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
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.
To gather in Circle is a sacred event when all minds are focused as one.
With summer upon us we not only get to enjoy the beautiful warm weather. Those of us who love to sit in the quiet of their garden often get to view and enjoy as well the many species of butterflies that flitter from flower to flower and land softly and gently so close to us. What a joy to sit and watch these beautiful creatures on a summer’s day. Have you ever wondered about this great totem of beauty and about its rich teachings about transformation?
This quote by Abraham as channeled by Esther Hicks for the Law of Attraction expresses fully what life is meant to be for each and every one of us in physical form at this time on earth.
Here is a definition of Change that I heard that you may relate to: “Change occurs when you start questioning the underlying realities of your life and start noticing the reality you are living is not serving you”.
In January after reading a story on gratitude and how it energetically changes one’s life in many wonderful ways when one focuses on what they are grateful for on a daily basis, I decided to set aside some time daily over the next 21 days and try that practice for myself. It advised that at the end of each day before going to sleep, review all the experiences and good things that occurred during the day and give thanks for them. I thought, what a brilliant way of working with gratitude.
When I think of change I recall something I read some years ago that said “Everything is in the process of becoming something more, something else. Life is marching forward in accord with a divine plan that is coded into the very fabric of each being.” Everything is in transition and the only constant in our lives is change, so let’s welcome and embrace the process. 
Don’t let anyone or anything steal your dream! It is yours. Nurture it. Protect it from negativity and pay close attention to how you intend to manifest it into your physical reality. A dream is like a beautiful flower. It begins its life as a seed growing in the garden of your mind, and your thoughts. When you visualize and imagine it, you are tending and watering it to maturity. “What you can conceive of, and believe in, you can achieve!” Napoleon Hill