Archive for September, 2009

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The Grinberg Method?

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

Still almost unknown in Britain, the Grinberg Method is the ultimate in holistic therapies – curing chronic pain, heavy scarring and deep emotional wounds.

Victoria Oldham is telling me how she too used to be a sceptic. ‘When I first went and saw a Grinberg Method practitioner I wasn’t into that sort of thing at all. I was incredibly sceptical, but I was also curious. I went because I had had neck ache for a long time and then one morning I couldn’t turn my head one way. I was in Switzerland at the time, and someone told me to try the Grinberg Method, which is very well known over there. And I went and saw this person, and she gave me a foot analysis, and I was quite blown away by the things she said to me and the insight she had into my life.’

After two sessions Oldham’s neck… read on

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Reflexology sessions will benefit local food bank

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

This week, reflexologists around the world are working to raise awareness of reflexology therapy.Special events are being held in conjunction with World Reflexology Week, including here in Agassiz.

Katharina Helfer, a local RCRT, will be at Black Sea Organics throughout the day tomorrow (Friday, September 25) providing mini introduction sessions.

“This is so they can see what reflexology is all about,” Helfer says. The sessions are by donation to the local food bank.

Reflexology is an art and science that has existed in one form or another for centuries. The art of Reflexology is the way that the reflexologists use their thumbs and fingers in a walking technique on the feet. Their thumbs and fingers are sensitive and aware of changes in the feel of the feet that can indicate tension or lack of well being in certain areas. The science of Reflexology is that there are reflexes on the feet that relate to every gland, organ and part of the body, which is mapped in miniature on the feet as well as the hands and ears. Reflexology is a therapy with professional standards of practice and code of ethics.

The Reflexology Association of Canada (www.reflexologycanada.ca) founded in 1976 is Canada’s only national reflexology association with active chapters in many provinces. It has a standardized professional training program for foot, hand and ear reflexology leading to certification as well as teacher training certification. RAC is now a Registered Profession with specific standards and ongoing education and training for reflexologists to maintain the status of Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT).

For information, research results, and to find a Certified RCRT Reflexology Therapist check out RAC BC Chapter website: www.racbcreflexology.com.

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What is Homeostasis?

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

Homeostasis:

- a state of physiological equilibrium or normalization.

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Does Reflexology Hurt?

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

Should reflexology be painful?

Pain makes people feel better with regards to reflexology and the autonomic system. Sound crazy? Not to the experienced reflexology client. They realize, as I do, that pain is a qualifier and a response that proves reflexology is actually working within the system construct. There should always be some congestion resulting in pain due to our imperfection or our level of activity. This does not mean that there is something seriously wrong because pain exists, rather it is an issuance of the need for internal reminders through this external diagnostic mechanism (foot reflexes). Just like putting a note on the refrigerator as a reminder of responsibilities of the day, so too, the reflexology treatment acts as a series of notes prodding the body to maintain homeostasis; pain is just that – the note.

Also,

Isn’t it interesting that the first four or five treatments bring about complaints of pain and ‘when will it end’ and ‘just feel good’ but subsequently months later, they complain about NOT receiving pain and it feeling too much like a general massage. This is what led me to a critical understanding that despite the fact that clients complain about pain, the homeostasis needs that are derived through the nervous system supersedes our general comfort zone and the body understands what’s good for it.

Make it clear to your client that reflexology is a form of therapy not to be confused with standard massage used for relaxation only. We’re not sadists trying to cause unnecessary pain, but I believe that through pain we reach the dominant reflexes that unlock the entire human physiological system. My clients tell me that they feel cheated when they don’t feel pain. I’ve been accused of not using the same pressure as in the beginning treatments. That’s funny because we know as reflexologists that the more treatments they receive correlates to better health and thus there is less pain response from the nervous system

- from Doug Holland’s book on reflexology

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Can Reflexology Help These Symptoms?

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

Below are symptoms clients say reflexology has helped them with. Some have profound changes while others report minor changes. However,  most report their feet feeling better with improved circulation.

