Apr 10 2021

How to Provide a Full Body Experience Without Leaving the Foot of Your Table!

In a word: REFLEXOLOGY.

Specifically, foot reflexology.

With reflexology, you can not only influence the state of internal organs and their function but through direct communication with the nervous system relax the entire muscular skeletal system.

The most recent massage research has shown that it is not our physical manipulation of muscles that relaxes them, but the communication that occurs between the muscles and the nervous system. It is the nervous system that gives command to the muscles and indeed all parts of the body to relax.

And that is where reflexology shines!

Reflexology is amazing at relaxing – digestion, breathing, the muscular skeletal system, and importantly our restless minds and rollercoaster emotions. It does so through unique manual techniques that deliver pressure to our neural pathways, which in turn assists the body to function optimally.

Working on the feet, you can maintain six feet of distance (or close to, depending on the height of your client) while offering the benefits of reflexology and massage!

People are hungry for touch and relaxation right now, at the same time that fear prevents many from disrobing for a massage and having a therapist breathing close to their heads (mask or no mask – vaccinated or not). People’s systems have suffered undue trauma this last year; you can provide relief and restoration and maintain safety for all. You just have to learn how – something you can do in just one weekend.

I invite you to spend two days receiving foot reflexology yourself and learning how you can give a full-body experience to those seeking respite. I will be in Venice, Florida on May 22 and 23. Please join us!

Oct 14 2020

It’s All in How You Look at It

If you were to ask me what is the most often asked question I get regarding certification in reflexology, it is, “Do I need a massage license to practice reflexology?”

My response to that question is never simple and sometimes viewed as an obstacle to working as a reflexologist. It needn’t be.

The issue has to do with the legalities surrounding the professional practice of reflexology in the United States. In this context, the word “professional” refers to anyone who accepts compensation for his or her work. “Compensation” is defined to include cash, barter, trade, tithe, love offering, donations; i.e. anything with monetary value.

Since states have different (or no) laws governing the professional practice of reflexology, it is always in your best interest to familiarize yourself with the requirements of your state if you are thinking of practicing reflexology. Because, it all comes down to where you want to practice.

* Most US states exempt reflexology from any licensing laws.

* Some states license reflexology as a separate practice.

* A few require professionals to hold a specific state-issued license before accepting any form of compensation for their services.

* Some states allow an individual with a cosmetology license to offer reflexology as part of nail services.

In Florida, where I live and offer the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification, a license is required. One of the state government’s primary mandates is to protect the public; therefore, the state tests anyone whose services involve touching the human body (healthcare practitioners, cosmetologists, morticians, etc.) to determine if the applicant’s knowledge and skill level are such to safely operate a business; i.e. to do no harm. The preferred license to practice reflexology in Florida is a massage therapy license.

Florida does allow someone with a cosmetology or nail tech license to offer reflexology as part of those services though. These practitioners are allowed to do that because the scope of their license includes massaging the hands and feet. It’s important to note that in these situations, reflexology can only be offered in conjunction with the nail tech services, not as a stand-alone service. For that, a massage license is required.

The above information – my answer to this frequently asked question – can feel like an obstacle to some people who want to just practice reflexology. I can understand that, and I can add, from personal experience, that it can also be seen as an opportunity. Certifications in more than one area can work to one’s advantage. Employers love it when they see multiple skills on a resume. The more education you have and the more variety of services you can offer, the more attractive you are to clients and to a business looking to hire.

I practiced reflexology in Toronto, Ontario where a license was not required. When I moved to Florida, I legally had to obtain a massage therapy license before I could hang my shingle. Attending the Florida School of Massage was one of the best decisions of my life; both in terms of the knowledge I acquired and the personal growth experience. Without a doubt, everything I learned in my massage and hydrotherapy training supported, and continues to support my reflexology practice.

Some people who contact me choose to complete massage training first and then take the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification as advanced training. Some do it the other way around, choosing to ease into the field of bodywork by first completing reflexology training (less time commitment, money and complexity). Either way is fine.

Like the Florida-based woman who called recently (and the inspiration for this article): someone looking to get out of her current work field who has held a lifelong interest in reflexology. Rather than see the requirement for licensure as an obstacle, she got excited. Like me, she has most times been a little less than satisfied with the massage aspect of pedicures, and immediately saw the niche she could create for herself as the nail tech that includes effective reflexology. Yes!

