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Professional Therapeutic Reflexology

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Oct 04 2017

10 Ways to Better Health

It poured hard for the entire three hours of our World Reflexology Week event last month. As if we needed anymore water! At one point there was this loud crack of thunder and lightening that startled us all as the large glass windows rattled with much force. It brought back recent memories for some of the force of nature visited on our state just two weeks earlier.

People in many parts of the world have been traumatized by recent weather, and welcome suggestions on how to get back on track to feeling better, to feeling normal. This is one of the hand-outs we gave to people. I’ve attached a pdf of the document if you want to download and share with your clients.

Ancient Chinese Philosophy

10 Ways to Better Health

Less alcohol, more tea

Less meat, more vegetables

Less salt, more vinegar

Less sugar, more fruit

Less eating, more chewing

Less words, more action

Less greed, more giving

Less worry, more sleep

Less driving, more walking

Less anger, more laughter

10 Ways to Better Health

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General · Tagged: Self-care, Marketing

Sep 06 2017

World Reflexology Week Is Coming!

In honor of World Reflexology Week, the Academy of Ancient Reflexology has partnered with Atlas Physical Therapy to host a free community event focused on healthy aging, this year’s theme of the annual week-long event.

Don’t Miss It!

Students and grads of the Academy’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification will be on hand to answer your questions on reflexology and give mini complimentary hand reflexology sessions.

Atlas Physical Therapy will share self-care techniques for healthy aging that you can integrate into your life immediately.

Experience Reflexology For Yourself!

We will be showing the informative audio-visual presentation, The Artistic Science of Reflexology, have reading materials for you to take home, a raffle for full free reflexology sessions, and of course, some light refreshments.

We hope you will join us. We are excited to share our experience of reflexology and answer your questions. I realize that many of you live too far away to join us, but if you know anyone in our area, you can help by sharing this blog. Thanks!

Atlas Physical Therapy in the World Golf Village Town Center

425 West Town Place, Suite 102, Saint Augustine, FL 32092

Saturday, September 23 10am to 1pm

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Hand Reflexology, General, Uncategorized · Tagged: Marketing, Hand reflexology

Aug 09 2017

Lending A Hand In Our Community

It’s time to plan for the annual World Reflexology Week! As usual, it runs the last full week of September, this year being Monday, September 18 through 24.

I’m so excited that this year the dates will fall when my Certification students are in class. I held a planning meeting with local grads last week and we made good headway on planning on how we and my students can spend the afternoon of Saturday, September 23 promoting greater public awareness of reflexology to people in our community. A really great opportunity for the students also to be working alongside seasoned reflexologists.

We’ll have a PowerPoint presentation running on a loop that people can sit and watch while waiting their turn for a mini-hand reflexology session. We’ll have a raffle for a free full reflexology session from each of us, and informative materials to hand out.

I really like doing Outreaches, and World Reflexology Week is quite unique in that I always find myself stopping every once in awhile to tune into the thousands of other reflexologists around the world doing exactly what I’m doing in that moment. It’s such a great image in my mind and feeling in my heart.

Do you have plans to celebrate and share reflexology during World Reflexology Week? Please share your plans below and also take a moment to post on the Reflexology Across America Facebook page.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Marketing

Mar 01 2017

Stinkin’ Thinkin’

You know what I’m talking about. That negative self-talk that stops you from even considering what you really want out of life. The mental tapes that keep you prisoner in a life you hate; stop you from asking the really important questions, like:

            How do I manifest a prosperous, satisfying life for myself? 

            What can I do to help improve the quality of life of the people I care about? 

            What meaningful action is going to align with my core values and life purpose?

It took many years for me to get around to examining those questions.

You see, I was raised for one purpose: to get married and have children. And by age 16, I can tell you that that did not appear at all appealing to me. After years of helping to take care of three younger siblings (whom I love, don’t get me wrong), and watching my mother service every family member’s needs but her own, I knew I wanted something else.

But what?

In the era I was raised, I saw only four options for girls, other than marriage. Become a:

~ Nurse. Health was my worst subject in high school; I fainted whenever a needle pricked my skin. (No lie. My mom took me to the doctor to receive the regular kid vaccinations, rather than get them at school with everyone else. Doc would have me lay down before he even pulled out the equipment.)

~ Teacher. The only attractive thing about this job was the two months off during the summer. School was fun for social reasons. As far as sitting in a classroom all day and listening to content that did not interest me…oh no. Couldn’t imagine ever wanting to stand in the front of a class all day either.

