Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology Certification Programs and Workshops

New Website and Contest!

Contest prizesI am excited – actually, ecstatic – to announce that our new website is finally done and mounted! For those of you who have ever created a website (this is my fourth – yes, I am a little crazy!), you know how much time is involved. Trying to do that between teaching, traveling, writing, clients, creating, and just plain having a life is a lot. But, it’s done and I’m very happy with it – thanks to the talents and patience of Neesha Anderson of SunCloud Web Design.

Please take a gander – on any device you prefer. This site is mobile-friendly. Start by clicking on the Home button above. Lots to see, including:

  • videos of me demonstrating reflexology
  • comments from certification grads and workshop attendees
  • an introduction to the Academy team – believe me, I don’t do this all by myself
  • photos of Academy grads (well, some of them)

and much more to come!

To entice more people to join our newsletter list, I am running a contest over the next week. Anyone who registers to receive the monthly e-newsletter between today and September 25 is eligible to win a gift package of reflexology and health-related items. And not to exclude those of you already part of the family, a gift package will also be awarded to one lucky member currently receiving the newsletter, if you post a comment below.

I hope you will take a moment to let me know what you think of our new website.

Namaste,

Karen

Why Clients Return

Hatching-an-idea-150x150Consumer satisfaction polls from the spa industry (which accounts for 25% of bodywork sessions received in the United States) have revealed two glaring points worth examining. The two most important factors that motivate people to return for future sessions are:

  1. Safety. Within the first 3 minutes, guests determine how safe it is to let their guard down. If they don’t feel safe, they won’t return. Period.
  2. Communication from the therapist regarding pressure. If pressure is too much or not enough and the therapist doesn’t care enough to inquire or alter their pressure in response to the client’s feedback, they won’t return. Period.

So, how would you rate yourself on these two issues?

~ Do you know how to create an environment of safety? Do you even know what that means in a therapeutic relationship?

~ Have you ever examined the subtleties of boundary violations: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual?

~ Do you project your own preferences regarding pressure onto clients? Afraid you will hurt, so you pull back? Believe that only deep, penetrating pressure makes a difference in physiology, so “lean in” as much as you can? (This is a perfect example of a boundary violation; not being clear on where you end and the client begins.)

In building my practice and business, I always look to what I’m doing – or not doing – when I’m not getting the outcomes I want. I find that more than not, the “problem” is with me, not external circumstances like the economy, a saturated market, lack of awareness on the public’s part or the stars. My own relationship with power and money, my communication skills and the ability to provide a safe environment lay the foundation for my success, not the marketing strategies I employ.

In a desire to help reflexologists and massage therapists struggling with their procurement and retention of clients, I offer proven strategies and insight in the Marketing and Professional Empowerment classes. They’re inspiring, motivating and fun! Please join us when you’re ready to grow your practice.

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.

The Benefits of Membership

After reading over the membership benefits on the Reflexology Association of America website, a woman wrote and asked me how I personally have benefited as a member of RAA. She asked how becoming a professional member changed my day-to-day life as a reflexologist.

Great questions; I really appreciated them, because I realized when having to come up with a response that I never asked myself those questions when I joined RAA. Maybe I figured I just needed to since I am a professional reflexologist; maybe it just felt like the next logical step to take in my professional career. Not sure, but I do appreciate the opportunity to identify what benefits I do derive by being a professional member of my association. Maybe my responses will provide clarity to others who, like this woman, are considering joining the Reflexology Association of America.

So, in no particular order, here are the reasons I am grateful and proud to be a professional member of the Reflexology Association of America:

1. Client referrals. My name (and contact information that I want to publish) is available on the RAA website for anyone looking for a reflexology practitioner in my area. The RAA listing links directly to my website, an important feature for anyone in business. I have personally acquired many clients this way and this is the number one benefit cited by members.

2. By adding my name and voice to the US national membership organization, I help to bring professional credibility and recognition to the field. Helping to further the field of reflexology and its wonderful benefits is important to me. As the field moves inch-by-inch closer to state- by-state licensing and recognition by the National Institutes of Health, the numbers are very important, trust me. Reflexology is taken more seriously the more practitioners we have operating at the professional level who value their field enough to join forces as members of an independent, non-profit membership organization. As reflexology gains more recognition, so will its practitioners. Plain and simple.

3. Personal credibility. The public perceives someone listed on a professional membership site as being better qualified than those not listed. Like it or not, that’s the truth folks. This is a considerable benefit when people are researching whom they will allow to touch their bodies and to whom they will give their hard-earned money. As a teacher of reflexology, it is equally important to me to be able to state that I am a member in good standing of this country’s only national professional reflexology association.

