One of the easiest and most direct ways to do this – and grow your practice by leaps and bounds – is to feature the following 3 things that I do. Some of you may feel like they’re a given, but many practitioners completely forget to use them in their practice

You can never generate too much trust and satisfaction. In fact, if you enjoy getting bodywork as much as I do, you’ve probably noted the best practitioners use these simple techniques over 80% of the time! And that’s for good reason… they are hands-down the BEST way to gain instant credibility. So listen up and use them well!

There are 3 things you can do to ensure your clients success, and … also, ensure that you’re successful too.

1. Set the stage for a RESULTS-ORIENTED session.

The most effective sessions are results oriented. That is, they are set up to measure the results your clients have gotten. Be sure to include a measure for the desired result to get you client’s attention and dramatically increase their response.

Lame result measure: completing the whole session and then only asking at the end, “How are you feeling?”

Awesome result measure: check in at the beginning of the session by using a scale (or other reference) for what they are experiencing in the moment. I sometimes have my client close their eyes, so they can really notice. Then I ask my client, “What are you noticing?” and, I ask for a reference point on a scale of 1 – 4.

After the session, I ask again, “What are you noticing right now?’ and then reference the scale again. Now we can compare the differences before and after the session.

Of course, a few people are just not “noticers” and that’s okay too.

2. Include information that the client has given you.

Have you ever gone for bodywork or a massage for a particular reason? Maybe your shoulder hurt or you have a pain in your side? And, they’ve worked all around, doing the session their way, when all you want is some attention paid to the area you pointed out at the beginning! You wait and… you wait.

Yah, right! I’m sure they’ll get to my real problem… meanwhile you’re dying of suspense.

Use the information that the client has already given you with their health history. Go there early in the session. Change your usual pattern, or at least tell your client when they can expect some attention in the place they need it the most!

The more you engage your client the more they believe you’re interested in helping them. Include the area, the reflex, the site of discomfort reflex, etc… It’s important to let them know your work is geared toward them.

3. Use homework or self help to give the client the opportunity to participate more fully in their own wellness.

Give the client some useful tips or even better, homework to carry them through the week until you see them again. This will get them engaged in their own healing process.

Don’t worry, it won’t make your great Reflexology sessions obsolete. A lot of people just want to relax and let someone else to do the work. That’s why there are jobs for Reflexologists!

If you have trouble getting your clients to notice the great experiences working with you, or using your services, don’t get mad at them. You just have to educate them.

It’s rare that a client knows what to look for or what to expect. Give them the tools to monitor their own progress. Giving them even the simplest suggestions will add tremendously to the benefits of their experience. Gets them off their butts and works every time!

© Wendy Coad

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE?

You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

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”

The Reflexology Three-Step is a post from: Reflexology Success

1. The first place I looked for a custom that involves the respectful touching of feet was India. Steeped with ritual and ceremony, it has long been practiced that children bow down to touch the feet of their grandparents or of their elders. This practice is followed by either a blessing or a hug by the elder as an acknowledgement of the respect and love they feel.
2. In the Native American culture, drums were played with the feet. The Aztec and Hopi Indians used hollowed logs with wooden coverings that when danced upon would resonate.
3. African and Indian cultures, along with others, have a tradition whereby a specialist is called in to paint intricate designs on the hands and feet of the wedding party. This custom is thought to bring good luck to the bride and groom and to ward off evil.
4. In Asian cultures, depictions of the footprint of Buddha carries great spiritual meaning. As many as 65 symbols for devotion can be found in these carvings and paintings. The central image on the foot is that of a wheel with 8 spokes. Each spoke represents part of the eightfold path to enlightenment.  It’s interesting to me that this symbol is in the same location as our reflexology “Solar Plexus” reflex. I’ve always felt that there is a lot of wisdom and spiritual connections in this potent point.
5. A ritual that is said to originate as a hospitality practice in ancient times was the custom of foot washing. Even the kings of europe engaged in this practice in the royal courts up until the 20th century. Washing the feet of guests was once a common practice and has endured in religious ceremonies to the present day.
6. Sumo wrestling is an ancient Japanese practice which dates back many thousands of years. Seeped in ritual that is said to originate with the Shinto religion, the wrestlers perform a foot stomping ceremony (Shiko) to initiate the event and salt is then used to purify the ritual.
7. My favorite is practiced by mothers around the world. I call them the first reflexologists, naturally. Yes, it’s mothers and sometimes fathers, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and babysitters who have all found that “one common denominator” when communicating with babies.

