
June 16th to 18th 9am to 5pm
Vaudreuil-Dorion (Montreal), Quebec
How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain
June 22nd & 23rd 9am to 6pm
Indianapolis, Indiana
Traditional Thai Reflexology
June 28th to 30th 9am to 5pm
Gainesville, Florida
Reflexology: Massage Therapy’s Secret Weapon
August 18th 9am to 6pm
Gainesville, Florida
(foot) Reflexology
August 24th & 25th 9am to 6pm
Winter Park (Orlando), Florida
Here’s the link for all the above workshops.
Jenny and I hope to see your shining face at one of these events!
Thousands of people will attest to the fact that reflexology feels good, but what exactly is going on in the body to elicit those comments
It is also true that we live in a world that often short-circuits our natural biology, producing stress neurochemicals instead to help us respond to the daily pace of our modern lives.
DOSE
There are four primary categories of hormones produced in the brain that cause that good feeling we all crave. They can be referred to by the acronym DOSE (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins), and it turns out that reflexology and certain other forms of bodywork set in motion the production of these happy drugs.
So, let’s get familiar with those drugs!
Dopamine: The Pleasure-Reward Neurotransmitter
Dopamine is a chemical messenger secreted in anticipationof a reward. It drives our motivation to take action towards something we want.
Try sending an email or text reminder prior to your clients’ appointments to help fuel that surge of dopamine. Suggest they get a head start on feeling relaxed and rejuvenated by imagining, as they are driving to their appointment, how good they will soon feel when on your table receiving reflexology.
If the session produces noticeable results, remind the client to make note of their reduced headache, anxiety level, or whatever the complaint was as they drive home. That will stimulate the release of even more feel-good dopamine.
Oxytocin: The Hug Hormone
Research has shown that touch stimulates oxytocin release, reduces cardiovascular stress and improves immune function. Some of those same studies have also indicated that bodywork intent on relaxing(such as reflexology) enhances oxytocin release more than vigorous, deep-tissue forms of bodywork.
So, as you wrap your hands around your clients’ hands and/or feet, you might want to acknowledge that you are literally offering a loving oxytocin-charged hug! And, if it feels appropriate to you, perhaps you might want to offer a post-session hug to stimulate an even greater feel-good buzz before they leave your office.
Serotonin: The Happy Hormone
Serotonin, another mood-boosting neurotransmitter, influences the production of that feel-good hormone dopamine. Coincidentally, one of the most effective ways of increasing serotonin is through bodywork. (The other two natural ways are exercise and social bonding.)
How often have you smiled to yourself when you witness a client fall asleep on your table? You can thank serotonin and reflexology for that snoring. Your touch just increased the production of serotonin, a key contributor to sleep.
Endorphins: The Painkillers
The endorphins are the body’s version of morphine and codeine. They are released when we encounter real or perceived pain, threat or other stressful situations. They work alongside serotonin to help alleviate anxiety and depression.
Researchers have discovered that slow, sustained, deep bodywork best stimulates the release of endorphins in the body. That discovery confirms to me the importance of offering a thumb-walknot a thumb-racein my reflexology sessions, and to make firm deliberate contact with ‘each step’.
Feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, motivate people to take steps toward what’s good for their survival. They entice people to return to your table for more, and that’s good, because… regular reflexology can tilt the balance from stress towards relaxation and healing.
