Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

The New Classroom

In two weeks, I’ll be on the road to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to teach my first workshop since February! Yikes! I hope I remember how to behave! 🥴

Throwing a gathering now is not as easy as it was before. I ended up changing the venue so that I could have a larger space. I want to allow for more than six feet between tables. I’ve been constantly running through the days in my mind and determining what precautions I will need to take to ensure that all of us are safe.

One thing I realized just a couple of days ago was that I could no longer accept an odd number of participants in my classes. I don’t want two people standing at the foot of the table working at the same time. So, accepting registrations is a little trickier than usual.

2021

As I stated in an earlier blog, next year will likely be my last year of teaching reflexology. I plan to teach as much as I can and am opening up my calendar now to schedule the 2021 events. I already know I will be heading to Atlanta, Georgia; Gainesville, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Deland and Saint Augustine, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; Arizona; Toronto and Winnipeg, Canada. Please reach out as soon as possible to put your locale on the schedule, if you want me to come to you. I plan to drive to as many places as I can, so as to avoid airports and airplanes!

Safety Precautions

I fully expect to be putting safety procedures into place until the end of 2021. Here’s what I will insist on, first from the venue, then myself and of course, the attendees:

Hotels

* Increased industry-standard cleaning and sanitation procedures for guest rooms, based on recent guidance from the CDC, WHO and the AMLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association)

* Daily housekeeping service by request

* Unnecessary items removed from guest rooms

* Streamlined processes between guests and hotel associates to minimize contact, including clearly marked distancing spaces

* Disinfection of high-traffic areas and sanitizing stations throughout the hotel

In the Classroom:

* No-touch thermal temperatures will be taken at the arrival of all classes days

* More than six feet of distance will be set out between massage tables and lecture seating

* A fresh face covering (covering both nose and mouth) required while in the classroom

* Each attendee is expected to use their own table coverings, towels, foot tub and foot lubricants, and to use fresh linens on each day of class

* Tables are to be disinfected between usages. Participants should bring the disinfectant they typically use to safely sanitize their table surfaces.

* Frequent use of hand sanitizer throughout the days. I will bring and suggest that all participants bring as well.

* Classroom will be vacuumed, cleaned and sanitized, and trash removed prior to each day of classes. Hotels will be expected to follow industry-standard cleaning and sanitation procedures based on recent guidelines from the CDC, WHO and the AMLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association). In non-hotel venues, I will work with owners to ensure that standards as set out by the ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals) and the FSMTB (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) are carried out. I will either personally clean the classroom at the end of each day or arrange to have the owners do so.

* Other guidelines will be explained upon arrival, dependent on the variables of the various locations.

In a Nutshell

No matter the extra expense and effort that it will now take to present quality trainings, I am committed to giving it my all this next year. I love and have sorely missed, sitting with others of my tribe and sharing information, stories and our hearts. I imagine you have missed that in your life also, so let’s plan our lives – while minimizing risk –  to once again include communing with our friends and colleagues. Contact me if you want me to visit.

Back in the Saddle!

I am excited to announce that I will be back in the classroom soon! I can hardly wait!

I will be teaching a 2-day workshop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on September 26 and 27 on How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain. This is my only workshop between now and the beginning of 2021. Since I plan to retire from teaching at the end of next year, this will likely be the only opportunity to learn this highly useful information in this part of the US.

You will learn a hands-on protocol that addresses plantar fasciitis/fasciosis, tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy (and get life-time access to a video of the protocol), as well as strategies to customize sessions for 16 other painful foot conditions.

Because I anticipate that extra sanitation and disinfectant precautions will need to be taken well into 2021, I am putting strict protocols in place starting now in Harrisburg and for all future events.

I want you to know, in advance, what to expect. To begin with, I have rented a very large hotel room so as to accommodate the more-than-required distancing that I want to establish. Please also note the following protocols and whether they are something you are willing to comply with if you plan to join us:

In the classroom:

* No-touch thermal temperatures will be taken at the arrival of classes both days

* More than six feet of distance will be set out between massage tables and lecture seating

* A fresh face covering (covering both nose and mouth) or face shield required for both days while in the classroom

* Each attendee is expected to use their own table coverings, towels, foot tub and foot lubricants – not share with others – and to use fresh linens on the second day

* Tables are to be disinfected before and between usages.