It’s all in how you look at it.

The 2021 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification begins on April 1 and will be the last time I offer this enriching program. After 30 years of teaching reflexology, I have decided to move on to other interests. Act soon, if you wish to acquire the knowledge to be able to skillfully offer foot and hand reflexology to your community. Because of social distancing requirements, enrollment in all classes next year will be limited.

If you wish to see a current listing of stipulations regarding the practice of reflexology in the United States, please visit this link.

Jul 10 2019

Explaining Reflexology

I wrote the following to enclose with gift cards people purchase. I figured that some people receiving the gift certificates might not know what reflexology is and therefore hesitate to redeem their amazing gift. And that’s not good!

Please feel free to use what I wrote.

REFLEXOLOGY

For thousands of years, cultures all over the world have known how to positively influence the body’s complex physiology through the feet and hands. The earliest record of therapy on the feet and hands was documented in the form of hieroglyphics in the Physician’s Tomb at Saqqara, Egypt during the early Sixth Dynasty (about 2300 BCE).

In the modern day, the intentional, therapeutic touch of the feet and hands is known as Reflexology.

Today, the effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field. It is commonly used to relax and support people facing challenges that threaten the quality of their lives.

Reflexology has grown over the centuries into a protocol of unique manual techniques applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands. These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally.

People choose reflexology when they are experiencing:

high levels of stress, resulting in sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, etc.
pain in the feet and/or hands from overuse, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, excessive text messaging, injuries, gout, etc.
less than optimal functioning of a body system, manifesting as respiratory allergies, digestive problems, headaches, diabetes, reproductive issues, dementia, weight gain, ADHD, cancer, etc.

Although hundreds of case reports and research studies have been and continue to be executed proving the efficacy of reflexology, the proof is really ‘in the pudding.’ Try it for yourself. Whether you choose to receive reflexology because your feet and/or hands hurt or to enjoy an increase in well-being of your overall health, I think that you will find reflexology a great way to relax, rejuvenate and restore.

Apr 17 2019

Stand Out! Stand Out More!

Okay, you’re a certified reflexologist or licensed massage therapist. Now what? How are you going to stand out in an ever-increasing crowd of other well-intentioned clones?

STAND OUT In the Crowd!

If you’re a certified reflexologist, here are a couple of smart moves:

* Get Board-certified. This is the highest credential a reflexologist can hold.

That designation really shows your seriousness; your commitment to the field and the high standards set for its certificants.

In the US, the only independent, non-profit national testing agency is the American Reflexology Certification Board. In Canada, the organization testing and registering qualified professional practitioners is the non-profit Reflexology Association of Canada.

* Join Your National and State Professional Associations. Because members of a professional Association must adhere to a high standard of ethics and business practices, the public perceives those individuals as more trustworthy and upstanding. Another way to STAND OUT and attract more clients.

Reflexology Association of America (national and state listings)

Reflexology Association of Canada

* Specialize Your Practice. There are many avenues to take here.

You may be drawn to a particular model of reflexology, such as Pre-natal and Pregnancy, Cranio-Sacral, Structural Reflexology® or Traditional Thai Reflexology.

Or you may wish to work with a specific population, such as those living with headaches, chronic foot pain, or PTSD.

The options are numerous. Pick one. STAND OUT in the crowd!

So, I can’t move on here without letting you know of opportunities to study some of those listed above!

If you want to learn all you need to learn to add Traditional Thai Reflexology to your toolbox, or if How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain is more up your alley, check out the upcoming classes.

STAND OUT More!

I have to admit that I am surprised when I run into therapists today who haven’t implemented these two simple operations. In this day and age of convenience and technology, they should be part of everyone’s business model. If you haven’t already, do so – Stand Out More!

* Online Booking. This is a must. I am always tickled when I wake up to find that someone booked my last open appointment that day sometime late the night before (while I was fast asleep). Make it easy for people to book with you whenever the thought crosses their mind. Stop playing telephone tag.

There are plenty of apps out there. I checked out a few and settled with Schedulicity. It’s easy to navigate and set-up, and even easier for clients to book or change appointments. Clients receive automated, customized messages confirming appointments as well as a reminder(s) prior to appointments.