~ Bank teller. Hated math. Still do.

~ Secretary. I had no interest in sitting on my “toosh” all day pounding away at a keyboard for someone.

The future looked kind of dismal. And yet, when I look back now on the choices I turned my back on, what is it I actually do and LOVE?

~ I operate a healthcare practice. (No needles though!)

~ I teach – with passion and engagement.

~ I pound away on a computer for hours at a time – but, at least for myself.

~ Math – well, I still don’t like it. I rely on Quickbooks to do the calculations and a fantastic accountant to keep me out of trouble.

How I made it from dismal options to the fabulous life I lead now is a whole other story you can read here, if you like. ‘Cuz, today I’m here to talk about stinkin’ thinkin’, and specifically how to convert stinkin’ thinkin’ into I CAN thinking.

So, when you think about what it is you really want to do, do these stinkin’ thoughts arise?

I CAN’T…. it’ll be too hard.

I CAN’T…. I’m not smart enough.

I CAN’T…. I don’t have the time.

I CAN’T…. I don’t have the money.

The secret is, we all experience those thoughts at some time. The trick is to train yourself to become aware of your thoughts and notice those ugly, unproductive, sabotaging ones and turn them around – fast. Substitute self-defeating thoughts with this question instead:

HOW CAN I……..?

Live with that question for awhile. Ask yourself every night just as you’re about to fall asleep. One day, sit down and write the question down – using your dominant hand. Then pass the pen to your other hand and wait for the answers to arise. Write them down. You will be surprised.

As the late Wayne Dyer said,

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Deeper Thoughts, General · Tagged: Marketing, Business

Dec 07 2016

Start the Year Out With A Plan!

20172016 has just about come to an end, folks. Looking back, are you pleased with the number of people you have been able to connect with and help with reflexology?

For those who are less than satisfied with the size of their clientele base, I’d like to suggest an easy way to spread your name in the community by reaching out to targeted populations. With a little pre-planning and implementation your response to the question above can be quite different at the end of 2017.

In the United States – and likely also in Canada – every month in the calendar year is marked to bring awareness to some group or organization. Many of these lend themselves well to a connection with reflexology.

I’ve compiled a monthly list for you and how you might reach out to these people with your message. Create a campaign for the whole year, or just pick the ones that speak to you. Your offers should reach people the last two weeks of the month prior to the event month. You can offer an extra 15 minutes to the session, or a one-time fee reduction (always time-limited to the month), or whatever other bonus that fits. I’ve made some suggestions below.

Use your blog, social media pages and/or newsletters to let people know what you’re up to. Incorporate testimonials.

January – Thyroid Disease Awareness. Write a blog or publish a post on your social media page about thyroid disease and how supportive reflexology is to the health of the entire endocrine system. Of course, focus your session on the endocrine system.

February – No surprise that this month is Heart Disease Awareness Month. Again a short piece on the effects of stress on the heart and how reflexology is a fabulous way to relax and reduce stress. If you want to get even more specific, February 5 is National Wear Red Day recognizing women’s heart disease. (Remember to wear red on that day!)

March – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month and Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Check your local listings to see if there is a support group for these health conditions in your community. Offer to come give a short talk and teach folks how to give themselves a little reflexology. Do your research about these health situations so that you can speak confidently about them and how reflexology might help support someone living with one of these conditions. If you have a client with one of these conditions, ask if s/he would accompany you and speak about his/her experience with reflexology. Offer a reduced introductory price for sessions. For CFS, give an overall general session; for MS, focus on the central nervous system reflexes. I’d make contact now, if this one interests you; these groups often plan their speakers well in advance.

April – Lots this month to choose from: Parkinson’s Disease, Autism, STRESS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and National Library Week (11th -17th). A few ideas: Give a talk at a Parkinson’s or Irritable Bowel Syndrome support group; offer reduced sessions to caregivers of children with Autism; offer a special to your local library staff. And stress, well that’s a no-brainer with reflexology. Write it up; let people know how well reflexology is able to reduce stress. Invite them in – guarantee they’ll feel more relaxed – no risk to them.

May – National High Blood Pressure Education Month, Better Sleep Month, Breath Easy Month and National Digestive Diseases Awareness Month. These are all naturals when it comes to reflexology.

Partner with a meditation teacher to give a short class to people with HBP; talk about reflexology’s ability to relax and teach them how to thumb-walk on their own feet and hands.