4. When people contact me (and lots do) looking for a reflexologist in some other part of the state or country, the RAA website is the first place I check (well, actually the first place I check after the Academy’s list of graduates!). I know that I can feel confident referring someone who has successfully completed a program in study of substantial hours. How is that a benefit to me? Well, I feel good knowing someone is going to receive reflexology from a qualified professional and that someone is going to get some business because of my small efforts. And I like feeling good!

5. I really enjoy the Reflexology Across America magazine, delivered to my mailbox quarterly. It keeps me informed of reflexology events, legislative movements, accomplishments and challenges nationally, internationally and state-wise. As a member, I can submit my opinions and articles for publication. As an example, RAA publishes all the research case studies the students in the Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification complete. I also really appreciate that RAA has stuck to a policy of printing a magazine and not abandoning the tactile version for an online posting.

6. As a professional member I receive a significant discount to the biannual conference. I’m not really a fan of big gatherings, but just two RAA conferences shifted my comfort level in this area. So much so, that I decided to step up to the plate (see #11). Where else can you spend three days in perhaps a new locale (next year’s is in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico – can hardly wait!) with folks from all over the world who share your passion and curiosity for the same subject?

7. Another benefit is access to reflexology research sites. This is the second biggest reason members visit the RAA website. Research data will increase your confidence in the power of reflexology, which will translate to how you speak about reflexology to others, which will translate into more business and a healthier society. (BTW, watch for the completely redesigned website later this year.)

8. As a member, I receive e-blasts on time-sensitive issues and breaking news, so I stay really current on the important matters affecting my life as a reflexologist, and if necessary to the issue, am given the opportunity to take action.

9. RAA has available to its members a number of printed brochures that can be useful in building a practice: Discover Reflexology and Identifying the Legitimate Reflexology Practice (deals with human-traffickers infiltrating our industry).

10. Several insurance companies offer liability insurance discounts to RAA members. Always nice to save a few bucks!

11. RAA is a family of talented, dedicated and passionate individuals who are extremely inclusive when it comes to the running of the organization. It offers many opportunities to anyone and everyone to engage in dialogue and activities, both state and national, to help shape the future of reflexology. Last summer, following the 2012 conference I found myself just organically wanting to get involved at the national level; that surprise awareness resulted in my being elected to the national board. As a Director, I currently chair the website committee, charged with the complete overhaul of the website, and the education committee that is creating feasible and forward-thinking strategies to increase the quality of reflexology education in the United States. I have to tell you, that since becoming involved – and perhaps this has been the greatest benefit to me of membership – I have felt nothing but joyous camaraderie, amazing support and respect, and most importantly, a sense of contributing to something bigger than me, my own clinical work and even my reach as a teacher. Even if you decide not to volunteer your services, as a professional member you get to vote on who runs the organization.

So, I hope the inspiration for this post agrees with me that there are plenty of reasons to become a professional reflexologist – especially so when the price of membership is so inexpensive ($75 for professional and $50 for associate).

The RAA membership renewal process is now underway for this year. If you would like to join at the professional level or associate level (reflexology student or school), then the time to do that is July 1st when the new year starts. Check the website for  membership qualification details.

Creating Loyalty: Adding Value to a Client’s Experience

Let’s face it; you’d have to have your head in the sand not to recognize that people are more selective these days about how they spend their hard-earned money. In today’s market, even healthcare practitioners must compete for their client’s attention and loyalty. With just a little effort and forethought, you can stand out in the crowd.

A keynote speaker at a spa convention I attended many years ago said something that has always stuck in my mind. He said, “Give your clients a WOW! experience; not just the service they paid for and expect.”

There are lots of ways to deliver a WOW! experience. The ideas that I’ve used over the years seem to fall into two basic categories:

Show Appreciation

Here are some simple ways:

  • As she leaves, hand a client a gift certificate that she can use as she wishes, either for herself or for someone special in her life. (Most people will give it away, allowing you the opportunity to turn someone new onto the benefits of reflexology.)
  • Work your way down your client list and write one thank you note weekly. Do this the old-fashioned way; hand-write on an attractive card and let the postal system deliver. Remember to be specific as to why you feel blessed that this person is in your life.
  • Mail gift certificates to your clients (current and lapsed) the month before their birthdays. Invite them to redeem anytime during their birthday month. Make sure to state how much you appreciate them and their business.
  • When your client goes to pay you for the day’s session, tell them excitedly that they are your 100th appointment (pick a number) of the year/month/week, and that they get that session for FREE! This is the ultimate WOW! experience. Believe me, that client will tell all her friends about you.
  • Offer to host a 2-hour private class (at no cost) for your client and her friends on foot or hand care – in the comfort of her home. Teach them how to use the basic thumb-walking technique of reflexology on themselves.
  • Create a goodie bag of Epsom salts blended with a high quality essential oil and carrier, body scrubber of some sort and a small pretty bottle or jar of the lubricant you use during your sessions – give them away randomly as gifts. Don’t just wait until the end-of-year holidays. Do it “just because”. The surprise element and thoughtfulness far outweigh the small cost of these items.
  • Mail your client an article on something you know interests them. It could be the latest information on a health issue they’re dealing with or some other unrelated subject.

Add-Ons

Before beginning the session, surprise your client. Verbally state how much you appreciate his or her loyalty and as a way to express your gratitude you would like to add something extra special to that day’s session. Here are some examples:

  • Wrap your client’s hands in warm, soothing paraffin before a hand reflexology session, or while receiving foot reflexology. No charge.
  •  If you don’t already do this as standard procedure, begin your foot reflexology session with a soothing soak of Epsom salts and pure essential oils. Use a scrubbie glove to exfoliate. Water not only cleanses; it hydrates and offers a comforting segue from the outer world to the inner.
  •  Place well-wrapped heat packs on your client’s abdomen during your reflexology session. A warm pack on the tummy is divine.
  •  Create a custom-blended lubricant specific to your client’s health needs. Clients really appreciate this and often want to purchase extra to take home with them. Essential oils are absorbed through the feet, delivering the health benefits of the essential oils to the entire body. To learn how to incorporate oils into your foot and hand sessions, the therapeutic properties of essential oils, routes of application, proper dilution and safety guidelines, please join me for a fun and informative one-day hands-on journey into the realm of pure essential oils.
  • Weave stone therapy into your foot or hand reflexology sessions. Adding stones to a reflexology session invites the recipient into such a deep experience of themselves it almost defies definition. A real WOW! experience. In the Reflexology Rocks! class, attendees learn how to safely use hot and cold stones (basalt, marble and soapstone), utilize Himalayan salt crystals to reduce the effects of harmful electro-magnetic frequencies and are introduced to the benefit and placement of quartz crystal stones to balance the seven primary chakras.

Although my clients have been thrilled over the year with their WOW! experiences, I have to admit that I actually feel like I get the bigger WOW! My heart just swells when offering these simple gifts. Try it for yourself.

Reflexology and Essential Oils: The Perfect Marriage: Web listing.  Facebook Events listing.

Reflexology Rocks!: Web listing. Facebook Events listing.

Just Starting Out?

Recently, I was asked by the national publication Massage Magazine to write a spotlight on reflexology for massage students. In it, I explain the difference between massage and reflexology, why the public seeks out reflexology, levels of training, employment opportunities and continuing education options. As I was writing the article, I thought the information might also be useful for existing therapists trying to figure out in what direction to focus your practice; how you can stand out in the crowd. What do you think?

Taking Reflexology to Work

Take the time to think things through in your mind first, and your foray into the world of workplace reflexology could develop into a gratifying and lucrative endeavor. The more prepared you are, the easier and more successful will be the outcome of your efforts.

1. Choose the business you wish to approach. If you have a past affiliation with a particular company or industry, or know someone working there, consider starting there. The more you know about the nature of the business and the possible physical issues the workers risk, the more rapport you will create with your potential contractor. Utilize the Internet to learn as much as you can about the company’s philosophy, history and successes. Make what you are offering relevant. Make sure you dress the part when you meet in person. Bermuda shorts and polo shirt would not be appropriate for a prestigious law firm; neither would high heels and three-piece suit for a retirement home.

2. Prepare the stats I shared in the Reflexology in the Workplace post in an attractive folio, along with a description of the possible options from which to choose (listed below), to leave with the company representative after your meeting. Remember, the key is to demonstrate that what you have to offer will increase the bottom line.

3. You and the designated business representative will need to decide when the reflexology sessions will take place – before or after work shifts; during lunch or breaks; all day long –  and where – in the cafeteria; individual offices; quiet, unused room. There are advantages and disadvantages to each location. Working in the cafeteria, for example, might peak other workers’ interest, but won’t be as relaxing for the recipient.

