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Aug 05 2020

A Marriage Made in Heaven

Many reflexologists like to include essential oils in their practices – in a number of ways and for a variety of reasons.

Oils are absorbed into the body through our capillaries, lymph ducts and/or the lungs. It is essential (pun intended) that the scents actually be plant essential oils, not fragrances, and be pure and unadulterated. There are many other points to take into consideration if you wish to work with essential oils that will be provided through a quality aromatherapy training.

Smart oils to add in right now would be ones that support the respiratory system (Eucalyptus, Fragonia, the firs and/or pines) and the immune system (Tea tree, Lemon, Ravintsara, Lavender, or Douglas fir).

Easy Routes to the Inside

One pleasant way to introduce aromatherapy is through the respiratory channels. Adding oil to a steam diffuser is the most common way. Burning what are marketed as essential oil candles is not considered as advantageous. First off, the scent is usually from a fragrance and not an essential oil, and once burned to a high temperature an essential oil would lose its therapeutic value anyway. Burning candles in a small enclosed room also robs the space of valuable oxygen.

Adding a 2% solution (10 to 12 drops per ounce) of an essential oil to your foot butter or hand lotion is another wonderful way to introduce the benefits of essential oils to your clients.

All oils are primarily lipid (fat) soluble so they penetrate quickly through the skin and into the bloodstream. Guess where the majority of skin capillaries are located in the body? Yes, your feet and hands!

I remember years ago teaching a hydrotherapy workshop with another instructor who decided to demonstrate this to the students. To whoever was agreeable, she rubbed a garlic clove on the bottom of their feet. To everyone’s surprise, those people’s breath all smelled of garlic within about 30 to 40 minutes! Point made.

Once applied to the skin or inhaled, the body generally takes about 30 – 90 minutes to entirely absorb the essential oils. Strong blood circulation increases the absorption rate. Once again, what increases circulation? Reflexology.

Reflexology and essential oils – a marriage made in heaven!

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Aromatherapy & Essential Oils · Tagged: Essential Oils

Jun 14 2017

Castor Oil To The Rescue

When I attended the Florida School of Massage in 1989, our hydrotherapy teacher instructed us in offering a castor oil pack for the abdomen. Over the years, I have offered it to many people dealing with abdominal or menstrual pain and/or digestive complaints – with great success.

I wondered if there might be equal benefits in using castor oil in reflexology sessions and was pleasantly surprised to learn there might even be more!

Let’s start with what castor oil is and the qualities of the chemicals that make up the oil:

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant – the castor plant. It’s commonly from Africa and India, and in Hindi is known as Arandi.

  • The oil is very high in ricinoleic acid, which makes it a good anti-bacterial.
  • It is rich in fatty acids, so it’s a great moisturizer.
  • Because of its high Omega-9 content, castor oil can reinforce the skin’s protective hydrolipidic film and provide a robust external barrier to bacteria.
  • Castor oil boosts immunity when applied topically by increasing T11 cells.
  • It is anti-fungal, which makes it an excellent oil to use on the feet.
  • It’s anti-inflammatory and reduces joint pain from arthritis.
  • And it’s marvelous for skin wounds.

Adding Castor to a Reflexology Session

Apply castor oil to one foot and wrap. Apply heat source. Reflex the other foot, then apply castor oil and the heat source to the foot you just worked and reflex the first foot.

If you’ve never used castor oil before, be prepared for a much higher viscosity than most oils you might use. Warm your hands first to help disperse the oil.

Sleep with Castor

Before going to bed, massage your feet with castor oil mixed with just a drop or two of Lavender or Ylang ylang essential oil. Really work the oil into your feet, especially in dry, calloused areas. Put on a pair of thick socks and go to bed.

Either of those essential oils will aid in a very relaxing sleep; your feet will be hydrated and feel amazing in the morning. For best results, do once a week.

Purchasing Castor Oil

Insist on a castor oil that has not been heavily processed. Highly processed oils will appear almost clear. A natural, nutrient-filled castor oil is golden in color. Oils devoid of nutrition offer no benefits.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, General · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Self-care, Essential Oils

Sep 28 2016

Fighting Athlete’s Foot

teatree__largeAs a reflexologist, I am often asked how someone can rid his or her athlete’s foot for good. I wish there was a simple, one-step, overnight solution to the problem, but alas, fighting any fungal infection is not that easy.

Fungal infections are tenacious. Often, though they may express externally on the skin’s surface, they are a systemic infection that must be addressed with an internal remedy as well as topical approaches. If after strictly following the approach below (or any other valid essential oil/herbal approach) you may wish to consider addressing the possibility of an internal fungal infection.