* Accept Credit/Debit Cards. Many people do not carry cash or use cheques anymore. Don’t lose business by not offering the option of using plastic. I like Square. People know it. It can be customized with a menu and more and is very easy to use. No monthly fees; you pay a small percentage for each sale. The money is in my bank account the next day.

There are, of course, many other ways you can stand out. What sets you apart in your field?

Mar 13 2019

Why Study Reflexology With Me When You Can Learn For Free Online?

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:

The skills to offer a results-oriented reflexology session. That involves more than just learning hands-on techniques. It’s how to put it all together. It’s knowing how and when and why to offer what.

The steps to manifest an ideal business and life for yourself. It pains me to no end to see people invest their time, money and heart into something and then never reap the rewards they imagined for themselves. For that reason, we start right at the beginning of the program to clearly visualize your dream and strategize an action plan to make that dream come true.

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.

Jan 23 2019

Transform Lives – Transform Your Practice

The statistics in the USA regarding the prevalence of chronic headaches within the adult population are staggering and relatively unchanged over the last 20 years.

* One in six Americans report living with chronic severe headaches. [i]

* Severe headaches constitute the fourth reason for visits to hospital Emergency Departments. [ii]

* Depending on which report you read, 16.6% to 22.7% of the US population reported migraine or severe headaches in the last 3 months of 2011. [iii]

In the most recent study I could find on migraines and severe headaches (2018), I read the following conclusion:

“Severe headache and migraine remain important public health problems that are more common and burdensome for women, particularly women of childbearing age, and other historically disadvantaged segments of the population.” [iv]

If you would like to learn how to transform the lives of people living with head pain and transform a sluggish practice into a thriving, focused business, please join me for an upcoming Say Goodbye to Headaches workshop.

In addition to designing individualized hands-on session protocols utilizing reflexology, hydro and aromatherapy, you will leave with the materials and skills needed to classify headaches, coach one-on-one or offer small classes in your community to those people who are sick and tired of living with headaches.

Dream Big. Aim FAR.

According to the well-thought-of astrology site, Astro Butterfly, December is the best time to dream big and envision a new reality for yourself. The planets Jupiter and Neptune encourage us this month to envision something that doesn’t yet exist.

I had to smile when I read this in my Inbox yesterday. Why? Because four other reflexologists and I decided that was exactly what we would do. We would shoot for the stars and create a formal chapter of reflexologists for the state of Florida.

We announced the birth of the Florida Association of Reflexologists – FAR, for short – a few days ago. We plan to GO FAR, and we totally trust that the stars will guide us as we aim our intentions high.

Florida has been without a reflexology membership organization for many years now – and it’s time the Sunshine State got back in the game. Florida reflexologists deserve and need a strong support network! At the Reflexology Association of America conference in Chicago earlier this year, five of us got talking and decided to fill that void.

We invite all reflexologists and lovers of reflexology to GET INVOLVED! As a fledgling organization, we could use help in so many areas. Here’s how you can get involved right now:

★ Sign up to receive our periodic newsletters.

★ Follow us on Facebook. Chime in when you feel moved to do so.

★ Enter a logo design; win a free FAR membership until June 30, 2020 (that’s 18 months) and receive credit on FAR’s (soon-to-be) website as our Logo Designer. If not you, maybe you know a student who needs items for his or her portfolio? Just send the design as a JPEG file to yours truly by December 20.

You might include the shape of Florida; a graphic of feet, hands and/or ears; the letters FAR and/or ‘Florida Association of Reflexologists’.

Finalists will be sent out in an e-blast on December 27 to all FAR members to vote on. And yes, that means membership will open soon. Only members will get to vote, so make sure to stay informed (through the newsletter and Facebook) of when you can get an inaugural membership!

★ Build our website. If you have experience in developing on a WordPress platform and are interested in submitting a bid, please contact – guess who? I’ll send you the RFP.

And, I think this is the perfect segue into who the founding FAR board members are:

Karen Ball, President (Saint Augustine)
Julie Wesling, Vice-President (Saint Augustine)
Lorna Eaton, Treasurer (Miramar)
Gail Lanning, Secretary (Delray Beach)
diane Wedge, Director (Venice)

Please join us in our excitement as we support the wonderful healing art of reflexology and all the practitioners in Florida, the U.S.A. and the world!