4. How long and how often will the sessions be offered? There is no real typical time allotment. Large companies may opt for 15, 20 or even 30 minutes. Smaller companies with fewer employees may allow for a full hour for each individual. Sessions can be daily, weekly or monthly. Be prepared to discuss the merits of all those options with the company rep.

5. And lastly, who pays for your time and expertise – the employer, the employees, a combination of the two? And how are you paid? By the minute, the hour, the number of sessions or the day?

Done right, your mobile business can grow such that it will necessitate your hiring other reflexologists to meet the demand. Wheee! If the business (or businesses) you service is a national operation, you may even have the opportunity to expand into other cities! Or franchise your operation! The possibilities are limitless; let you vision soar.

 

Reflexology in the Workplace

At the recent RAA conference, Ko Tan, of the American Academy of Reflexology, gave a spirited presentation on the considerable need to take reflexology into corporate America.

As I listened to the shocking stats of employee need and reflexology’s impressive ability to positively affect the bottom line in business, I started to think about the enormous career possibilities for reflexologists.

Tan first shared numbers issued by the American Labor Statistics board regarding the financial impact of headaches, chronic constipation, premenstrual syndrome and low back pain on businesses. He then highlighted results of reflexology research on those conditions and reflexology’s impact on workplace absenteeism and job satisfaction. Finally he outlined the considerations and steps to take to develop a successful out-call business in the corporate world. The possibilities were unlimited, and perfect for the person who does not like to be tethered to any one work space.

I’ll share some of the stats from the ALSB here, that will, hopefully, convince you of the enormity of the market:

Headaches

  • 47% of all adults have a headache disorder and “the financial costs to society through lost productivity are enormous.”
  • In the United States, headaches cost an estimated $50 billion each year. The cost to business in lost productivity is approximately $6 billion to $17 billion/year.
  • Migraines cost American employers about $13 billion/year because of missed workdays and impaired work function. Close to $8 billion was directly due to missed workdays. 4/26/1999

Chronic constipation

  • 63 million people live with chronic constipation. 6.3 million are forced into ambulatory care visits; 700,000 are hospitalized because of constipation.
  • Constipation affects 12% to 19% of Americans; its prevalence increases with age and it affects women more than men. It has a major impact on quality of life. Americans spend more than $700 million annually on over-the-counter laxatives. 7/14/2011

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

  • As many as 90% of women deal with the aches, pains and emotional stress of PMS at some time during their reproductive years. 30% to 40% have symptoms distressing enough to interfere with their everyday lives. 1999-2001
  • Nearly 2 out of 5 women ages 14 to 50 experience some symptoms of PMS. 10% have symptoms severe enough to disrupt their usual activities. 1999

Low back pain

  • The annual cost of chronic low back pain in the United States, including healthcare expenses, lost income and lost productivity, is estimated to be $100 billion. 26 million Americans between ages 20 and 64 experience frequent back pain. 2003
  • Back pain is the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years of age. More than 26 million Americans, between the ages of 20 and 64, experience frequent back pain. Back pain produced the highest amount of lost productive time (5.2 hours/week). 2006

If you want to approach business owners about providing reflexology to their employees, the first thing you are going to have to do is convince that company president that your work will lower absenteeism and increase productivity and job satisfaction.

Fortunately, that’s an easy thing to do. Bill Flocco, director of the American Academy of Reflexology, has compiled a collection of 380 studies that prove the efficacy of reflexology with 75 different conditions. His gracious gift to the world can be viewed here.

Additionally, studies regarding workplace reflexology show:

  • 2499 fewer hours of sick leave the first 6 months of reflexology sessions. (Journal of Danish Reflexologists Association, Number 6, 1992)
  • A postal company was able to save expenses due to a reduction in employee sickness or absence an average of 11.4 to 8.5 days per employee. (Danish Reflexologists Association, November 1993)
  • 55% of employees reported reflexology was effective; 29% reported that it was partially effective; 50% had fewer sick days; 70% reported a greater awareness of their bodies. (Danish Reflexologists Association, February 1995)
  • 97% of employees reported relief from their primary issue from receiving reflexology; 62% reported improvement; 35% reported partial improvement; 77% reported positive secondary effect(s). (“A Study of the Effect of Reflexology Treatment in the Eastern District of the Municipality of Svendborg, Denmark”; Danish Reflexologists Association, 1995)
  •  79% of employees reported complete or partial success from reflexology; 57% reported that it helped in other areas; 92% wanted to continue; 30% reported a greater job satisfaction after reflexology. (“Reflexology as Personal Care in the Arthus District Corporation Take Good Care of Your Fellow Employees”; Journal of Danish Reflexologists Association, November 1996)

Seems worth considering to me, if you’ve yet to carve your niche in the reflexology world.  I’ll write a “To-Do List”, in the next few days, for anyone wanting to do onsite reflexology in the workplace.