I’m talking about the ancient practice of “this little piggy went to market” or whatever else it’s called in as many languages as there are cultures.

Where would we be as a species without the delightful and spontaneous practice of playfully pressing and gently squeezing babies toes? This is something that comes as naturally as rocking them in a cradle. We’ve all done it and all had it done to us.

But, think about it for a minute. What reflexes are being supported and stimulated here? You got it…. the CNS. And what is expanding exponentially as babies grow and learn. Right again! It’s their brain and nervous system (along with all other parts of their bodies).

I think that moms just “get it”, and their preliminary efforts at reflexology can and do have a positive effect. Why else would it be practiced everywhere, ever since time or toes began.

So, there you have it. I invite you to celebrate your (or someone else’s) feet for the next 7 days or seven weeks (or 7 minutes) by foot bowing, dancing, foot painting, solar plexus holding, foot washing, foot stomping and please, don’t forget to wiggling those toes.

Happy New Year from the Reflexology Professor!

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”

Foot Factors From Around the World is a post from: Reflexology Success

Is that enough? It’s a lot already. But what if you had an opportunity to offer even more relaxation, with minimum effort. That’s right – almost nothing more for you to do.
Here are “the 4 most powerful relaxation reminders I create for my clients…and for myself.”

1. Consider THE VISUAL – You want the surroundings for your clients and for you to be relaxing, calm and peaceful. In my office I have lots of fabrics, calming images, sculpture and curtains (which hide some of my storage, for me a necessity for reducing the distractions and for my clients it eliminates any visual clutter).  You can work in an office, your home or a rented space but keep the area of your work visually calm and soothing.  How can you do this at home or if you share a rental space? An inexpensive solution is to use screens and/or curtains to separate living and working areas in your home.  In a rental space, bring some fabrics and pin or drape them to set the tone and offset that office feeling. A silk fabric or a beautiful floral banner can fit nice and lightly into any Reflexology travel kit.  This creates a memory or reminder for relaxation.
2. Consider THE AUDITORY – Have a pleasant sounding environment. This too can create a memory or reminder for relaxation.  Try a cascading fountain or a sound machine that produces gentle nature sounds. Music-only tapes and CD’s that have soothing melodies are great. Remember it’s best if there are no words to the music.  Why no words? People naturally go into their heads when they hear words. Some songs might have sad memories attached, which is another reason why “neutral” works best.  And…REMEMBER that for people who work in the music business, any music might put them in work mode. Often they’ll request silence.  Sound can be powerfully relaxing or a stress trigger. Bottom line – offer the option and let the client choose.
3. Consider THE TACTILE – This is what we do. We create a relaxing touch experience for our clients. It’s touch that’s safe, compassionate and therapeutic.  The tactile can also be represented in color and the textures of our table linens: sheets and coverings.  Again, this creates a memory or reminder for relaxation.
4. Consider THE AROMATIC – First, choose whether to work with aromas or not. If your space has any kind of odd or musty smell then the choice has already been made for you! If you can’t move, AROMA INVIGORATE!  Did you know that several common essential oils are anti-viral, anti-septic, anti-fungal AND anti-biotic. Remember that around cold season!  Did you know there’s no standard to the essential oil industry? All essential oil products differ. Some of the “best” blends can have other oils added (still pure and natural, but you’re paying a lot for common vegetable and nut oil extenders). You need to research and trust your distributor.  For those who choose Aromatherapy, your session space should have a pleasant supportive aroma. You can change the mood of the session, i.e. uplifting, calming, healing, etc. … with your choice of pure essential oils.  The mere whiff of the pure and natural essential oils that I use, “evokes a little bit of Wendy Heaven”, as one of my clients described it.  Several clients, whenever they enter my office, say they immediately feel relaxed. That’s before I’ve done anything!  Remember my reference to Pavlov? Well, my clients senses are reminding them of the previous sessions and how relaxing and good they felt.  I choose to work with these powerful healing tools because of their versatility in my sessions.  My clients draw real benefits from this. They can also be reminded and brought back into relaxation at any point afterward, just by carrying an essential oil previously used in the reflexology session.  It’s true that some clients will request “no aroma” at all. In this case, it’s easy to keep your space neutral since aromas diffuse quickly. Only a very, very few clients won’t be able to tolerate any aroma. And in fact, I don’t have any such clients.  I LOVE working with AROMATHERAPY.  I carry 2-3 essential oils with me at all times. They’re in small bottles and they’re life savers.  Where have they saved me most often? On airplanes, on the streets of New York City and in taxis and subways. I know it’s so pedestrian (no pun) but more than once, I’ve reached for an oil and saved my nose and sanity!

