By Irene Mykoliw, OTR/L

If I am to summarize my experience in learning and practicing Reflexology in one expression it would be “wow and how amazing”, referring to the overall make up of the human body and of its own miraculous recovery process.

Background information:

I have a license to practice Occupational Therapy (also known as OT), an Allied Health Profession concerned with helping people of all ages to better perform those tasks that occupy their time. For children, this typically means playing and learning, as well as eating, dressing, grooming, relating and learning.

The OT objective is to assist in improving a child’s overall ability to attend, develop play, gross motor/visual/fine motor skills progressively, preparing them for academic challenges as they grow older…

When I ventured in working with the pediatric population, from 1993 ages 2 – 8 at a center based special education program until now, I noticed that children who had significant sensory processing interferences, due to a particular diagnosis, responded well to compression applied to their joints (one of the techniques OT use) and massage techniques to their feet and legs. They evidenced less agitation and increased calmness allowing some kind of therapeutic intervention to be done.

I attended a weekend reflexology workshop in 2002… finishing in March 2008 and what an enlightening and rewarding experience.

I began applying my learned reflexology techniques with my current young population (ages 2 to 3 ½ years) and thus experienced a profound inner change beyond my wildest dreams, especially with one little girl I will call Jay.

A Heart warming and moving Story:

From the time Jay arrived at the center all we heard were cries…

Jay has a compromised sensory processing ability. She had difficulty in transitioning from her parents, from one task to another, one place to another displaying crying and avoidance behavior, (either by closing her eyes, sliding down her chair, running to the door, or simply plopping her body to floor).

In the therapy room, Jay would cry and run from one area to another and to the door making displeased sounds.

I began trying basic [reflexology] relaxation techniques in November, which she seemed to tolerate for about 1 minute, when she allowed me to touch her feet with a playful approach of singing “tickle, tickle feet”, with a combination of other words.

-2-

Practicing Reflexology with Special Needs Children: A Life Transformation

I continued to work on Jay for about two minutes incorporating joint compression techniques at the hips and knees. It was in 3rd week of February of 2008 that a shift began to occur. One day I heard her cry for most of the classroom time (1 hour and 1/2), because of a different program trial application the teacher was enforcing. She was scheduled to see me before leaving for home, the remaining half hour.

I looked at her and she looked very tired from her ordeal. Jay was brought to the therapy room and I placed her on a large round pillow. The only recourse I had was applying reflexology relaxation and thumb/finger walking techniques.

She allowed me to work on her, beginning with relaxation techniques without fidgeting. I noticed a change in her facial expression with a curious gaze and progressed with thumb walking doing a general session, tolerating 3 minutes.

I sensed tenderness in adrenal glands on both feet and eased up the pressure. She stopped crying and presented to be less agitated, by standing and walking around as well as interacting with toy[s] I presented.

The next day, I made a point to ask the staff how did Jay perform with her trials and they replied more responsive than ever.

I began to incorporate at least 5 minutes to both feet each time I saw her, 2 x weekly for approximately 6 minutes depending on her tolerance) for another 3 months and for 7-10 minutes the remaining months until August 29th when she graduated from this program.

The outcomes were amazing.

For 7 months I would know when Jay came into the building, hearing her unique crying sounds. One afternoon I did not hear her and asked a teacher in passing whether Jay was in. She was. And so, the next remainder months no signs of her crying were heard when she arrived.

Jay’s initial behaviors:

Jay presented with minimum eye contact, difficulty in transitioning from one place to another, from one task to another, avoidance by closing her eyes, sliding down her chair and/or running to the door, crying and resisted to sit for table top fine motor tasks.

Behavioral changes noted:

Jay made great eye contact, smiled, initiated climbing on obstacle course, allowed to be directed to tasks at the table and fine-motor activities, grasping markers and briefly scribbling, stacking shapes, tolerating sensory overload in a crowded room.