 

Stand Out in the Crowd!

A number of years ago, a friend who ran an antique business decided to specialize in a particular line of authentic dinnerware that was very popular and difficult to locate. With access to a substantial catalog of products, she was able to advertise a large inventory of hard-to-find items for would-be collectors. Her results taught me a big lesson.

What I learned from her business decision was that narrowing services and products actually increases, not decreases, one’s reach. I had always thought that specialization would limit one’s market, but as I learned from subsequent research and other people’s success stories – the opposite is true. By choosing specialization over diversification, a business actually gets to claim a bigger piece of the pie.

Let’s look at the field of bodywork, as an example.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 there were 150,000 working massage therapists in the United States. That’s a lot of practitioners vying for the same clients and dollars. Successful massage therapists have learned that in order to thrive they must stand out in some way.

Some folks – like yours truly – have chosen to put their passion into action, and concentrate their education, marketing and services in one or two areas. For me, it’s reflexology and aromatherapy (a perfect marriage, by the way).

The benefits and advantages to having a specialty are:

1. You become – and become known as – an expert in your field. By specializing in reflexology, I have become the “go-to” person in my part of the world. When people think reflexology, they think of me. People travel significant distances to receive sessions and study with me.

2. There’s no waste of money or time in attending trainings that “might” interest you or benefit your work, or just to earn your required continuing education credits. You know where you interest lies and can focus all your resources on your area of interest.

3. Your clients benefit. Because your expertise and training is centered on one specific approach, you are able to offer more effective, individualized sessions. Results will soar; word-of-mouth will grow your clientele.

4. Following your passion guarantees that you will never lose interest in your career, never “burn out”. The possibilities to expand your knowledge and services are limitless.

5. Your specialty’s professional association will include only like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasam, challenges and clinical experiences.

6. Less competition.

I urge you to make 2012 the year that you follow your passion; uncover the niche that you can own; serve more people more; create the financial success you deserve.

If reflexology is the discipline that’s been calling you, then fulfill your dream now. Allow yourself to stand out in the crowd!

 

Celebrating World Reflexology Week

How do reflexology students fulfill one of their requirements for certification, market themselves and honor the field of reflexology? They throw a reflexology party and invite the city to attend!

A requirement for completion in the Academy’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification is that each student organize and conduct a community outreach program or some other directed independent study. Some folks choose to offer a presentation and mini-sessions to their local teachers, nurses or fire fighters, as a way to thank them for their ongoing service to the community. Others choose to educate and teach a small targeted group (such as the elderly, or those suffering from diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome or Parkinson’s disease) on how they can help themselves with reflexology.

Three Florida participants in this year’s certification decided to band together and really celebrate. Terri Bishop-Brahen (from Ponte Vedra), John Guinta (from Jacksonville) and Adrianne Metz (from Titusville) rented a space at the University of North Florida and then wrote and distributed an invitation to the Jacksonville community to join them in celebrating World Reflexology Week (held annually during the last full week of September). Their September 25th party was broadcasted as a four-hour educational and experiential event not to be missed. John also prepared an article that was published in the city’s Natural Awakenings magazine. As phone calls started coming in, they wisely decided to recruit another set of hands; Jacksonville certified reflexologist, Elke Schreiber, joined the team. On the day of the event, the four arrived 45 minutes early (along with a photographer) to dress the room with reflexology posters, handouts, fun relevant give-aways, music and refreshments. Much to their surprise, there were already people waiting at the door!

My three students each took the podium to introduce the history, theory and benefits of reflexology, describe the difference between reflexology and massage, and answer specific questions posed by the very inquisitive crowd. Guests were then offered the opportunity to receive a 20-minute session on either their feet or hands. No one declined!

What surprised the therapists most was that people stayed the entire four hours! Even after they received their own taste of reflexology, folks chose to stand around and watch the reflexologists at work.

So, what did these reflexologists gain from conducting a community outreach (other than course credits, confidence and more outreach ideas)? Here’s what they had to say in response to that question:

“We learned how hungry the public is for reflexology. More people are interested in reflexology than we realized. That is a boom to people like us just starting a business. The diversity was pronounced: young and old, husbands and wives, mothers and sons, all kinds of ethnicities represented. Most people who were at our event knew something about reflexology and had come to it after impersonal and unproductive experiences with western medicine. Our time has finally come!”