Want to learn more? Everything you need to know is in my Aromatherapy Training Program, and it starts this spring 2012!

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”

The 4 Most Powerful Relaxation Reminders…I Create for my Clients and Myself. is a post from: Reflexology Success

FYI – my 2012 Reflexology Tele-seminar Series is almost ready to announce. You’ll see it here soon.

1. On average, in a lifetime, a person will walk between 125,000 and 250,000 miles. The first one adds up to more than four times the distance around the world and the later is the distance from the earth to the moon. No wonder we need to take good care of our feet… so they can take care of us and last a lifetime.
2. The skin on your soles is up to 20 times thicker than the skin on any other part of your body.
3. When you run, the pressure that is applied to your feet is four times greater than your normal body weight.
4. Ever notice the shoes you just bought that felt right in the store feel tighter when you get them home? It may be because the shoe stores put a plush carpet down to make everything feel more comfortable. But also, our feet will swell slightly during the day and by afternoon they are up to one size larger than they were in the morning (that’s a 5% increase in volume). So, if you bought your shoes in the morning they may not feel as comfortable by the end of the day.
5. And, between our two feet, one foot will be a half to a full size larger than the other (at any time of the day).
6. Our feet contain approximately 250,000 seat glands. These glands can excrete a cup of moisture in a day. (That’s why it’s so good to wear cotton socks and breathable footwear.)
7. Our feet stop growing when we hit our teen years and the last bone in the foot to mature fully is the 1st metatarsal.
8. Shoe sizes were first “standardized” in the 14th century by King Edward II who declared that the diameter of a grain of barleycorn would be the measure for one full shoe size. We still use this system!
9. In about 20 % of the population the second toe is longer than all the others.
10.  The 52 bones in a pair of feet represent a quarter of all the bones in the body.  That’s a lot to articulate about.

Now, I’ll leave you with a sign that was spotted outside of a Podiatry office window:

“Time wounds all heels”.

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”

10 Interesting Things About the Feet is a post from: Reflexology Success

That was a while ago.

Then, as soon as I found I could get one – I applied for a credit card machine. I went through the long application process and set up a credit card merchant account.

And, I was happy with the ease and convenience but it did cost me monthly to maintain it – even if I didn’t use it all the time.

The best part about taking credit cards is that it makes it easier for clients to pay. This is true whether it’s a lot – many hundreds of dollars for a 5 or 10 session “Wellness Package” or just a little, like adding an extra half hour onto their existing session. (It also eliminates the need for clients, who have no checks and too little cash, to go to the corner ATM and run back with their payment.)

Now people are using their debit and credit cards even more.

Here are the 3 things that every Reflexologist will want to consider as options for payments:

1.  Accept “Paypal” payments. You probably have a Paypal account, especially if you shop online. It’s free, not difficult to set up, and most people already use it for internet purchases. All you need to do is set up your account to accept payments and have your clients pay the funds for the sessions.You can direct clients to use it for larger payments like multi-session packages. This works best for payments in advance (rather than after the reflexology service has been provided).
2. Set up a merchant account. In the past I’ve had various types of these accounts – one from a financial institution and the other from an internet provider. These take time to navigate, require a business bank account and charge you monthly for services plus a percentage of the amount charged (usually between 2 & 3 percent). I’m happy I’ve had mine all these years, but their costs have deterred some Reflexologists.
3. Now we come to what I think is a great solution. It’s the newest in e-commerce and if you have a “smart phone” and want to take credit card payments you need to check it out. There are services like “Square” that are catering to businesses large and small with a transaction speed that’s all of 30 seconds.