One day, she walked toward divider doors adjacent to another therapy room, pushed the doors ajar, walked into that room and looked at 2 therapists present.That is an incredible feat for her. (I can describe it like a person who is afflicted with agoraphobia opening the door to take a walk around the block without fear).

The ultimate highlight was at her graduation day at the end of August (she aged out from the Early Intervention Program and onto the next level, Preschool). With the little ones presenting a rehearsed song to their parents, Jay sat and took in all with a smile at first and then a punched looked due to sensory overload from all the happenings in the room. When the ceremony was finished, it was time for her session with me.

I no longer needed to guide her to begin an activity. She immediately went to a suspended swing sat down and slowly moved herself with her feet. As a therapist, I interpret this as self-regulating skill, ability to calm herself. (Prior all the calming was adapted externally by the team with various strategies). I sat down and began to apply reflexology techniques, but she pulled away gently, as if to savior her quiet moment). I respected her cue. (The room was quiet. I experienced such gratitude for this added tool to use in my profession, which Jay clearly benefited from).

Both parents presented a Thank You card reading: “Your work with Jay has made such a difference for her. We love the way she is so much more aware and interactive with people and the environment and ready to explore and be adventurous. It’s Wonderful to see. Many thanks”….

Summary:

This experience has impacted me deeply, witnessing improved behaviors and responses from other “little” clients. One child who had difficulty sitting still and attending, showed calmness for 2 minutes immediately and every session lifted his foot for me to work on his feet. He followed directions and sat for fine motor activities until it was time to leave.

The stories go on.

Although, sensory integration techniques serve the children therapeutically, I have observed that the effects of applying reflexology facilitated a quicker calming effect.

Without getting too technical, the children I work with evidence developmental delays due to a compromised nervous system for one unknown reason or another.They experience a high stress level, showing anxious behaviors and evidence being in a “fright or flight” mode, (the function of the sympathetic nervous system).

In applying reflexology techniques over a period of time, a change in their response to environmental and program demands are noticed by staff, eliciting a calming and attentive state (the function of the parasympathetic nervous system), which opens up for the learning process to occur.

My advanced studies in reflexology added another dimension in understanding the body mechanics, how the systems work, communicate with each other has sharpened my skills as a clinician. Reflexology is certainly complimenting my OT training contributing to a sense of being well rounded. The experience is priceless to observe the little relaxed expressions during their reflexology session and the growing changes that occur along the way.

I end this article with gratitude.

November 1, 2008

Wendy’s note:

All I can say is “wow and how amazing”. Thank you Irene.

Enjoy your wonderful reflexology skills.

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.reflexologyprof.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology and Children with Developmental Delays is a post from: Reflexology Success

You see my great uncle Alvin was a reflexologist which he combined with his pedorthy practice.

In those days, pedorthy – shoe sizing, measuring and fitting footwear – was a more common professional career. People knew how important the feet are and took better care of them back then.

Uncle Alvin was practicing reflexology as early as the 1940′s.

When my brother was young he had asthma and hay-fever. It almost killed him once – so my mom took him to my uncle for reflexology.

She said it helped a lot.

Mom was always one to try things she thought were important. One day while I was visiting, a few years before she went into the nursing home, she reached into the back of her closet and pulled out a small packet of papers.

“Here” she said, “I saved these for you, dear. I thought you’d like to have them one day”.

I looked at the neatly folded papers, one with an old stamp of a young Queen and another a green brochure in a protective plastic bag.

It took me a moment to realize what these papers were.

As early as 1948, my mother had written a letter to Eunice Ingham requesting information on a “reflexologist in our area… for a friend”.

Eunice wrote back on the same typed page mom had sent her and reported she didn’t know specifically of anyone, but that buying one of her books could certainly help.

A reflexologist AND a business woman!

The other papers were flyers for reflexology workshops and forms to order books. All kept safe for so many years.

But, in my hands was the reflexologists equivalent of an ingot of pure gold.

Nothing could have made me happier.

I talk about my mother, Irene, often because she’s been an inspiration to me my whole life. And, she still is.

