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Reflexology & Nervous Exhaustion

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Recent research from China suggest that reflexology may be particularly helpful for patients suffering from nervous exhaustion.

Twenty patients with a history of neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion) which had lasted between 1 – 8 years were given a course of reflexology at the department of physiotherapy, 52884 Military Hospital.

The patients’ chief symptoms were dizziness, insomnia, memory loss, indigestion and headaches. All had previously received long term medical treatment none of which had helped them.

The reflexology treatments focused on the areas of the feet relating to the adrenal gland, kidneys, bladder, sinus, brain and heart. Those patients who suffered from associated digestive problems were also treated to the areas of the feet relating to spleen, stomach, duodenum and celiac, while those patients who suffered from headaches had the areas of the feet relating to the cerebellum and trigeminal nerves treated.

The reflexology treatments were given daily over a period of seven days and the results were quite remarkable:
40% experienced complete ‘cure’, further 35% had greatly improved, and a further 15% had mildly improved. Only 10% showed no change at all to the treatment.

– Duan Shuang-Feng. Foot reflexology in neurosism: Clinical Observation of 20 cases. Presented at the China reflexology symposium in Beijing (July 1993).

For more reflexology information enjoy reading Applying The Holographic Principle to The Human Body in the Research & Articles Section.

Defrosting a Frozen Shoulder in 15 seconds

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Here at the Universal College of Reflexology we work with ear reflexology on a regular basis. The following experience was witnessed by many dozens of people lining up to receive free sample reflexology sessions at an annual Regional Teachers Conference here in Edmonton.

Several years ago I was managing our Universal College of Reflexology information booth at a large teachers’ conference. Graduate students were performing mini foot Reflexology sessions on the conference delegates while I was managing the booth.

Hundreds of teacher delegates were in line, so I decided to ease the load and perform quick mini Ear Reflexology treatments. Let me say that Ear Reflexology when performed correctly may have immediate beneficial effects.

A few delegates moved to my line. One of whom was apparently a very popular and well known person, who presented with a complete and permanent “frozen shoulder” resulting from a severe car accident 25 years ago. She stated that she has tried “everything” and nothing had helped reduce the symptoms. She complained to me that her work has been most difficult as she could barely raise her arm above waist level.

I asked her to stand and demonstrate her range of motion. She could only lift her arm to about 30 degrees before experiencing pain. I asked her to sit. I performed fifteen seconds of warm-ups to her ears and then specifically addressed the appropriate reflex point on her ear by digital palpation application for another 15 seconds.

At this point I asked her to stand and again perform the range-of-motion test. She raised that same arm to 160 degrees. I asked her if she could feel any pain and she said “No!!” In fact, she thought she could go all the way without pain but this was simply too overwhelming for her as she became emotional about this immediate success.

All the delegates who witnessed this event were astonished, and promptly moved over to my line up.

The following year we were invited back to the same convention. The lady who had the frozen shoulder came over, hugged me and told me to watch as she lifted her arm nearly all the way above her head without pain. She said it was a miracle.

The wonders of Reflexology never fail to amaze and this “miracle” only took about 15 seconds!

Submitted by Jack Marriott CMR,CRI,  CSM

Zone therapy

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Reflexology as we now know it in the West has its origins in the study of zone therapy. Zone therapy is based on there being longitudinal lines of energy running up through the body from the feet to the brain, and from the hands to the brain. The development of acupuncture was founded on an understanding of these energy zones, but instead of gentle pressure being applied to specific points, fine needles are inserted under the skin to stimulate the energy pathway and so restore homeostasis to the body.

Here in the West because of widespread acceptance of foot Reflexology, and following along with the holographic principle (see article “Understanding The Holographic Principle”) other areas of application of Reflexology to various body parts, most recently the ear, are now following the same path to popularity that foot and hand Reflexology have traveled.

So the question then is – can performing Reflexology on the surface of the foot, hand or ear really have a reflex action elsewhere in the body? In other words can pressing a specific area on the foot, hand or ear really help a headache? The answer is Yes! As mentioned previously, the answer can be found in holographic principle.