The credit card “swipe” attachment to your phone is the size of a postage stamp and it opens in a program that is so simple to use and it takes no time at all. I bought mine at Apple but you can find them at Radio Shack and even Target.

The purchase cost is minimal, no need for a business bank account, plus there are no monthly charges. Payments go into your bank account in a few days and the fee that is taken from each transaction is about the same as other methods. It’s been more than worthwhile having it for my business.

It’s up to you to decide how you’ll take payment for your reflexology sessions, but remember, the easier you make it for your clients, the better.

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 3 Easy-Pay Solutions is a post from: Reflexology Success

Keeping Digestion on Track

The kinds and amounts of food a person eats and how the digestive system processes that food play key roles in maintaining good health.

Eating a healthy diet is the best way to prevent common digestive problems. Having said that…

What can reflexology do?

You can see from the information in last week’s article that the digestive system is a vital and complex system that involves the whole body – digestive organs, nervous and endocrine systems.

Now we know where the digestive system is and how it functions in the body – let’s review the location of the reflexes on the feet.

Bilaterally, the digestive system reflexes occupy the area on the plantar surface of the feet, between our reflex landmarks of the diaphragm line and the pelvic line (exceptions are the esophagus and sigmoid colon reflexes).

If you follow the bones – the digestive system reflexes are superficial to the shafts and bases of the metatarsals and all of the bones of the mid-foot (the 3 cuneiforms, navicular and cuboid bones).

And, just as these organs are located on the left or right sides of the body, the reflexes will be found on the corresponding left or right foot. As above, so below.

I’m always on the lookout for changes in tissue texture in the soft arch of the foot. I call it the soft “belly of the foot” because that’s where the “belly” or digestive reflexes are mostly located.

The mere size of the digestive system reflexes on the feet, proportionately give feet a winning edge for addressing the digestive system over the hands, face or ear reflexes.

But, even though the feet have the space advantage, the other reflexology areas (hand, face and ears) are better for other reasons – like a deeper relaxation response – so don’t count them out.

If I’m not detailing a specific digestive organ reflex, I keep the techniques general.

Thumb-walking the 5 zones from the pelvic line to the diaphragm line essentially addresses the digestive system reflexes “en mass” (the sigmoid colon and rectum reflexes dip into the heel on the left foot).

Now, as a reflexologist it’s always a relief to me that we don’t treat, diagnose or prescribe.

But, as we know, everything in the body, all our systems and processes are affected by stress and not in a good way.

I know from the vast amount of research that’s out there now – reflexology can profoundly affect the parasympathetic nervous system and has the greatest potential to reduce stress.

It’s useful to “listen” very carefully to what the feet will tell you here. Any changes in tissue texture found on the arch will add the digestive system to my menu of reflex areas to detail in the session.

And, for self-help, the access we have to the “soft belly” or arch of the foot is such that it’s almost made to rest our hand and scoop into it.

Even a few minutes of general work can make a difference. But, when you detail the specific reflexes research proves that our effectiveness can increase threefold!

It’s apparent from last week’s article that both the endocrine system and the nervous system are featured prominently in our digestive processes and therefore those reflexes would be important too.

Key steps for your digestive health

It’s important to keep in mind that we are what we eat. Choosing the right food and eating in a calming environment is ideal.

These tips will help you maintain better digestive system health:

• Choose high quality, fresh organic foods – raw foods have their own enzymes which are especially important when your body is healing and may be low on enzymes in general.
• Chew your food thoroughly – Digestion of carbs like starch and sugar, begins when they are mixed with saliva and enzymes in your mouth. The role of the enzymes is twofold, to break down your food, and to also attack bacteria.
• Don’t rush when you’re eating – take your time and sit down to eat. It sounds obvious, but a lot of people hurry their meals.
• If you drink a beverage with your meal make sure it’s room temperature – If you drink ice cold liquid with your food, your body has to heat it first and that takes more time and energy away from the digestive process. Drinking enough water is always a good idea and it will aid all your body’s processes. But drinking it (or any beverage) cold with your meal will slow digestion down. Enough said.