* Frequent use of hand sanitizer throughout the days.

* Classroom will be vacuumed, cleaned and sanitized prior to both days of classes

* There will be other logistics that will be explained upon arrival.

The hotel’s commitment

* Increased industry-standard cleaning and sanitation procedures based on up-to-date guidance from the CDC, WHO and the AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association)

* Guest rooms are left vacant for 24 hours after the departure of guests before the cleaning staff enter to clean and sanitize

* Daily housekeeping service by request; you may choose to not have anyone enter your room

* Unnecessary items removed from guest rooms

* Streamlined processes between guests and hotel associates to minimize contact, including clearly marked distancing spaces

* Disinfection of high-traffic areas and sanitizing stations throughout the hotel

* Very low guest room rate of just $99/night

* Restaurant and bar are closed

I hope that you will join me. I want to see as many of my colleagues as possible over my remaining months of teaching reflexology! If you have taken the How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain workshop with me in the past and would like a live refresher, please contact me directly for savings on your tuition.

Because of the extended space needed to provide social distancing, attendance will be severely restricted. If you or anyone you know are interested in attending, I would suggest that you act very soon to guarantee a seat.

How To Increase Vagal Tone

When I first read about and studied reflexology in 1983, I never heard mention of the vagus nerve. Nowadays, it’s the buzz word for improved everything!

I’ve been reading up a lot about the vagus nerve in the last few years and it does seem to be critically important for wellness. One reason that is so, is because it is the longest nerve in the body, running from the brain down to and wrapping around the various digestive organs. (This nerve lives up to its name. ‘Vagus’ is Latin for ‘wandering’.) Just from its location, we can surmise that the vagus nerve influences a number of bodily functions.

I found the article entitled How to Control Inflammation with Your Brain to be a simple and straightforward explanation of how to unlock the power of the vagus nerve for your own self-healing.

To the suggestions cited in the article, I would add reflexology. There is a reflex for the vagus nerve on both of the feet and one that smart reflexologists will want to give a little more attention to during their sessions.

How to Control Inflammation with Your Brain  

 

Pain Relief in Pennsylvania

Left foot on fireAlthough I was forced to cancel the How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain workshop in Toronto next month, I am thrilled to share that we are going ahead with the training in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on September 26 and 27! I’m so excited to be getting back into the classroom.

Very strict sanitation protocols will be in place for this training so that all of us can feel safe while participating and leave as healthy as we arrive. Here are some of the steps that will be employed:

In the Classroom

* No-touch thermal temperatures taken at the arrival of classes both days

* At least six feet distance between massage tables and lecture seating

* Masks (covering both nose and mouth) or face shield worn by all in the classroom

* Separate table coverings, towels and foot lubricants for each attendee

* Frequent use of hand sanitizer throughout the days

* Classroom will be cleaned, sanitized and electrostatically-sprayed prior to both days of classes

In Hotel

* Increased industry-standard cleaning and sanitation procedures based on recent guidance from the CDC, OSHA and the EPA

* Electrostatic sprayers used in guest rooms and common areas

* Daily housekeeping service by request

* Unnecessary items removed from guest rooms

* Streamlined and protected processes between guests and hotel associates minimizing contact

* Sanitizing stations or wipes throughout the hotel

* ‘Grab & Go’ breakfasts available until Breakfast Bar is allowed to re-open

* Hot tub and exercise facilities closed

Because of the extended space needed to provide social distancing for the workshop, attendance will be severely limited. Act now if you want to attend. We are already nearing capacity.

Follow this link to read the details of the workshop and to register.

Planning the Future; Letting Go

I have two big announcements to make today.

#1  We have just selected and published the dates for the 2021 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification in Saint Augustine, Florida. I have booked the same lovely new Marriott Courtyard at the beach as we had planned on holding the program this year. I am completely confident that by April of next year, our ‘new normal’ will have solidified into a working model in which we can safely gather, learn together and have fun. I sincerely hope you will join us because what I am about to say right now does not come easy. However, here goes:

 #2  After months and months of deep thought and self-examination, I have decided to end my career as a reflexology educator to professional practitioners. I will teach next year, and perhaps in 2022, and then close it down. This is a big step to share publicly what has been on my mind for a while now; hitting ‘Publish’ makes my decision real and somewhat scary.