An Immediate Solution

A remedy that works for many is a combination of Melaleuca alternifolia (often referred to by its more common name of Ti tree or Tea tree) and aloe vera.

Tea tree is a strong anti-fungal, anti-microbial agent good for athlete’s foot, ringworm and other skin infections. Aloe soothes and calms irritated, itchy skin.

Combine 4 oz. pure aloe vera juice with ½ teaspoon of high quality tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use; spray liberally on the infection twice daily. Allow the feet to dry before donning socks or shoes. Use the spray for at least one month, even if symptoms have disappeared, to ensure that the fungus has been completely eliminated from the tissue.

Preventing Reinfection

Take the following steps to prevent reinfection:

  1. Dry your feet well after bathing, especially between the toes (where fungus usually takes hold).
  2. Change socks daily – more often if your feet perspire heavily.
  3. Wear socks that breathe – 100% cotton, or some of the newer microfibers are good choices.
  4. Alternate your shoes daily so as to give them a chance to air out between wearings.
  5. Wear flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms – places where fungus thrives.

Be patient and diligent. You will win the fight!

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Aromatherapy & Essential Oils, General · Tagged: Essential Oils, Self-care

Sep 14 2016

Bye-Bye Headaches!

reflexology-headaches“I just wanted to take a minute to write you. After taking the Say Goodbye to Headaches class two weeks ago, I have begun to adjust my lifestyle to facilitate better feelings.

I’ve had sinus and allergy issues all my life on top of being asthmatic. It is so wonderful to be clear of that for the most part and just be on a more natural supplement now. I have been able to quit taking daily allergy pills and that awful Affrin I was using to keep my airways moist. I have achieved all that I need from what I learned in class, and don’t suffer headaches and other side effects any longer. It is so wonderful!  Always appreciate the wealth of knowledge you share with us! I hope you’re doing well and I look forward to taking another class with you soon!” … Justin B. LMT, Gainesville, Florida

If you or anyone you know could benefit from learning what Justin did, please join me for an upcoming 1-day class, Say Goodbye to Headaches.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Essential Oils, General · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Self-care, Essential Oils

Mar 30 2016

Smelly Feet

Foot-flowersI’m not talking here of feet that have a bit of an odor from being in shoes and socks all day. I’m talking of feet that their owners warn you about! Strong, acrid odors.

The good news is that there are easy ways for people to eliminate this problem.

The bottoms of our feet are naturally teeming with bacteria that break down substances in our perspiration to create an acid that smells. The moisture from perspiration encourages bacteria to multiply even more.

The Fix:

A one week or two week committed regimen usually does the trick. Here’s one:

  1. Scrub your feet, especially the soles.
  2. Air out your feet as often as possible. Wear sandals if weather and situation permit. Remove socks and shoes when you get home. Change your shoes often.
  3. Brew a strong pot of black tea, let cool and then soak the feet for 10 minutes/day.
  4. Dry the feet thoroughly.
  5. Spray with a combination of tea tree and lemon essential oils. Create a 3% dilution by mixing 15 to 18 drops of the essential oil combination to one ounce of water. Let your feet completely air dry before putting your feet in socks or shoes or getting in bed.

Do you have any tried and true methods that have worked for you or your clients?

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Essential Oils · Tagged: Essential Oils, Foot reflexology, Self-care

Nov 25 2015

The Physical and Metaphysical World of Plantar Warts

Plantar wartI think that, of all the pathologies that I discuss with students, plantar warts stimulate the most interesting of conversations.

Let’s start with myth #1 that you can get a wart from kissing a frog or a toad. Come on now, who goes around kissing frogs anyway? False.

Myth #2: Warts have seeds that spread themselves and roots whose tentacles reach wide beneath the surface of the skin. False again. The truth is, the virus that causes plantar warts can spread itself and by doing so “seed” the growth of more warts.

So, what is the truth about warts?

Verruca Vulgaris

Common warts, verruca vulgaris, are caused by one of the 150 related varieties of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a pathogen that can infect the mucocutaneous membranes of the body.

The virus produces excessive growth of benign, hard, crusty protein particles by targeting the keratinocytes in the skin. Keratinocytes are the predominant cell in skin and form a barrier against invading pathogens. The virus makes its way into the body when cuts or scrapes are present to weaken the protective barrier created by the keratinocytes.

Warts do not typically create a strong immune system response. They therefore tend to grow for months or even years without much attention brought to them. Although slow, they are tenacious; removal methods must be thorough.