Apr 11 2018

Distinctions Between Reflexology and Massage

	REFLEXOLOGY	MASSAGE

Objective	Relaxation; support system function; help body achieve homeostasis.	Relaxation; reduce pain in musculoskeletal system; realign structure.

Focus	Reflexes. Physiologically based (function).	Muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments. Anatomically based (structure).

Application	To reflexes on feet, hands and outer ears. Only bare hands or feet required.	Techniques applied to entire body or areas of complaint. Clothes usually removed.

Techniques	Small muscle movements of the hands and fingers unique to reflexology, such as thumb-walking, rotating-on-a-point, press & roll.	Large muscle movements of hands, forearms, elbows and/or feet to perform specific techniques to work particular areas of soft tissue. Small muscles movements may be used.

Benefit	To all body systems.	To musculoskeletal system.

Here’s a pdf, if you want to print out. Distinctions Between Reflexology & Massage

Apr 04 2018

What Do You Do For A Living?

When people ask that, what do you say?

Do you say you’re a reflexologist or a massage therapist? Well, don’t.

That response will lead the conversation nowhere, other than on to another topic.

Instead, tell them what you DO for people. How you provide solutions to people’s problems.

There are two ways that you can do that:

Name the population that you work with.

This Hospice radio ad does a great job doing that with, “I help people feel comfortable for the rest of their life.” You know instantly with whom they work.

So, how about this one for you:

“I’m a reflexologist who works with casual and marathon runners who are suffering from chronic foot pain.”

Identify the problem/condition/complaint that your practice is focused on.

“I help people who suffer from headaches reduce the severity and frequency of their pain”

That explanation is bound to grab your listener’s attention.

“Wow, how do you do that?”

And there’s your opportunity to explain how you provide the RESULTS you do. Remember, people are looking for results/BENEFITS. They don’t much care what you do, whether reflexology, cranial sacral therapy or neuromuscular massage. They’re only interested in knowing if you can improve the quality of their lives.

So, tell them!

Jan 03 2018

Turn That Tissue Into Butter!

I often teach reflexology to massage therapists, who invariably ask about the benefits of combining reflexology with massage and how best to do that. With 35 years of experience offering reflexology and 29 with therapeutic massage, it’s not hard for me to come up with personal examples from my own years of practice!

What might be more convincing though is to hear directly from someone in my reflexology certification who added to her massage sessions the same musculoskeletal reflexology protocols I will be teaching in the ‘Reflexology: Massage Therapy’s Secret Weapon’ classes in 2018. Her exuberant communication is a testimony to the powerful contribution reflexology offers people with musculoskeletal pain and discomfort.

“I LOVE what we are learning. I absolutely LOVE it. I have used the relaxation techniques and the musculoskeletal protocol on about 20 people since last week, and the results are just completely inarguable! The majority of my clients are regulars, so I am very familiar with their tissue in various stages and during various parts of a massage, and when I applied reflexology first, WOW, the rest of the tissue became butter, cotton candy, just as inviting and easy to work with as ever.”

The idea to create the one-day ‘Secret Weapon’ class came to me early one morning as I was slowly coming to consciousness after watching a bombardment of news reports and social media posts the day before regarding the widespread opioid problem we have in the United States. We are now reaping the horrible toll these prescription-writing policies have had on people’s lives, our communities and the country’s economy. (Apparently, it only takes 10 days of opioid use to result in possible long-term abuse!) [i]

The medical profession has been forced to substitute non-opioid solutions for addictive, symptom-masking drugs as the first-response attack on chronic pain. [ii]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is US!

Now is the time to step up and position yourself as a muscular pain management specialist. You can make 2018 the year you STAND OUT IN THE CROWD of thousands of massage therapists in this country! [iii]

Reflexology has been shown over and over to significantly “up the game” for massage therapists who know how to accurately combine its targeted therapeutic effects with massage. It’s the advantage that delivers better results than massage alone can, while reducing the wear and tear on your own body.

Like my former student said, reflexology turns tissue into butter. The relaxation response is in full swing, fresh blood has pushed out noxious chemicals and pain receptors have quieted down. Therapeutic massage then becomes much more effective.

Details can be found here: Reflexology: Massage Therapy’s Secret Weapon

[i] Institute of Medicine “Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research.
[ii] Institute of Medicine “Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research.
[iii] IBIS World Industry Report OD6028 Massage Services, November 2015