I have taught reflexology for 35 years, so it is a big part of who I am and how people know me. I will write more on this later but suffice it to say if you have ever wanted to learn how to be a skilled and highly qualified reflexologist with a strong foundation on how to build your business so that you will stand out in the crowd, ACT NOW. Because of what I imagine will be limitations regarding the number of people that can safely gather together, the class size will be small.

Could Reflexology Help You Grow A Massage Practice?

I think so. Actually, I know so. Based on my own personal experience and that of other massage therapists I know.

This is a very good article written by Michelle Milder, a reflexologist in California, on the subject for Massage Magazine. Well worth a read as you consider how to re-boot your business in the coming year.

Do Adults Need Touch?

Much has been written about the importance of touch in childhood development.[i],[ii],[iii] but, what about adults? Turns out our need for touch does not diminish as we age. We unconsciously reach out to shake the hand of someone we’ve just met, greet people we know and love with a smile and a hug, hold hands with people we love, and offer loving touch to someone in pain.

Well, at least we used to.

Now, the idea of getting close puts us on alert; dredges up primordial fear and even anxiety in some. What to do then during these times? Here are some simple suggestions you can incorporate into your lives and share with clients that you are maintaining contact with:

* Stimulate your own touch receptors by massaging a luscious warmed oil all over your body before taking a hot shower or bath. In Ayurvedic medicine, self-massage is called Abhyanga and is credited with stimulating circulation and helping to eliminate toxins. Traditional oils of choice are sesame and coconut but use what you have.

Put a little oil into a glass container and then warm in a pot of water. Start with your feet, circle the ankle joints and then continue up the legs with long strokes. Do the same with the arms. Massage the oil into your abdomen in a clockwise direction as you look down at your own stomach. Finish with long strokes across your upper chest and gentle strokes on the face (avoid the eyes). Don’t use too much oil. Some will be absorbed into your skin; the rest will be washed off in the shower.

Try it for a change on the weekend and see what you think. Take your time and really feel your touch.

* Give yourself a hand or foot reflexology session. Do it mindfully, not as something to do with your hands while watching an adrenaline-pumping television drama. Refer back to the short video on March 25’s blog for a simple reflexology procedure you can do on yourself that will help support your immune system right now.

* If you live with furry friends, love ‘em up a lot! They will go mad and so will you.

* And remember to move your body to help release more endorphins, our body’s ‘feel-good’ hormones. Blast a favorite piece of music and dance! Take a walk around your neighborhood – I bet you usually just drive out of it every day and likely miss a lot of what’s there.

I continue to think of you often and send healthy ‘vibes’ your way. I’m starting to think of how I can give back when all this isolation has passed – that gets me excited! I’m looking forward to a rekindled business model later in the year.

 

[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2865952/

[ii] http://www.changingminds.org/explanations/needs/touch.htm

[iii] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201310/loving-touch-is-key-healthy-brain-development

COVID Toes

Doctors are identifying a possible new symptom of COVID-19. They are noticing that toes get swollen, discolored, hot and/or painful; the symptom being exhibited more in kids and young adults, even when they are not showing other symptoms. The symptoms resemble that of frostbitten toes.

As of yet, the cause is unknown; however, theories abound:

  1. Indication of systemic inflammation in the body
  2. Development of vasculitis, an inflammation of the wall of the veins.
  3. Possible blood clot.

When reflexologists and massage therapists return to work, it would be prudent to visually check the appearance of your clients’ toes and determine if touch to them elicits pain. The fact that the condition creates pain on touch and that there is a possibility of a blood clot constitutes a contraindication to offering foot reflexology.

Here are a couple of articles on the subject, if you wish to read more. Please keep in mind that these symptoms can occur for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus. No conclusive studies have been completed.

https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-toes-frostbite-coronavirus-skin-lesion-discolored-swollen-feet-2020-4

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandrasternlicht/2020/04/22/covid-toes-doctors-identify-newest-symptom-of-coronavirus/#39582ae11048 

Feed Your Second Brain Wisely

If your thoughts these days are those of dread, fear and hopelessness, you’re not alone.