See also the article How Does Reflexology Work? for additional information.

Eczema

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Eczema:

Definition: A reaction of the skin to a wide range of stimulants or irritants, both physical and emotional. Can be acute or chronic.

Possible causes: Allergy to chemicals, dust, detergents, soap and cosmetics. Stress. Poor diet. Family history of allergies. Detoxifying through the skin. Often linked to asthma.

General Signs & Symptoms: Itching, redness, dryness, scaling and weeping of the skin, crusts and secondary skin infections.

Primary Reflexology Target Areas: Lungs, Bronchi, Diaphragm, Heart

Reflexology Areas of Assistance: Digestive System, Adrenals

Holistic Advice: Ensure a good balanced diet of fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water can help to keep the skin hydrated. Hypoallergenic moisturizers may be of benefit.

Extracted from “Conditions & Precautions for Reflexologists” manual part of the Universal College of Reflexology’s Therapeutic Reflexology Diploma Program

Fun Foot Facts

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Most amazing feet (in a movie):

Also the world’s tallest actor, 7ft 6 inch Matthew McGrory wore size 29 and a half US shoes. You may recall him in the movie Big Fish.

 

 

 

 

The best use of shoes and/or feet in a quote by a semi-famous person about a really famous person:

“Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, and she did it backwards and in high heels.”

(Faith Whittlesey, former US ambassador to Switzerland.)

Choosing a Reflexology education

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So you’ve decided to pursue Reflexology on a more formal basis, perhaps to begin a new career or maybe you want to follow a part-time vocation of helping others to better health. At this point you’re asking yourself, “Where do I start to get education which will prepare me for this new adventure?” Here are some ideas to help you as you begin your journey.

Sit down and answer the following questions :

  1. Why do I want to learn Reflexology?
  2. What do I hope to gain?
  3. What do I like about receiving Reflexology?
  4. How does Reflexology fit in with my personality traits?
  5. Do you wish to practice Reflexology as a gift to your family and friends?
  6. Will I be working, either part-time or full-time on others and charge for this service?

Have you actually had a formal Reflexology session? If not book one now. If possible, book sessions with several Reflexologists. Ask for recommendations. Experience the different styles of each person.

  • Contact different Reflexology educational programs, either in writing or by phone, and request information on what they offer. The shorter hour courses will probably provide sufficient instruction to work on family and friends. They will give you a good idea whether or not you want to pursue the study of Reflexology in more depth. The longer courses will usually prepare you for Reflexology as a career.
  • Review the material. Note the description of the program, the philosophy, costs, dates of the courses. List any questions the brochures leave unanswered.
  • Call the schools to collect additional information. Talk to the instructor and/or staff.
    Find out the instructor’s qualifications:

    • What is the teacher’s educational background in Reflexology?
    • Where did he/she train in Reflexology?
    • How long has the person been teaching Reflexology and where?
    • Does the teacher actually see clients on a regular basis?
    • Ask for phone numbers and contact persons to call to verify this information or an address to write to.
  • Questions to ask about the Reflexology program:
    • What is the schedule for classes–date and time?
    • What is the cost?
    • What is the payment policy?
    • Does the course lead to a more advanced course with the same instructor or school?
    • What subjects are covered in the program? (i.e. anatomy and physiology of the body correlated to Reflexology; anatomy and physiology of the lower leg and foot; Reflexology theory, history, and hands-on techniques; business practices, including documentations and ethics; supervised classroom or clinical work)
    • What is the total number of hours in the program?
    • Does the program lead to a diploma or certification with a written and practical exam?
    • What are the requirements of the practical exam?

Then ask yourself, which program appeals to you? Trust your feelings as well as your logic. Which program reflects your goals, and the level of education that is most suitable for you? Make your decision.

Confirm your decision by calling the school and requesting an application. Complete the registration form, enclosing the deposit (if required) mark the instruction days on the calendar and set aside the money to attend.

Enjoy your Reflexology education. It will change your life!