Warts look like hard, cauliflower-shaped calluses, so it’s important to be able to distinguish the difference between the two. They present often at joints – think fingers and knuckles – or on the sole of the foot, where they are known as plantar warts.  Plantar warts that grow together in a cluster are known as mosaic warts. mosaic warts

Plantar Warts

Standing and walking puts pressure on plantar warts and tends to force them deeper into the tissue, with the added pressure often resulting in pain to the affected area. Plantar warts in themselves are harmless, although in many cases they are too painful to ignore.

Differences Between Plantar Warts and Calluses

  • Plantar warts grow anywhere on the bottom of the foot; calluses develop on areas of the foot that bear the most pressure when walking and standing.
  • Plantar warts grow randomly and usually affect one foot only; calluses grow more-or-less symmetrically on both feet.
  • Plantar warts have a speckled appearance, indicating a capillary supply; a callus is gray, yellowish or whitish, depending on the person’s skin tone.

Prevention and Treatment Options

Although it can take months or even years, warts usually go away by themselves. Most people prefer to take some sort of action rather than wait for their natural decline.

Some folks treat warts themselves, while others consult with podiatrists or dermatologists. Treatment options are topical (application of salicylic acid or liquid nitrogen, essential oil application); some involve more invasive procedures (lasers, scalpel incisions, immunotherapies). Combative therapies are best provided by a trained and licensed practitioner, as “self-surgery”, even aggressive use of a pumice stone, can result in a secondary ring of warts surrounding the original annoyance.

Another strategy that seems to work is simply wrapping the wart in duct take. Yup! You read right. Follow the link at the bottom of this post to read a study that compared duct tape wrapping to cryotherapy.

Even more interesting are the seemingly crazy folk remedies that work. As bizarre as these may sound to you, people swear by the results they have gotten. Here are some that I have heard in my many years of teaching:

  • Rub a sliced raw potato (or raw onion or raw garlic) over the wart; bury the veggie in the back yard. Don’t tell anyone where!;
  • Wrap a horsehair around the wart before going to sleep;
  • Get someone to chant over your wart in Russian and then spit on the wart;
  • Apply a paste made of baking powder, crushed vitamin C and castor oil;
  • Soak warts in pineapple juice;
  • And the best: “sell” your warts to a “wart lady” (yup, those people exist!)

As far as I’m concerned, if it works, go for it! The above folk remedies cost literally nothing and are non-invasive. Since little money is spent on wart research, maybe these decade-old folk remedies serve to prove the psychoneuroimmunology connection between beliefs, thoughts and our physical bodies.

Providing Reflexology

Because any skin that flakes off or any blood that seeps out from around a wart can potentially carry the virus, warts are often discussed as contagious skin conditions. Please keep in mind though, that this is a very slow-acting, almost lazy, pathogen, so a practitioner would have to work hard to “catch” someone else’s warts, starting with the existence of a cut or sore on the therapist’s hands.

Reflexologists should consider all warts a local contraindication when offering their work. Minimize direct contact with warts; do not apply pressure on the wart. If your client has undergone some invasive procedure on their wart where leakage of fluid is possible, insist that s/he bandage the area before expecting you to work.

Pay extra attention to the reflexes of the lymphatic system to support the body’s attempts to destroy the virus.

Share Your Remedies

What remedies have you and/or your clients used to rid yourselves of warts? I suspect there are far more than what I’ve listed above, so do share!

Focht DR, Spicer C, Fairchok MP: The efficacy of duct tape vs. cryotherapy in the treatment of verruca vulgaris (the common wart)

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Essential Oils · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Essential Oils, Hand reflexology

Oct 28 2015

Barefoot in India

woman barefootI’m learning so much from reading the historical and lavishly illustrated book, Feet and Footwear in Indian Culture. For example, why India is known as the “barefoot country”.

In traditional Indian Hindu society, going barefoot is of prime importance. One way both rulers and ordinary folk pay respect to the temple deities is by approaching barefoot, a sign of respect, humility and submissiveness.

Going barefoot also signifies respect for the earth upon which people walk. The foot is the body part that touches the earth – the sacred mother of all. The earth is imbued with generative powers and the foot is thought of as the conduit through which the vital energy of the earth travels through humans unto the cosmos. These beliefs point to the foot being held in high esteem in Indian culture.

The feet of elders are worshipped by the younger generation; the feet of religious teachers and holy men by their followers; the feet of idols by their devotees, the feet of innocent persons by wrongdoers seeking forgiveness, and the feet of babies massaged by mothers to ensure a healthy, strong and energetic child.