Many people are feeling the effects of uncertainty and prolonged stay-at-home orders. One thing you may be noticing is that your digestive system is not functioning as it usually does. Stomach aches, constipation, diarrhea, and unusual reactions to certain foods are common complaints when people are living under stressful times.

Researchers have discovered why this is so – and that’s good news. Armed with information, you can do something to restore a smooth operation within your body’s core.

Science has a better understanding now of the relationship between the stomach and the brain than it did 100 years ago. The gut is now acknowledged as the body’s ‘second brain’. It turns out there is an equal number of neurotransmitters lining the gut as are found in the brain!  One hundred million to be exact! These transmitters provide a two-way avenue of communication between the brain and stomach, with the brain communicating as much to the gut as does the stomach to the brain.

What that means is that your stomach is responding directly to your thoughts and to the hormones released as a result of those thoughts.

Perhaps now, more than ever, it is paramount to get a handle on any negative repetitive thoughts that circulate in your head.

I decided the moment I sheltered-in-place not to let the stressful events around me threaten my comfort and my life. I took steps to keep tension at bay.

Here are some ways in which I manage my monkey mind:

* I start each day with a meditation. Before eating, checking emails or social media. First thing.

I recently completed the free 21-day meditation on Finding Hope in Uncertain Times that Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra offered, and was delighted to learn today that they have extended this spot-on series to May 15. I have sat in on many of their mediation series and think this is one of the best. I got so much out of it the first time that I started round two today. It’s a great way to set the tone for the day. They each share something very inspirational and hopeful for a few minutes and then you meditate. Total time is 20 minutes.

* Then I move. I have learned that if I don’t do this early in the day, it rarely happens. And movement is one of the best ways to relax a stressed-out nervous system and energize your spirit. The more you can get your heart rate up, the better; but even a slow stretching or yoga routine done to quiet music will help a lot. Or do both!

* Do nothing but eat. Eating while watching the news or scrolling through your newsfeed will heighten your sense of dread, release more cortisol into your system and shut down your digestive processes. Eat slowly, paying attention to how everything tastes and feels in your mouth. Avoid drinking liquids while you eat (dilutes your stomach’s hydrochloric acid). Oh, and never eat when you’re upset. As you heal your gut, you will find that your thoughts are lighter and more positive.

* Create some structure in your day. (I just revealed mine above: meditate, exercise, eat.) The brain likes structure. The experience of familiarity provides a sense of security and safety.

* Spend some time outdoors. Breathe in the air and feast your eyes on the greenery surrounding you.

* Limit the amount of time you allocate to watching newscasts and scrolling through social media. I am working towards just once a day. Things don’t change so much or so quickly that you have to be glued to these platforms all day. Never engage in these before eating either or before going to bed. Believe me, your digestive system will be very happy if you fill most of your day with happier, more positive stories of what is going on in the world. And there are plenty.

* Work on your digestive reflexes before you eat and/or before going to bed. On your feet, they are located in the arches; on your hands, the palms. Thumb-walk and spend a little time holding places that have more sensation than the rest; breathe slowly and rhythmically a few times.

* In addition to the above, think about what relaxes you and changes your mindset when you’re caught in a negative loop. Creating art? Getting lost in a novel? Laughing through a comedy movie? Tackling a tough Sudoku or crossword puzzle? How about starting a small garden? Here’s a foolproof way to grow your own food, if, like me, your thumb is barely a mint green!

Make your mental health your priority – please.

Feel free to share this if you have clients suffering from gut pain and disfunction right now.

Reflexology And Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) occurs when the nervous system and the immune system malfunction as they respond to tissue damage from trauma. The nerves misfire sending constant pain signals to the brain; pain that is measured as one of the most severe on the McGill University Pain Scale.

Although excruciating to live with, few studies have been conducted with RSD, and none testing reflexology’s effects – until now. Academy grad, Vicky Mood, decided to see if weekly foot reflexology sessions might make a difference for a woman living with this disease since 2011. Continue….