Towards the end of her life, she had Alzheimer’s disease, was blind, and no longer able to communicate very well.

Irene was well into her nineties, still an amazing person and luckily, she was in an amazing eldercare facility. Even though her recollection of me had grown dim at best, we spend lots of wonderful time together.

Sometimes we talk about the very distant past. At various times she considers me her mother, father, daughter, sister or… a stranger.

One thing we could always do together was reflexology. And since her hands were so easy to reach, I’d often give her a soothing Hand Reflexology session.

Although the disease had decreased her responsiveness, as soon as I’d take her hand she’d turns towards me and smile.

Because of her cataracts, she could no longer see me but she could feel the warmth of my hands and the love in my touch.

It was such a gift to be able to communicate with her in this way because so many avenues, that I once took for granted, had since been cut off.

We’d sit together, her hand in mine and I’d slowly and gently do some relaxation techniques. I’d use a little extra lotion and was careful not to pull the dorsal skin. With age her skin became extremely thin and the vessels were very prominent. On the palm side, I’d scoop my fingertips in just a little bit.

Her hands were often cold so I’d wrap my hand around each finger and give a gentle squeeze (instead of the usual “coin rubbing” technique).

Sometimes she’d squeeze my hand back as if to say she’s happy I was there.

Holding each finger, just as I described, offers soothing balance to all the chakra elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether.

And, I’d remember that half the meridians in the body: lung, large intestine, triple energizer, pericardium, heart and small intestine, begin or end on each finger tip! (You’ll learn this, and a whole lot more, in the Professor’s Hand Reflexology program.)

Irene would usually be sitting in a chair that’s part-chair and part-bed. She could no longer walk at this point. There were not a lot of movements she could do.

It was incredible that she had no specific health issues. Still, all her systems were wearing down. She had none of the actions, movements – bending and straightening – that keeps us mobile with everything moving.

Although she wasn’t able to use the normal mechanics for system support and balance, I deeply trusted that these gentle Hand Reflexology sessions helped her organ systems as well as all the fluid tides.

So, I’d focus on the general session sequence. And use just a fraction of the pressure and one quarter of the usual session time.

There we sit, together for those precious moments, in deep connection and communication without needing to say any words.

And, I’ll treasure these moments forever.

The elderly and particularly nursing home patients are often stressed, disoriented and deprived of safe and meaningful touch.

To just take their hand in a compassionate way can have a tremendous impact.

You can just imagine what a soothing and relaxing touch – combined with the benefits of Reflexology – can do.

Remember to check with the medical staff before embarking on any technique with the elderly population.

I’m forever grateful for my sweet reflexology skills. They have given me a world where the possibilities are profound and endless.

Enjoy your wonderful reflexology skills.

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.ReflexologyProf.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology and mom is a post from: Reflexology Success

Last week I wrote Part I of this article “Reflexology and Carpal Tunnel”

If you want to read Part I go to: www.ReflexologySuccess.com where past articles are available.

It’s what every reflexologist needs to know and included:
- Anatomy

- Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

- Causes

- Risks associated with the disease

- Diagnosis

This week I’ll continue with:

- Treatment

- Non-surgical treatments

- Exercise, and

- What Can Reflexology Do?

Part II

Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome vary and should begin as early as possible, under a doctor’s direction.

Underlying causes such as diabetes or arthritis should be treated first.

If there is inflammation, applying cool packs can help reduce swelling.

Non-surgical treatments

There are a couple of homeopathic creams that might help the symptoms:

Brands like Traumeel (a calendula and arnica based ointment) and Topricin (with 11 homeopathic ingredients) have both shown effectiveness and are available in many health food stores.

In special circumstances, various drugs can ease the pain and swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. NSAIDS such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may ease symptoms that have been present for a short time or have been caused by strenuous activity.

Alternative support therapies – Hand Reflexology, Acupuncture and Chiropractic care have benefited so me patients. (The problem could be caused or exaserbated by even a slight misalignment of the carpals)

Exercise – Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in people whose symptoms have abated.