Share reflexology’s history of helping to relax the digestive system to ensue smoother operation of that critical system. Teach them how to work on themselves. Offer discounted sessions; focus on digestive, solar plexus, diaphragm and Vagus nerve reflexes.

For the millions of people who have trouble sleeping, offer sessions focused on the nervous and endocrine reflexes. Research some information for them on ways to change their sleep habits and give a pretty handout.

Breathe Easy: focus on respiratory, solar plexus and brain reflexes.

June – National Headache Awareness Week (1-7), National Men’s Health Week (14-20), National Cancer Survivors Day (6th). Chronic headaches debilitate thousands of people on this continent. If you’ve taken my Say Goodbye to Headaches class you’ll know how to help people determine the cause of their headaches; offer sessions focused on the cause, not just the symptoms.

This might be a good time to reach out to the men in your community. Did you know that men are much more loyal than women when it comes to service providers? When they find the service and provider they like, they stick with it. Men are becoming more aware of the importance of self-care too, so this is a good time to invite them in.

Stage a day for cancer survivors. Invite other practitioners in your community to participate. A group that sells and makes smoothies; massage therapist to give chair neck and shoulder massage; aromatherapy talk and samples; and of course reflexology. Celebrate with these brave folks!

 

That’s a good start. In the New Year, I’ll post the July to December events, so you can plan those out. I hope you find this useful.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General · Tagged: Marketing, Business

Nov 30 2016

How To Talk To Clients About Reflexology

IMG_0211Eleanor Miles, a student in this year’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification, wrote an informative document to share with her massage clients intended to answer their questions and peak their interest in trying a reflexology session. She has graciously allowed me to share it with you.

Reflexology – What Is It?

Reflexology is a protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a-point, 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.

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.

What does that mean? It means I will apply manual pressure to points in the feet and hands which correspond to the entire body.

It also means that reflexology is different from massage. It’s actually closer to acupuncture. There are massage therapists advertising reflexology which turns out to be just some extra attention to massaging the feet. There is nothing wrong with extra attention to the feet. It feels lovely, but it does not address the specific reflex areas.

An actual reflexology treatment involves using the thumbs and fingers to walk the entire surface of the foot or hand. When the therapist feels congestion or the client reports sensation, that area or point is worked more specifically with deeper pressure. Also, points will be worked that correspond to individual organs or areas that were identified by the client as needing attention.

Does a reflexologist diagnose disease? No. Congestion may indicate that a body part is stressed. If this seems to support symptoms you have been experiencing, I will encourage you to see your doctor. If not, it may just show some temporary stress in the system.

Does a reflexologist treat disease? Again, no. The point work stimulates the nervous system and supports the body’s efforts to function well. I believe that deep relaxation is where healing happens, and reflexology facilitates deep relaxation.

During my student clinic experiences, my five classmates and I set up in one big room. I worked with five clients over two days and audible snoring happened with all five. When we were practicing on each other that session, I was so relaxed that I snored. I took a little bit of teasing over being the “snoring queen”!

Does reflexology hurt? There is disagreement among practitioners. I have heard of clients who were told the treatment had to hurt to be effective. I do not believe this. More pressure does not mean more healing. Yes, there may be tender spots and point work may feel intense. If it does not feel good to you, always speak up and a good therapist will adjust the pressure.

How does reflexology work? There are several theories: that it affects energy such as Chi, that the rest, repair and awareness provided during a treatment stimulate healing, or that the physical point work affects nerves and chemicals directing the body’s workings. There is no scientific evidence of how reflexology works.

But let me be very clear – there is ample scientific proof showing that reflexology does work. There are hundreds of scientifically performed studies available online showing a measurable change in disease conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s or sinus issues.

Will you like reflexology? Try it! If you don’t like having your feet touched, consider having your hands worked.

I believe that health can always be improved. Our job is to support our body as it does its work. We do this by getting medical attention when needed, and providing the nourishment and rest our body needs. Reflexology will help you rest and heal.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, Hand Reflexology, General · Tagged: Marketing, Business, Hand reflexology, Foot reflexology

Nov 23 2016

Reflexology is NOT Massage!

What tickled me most about writing this article was that the idea came from the editor of Massage Magazine and a well-respected massage therapist in this country. They both felt it was time that massage therapists stop passing off foot massages as reflexology; that reflexology be respected. The article appears in Massage Magazine’s November issue. Enjoy!

Foot Massage is NOT Reflexology – Respect Specialization

foot reflex 2

It’s frustrating to spend good money for something and be handed something else instead. In the U.S., that is too often what happens to people who request a reflexology session from someone other than a certified reflexologist.

