I unearthed this testimonial sent to me a while back from a student who attended the 3-day Traditional Thai Reflexology workshop. Somehow it slipped through the cracks and I never shared it. It is sooo worth reading! Never underestimate the human body’s ability to find a way.

“Four years ago, a gentleman in his 50’s, asked if I could help him with the difficulties he was experiencing, as a result of his last year of cancer treatment. As he told his story, I came to know that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, and had agreed to enter an experimental treatment in Texas that would offer him a 5% chance of survival. Yes, you read right: 5%. He was one of eight people in the small study.

After removing most of his esophagus, the surgeons re-positioned his stomach inside his chest wall and then somehow stretched the duodenum of the lower stomach so as to reach the small intestine.   Months of painful radiation and chemotherapy followed, leaving him with pain when breathing and swallowing, and discomfort when eating.

I recognized how traumatized this man’s body was. Since his doctors had forbidden massage to his torso I decided to offer him a Thai Foot Reflexology session. For two years, I gave him that session every two weeks. We have now extended the time between visits to one month. He returned over and over again because he was convinced the Thai Foot Reflexology was the only thing that was bringing him any sort of relief in his new existence.

Throughout all the times I have had the pleasure to work with this man, he always experiences ‘fluttery’ sensations where his esophagus once had existed when I perform the Thai technique affectionately known as ‘Cut a Groove’. This technique runs through the third branch of sen Kalathari in the third zone of the plantar surface of the foot. Sen Kalathari is an energy sen line that crosses the body from left to right within the abdomen, which might explain his response.

There’s a good ending to this story. My client’s now expected chance of recovery is 98%. He is one of two people to have survived cancer and the treatment.”     

I was flabbergasted, to say the least, when I read the above. The impulse to live is so strong in each of us, and when given just a little, continuous support, will ignite.

Of course, Thai reflexology supports those with less dramatic conditions than the one above. It is a masterful and time-proven way to balance the body’s energy so that our organs and glands can function optimally.

Massage therapists enjoy learning this protocol. The techniques are unlike any taught in western massage (and reflexology, too.) It takes only three days to learn, unlike the training to become a certified reflexologist, which takes months. Certified reflexologists like having another reflexology approach to use other than the conventional western style they are trained in.

When I offer this training, you will be provided with an illustrated manual, Thai wooden tool, organic Thai oil and lifetime access to a video of the hands-on protocol. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops.

Thai reflexology is often referred to as the “marriage of India and Asia”, because it incorporates elements of India’s Ayurvedic medicine (which are its origin), Japanese shiatsu and Chinese reflexology.

When asked how Thai reflexology compares to our western model of reflexology, Thais will respond with “same same”, meaning “similar and not the same”. Here’s what they mean by that colloquialism:

Although both models work to reestablish homeostasis in the body, the focus in Traditional Thai Reflexology is not on reflex points, as it is in conventional western reflexology. Thai reflexology seeks to restore balance within the body’s 72,000 sen (energy lines), by removing energy blockages and strengthening the flow of energy within the sen, rather than stimulating the optimal functioning of organs through the stimulation of reflex points. With energy balance reinstated, the body is then free to correct whatever imbalances are present.

Although the session can be offered on the floor, in the west a massage table or reclining reflexology chair and stool are more often used to accommodate the physical needs and preferences of a western society.

One aspect of Thai reflexology’s development that I really admire is how the protocol manages to avoid repetitive strain injuries. Utilizing stretching and a variety of manual techniques applied to the feet, lower legs and knees, very little stress is put on the digits or vulnerable joints of the hands.

People receiving Thai reflexology always report feeling relaxed afterwards; the treatment is also more often described as refreshing and revitalizing, as opposed to sedating.

If this interests you, please join me for an upcoming workshop to learn how to give this lovely session. It only takes three days to learn the protocol!

Of the four branches of traditional Thai medicine, reflexology is arguably the most popular treatment used to maintain health in Thailand. In addition to the monks and doctors providing treatments, it is not uncommon to see rows of people seated at the side of the street at the end of the day exchanging sessions with one another.

Here in the United States, reflexology-based foot sessions are one of the most requested spa and clinical services available. Unlike the conventional style of reflexology practiced in America – which requires many hours of training – Traditional Thai Reflexology can be learned in just three days of study, making Thai reflexology a unique, pleasurable and beneficial treatment that you can add to your tool kit, whether a certified reflexologist or licensed massage therapist.

I have been teaching Thai reflexology for nearly 10 years now, and never cease to be amazed by, not just how satisfied clients are in receiving, but how wonderful I feel when giving this session. Gently moving my body and joining my client in the exchange of pure energy is so, so gratifying. And I get paid to do it!

Please join me for an upcoming class to learn how you can to Stand Out In The Crowd with Traditional Thai Reflexology!

I learned Thai reflexology in 2003, and fell so totally in love with the philosophy and experience of giving and receiving this beautiful modality that I just had to turn others onto this amazing art.

Over the many years of teaching Thai Foot Reflexology, the one constant from attendees was a curiosity to know more about the sen lines, and how Thai reflexology intersected with the western style that most of us have been introduced to in North America.

So, in response to those queries I created a 1-day Advanced Thai Reflexology class that explained how the two models relate (ie. which western reflex points the Thai sen lines run through, and which systems in the body were governed by which sen lines), and also give a more in-depth look at the philosophy of the practice.

Sen

The Thai sen are what we would refer to as meridians or energy lines. They actually resemble the Ayurvedic energy lines (nadis) more than they do the Chinese meridians though, in that they do not correlate with any organ system in the way that the Chinese meridians do.

The Thai meridians all begin at the navel and end at the extremities of the body and are used to address any and all organ systems through which they pass along their course. In that way, the sen more resemble the zones of Chinese reflexology rather than acupuncture.

and Now

Fast forward now to 2016, and I have decided to combine the initial 2-day and the advanced 1-day into a 3-day training I am calling Traditional Thai Reflexology. Enough people have indicated to me that this is the better format for their learning and time schedule.

Video

I am also responding to requests that I provide a video of the hands-on protocol, in addition to the diagramed step-by-step manual that is included with tuition. So, I’m doing that also!

Anyone reading this who took the initial 2-day Thai Foot Reflexology workshop with me over the last 10 years is also eligible to receive lifetime access to the video demonstration of the protocol for review purposes.. Just shoot me a quick email with the year and location that you attended. I’ll include you in the roster. karen@academyofancientreflexology.com

I hope that you will join us for an upcoming Traditional Thai Reflexology workshop and experience for yourself what so many others have claimed as “the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation”.

Also, in case you’re wondering, no previous reflexology training is necessary to attend the Traditional Thai Reflexology workshop. This training is perfect for massage therapists and certified reflexologists; the techniques are completely different than what is practiced in conventional western reflexology.