Foot Care in India

For the above reasons, foot care is taken seriously in India, with people traditionally keeping their feet as clean and well-cared for as their hands. Bathing houses exist for those who do not possess the means for bathing and after-bath toiletry at home.

Indian scrubbersAlmost every village boasts a craftsman who creates foot scrubbers and other items for cleaning the feet. Foot scrubbers carved of stone or cast in brass are transformed into delicate, aesthetic objects of indulgence. The fortunate man of means could look forward to a thorough foot cleansing at the end of the day, followed by an unctuous massage with scented oils.

Foot Care Now

When I read the above information, I got to thinking about my practice of soaking and scrubbing the feet of my clients. I have always felt humbled sitting at the feet of my clients, but these new insights will bring a higher purpose to the ritual now. And I like that.

Indian woman giving foot massage

 

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Essential Oils · Tagged: Essential Oils, Foot reflexology, Self-care

Aug 14 2015

Why You Should Attend These Classes

EO BottlesI love to share my knowledge and experience regarding the safe and legal use of essential oils in my practice and my success in helping people with chronic headaches. There are some good reasons to add this information to your tool kit.

Reflexology and Essential Oils

First off, I will not be promoting essential oils from specific distributors. I do not represent any company, nor am I a distributor for any multi-level essential oil company. Instead, I will teach you the easiest and most accurate way to determine the quality of oils from companies you are interested in purchasing from.

Essential oils are not just nice-smelling potions; they are strong, medicinal chemicals that must be treated respectfully and with knowledge. The class, therefore, will focus on the safety factors in using essential oils in your practice. We will look at the therapeutic properties of some easily accessible oils, dilution options, and choosing oils to match your client’s profile and health needs. The application methods shared will all be topical or via inhalation; to use essential oils internally in the United States is classified as practicing medicine – a license for which is required. I will share ways in which you can safely support your reflexology clients with the addition of essential oils, and you will have the opportunity to make two products to take home to use.

Although I created this class for reflexologists (we will talk about some of the common conditions presented to reflexologists that we can help with essential oils), it is not necessary to have experience in giving reflexology or massage. We will not be practicing bodywork, but instead will be making essential oil products that can be used in your practice or for your own personal use. Feel free to invite friends who are interested in improving their wellbeing with aromatherapy (adults only). The cost of materials is included in the registration fee.

Say Goodbye to Headaches

Apparently, about 45 million people in North America suffer regularly from headaches. The most difficult part of eliminating headaches from one’s life is of course, identifying the cause. And that is especially true for reflexologists. When someone presents to a massage therapist with a headache, the session is focused on relaxing the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders. Good choice if the headache is what is classified as “primary”. If, on the other hand, the headache is “secondary”, it is essential to be able to identify the health situation, so as to focus a reflexology session accurately. Massage helps primary headaches, reflexology, primary and secondary.

The class I am offering focuses a lot on identifying the cause of headaches, the changes that need to be introduced in order to eliminate, or at least reduce, the severity and occurrence of headaches, and focused hands-on sessions for specific causes that include reflexology, massage, essential oils and acupressure. So that you may help as many people as possible in your community (remember those 45 million?), I will provide you with tools and forms with which you can conduct individual or group coaching sessions with people to help uncover the cause of their headaches. Together we can reduce that outrageous number!

I hope the above helps clarify things and that you will take a moment now to register. I am confident that you will leave these classes with additional knowledge and tools that will increase your ability to help more and more people in your circle.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Essential Oils · Tagged: Self-care, Marketing, Essential Oils, Hand reflexology, Foot reflexology

Aug 12 2015

Make The Senses Work For You

relaxing environThe five senses often hold the key to quick stress relief. Turns out that engaging all of the senses, rather than just one, can multiply the benefits. This is so easy to do in a bodywork practice.

Visual

  • How does your space look? How it looks affects how people feel. Remove clutter. Clutter engages the brain; you want to encourage your clients to disengage from thought, if only for one hour.
  • Choose soothing colors, textures and images. Bright colors, mind-engaging art draws the attention first outward and then towards thought.
  • Lighting. Provide adequate lighting for pre-session discussions and for your client to disrobe and get dressed following the session. Dim the lights during the hands-on portion of your time together. This subtly distinguishes a separation between the outer and inner worlds. Some clients love to block out all visual contact when receiving; have an eye pillow on hand.
  • How are you dressed? Neutral, calming, conservative clothes, or bright, stimulating, eye-catching attire?