Doctors will sometimes suggest that one wear a wrist splint (can be purchased at most drugstores) to keep the wrist in a neutral position at rest. Splinting is usually tried for a period of 4-6 weeks.

What can Reflexology Do?

As a reflexologist, why would I even care about carpal tunnel syndrome if it’s not my job to fix it? Well, I do care, but my primary considerations are the reflexes.

Remember, if you or anyone you know even thinks they have this problem – it’s very important they get the appropriate medical attention.

And, I’m repeating myself here too – with any illness, stress is always a factor. Rest is important and the stress relief that Hand Reflexology brings is a wonderful component to any health maintenance regime.

If carpal tunnel is acute (meaning it hurts or it’s active now) you won’t want to work on the area directly.

There are a lot of things to know and even more to think a bout. Be very careful with any nerve impingement.

I’ve learned this from my own experience – nerves do not like to be irritated – because it just make them, well, crankier. Not good.

If you’re trained in Hand Reflexology you know that there are some very specific strategies to support the body in its own healing process.

And, what about the reflexes?

Good point. There are specific reflexes in the area and as a good reflexologist, you need to also be focused on the systems of the body.

Be curious about these reflex area – does the client also have sciatica? Do they have any reproductive or digestive issues?

Inherent in the Hand Reflexology techniques (I can’t say what others teach… maybe – not this much) are techniques that will let you work safely to relax the hand.

And, what if you don’t have this specific training? – I suggest that you work the good hand and the opposite foot – or the ears.

The benefits of reflexology can be nothing short of amazing.

And, it’s never been more apparen t than in the UK where an British media article from 2004 reports that; “According to a survey conducted on behalf of Yellow Pages…, the number of high street greengrocers has declined by almost 60 per cent in 10 years, while the number of reflexologists is up over 800 per cent.”

I rest my case.

As always, there’s so much more I’d like to share with you. I’ll be adding more great reflexology info
rmation in future newsletters.

Here’s to your good session (and business) health!

Enjoy your wonderful reflexology skills.

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.reflexologyprof.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology and Carpal Tunnel – What Every Reflexologist Needs to Know! Part II is a post from: Reflexology Success

You’ve heard me say this over and over again – reflexologists don’t treat, don’t prescribe and don’t diagnose. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t know what’s going on.

Clients often hope that reflexology will be a magic bullet to their health woes. I can’t say it will be, and I can’t help but smile too.

Why? Because, most people report a reduction in pain and/or symptoms (for just about any condition in the body) with Hand Reflexology. That’s true for local issues on the hands too – even though they’re not our intended destination.

This is important – let me explain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome has probably been around since the beginning of time. It’s hallmark is pain and discomfort in the hand and even weakness in the forearm. The most likely cause is a nerve that’s being compressed in your wrist. As a medical condition, it can lead to numbness, wrist pain, parasthesia and weakness in the area.

There are 3 nerves that cross the wrist into the hand, but only two move through the carpal tunnel. One is the median nerve, which is responsible for sensation to the palm, the thumb and next three fingers (but not the little finger). This important nerve controls impulses to the muscles of the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to coordinate their movements.

Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are from irritation or thickening from injury or swelling in the wrist which narrows the tunnel. When this happens, it can cause the median nerve to be compressed.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

Most often the symptoms of carpal tunnel will occur only in the parts of the hand supplied by the median nerve which include the first three fingers and half the fourth but not the little finger. This is useful to know because if the little finger is not affected, this may be taken as a positive sign for carpal tunnel syndrome, and not ulnar nerve compression.

Reports are that symptoms start gradually and are described as a burning sensation or an itching or numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers. The thumb, the index finger and the middle fingers are also implicated.

Some symptoms to watch out for are:

Pain in the fingers (less commonly in the palm), weakness, numbness or tingling in the hand

Forearm, wrist or palm pain

Pain or numbness that intensifies more at night than during the day. Some have reported that the pain will wake them from sleep and require them to shake out their hand or rub it to get some relief.