There’s so much I’d like to share with you on this topic, so I’ll be adding more future newsletters.

I’ll be talking more specifically about each organ of the Digestive System individually in future Reflexology Newsletters and on my Blog www.ReflexologySuccess.com -

As Charles T. Copeland once said:

“To eat is human, to digest divine.”

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”

“About the Digestive System” – Reflexology Rules! is a post from: Reflexology Success

Before I get into the reflexology (which helps to lessen the symptoms of digestive issues) I think it’s important to talk about the digestive system as a whole.

The Digestive System is represented by more organ reflexes on the feet than any other system. The best place to start our journey on this long and winding pathway is with the first step in the digestive process.

Believe it or not, your digestion system kicks in before you even put food into your mouth. Just a whiff of mom’s homemade cherry pie or even the thought of how delicious that salad is going to be – begins your digestive process with salivation – so your body is already preparing for that first scrumptious bite.

The food we consume is the fuel for our bodies, and its nutrients give our cells the energy and substances they need to operate. But before food can do that, it must be digested into small pieces the body can absorb and use.

About the Digestive System

Our digestive system is a wondrous series of organs and glands that processes food. In order to use the food we eat, our bodies have to break the food down into smaller molecules that it can be absorbed; it also has to excrete the waste.

For the most part, our digestive organs (i.e., the stomach and intestines) are tube-like and act as containers for the food as it makes its way through the body. From start to finish it’s much like a long, winding tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, with a few other organs attached along the way (i.e., the pancreas and liver).

The Digestive Process (Movement of Food through the System):

I’ll be talking more specifically about each organ of the Digestive System in future Reflexology Newsletters and on my Blog www.reflexologysuccess.com – but today I’m going to talk about the whole system, so let me briefly go through the organs involved: The digestive process begins in the mouth.

Food is partly broken down by 2 processes – the first is the mechanical action of chewing and the second is the chemical process involving the salivary enzymes whose function it is to break down starches. This explains why carbohydrates, like bread, become sweeter as we chew them.

Let’s start from the beginning: We first chew each tasty morsel which begins its mechanical and chemical digestion. Once swallowed, the food moves from the mouth down the esophagus.

The esophagus is the part of the digestive system that connects the mouth to the stomach. A movement called peristalsis creates a wave-like flow that carries the food down the throat. This one-way movement allows for unexpected bends and twists the body might take and lets us eat and drink even if we’re upside-down.

The stomach – this organ is fairly large and shaped much like a pouch or sack. Once the food gets to the stomach, it’s churned and mixed with the acids that help to break it down, to a more liquid state (called chime).

The small intestine – There are three parts to this organ, the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum.

Where the stomach ends, the duodenum begins and it’s here where the food, now called chime, meets with bile (an emulsifying agent for fat) from the liver via the gallbladder. In addition, digestive enzymes from the pancreas enter the system there.

Continuing through the jejunum and ileum the nutrients from the food are absorbed and the waste that is not useful continues through to the large intestine.

The large intestine: This is the end of the line for the waste from our digested food and where most of the water is removed and recycled in the body.

Also referred to as the colon, the large intestine begins with the cecum, where you’ll find both the ileocecal valve and the appendix located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

Next, the waste travels first up through the ascending colon and then across the middle of the body via the transverse colon and finally down on the left-hand side of the lower abdominal cavity in what’s known as the descending colon.

Not quite ended, the last few areas to pass through are the sigmoid colon, the rectum and anus… the end of the line where solid waste is stored temporarily, until excreted.

How is the digestive process controlled?

1. Hormone Regulators

The functions of the digestive system are controlled by hormones that are produced in cells that line the stomach and the small intestine.

Amazingly it’s the job of these hormones, once released into the digestive tract via the blood stream, to then send their messages from the digestive system to the heart and then returning back to simulate the digestive processes through the stimulation of digestive fluids as well as peristalsis.

2. Nerve Regulators

Two types of nerves help control the action of the digestive system.

The first type is referred to as extrinsic, meaning outside. These are the nerves that move from the brain and the spine to control the releasing of the chemicals acetylcholine and adrenaline.

The first chemical mentioned, acetylcholine can cause the muscle layer to push with added force so that the food increases in it’s speed and motility.