  1. Anxiety / Stress / Depression
  2. Arthritis
  3. Back / Hip Pain
  4. Bladder Infection
  5. Diabetic (poor circulation)
  6. Fatigue (feeling tired -a symtom of fibromyalgia)
  7. Foot Pain
  8. Headaches
  9. Heart Problems
  10. Infertility
  11. Insomnia (sleeplessness)
  12. Kidney Problems
  13. Menstrual Irregularities
  14. Numbness (neuropathy)
  15. Muscle Cramps
  16. Obesity (can’t lose weight)
  17. Prostate
  18. Restless Legs
  19. Sciatica
  20. Stomach Issues (Acid Reflux)
  21. Tired Feet

Even though reflexology can help these issues in a natural way for some, always consult your health care provider.

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The Amygdala

Friday, September 25th, 2009

The greatest reflex of concern for the profession of foot reflexology is the amygdala.  Why?

The Amygdala (uh-mig-duh-luh) – the amygdala sends impulses to the hypothalamus (hy-puh-thal-uh-mus) for important activation of the sympathetic nervous system, handles emotional trauma and stress, as well as expressions of fear. Another task is for activation of dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin.

If someone was to pull out a gun  to rob you, you would quickly find out what the amygdala is for.  You are either going to do one of three things (if your sane).

1) run

2) fight

3) freeze from the release of adrenaline

“In my opinion the amygdala is the most dominant reflex of the entire human system because it will dominate all systems of the body if it so chooses.” – Doug Holland

Dominant Reflex

Dominant Reflex

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The 6 Most Dominant Reflexology Reflexes

Friday, September 25th, 2009

These are the most important types of reflexology reflexes. They require less pressure to activate and open up the sensitivity and communication to the intermedial and elementary reflexes. This is an excerpt from Doug Holland’s Advanced Reflexology Book (with copyright permission). The ‘Dominant Theory‘ is purely unique to his method.

The top 6 Dominant reflexes are:

1) Amygdala / Brain (from brain to lower neck) – unlocks emotion and relieves all tension and stress due to anxiety.

2) Hypothalamus – unlocks parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. Controls the pituitary.

3) Pituitary / Pineal – unlocks chemical and hormonal systems and activates adrenals. Adjusts melatonin release.

4) Anterior / Posterior Trapezius (shoulders) – unlocks muscular system.

5) Sciatic / Hip / Pelvis – unlocks sciatic nerve and entire spine, and promotes circulation for the whole body.

6) Whole Spine – unlocks nerve supply to the entire body for internal diagnosis and healing.

Doug's Book On Reflexology

Doug's Book On Reflexology

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Massage Schools in Ohio

Friday, September 25th, 2009

Before you read the list of available massage schools in Ohio, realize that reflexology is a separate modality.  However, I believe we should all have options with other great modalities such as massage therapy and medical massage training.  Here is an updated list on career college schools in Ohio.

Any Ohio massage school (institute) or Ohio College of Massotherapy is welcome to list their school here for free.

Carnegie Career College
Ohio Massage School
Main Campus:
1292 East Waterloo Road Mogadore, Ohio 44260
(330) 628-1532

Carnegie Career College is an accredited college and is approved by the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. The college offers on- campus associate degree programs. The college is approved for financial aid by the United States Department of Education as is recognized as a Title IV college. Carnegie Career College graduates can sit for certification and licensing through numerous state and national agencies.