An increase in pain the more the wrist or hand is used

Difficulty gripping things

Thumb weakness

Fact: The incidence of carpal tunnel is three times more likely to occur in women than in men (possibly because the carpal tunnel in women may be smaller).

Causes

The causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are thought to be due to repetitive motions, work conditions or a number of other underlying medical problems.

Other causes that could lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are:

Inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis at the wrist

Diabetes or other endocrine disorders including hypothyroidism

Pregnancy

Wrist injury or fracture

Even alcoholism

Risk associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The following are risk factors associated with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome:

Intense or direct pressure to the wrist

Repetition

Compression or a blow of high force

A joint position that is awkward

Too much or prolonged vibration

Working for too long in a constrained position

Poor ergonomics

Diagnosis

If you, or your client has some or all of these symptoms – unless you’re a medical professional you cannot diagnose it.

In fact, when a client tells me they have carpal tunnel syndrome I always ask who made the diagnosis. It makes a difference whether it was a doctor or a specialist – or their aunt Betty or someone at the local gym.

There are a few simple tests that can be done to check general function of the wrist (you’ll learn those in the Hand Reflexology Workshop and more). This will help emphasize the importance for your client to seek the appropriate medical help.

Of course, early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid risking damage to the median nerve (which at some point may become permanent).

A doctor will examine the neck, shoulders, hands and arms to see if the patient’s complaints are due to an underlying pathology or to activities.

In addition to examining the wrist for signs of swelling, tenderness, heat or discoloration each finger will also be tested for pain and sensation and the muscles at the heel of the hand will also be tested for strength and examined for signs of atrophy.

The routinly used laboratory tests and X-rays can be instrumental in revealing underlying issues such as fractures, arthritis and diabetes.

Treatment… to be continued next week.

As always, there’s so much more I’d like to share with you. I’ll be continuing with more great Hand Reflexology information in the next newsletter.

Or, take the last spot in my 2012 Hand Reflexology Workshop.

Here’s to your reflexology health!

Enjoy your wonderful Reflexology skills.

© Wendy Coad
Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.ReflexologyProf.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology and Carpal Tunnel – What every Reflexologist Needs to Know! is a post from: Reflexology Success

Below are the remaining 6 Keys to Planning Sessions that Work” for Reflexologists (and other bodyworkers).

THE NEXT SET OF KEYS, #6 – 10
Here are the remaining steps…

6. Give clients a way to notice the difference they feel after the session.

This gives your client a way to measure, in their own body, the feeling of relaxation and their sense of well-being.

But, what if they don’t feel the benefits? You want to know that too.

By registering the tangible benefits, they’ll have even more reason to return.

A few clients will report no change, but the amount of sales you GAIN from this strategy can dramatically outweigh the risk.

7. Request immediate action for the follow up session and give them a time frame to start with.

Some reflexologists say goodbye and hope that the client will call again.

You need to take action and ask before they leave if they would like to book another session.

Even better you can give them a couple of dates in the next week or two that you have an opening.

You’re doing them a service by eliminating the time and inconvenience of having to call back, leave a message, etc.

If you’ll be raising your price soon or you’ll be away from your office or doing a benefit event – let them know this or say there’s a discount for booking in advance because it will save you the administrative cost of call-back or hiring a booking service.

Clients love it when savings are passed on to them.

8. Give your clients an Action Plan.

It’s a good idea to give your client some suggestions about they can do to help themselves between sessions.

Since they are ultimately responsible for their own health, it can be a great help to give them a plan or get them back on the path towards their goals.

Try not to make it too big of a task, because if they don’t accomplish it they might feel badly.

If I don’t have any unique ideas for them to try, I’ll ask them about what they already know. I find something that does work for them and then I suggest that they increase this activity (or decrease it as the case may be) by 10%.

I’ll sometimes suggest that they do no more than 10%, (which can always be added on to in the future). That’s because if they fail to achieve it, nothing big is lost.