The second type of nerves are called the intrinsic, or inside nerves and they create a dense network of fibers that are woven into the walls of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines.

Once these hollow organs are stretched by the food inside them, the intrinsic nerves are triggered into action.

Digestive System Problems

Also known as the alimentary canal, the digestive system can house a myriad of issues (maybe that’s why some are called ailments). The good news is that many of these conditions are common and only cause mild discomfort. They usually clear up on their own. However there are some including Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crones, an inflammatory bowel disease that can be long lasting and bothersome.

Coming up next… “Keeping Digestion on Track” and “What Can Reflexology Do?

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”

“About the Digestive System” – Reflex what Ails You is a post from: Reflexology Success

One such foot problem is hammer toe, so if you or your clients are suffering from hammer toe syndrome, this article is for you. I’ll guide you through the problem and also suggest ways to help with the symptoms.

What are hammer toes?

Hammer toes are a relatively common problem in which one or more of the smaller toes become unnaturally bent at the first joint nearest the long bones of the foot (proximal interphalangeal joint). This can become quite painful and gradually it might result in other problems like corns and even bursitis.

One of the causes of this deformity might be hereditary, but if this were truly the case, the hammer toe would probably have been there since childhood. More likely the cause is the accumulation of years of a different type of condition – the one we create ourselves known as… tight fitting shoes!

There are other causes that might lead to hammer toe such as arthritis or excessively arched feet. Generally more women are found with the problem than men, but women tend to wear tighter shoes with raised heels which will, in addition, create a gripping action with the toes and thereby bending them further. Personally, I think that the wrong shoe fit is a major cause of the problem.

How it affects people?

Because many people will have the problem over a period of time without any discomfort it usually isn’t even noticed until it’s too late – and by then the damage is already done. Once there, a hammer toe can cause pain and discomfort, make walking uncomfortable and make shoes harder to fit.

How to get rid of hammer toes.

The best solution is to avoid wearing tight shoes. Go for perfect fit so that you’re comfortable and don’t have to face the issue of having hammer toes. But, I’ve had clients actually tell me that they won’t give up their tight, sky-high-heeled shoes – to which I’ve (half-joking) said, “…and that’s why there are jobs for reflexologists.”

One way to correct the problem is to go for a surgery which is effective but it is definitely not the only solution.

There are several exercises that may help to reduce the symptoms such as:

- stretch the toes manually. This is where many of our reflexology relaxation techniques such as toe rotations, and the reflexology thumb and finger walking techniques as applied to the toes can help to relax them – all while addressing the powerful reflexes that are found in the toes.

- place a towel on the floor and use just the toes to bunch it up, pull it towards yourself or pick it up. This is thought to straighten and strengthen the toes.

- although there are commercial aides, like little bandages or braces, that you can find to help keep the toes straighter, there’re not nearly as effective as avoiding the problem in the first place.

In the end the benefits of all efforts, including reflexology, may be temporary if the foot is put back into too narrow or small a shoe. And, some people will even have a problem in the opposite direction – shoes that are too big. If they aren’t a lace-up shoe the foot will slide into the end of the shoe with every step and cause the hammer toe to be reinforced as well.

Prevention is the best medicine so get into some good shoes and give your toes a break before they break you.

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 Hammer Toes is a post from: Reflexology Success

Most people have a gap between in the inner side of the foot and the ground when they are standing. This is referred to as an “arch”. Feet that have a low arch or no arch at all are referred to as flat feet or fallen arches (pes planus) and the foot may roll over to the inner aspect.

Types of Flat feet:

• Congenital flat foot is a condition that one is born with.
• Acquired flat foot, develops over time, rather than at birth and is likely to cause pain and other symptoms – sometimes including the development of arthritis in the feet.

Causes of Flat Feet

• It may be hereditary, i.e passed on through generations.
• In most cases it is caused through a biomechanical complaint (abnormal walking) such as Fore Foot Varus. This is a condition in which the subtaler joint in the foot over pronates (rolls in too much).
• A ruptured tendon (tibilias posterior) can lead to a flat foot.
• Cerebral palsy, spins bifida and muscular dystrophy can also lead to a flat foot condition.
• Trauma or injury from sports and even improper footwear can influence the foot towards pronation and eventual flattening.