Consider this situation experienced by massage business educator and author, and Alliance for Massage Therapy Education President Cherie Sohnen-Moe earlier this year, when she and her sister headed out to celebrate Cherie’s birthday at a well-known spa: Cherie chose, as one of her services, a foot reflexology session, a service described in the spa menu—as it is described in many spa menus—as specialized pressure techniques applied to specific wellness-related reflex points on the feet to release blocked energy, relieve stress and boost circulation.

“Unfortunately, that was not what I received,” said Cherie. “I got a foot rub. Granted, it was a very nice, relaxing treatment, but it was not a reflexology session.

“I know what reflexology is,” she added. “I kept waiting for the therapist to actually do reflexology, but it never occurred. I asked the therapist a couple of questions and it became very clear that she wasn’t a trained reflexologist.”

Cherie added, “I did mention my displeasure on the survey form. I received a voice message from the manager that he wanted to discuss this with me. I called back the next day and was left on hold for more than six minutes. I [also] emailed him, but he never followed up.

“Needless to say, I will never return to that spa, and I’ve told all of my friends and family not to go there,” she said.

An increasing number of spas and massage therapists are offering foot massage that they call reflexology. Where did this confusion between a foot massage and reflexology originate? I suspect partly with fashioning text to license massage therapy.

Licensing
In the U.S., four states—New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee and Washington—have separate regulations for massage and reflexology. Thirty-three states exempt reflexology from their massage regulations.

Five states—Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Vermont and Wyoming—do not have a massage law. Reflexology is also unregulated in those states.

Four states, plus Washington, D.C., require a massage therapy license in order to practice reflexology. The problem with this is very few massage schools afford more than a passing glance at reflexology training.

Typically, what happens is a massage instructor—not a qualified reflexology instructor—explains the general theories behind reflexology and points out the general location of reflexes on a large wall chart, with instructions to press on those points if the client has health issues with that organ or gland. That is analogous to asking a sports medicine practitioner to teach cranialsacral massage.

With no training in reflexology, yet armed with a license that allows them to practice the discipline, it is no surprise that most massage therapists in those states head out knowing nothing about reflexology, yet believe they are able to offer it; or practice with an inaccurate impression that it is simply the application of pressure, during a massage, on sensitive points in the feet.

The lack of congruency across the country has arisen, in part, because of the broad definition of massage within various state laws. In some fashion or another, most states define massage as the manipulation of the soft tissue—muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments—of the human body. Because any hands-on application to the body will result in manipulating, or feeling or moving a body part, it is easy to see why reflexology has been lumped in with massage—particularly if the people lobbying for massage licensing have no formal understanding of reflexology.

According to massage educator Rick Rosen, in his white paper On Becoming a Profession: The Challenges and Choices that will Determine Our Future (April 2008; www.massagemag.com/onbecoming), the then-more-than-25 state massage laws passed since 1990 were almost all a result of government relations efforts conducted by individual state chapters of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

As Rosen explained, each of those AMTA chapters are allowed autonomy in their legislative efforts, and although acting on behalf of the entire field, AMTA members do not represent all of the massage therapists in any given state.

That small representation of massage therapists, armed with their own individual biases and preferences, and sometimes possessing little or no experience with the complex world of government lobbying, has been responsible for the all-inclusive licensing laws that included reflexology and other bodywork therapies under the large umbrella of massage.

Responsibility must also lie with the reflexology community, which has, up until this point, left its practitioners to define reflexology as they wish.

Reflexology Defined
This past summer, the three arms of reflexology in the U.S.: the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB: www.arcb.net), the nonprofit, independent testing agency; the Reflexology Association of America (RAA; www.reflexology-usa.org), the national membership organization; and the National Council for Reflexology Educators (NCRE: www.reflexedu.org), the voice and resource center for reflexology educators, agreed on one definition to describe the practice:

foot reflexReflexology is a protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb- and finger-walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a-point, 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.

 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.

This definition serves to clarify the differences in technique between reflexology and massage, and clearly states how reflexology differs in its intent from massage therapy, a practice that manipulates soft tissue with the intent to relax muscles. This distinction is crucial for states pursuing reflexology licensure separate from massage.

Similarities & Differences
As noted in an article I wrote for MASSAGE Magazine’s futureLMT (www.massagemag.com/massage-therapy-school) publication in May 2012, “People seek out reflexology for different and the same reasons they seek out massage. Both improve circulation of the blood and lymph and enhance the recipient’s quality of life.