9. Make one last suggestion.

In parting ask your client if, as a courtesy reminder, they would like you to call before their next scheduled session.

Or, if they haven’t booked a next session, ask if they would like you to touch base with them in a week or 2.

If they give you permission to call, make sure you do, but don’t try to “sell them a session”. Make the communication about them and not about you.

10. Don’t forget to let your client know that they can contact you for any information!

Clients WILL have questions, so provide an easy way to get a hold of you with your phone number and e-mail address, and add your website too, especially if it has a section for FAQ’s (frequently asked questions).

As I mentioned in s previous step – give yourself an “action plan” if you do just 10% of these steps, you should reap the benefits and if you do them all, I know you’ll be amazed by the power of these.

Here’s to your good session (and business) health!

Enjoy your wonderful Reflexology skills.

© Wendy Coad

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.ReflexologyProf.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology and the 10 Keys to Planning Sessions That Work! is a post from: Reflexology Success

THE FIRST SET OF KEYS, #1 – 5

1. Draw Them in with a Kick-Butt Session Plan. This alone can mean the difference between success and failure.

You have just so much time to make a difference in their lives. The best way to do this is to appeal to their concerns and interests. Find out what their goals are, then be sure you have a system in place to monitor their success.

Bad: “Reflexology can help you feel better.”

Better: “Let’s turn team up to turn your energy level around in 4 weeks.”

Obviously your documentations will help you record their progress, but you might want to create an additional scale to refine and monitor this even further.

2. Be Conversational! You heard right.

You’ve probably learned that the less you talk, the deeper your sessions will be experienced.

And that’s true.

However there are times when you need to talk to your client, either at the intake or occasionally during the session.

In this case, talk to you client like a dear, respected friend. Don’t be afraid of using phrases like “And, what would you like session to focus on today?”

Avoid formality and use short easy phrases. Why? Even if you think they can’t possibly misunderstand – a few people will still be confused. Plus, being conversational helps clients feel like they can trust you more.

TIP: Don’t go overboard… no back slapping here. And whatever you do, don’t carry the conversation too far into the session. Remember, it’s more relaxing when you’re not talking.

3. Don’t be Practitioner Centered – Be Client Centered. Just like their brochures, a lot of practitioners talk on about how great Reflexology is… how great a practitioner they are… Hello? Client, anyone?

It’s better to think the way your client is probably thinking, “What’s in it for me?”

Poll your friends and relatives. If you can, talk with some of your clients and ask them:

1. Why they chose you (you’ll also know how they look for help), and
2. What they get out of your service (you’ll find out how they experience the benefits).

TIP: To instantly make your service more client-focused, insert the word “you” often.

4. Focus on the Benefits, not just the Features. The fact that you offer the best Reflexology is great, but what does it DO for your client? Does it give her a better quality of life? Does it give her “knock out” relaxation? Give her peace of mind?

Here’s an example: If you’re going to seek out Depak Chopra or Carolyn Myss, you’re not just going to these “stars” to hear about your health. You’re choosing who the wealthy, most selective clients see. So that’s what this particular “healer” sells.

It matters less how good their work is. (Dry that tear… you know it’s true!)

So, think about what your clients are really looking for.

For example: What does an insurance broker sell? If you answered “insurance policies” you’ve missed my point.

If you answered “peace of mind”… you’ve got it.

5. Nix the “Jive” Talk. Keep your explanations simple and avoid the jargon. Just stick to the facts… and the benefits. An easy way to weed out the mumbo jumbo is to think of dear old aunt Millie, listening to you. Would she get it? If not clarify and simplify.

Talk to the level that your client can understand. When I use analogies to explain something, I try to keep it relevant to their interests.

Recently I was struggling to explain Reflexology to a 7 year old. His mom helped me with this one. After a few failed attempts on my part she said, “it’s like a computer… you can press here”, pointing to his feet (keyboard) “and it effects something over there, (hard drive).”

Not only did he get it, but he loved it! Thanks, Mom.

