The Ancient Art of
Healing through the sole
Reflexology is a hands-on treatment whereby a trained individual known as a reflexologist using controlled pressure with their thumbs massages the reflexes on each foot during the treatment. This is a drug free treatment that has many benefits including relaxing and de-stressing the recipient on many levels.
So what is Reflexology? If the text books and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs are to be believed, reflexology was the “spa” treatment of the ancient royals. That is proof of how reflexology was practiced by ancient cultures a long time ago. Somewhere I read that reflexology was a prelude to acupuncture in ancient China. Whether that is true of not I cannot say, however I do know reflexology is a form of acupressure. Why? Because of the pressure applied to the feet during a treatment.
It surprises me when someone asks with a perplexed look “what is Reflexology?” I have had a few individuals look really puzzled when I tell them I am a trained Reflexologist and give a brief explanation of the benefits one derives from a treatment. Recently, I had someone looked me straight in the eye and retorted, ‘who would want to work on people’s feet!’ After that encounter I decided it may help to share the origins and positive attributes of this wonderful relaxing ancient art that is widely used in Clinics and hospitals in Europe and which is catching on in North America.
A reflexology session is known to elicit complete relaxation and can de-stress the most anxious or stressed individual. “Working on the sole, calms the soul.” This wonderful ancient art has many positive effects on the nervous system and I am told it is one of the treatments of choice at Mount Sanai hospital used in their Breast Cancer recovery program. Hat’s off to their progressive approach to healing. Having volunteered at a Hospice many years ago offering Reflexology treatments, I experienced first-hand how reflexology helped each individual.
The oldest reflexology text book I know of was written by Maybelle Segal, R.N. R.D., Naturopathic Doctor (sometime in the ‘40’s). She practiced this ancient art on her clients/patients and went on to share her knowledge in a simple hand book called Reflexology in which she also shared the positive benefits of this drug free therapy. Some of which are:
Relieves migraines – Relieves Stress and promotes Relaxation – Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Helps with Post Surgery healing – Relieves sinus congestion – improves circulation for diabetics
Our feet mirror the state of our body and for every organ, gland, limb and body part there is a corresponding reflex on the bottom of the feet. (See chart below). Sometimes, when someone is having a treatment and pressure is applied to a certain area of the feet, the individual may feel the response in the area of the body corresponding to the reflex that is being worked on. That is validation that reflexology works on all levels of the body.

It is important to note that Reflexologist cannot diagnose, prescribe or treat for specific conditions. Reflexologist treat the body as a whole , working the entire areas on both feet and not one specific area. Clients are made to understand that reflexology is a complementary treatment and should see their physician for any concerns they may have regarding their health. To find a Reflexologist in your area, you may want to check out a holistic magazine such as Alive or simply go online.
I welcome your questions and especially your comments if you have had a reflexology treatment.
Namaste
Sharon

Apologizing – another form of forgiveness. If you’ve offended someone – apologize. Do not drag around resentment with you like a ball and chain. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It will ultimately show in your facial expression and rob you of joy. It doesn’t matter who was right. Someone once said: “Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Don’t take that poison. Forgive, apologize, forget and move on with your life. You are worth it!
Greetings! As summer slowly fades away I prepare to welcome fall and the need to create on a different level. Always when the trees start to turn and their leaves flutter down to mother earth, I know fall is on its way. By then, I am ready to bid farewell to my Garden Sanctuary. Suddenly, there is a stirring of New Beginnings, not unlike my two great nephews who were filled with excitement as they anxiously awaited their first day of the new school year. The 6 year old eyes sparkled as he told me about his new French Immersion school and his 4 year old brother was thrilled and delighted he was going into JK. Indeed! Fall is without a doubt a time of New Beginnings regardless of age.
cucumber vines gave richly of their crop. My Garden Sanctuary is where I spend time each summer recharging and renewing my mental, spiritual and physical “batteries” in preparation for a creative fall.

Dreams are powerful! Dreams are inspired pictures of a new future waiting for each of us. The bigger the Dream – the more powerful the urge to work towards that Dream. A dream starts out like a tiny seed in the mind and that seed once it is planted needs to be nurtured in order for it to grow and bloom. When we ignore our dream(s) they often die and a little piece of us dies with it. I feel that our Creator, Universe, Source Energy, Infinite Mind (whatever you can relate to) will never plant a Dream Seed in your mind without giving you every opportunity and resource needed to accomplish that DREAM. When you have a dream, pay attention to it! Nurture it! Be assured your dream will one day become an important part of your reality. I love the following quote:
To gather in Circle is a sacred event when all minds are focused as one.

Who ever coined that phrase never lived in North America. That is my personal belief. It is a very hectic time here in Canada as everyone seems to try putting twelve months of outdoor activity into the sometimes four months of good weather. That I consider being fun time! Only today I heard on the news that in the US people are complaining of being stressed trying to figure out their vacation and where to go and what to do. I was surprised and a little shocked to hear this because a vacation should be a time to look forward to with anticipation and expectation. Some people I know plan trips to visit relatives, go abroad, go camping with the kids or just think up and plan fun ways to spend their vacation time. For me, if I am staying home I love planning day trips out of town, long week-ends to places I enjoy visiting in Ontario, or just puttering around my yard and garden gives me so much peace and tranquility, added to that long walks in the forest which I enjoy. I am so rejuvenated being in nature as I am sure so many of you are. Vacation is also time to spend with my family and catch up with friends I rarely get to see. All those things make vacations very special for me.