“Western massage techniques are designed to relax tension within the soft tissue, with the goal of restoring the health of the anatomy,” I wrote. “The intent may be to diminish pain, improve posture and/or structural function and/or produce physical, emotional and mental relaxation.

“Although the benefits of reflexology include relaxation of mind and musculature, the primary intent is to support the health of the body’s internal systems,” I wrote. “Reflexology typically focuses on reflexes corresponding to stressed organs and glands, not the connective tissue elements of the body part being worked.”

Reflexology uses unique manual techniques quite different from massage, and has a long history distinct from massage, as outlined in the books Reflexology: Art, Science and History and Eunice Ingham: A Biography, both written by reflexologist Christine Issel, who is also legislative consultant for RAA and ARCB. In addition, reflexology is recognized by the National Institutes of Health, and hundreds of studies worldwide have brought evidence to its effectiveness in improving the quality of life for people in times of challenging health situations.

Qualifications
Training in reflexology ranges from one-day introductions to full certification, depending on the individual’s level of interest and how he or she plans to incorporate reflexology into a practice.

Of course, a one-day introduction does not provide training sufficient to offer reflexology in a massage practice. It can, however, inform the participant of the basics of reflexology and help him or her decide whether or not to pursue more complete education.

The majority of certified reflexologists offer strictly reflexology to their clients; perhaps augmented with hydrotherapy and aromatherapy. They create reflexology-based practices that safely help people of all ages restore homeostasis, optimize physiological functions and address system imbalances and weaknesses.

Some massage therapists, such as Florida-based Shea de Oliviero, have discovered that beginning a massage session with reflexology helps relax muscle tension and calm the nervous system enough that the massage portion of the session is easier on their hands and far more effective.

“I love what I am learning,” de Oliviero said. “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 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,” she continued, “and when I worked their hands and feet first, wow, the rest of the tissue became butter, just as inviting and easy to work with as ever.”

Credentialing
The member association, RAA, representing state affiliates and individuals in the U.S., welcomes practitioners with all levels of training.

Professional-level members must provide proof of at least 300 hours of foot or hand reflexology education (the national standard), 160 of which must have been accrued in a live classroom setting with an instructor. Although membership renewal does not require continuing education, most members have gone on to study various advanced protocols involving the feet, hands, outer ears and face from nationally and internationally recognized educators.

Practitioners with less than the Professional level of education are welcomed as Associate Practitioners. Reflexology students, reflexology schools and supporters also enjoy Associate memberships, including discounted admission fees to RAA’s biennial conference.

Through ARCB, eligible applicants can sit to take board examinations in foot and/or hand reflexology. Successful applicants will have passed a 300-question, psychometrically valid test; submitted 90 documented session forms; and passed a hands-on practical exam to earn the designation of National Board Certified Reflexologist (NBCR). Continued status requires 24 hours of approved continuing education biennially.

The Public is Aware
Despite the trend of foot massage being passed off as reflexology, the public is becoming more aware of reflexology and the training qualifications of certified reflexologists. Although there aren’t statistics to support this statement, I have been hired numerous times by high-end spas to teach their massage staff how to give a true reflexology session. They have told me this training is needed because reflexology is on the menu; their staff isn’t trained; and their informed clientele are complaining loudly that they are paying extra to receive reflexology and being given a glorified foot massage.

Also, when I teach two-day workshops, participants tell me they had a two-hour explanation of reflexology in their massage program but have been offering “reflexology” to clients who request it.

“Without separate reflexology laws setting educational standards with legal oversight, and because without proper training there is little or no expense involved, reflexology continues to grow as an add-on service in both the massage and beauty/nail salons and spas to increase income,” explained Issel.

Protect Scope of Practice
Spas and massage therapists will not be able to pass off foot massages for reflexology much longer, if they want to retain their credibility in the community.

Just as reflexologists don’t claim to be doing massage, massage therapists and spas should not claim to be offering reflexology when it’s really foot massage. It serves neither group to misrepresent their qualifications or mislead the public as to what various services are.

A foot massage is a lovely service, and so is reflexology—but they are not the same. Just as massage practitioners’ scope of practice should be—and must be, in most places by law—not infringed upon, trained reflexologists should be afforded the respect that comes from earning specialty certification.

The world needs more reflexologists. If you want to offer this specialty, contact one of the organizations mentioned in this article, or an experienced continuing education provider, and begin your journey into this rewarding and beneficial specialization.