Stay tuned…. I’ll fill you in on the rest of the list – “THE 10 KEYS TO PLANNING A SESSION THAT WORKS! KEYS #6 – 10″ in your next newsletter.
Enjoy your wonderful reflexology skills.

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.reflexologyprof.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology and the Best 10 Keys to Planning a Session the Works! is a post from: Reflexology Success

It was called “The Foot Book” by Dr. Seuss.

It’s a delightful little book and I recommend it as an addition to your reflexology library.

Well, this quote is not actually from the book I mentioned above, but I think that Dr. Seuss had a lot of wisdom to add to the feet and this is a great example.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

- Dr. Seuss
Enjoy your wonderful reflexology skills.

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.ReflexologyProf.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Dr. Seuss Foot Quote is a post from: Reflexology Success

That was silly, because socks are not a barrier to foot fungus, aka – athletes foot. If there’s a fungus on the foot then there’s a fungus on the sock and there’s a fungus in the shoe.

Before you say eeewwww, remember that the fungus that causes athletes foot is a thing of nature and found just about everywhere. It’s on the floor and on the door and in the air too.

But it won’t thrive in most places. It thrives mainly in places that are:

1. warm

2. dark

3. damp

And that’s why the warm, damp feet of perspiration soaked athletes (feet that are housed in the darkness of a shoe that’s been worn over and over) is like a holiday cruise for that fungus. It never wants to leave.

I’ll often send my clients who have what looks like athletes foot to see an appropriate professional for help, like their local pharmacist or podiatrist. There are many over-the-counter and prescription medicines that are said to help.

But, if the client fails to also do a few simple things that I’ve listed below, the likelihood for success is diminished.

If you are actively trying to eliminate a fungus, you have to actively “clean up” its immediate environment, and by that I mean minimize the warm, dark, damp factor as much as possible.

How?

Follow these steps:

1. Switch to a cotton (or a wool blend) sock – when fighting fungus you need to minimize the warmth and moisture factor and natural fibers will absorb moisture and/or keep the foot “cooler”. Nylon and polyester socks are like mini saunas and need to be avoided for the time being. A blend is okay as long as it’s 80% natural and no more than 20% synthetic.

Change your socks every day (at least).

2. Never wear the same pair of shoes every day. Fungus can stay active for up to 3 days in a shoe so you want to let the pair of shoes you wore on Monday air-out until Thursday before you put them on again. Otherwise, and especially if you are treating the foot, you will likely transfer the same fungus back to the foot, and so on… foot to shoe… shoe to foot.

3. Remember to dry between your toes after taking a bath, a shower, after exercise and at the end of every day. This is sometimes hard for the elderly because it requires some flexibility that they may no longer have. It might explain be why foot fungus is more prevalent amongst the elderly too.

What about reflexology?

Well, for starters athletes foot is contraindicated for foot reflexology because it might be transmitted. And, it’s just plain uncomfortable – dry, itchy, rash-like, with broken skin – especially between the toes.

That’s why there’s hand reflexology, so work on the hands until the feet clear up.

Thinking about it, if fungus is everywhere then it’s the job of the immune system to protect us. If a fungus has gotten past it, then a detail to the immune system reflexes is in order.

If medication is being used, supporting the body in its natural detoxification processes with a focus on the elimination systems might be helpful, including the colon, kidney, lung and liver reflexes.

Include the parathyroid reflex too (in my last newsletter I wrote about psoriasis, another skin condition, and how calcium is sometimes not balanced in the area of concern).

That should clear up some of the mystery surrounding “tinea pedis” (the Latin name for foot fungus) so that your clients can enjoy the wonderful benefits of reflexology.

Enjoy your wonderful reflexology skills.

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.ReflexologyProf.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology & Atheletes Foot is a post from: Reflexology Success

My first offering will most likely be my full Reflexology and Meridians workshop.

It takes a lot of time and effort to put everything into a video format, but I think that it’s well worth it, especially with a fascinating subject like meridians. It’s a subject, like reflexology, that has ancient roots.

