Dr. Ida Rolf, the creator of the original 10-session model of structural integration, once said, “When the body is not supported from below, it will attempt to hang from above.” That is why she devoted the entire second session of her game-changing program to the feet.
I remember being “rolfed” years ago in Toronto, after having been rear-ended in a car accident. The work is truly amazing; however, one of my biggest surprises came when receiving that famous second session on my feet. Although I was accustomed to receiving a lot of foot reflexology, nothing could have prepared me for the results of that session. My feet definitely felt grounded, balanced, open, stable and pain-free – all of which I kind of expected. It was what I felt elsewhere that really got my attention.
Up until that point, I think I considered foot work an enjoyable and effective way in which to support the physiology of the body; I didn’t think much of the effect that reflexology might have on the anatomy other than that of the feet.
Over the years, through trial and error and formal study, I have discovered that much of the suffering that people experience in not only their feet, but the knees, hips and low back, results from a number of irregularities within the lower extremity; conditions such as partial talotarsal misalignment, shortened and/or weak tissue in the feet and/or lower legs, nerve impingement, inappropriate footwear and lack of awareness around self-care.
I am very excited to start sharing what I have learned when it comes to alleviating chronic foot pain caused from bunions, hammertoes, gout, plantar fasciitis, peripheral neuropathy, bone spurs, arthritis, metatarsalgia, tarsal tunnel syndrome, injuries, surgery or just plain over use. The added benefit to clients may be not only relief from foot pain, but perhaps even an improvement in the complaints that occur elsewhere in the lower half of the body. Things can shift dramatically when specific work is done on the feet and/or lower legs, and when individuals make certain changes in their lives. It’s why I go to the feet first!
How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain will debut in White Rock, British Columbia on August 24 and 25. (White Rock is just a little south of Vancouver, close to the Washington/British Columbia border.) Please note that the discounted tuition fee ends July 1st, so please act now to save yourself a little money! Next offering will be in Rochester, Minnesota on October 5 and 6, 2013.
Will this class ever be taught in Florida? I live in Daytona.
It definitely will Donna.
Will this class be taught in Washington?
At this point, there is nothing scheduled in Washington, Diana. I’d like to return to Washington, so it is a possible choice.
Hi Karen
I would LOVE to attend this workshop! Sound like just what I need…. but it’s on the other side of Canada – any chance you could this course in Montreal? I’m sure it would be in demand!
please let me know, it would be a pleasure to see you again,
Andrea Mühlebach, RAC
Andrea – so sorry for taking so long to respond. I have been thinking (even before your comment) about how I might take this training to either Montreal or Halifax this year. Not sure yet how to fit in; maybe in the fall. Stay tuned! Hope you are well!
I am writing because your website has me very intrigued. I have suffered from severe plantar fasciitis for well over 8 years. The step my doctors are talking about is surgery. I would love to find an effective alternative. I live northeast of Philadelphia, PA. Can you recommend a reflexologist in or near my area? I also suffer from chronic tension headaches. Im in search of a therapist who specializes in cranial sacral therapy. Thank you I advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Tara
Hello Karen,
I moved from Florida to Northern Arizona(Sedona).
Do you know anybody around here who is as good
as you?
Love, Elke
Elke: What a loss for Floridians to lose you! I am going to email you some names in the Sedona area. All the best to you. Gorgeous place to live. Hey, I guess you can’t be Island Reflexology anymore! (-:
Hi Karen Ball – I wished that I had come upon this post months ago! I am a certified reflexologist (April 2014) and certainly would have loved to have attended your workshop that was held in White Rock, BC. I live on Salt Spring Island which is only a 3-hour ferry ride to White Rock. Any chance you will be holding another workshop in this area in 2014? Thanks! Elaine Theunisz, Healing Sole Reflexology
(you can find me on facebook) 🙂
Hi Elaine! Thanks for making contact. I have been to Saltspring many times; love that island. There is a good chance that I will be in Vancouver later this year to teach. The best way for you to stay abreast of my teaching schedule is through my newsletter and Facebook page. You can sign on to both from this blog page. I hope to meet you later in the year!