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Foot Reflexology, General, Uncategorized · Tagged: Foot reflexology, Marketing, Business

Sep 07 2016

A BIG Step for Reflexology

Big StepFor the first time in the history of reflexology in the United States, the three national associations have agreed to a definition of reflexology that can be used by everyone nationally.

Leaders of the American Reflexology Certification Board (the testing arm of the profession), the National Council for Reflexology Educators (the educating arm) and the Reflexology Association of America (the membership arm) spent the last few months shaping a definition that would clearly explain what reflexology does and how it differs from massage therapy. The explanation leaves room for the scope of practice to include forms of reflexology not recognized by everyone at this point, but practiced by some reflexologists in the country.

Having this one definition supports the reflexology community’s efforts to gain better recognition for reflexology as a legitimate stand-alone practice in the public’s eyes and those of state and national agencies involved with licensure and healthcare.

So, here it is:

“Reflexology is a protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger-walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a-point, 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.

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.”

I invite and strongly encourage all reflexologists, no matter your level of education, to incorporate the new definition on your websites and in all marketing materials. It will take all our efforts and cooperation – not just the national associations – to advance the field of reflexology to professional status in this country.

Join the movement!

 

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General · Tagged: Business, Marketing

Jul 27 2016

World Reflexology Week

WRWBadgeWorld Reflexology Week is Monday, September 19 to Sunday, September 25 – time to start planning!

In 2002, the International Council of Reflexology initiated an annual worldwide event known as World Reflexology Week. The Council’s hope was to unite with reflexologists everywhere to bring reflexology deeper into the local and global communities, and thereby help to create a healthier world.

Fourteen years later, and World Reflexology Week (WRW) continues to gather momentum. It occurs every year during the last full week in September.

World Reflexology Week is a perfect time to educate your community members about the benefits of adding reflexology into their lives, and a great way to promote your reflexology business, your local and national reflexology associations.

ICR has created brochures, posters, sample news releases, logos and many more items to help promote your event. At no cost.

Please let me know how you will celebrate World Reflexology Week. I’d love to give a shout out to you for your efforts through my social media outlets. Send photos!

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: General · Tagged: Marketing

Dec 23 2015

Why Learn Reflexology?

poster & pointer
poster & pointer

In case you’ve ever wondered why someone would spend his or her hard-earned money and valuable time learning how to offer reflexology, here’s what I uncovered by interviewing about 20 grads of the Academy’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification:

~ Massage therapists branch out for two reasons: to STAND OUT IN THE CROWD and to extend their careers. All were either struggling to define and grow their businesses over the scores of other massage therapists in their communities, and/or were concerned about their body’s ability to continue offering massage for many years to come.

~ Everyone else who was engaged in some other form of work, hated it. They did not feel personally fulfilled, and wanted to do something that would serve people more directly, especially in the realm of improved health.

And here’s a sampling of what some individuals did with their reflexology training:

~ One woman combined reflexology with crystal healing, so as to ground people in the physical body at the same time that she was addressing the energetic one.

~ A massage therapist who focuses on injury remediation discovered that her therapy was easier on her body and more efficacious for the client if she gave a 30-minute reflexology session before massaging the ailing body part. Smart woman.

~ A dedicated daughter spending more and more time with her aging mother found herself in great demand to give other residents of the community reflexology sessions as well. A new career was born!

~ A podologist (licensed footcare specialist) and nail tech added reflexology to his services so that his work would not just address the health of the feet, but the rest of the body as well. That’s the ultimate in my books: reflexology and a pedicure! Sign me up!

~ A resident of a popular vacation destination saw a business opportunity when she witnessed tourists complaining of aching feet from sightseeing all day. She plans to set up shop in a strategically located storefront to offer tourists relief from those hot, burning feet. Now, that’s a winner!

~ One grad, who also excels at teaching and coaching, convinced a integrative wellness company to let her teach their staff massage therapists reflexology to give to their clients dealing with chronic pain. How cool is that?

~ A massage therapist, whose husband preferred that she only give full body massage to women, plans to expand her clientele base (and earn more money) by offering reflexology to both men and women.

~ A manual lymphatic drainage specialist wanted another way to help people with chronic lymph conditions. Reflexology was the perfect match; another way to move excess lymph out of the cells.

If you’re a certified reflexologist, how are you sharing your gift with the world?

Written by Karen Ball · Categorized: Certification · Tagged: Marketing, Certification, Business

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