And why would a reflexologist want to study the meridians?

Well, for one reason half of the 12 pairs of meridians in the body, begin or end on the feet and the other half begin or end on the hands.

Whether you know it or not, when you give a reflexology session, you are also covering many meridians.

If you’ve ever learned an oriental exercise (chi gong, tai chi) or bodywork technique (shiatsu, acupressure, anma) you know that the foundation of all of them, in their theory and practice includes the meridians.

Have you ever wondered, as you practice your reflexology, why you’re noticing something (especially on the top of the foot) that just doesn’t match your reflex map?

Welcome to “Meridian Land”.

You can ignore it and continue to do great reflexology, but by paying attention, you can combine the best of both worlds and offer even greater results to your clients.

And so, why wouldn’t you? The meridians are already there ready to access and add yet another layer of healing support to your session.

To give you an example, one of my favorite meridian points is “stomach 41”. It’s located at the mid-point of the dorsal ankle crease.

For a long time I felt that there was more to the “fallopian tube/vas deferens reflex” because so many clients who had no issues there, still responded to the reflex. Until I connected it to the meridians it remained somewhat of a mystery.

What does the meridian “stomach 41” support? Abdominal disorders, cramps, dizziness, headaches vertigo, ankle joints… for starters.

Now, you may already have some background in oriental medicine. I’ve had many acupuncturists take my reflexology classes and I will always acknowledge that the meridians and all that surrounds them runs much deeper and much more complicated than what I’m discussing here.

You can study the meridians and oriental medicine for years and still just be touching the surface.

But, I do believe that with the knowledge we have about the reflexes, and with some understanding of the meridians that are found on the hands and the feet, we can elevate our skills even higher.

And, that’s what I love about reflexology.

Enjoy your wonderful Reflexology skills.

© Wendy Coad

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.ReflexologyProf.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology and Meridians is a post from: Reflexology Success

Take psoriasis, for example. Although reflexology is never considered a cure for any disease, many people have tried reflexology when all else failed. Reports indicate that it often helps.

As a skin disorder, psoriasis may appear as a red scaly rash, a patch of inflamed skin that is often too tender to touch. It can also have blisters or thick plaques that have a silvery shine.

Basically the normal process of skin renewal is on overdrive and new skin cells form more rapidly.

Now, we know that the skin is the largest organ for elimination. It’s through the skin via perspiration that many toxins are excreted.

You can also think of the skin as an organ of respiration because it allows your body to absorb or inhale and release or exhale.

Almost two square yards in size, it removes waste and toxins from the body joining the liver, kidneys, lymph, large intestines and lungs in this process.

If elimination is less than optimum in any or all of these organs, how is it not possible that the skin will reflect this in some way?

Of course stress is the number one factor in almost all pathologies so reducing stress is a great and efficient way to start.

What is my reflexology focus?

A good place to start is with a reflexology de-stressing protocol. Be sure to include the adrenal reflexes for their connection to stress reduction and additionally their help in reducing inflammation.

Next, detail all the other elimination organ reflexes: liver, kidneys, lymph, large intestines and lungs. Psoriasis can allow more calcium to be removed from the affected skin, so consider detailing the parathyroid reflexes for their support of calcium balance.

Don’t forget that the skin with psoriasis can be thick and hard and prone to cracking. You’ll need to avoid any open fissures or sores. If this occurs on the feet, you can work on the hands and vice versa.

The relief that reflexology can bring to people who suffer from psoriasis and its many underlying issues is just one of the reasons that I love what I do.

Enjoy your wonderful Reflexology skills.

© Wendy Coad

Wendy Coad – Online health and reflexology expert and the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” weekly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket your reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.reflexologyprof.com and join us at the top right corner.

To your reflexology success -

Reflex, Live Long and Prosper,

Creator of the Mega Reflexology Training

“THE FOOT FACTOR PROGRAM”

Reflexology & Psoriasis is a post from: Reflexology Success