Auditory

  • Start with the ambient noise of your office. Reduce disturbing outside noises, using a white noise machine if necessary.
  • Choose music (if the client wishes to have) carefully: instrumental, rather than singing; constant rhythm, low volume. Maybe even ask the client to choose.
  • How about the tone of your voice?
  • Are you inclined to chatter throughout the session, a practice that many clients find disturbing and even resent? Establish beforehand how much conversation the client wants; let her decide.

Olfactory

Olfactory impulses are conveyed to the primary area of the limbic system (visceral brain or the emotional switchboard of the brain) of the cerebral cortex of the brain, where they are interpreted as odor. Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing & hormone balance, fragrances may be one of the fastest and more pleasurable ways to achieve physiological and/or psychological effects on the body.

  • Study aromatherapy; incorporate essential oils into your lubrications. Burn candles between sessions to infuse the air (blow out during session; burning candles eats oxygen).
  • Remember that your own body odor will have a strong impact on your guest’s experience. Odors such as garlic, onions, perfume, cigarette smoke and strong body odor are not generally well received.

Taste

  • Offer a hot or iced herbal tea to clients to enjoy while filling out initial forms. Stock your waiting room with seasonal healthy drinks and/or water flavored with fresh mint, fresh fruit and/or cucumber slices.
  • A “homeopathic dose” of chocolate is often appreciated following a session! 

And finally…

Touch

This is what your clients expect, what they came for! The above-mentioned sensual gifts simply serve to prepare your clients for your skilled and healing touch.

  • Use an “airplane approach” when beginning your session. Abrupt contact can put the person’s nervous system on alert; a slow, gradual sinking in will continue your well-thought-out plan to bring your client to a deep state of relaxation.
  • Adjust pressure to client’s desire. But that goes without saying, doesn’t it?

 

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Aromatherapy & Essential Oils, General · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Thai reflexology, Essential Oils, Hand reflexology

Jul 15 2015

Gout

GoutBecause dietary causes account for about 12% of gouty conditions, gout has historically been known as “the disease of kings” or “rich man’s disease”. The heavy consumption of alcohol, fructose-sweetened drinks, red meats and seafood are all associated with the indulgent lifestyle of royalty and the wealthy hundreds of years ago.

Gout is a form of arthritis in which acidic crystals have accumulated within a joint capsule. It is often found in the hallux. True gout involves deposits of uric acid (a by-product of protein metabolism); pseudo gout involves calcium pyrophosphate crystals (from the breakdown of purine proteins found in organ meats, sardines, anchovies).

The prevalence of gout in the United States has risen over the last twenty years and now affects 8.3 million Americans.[i] Gout was listed for 2.3 million ambulatory care visits annually from 2001–2005.[ii] Uncontrolled gout can lead to the development of kidney stones.

Symptoms

  • Excruciating pain
  • Inflammation (redness, swelling and heat)
  • Inability to bear weight 

Risk factors

  • Gender. Gout is the most common inflammatory condition affecting men.
  • Race. Gout is more prevalent in African-American men than Caucasians.
  • Age. Risk rises with age, with a peak age of 75. In women, gout attacks usually occur after menopause.
  • Family history. If your parents have gout, then you have a 20% chance of developing it.
  • Moderate to high intake of alcohol
  • Acidic diet (meats, sugar)
  • Diagnosis of Hyperuricemia. Approximately 21% of the US population suffering with gout have elevated blood uric acid levels.
  • Obesity; excessive weight gain, especially in youth
  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal kidney function
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Dehydration
  • Aspirin, diuretics, excessive niacin 

Allopathic approach:

  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Steroids
  • Drugs to lower blood uric acid levels 

A Reflexologist’s approach

If the person is experiencing a flare-up you will not be able to work the feet. Do a foot soak and let the client dry his/her own affected foot. Offer reflexology on the hands. If the client’s condition is not acute, work the feet.

Hydrotherapy – cool foot soak, ½ cup Epsom salt, 1 drop of an analgesic or anti-inflammatory essential oil, such as German chamomile, Ginger, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint or Ylang ylang.

Techniques – full session on either the feet or hands with additional attention given to the lymphatic, adrenal and kidney reflexes.

Self-care

It is very important that the individual suffering with gout look closely at all the risk factors involved with this debilitating condition, and attempt to reduce and/or replace as many as those factors as possible.

 

 

[i] Zhu Y, Pandya BJ, Choi HK. Prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in the US general population: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2008. Arthritis  Rheum. 2011; 63(10):3136–3141.

[ii] United States Bone and Joint Decade: The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2008. Chapter 4. Arthritis and Related Conditions.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General · Tagged: Self-care, Essential Oils, Hand reflexology, Foot reflexology

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