Cleveland Campus
School of Medical Massage in Ohio
18334-D East Bagley Road
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Phone: 440-243-8650 or toll-free at 877-243-8700
Fax: 440-243-8653
Admission Office Hours: M – F 9AM – 5PM

Cincinnati Campus
Providing classes on Medical Massage in Ohio
11250 Cornell Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Phone: 513.469.6300 or toll-free at 888.501.2944
Fax: 513.469.6333
Admission Office Hours: M – F 9AM – 5PM

Dayton Campus
Ohio Massage School
4457 Far Hills Avenue
Dayton, OH 45429
Phone: 937.294.6994 or toll-free at 888.860.4544
Fax: 937.294.2291
Admission Office Hours: M – F 9AM – 5PM

Everest Institute – Columbus
Massage School Ohio
825 Tech Center Drive
OH 43230
http://www.everest.edu/accreditation/campus/gahanna
Phone: 614-555-5555
Toll Free: 888-741-4271

Certificate of Registration issued by the Board of Career Colleges and Schools of the State of Ohio – 35 East Gay Street, Suite 403 – Columbus, Ohio 43215. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology

Healing Arts Institute
Ohio Massage Therapy School
340 Three Meadows Drive
Perrysburg, OH 43551
(419) 874-4496
http://www.haiohio.com/

Holland Reflexology Institute
Reflexology In Ohio
56 Youngstown-Warren Rd.
Niles, Ohio 44446
(330)-652-8284
http://hollandreflexology.com

reflexology chart

reflexology chart

The Holland Reflexology Institute (which is an Ohio State Registered School -09-07-1903t) is offering the Holland Method of Advanced Reflexology Certification program as an adult-education course for practicing the modality of advanced reflexology using the Holland Method.
This school teaches a 200 clock-hour course to be completed in twelve (12) weeks. This program instructs individuals in the concepts, theory, practice and techniques in the Holland Method of Reflexology.

Lima Campus Medical Massage Ohio
Massage School in Ohio
415 E. Kiracofe Ave.
Elida, OH 45807
Phone: 888.860.4544
Admission Office: Call to reserve your place at our next open house.

NIM Administrative offices, Akron Classrooms and Clinic
Massage School In OH
3681 Manchester Rd, Ste. 304
Coventry Township, OH 44319
(330) 867-1996
Fax: (330)869-6422

or NIM Cleveland Classrooms and Clinic
5700 Brecksville Rd
Independence, OH 44125
(216) 573-0894
Fax: (216) 573-0896
Web Address: http://www.nim.edu

Reflexology Science Institute
Reflexology Massage School Ohio
Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: 614-848-3106
http://www.reflexologyscience.com/

SHI Integrative Medical Massage School
Lebanon, OH 45036
Phone: 888-335-4283
http://www.shimassage.com/home.html

SHI Integrative Medical Massage School is a professional, career-oriented school with a 20 year tradition of high quality education. Professional caring faculty encourage graduates to embrace a strong sense of professional commitment, personal growth, community service and ethics as medically licensed massage therapists.

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Reflexology Video – achilles stretching

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Digital Dorsal Flexion requires you to get a firm hold with the correct holding hand underneath the right ankle. Take a firm hold of the bottom of the foot, as if you were going to perform an extension movement. Now with the left hand, drive the toes back (dorsal flex) until strong resistance is felt. Take care not to overly squeeze the toes during the reflexology treatment, rather use the palm of your left hand to grab hold of the digital pads. The metatarsophalangeal joints should protrude noticeably and the skin along that transverse area should be white or slightly mottled from the squeezing out of blood. This feels wonderful to the client because this stretches the phalangeal joints, the flexor hallicus longus tendon, plantar fascia as well as other tendons and muscles. Hold for 8 seconds then let the foot relax. Make sure when performing this stretch to grab hold of ALL the toes.

Achilles Stretching

Achilles Stretching is similar to digital dorsal flexing with one exception: the idea is not to stretch the toes, rather to slide the palm of the hand onto the metatarsal heads and push against those bones while pulling with the holding hand. The client should feel the stretch in the gastrocnemius and NOT in the toes.

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Reflexology Video – Pituitary

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

With new clients, be careful of the amount of pressure applied to this reflex as it is a commonly sensitive area of the foot. This particular reflexology technique is to be used both on the hypothalamus and pituitary reflexes. What distinguishes the two separate reflexes is simply placing the thumb a little bit higher for the hypothalamus and a little bit lower for the pituitary. We’re talking about less than 1/8 of an inch.

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