Signs and symptoms

• Your feet tire easily or become painful with prolonged standing.
• It’s difficult to move your heel or midfoot around, or to stand on your toes.
• Your foot aches, particularly in the heel or arch area, with swelling along the inner side.
• Pain in your feet reduces your ability to participate in sports.
• You’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis; about half of all people with rheumatoid arthritis will develop a progressive flatfoot deformity.

Prevention

Many would say that there is really no way to prevent flat feet. However, the field of pedorthy and podiatry would probably disagree and recommend that orthotics be used to minimize the  speed at which the feet move further into pronation.

Treatment of Flat feet

• The most important aspect of treatment is determining the exact type or underlying cause of flat feet that you have, and this can be examined through clinical examination and special imaging studies (e.g., x-rays, CT, and/or MRI).
• Conservative treatment is used in the vast majority of flat foot cases, and consists of treatments such as orthotics, shoe recommendations, anti-inflammatory measures and special strengthening exercises.
• Commonly called foot orthotics, these are interchangeable among your shoes and may provide more support because they’re molded to the contours of your feet. Orthotics come in three types: rigid, semi-rigid and soft.
• Surgery is rarely required, and is reserved only for the most severe types of flat foot that do not respond to conservative therapy

Facts about flexible flat feet

• Flexible flat feet are a common, usually painless condition that is often normal.
• Corrective shoes or inserts do not “create” an arch.
• Flexible flat feet will not interfere with a child’s ability to learn to walk or play sports.
• Shoe salespersons may tell you expensive shoes will help you walk better. This is not true. Regular, inexpensive shoes may be worn too, if they offer good support.
• If you have questions about shoes, always check with a professional.

Home remedies for flat feet

Wear good shoes. This is the most important remedy. Make sure that they are comfortable and fit properly.

Can reflexology help?

Since reflexology has a relaxing and beneficial effect to the whole body, and because our techniques are applied to the feet, they are definitely the beneficiaries of the soothing relaxation reflexology offers.

Although the focus of reflexology is the whole body, sore aching feet will appreciate what a great reflexology session can provide in terms of stress relief and therefore pain relief.

It’s important to remember that because we don’t treat, the benefits to the feet are a bonus – but one which everyone can enjoy.

As with a lot of pathologies or deviations from the norm, flat feet may not begin with the feet, unless the condition is congenital.

As we age there is a tendency for the feet to pronate, but most of us who have healthy arches will likely keep them, as long as we don’t abuse our feet.

Unless there are deformities in the bones that do not support the structure on the arch – the only thing that will create it or remove an arch is the tissue that surrounds it. Bones can’t keep themselves in place without a collective effort (cranial bones may be the exception because of their intricate system of interlocking sutures).

So what keeps the foot arch in shape (or out of shape)? Ligaments, tendons, muscles and connective tissues.

Let’s look at which of these supports the arch…

Firstly, ligaments connect bone to bone, and there is a lot of ligamentous attachment around the arch of the foot to keep it stable.

Next, we have 2 very important muscles whose tendons both attach to the base of the first metatarsal. One comes from the outside and the other from the inside (front) of the leg and together they form a stirrup that supports the medial arch of the foot.

The “peroneus longus” is the outer muscle and the “tibialis anterior” is the inner one that form a “continuous” support because they both attach, at their distal ends, to the same bone: metatarsal #1.

So if the foot is flat, one of these muscles is probably weak and the other is possibly in spasm or at least tight.

At this point you might refer your client to a massage therapist, however, many are not familiar with, nor trained in the intricacies of the feet.

An osteopath is likely your best recommendation (or a chiropractor). Most in the medical profession will defer to the use of orthotics to correct the misalignment.

Orthotics can support the structure and relieve a degree of the pain, but they’re not aimed at correcting the cause of the problem.

Both an osteopath or a chiropractor should be able to take a look at the structural alignment, or rather misalignment and offer treatment and exercises to recalibrate the back, or hips, or legs, or whatever the cause is found to be.

I’ve personally met someone with flat feet who gave themselves an arch. As he described it, he did exercises that lengthened his peroneus longus muscle and toned or tightened his tibialis anterior muscle.

Admittedly, he had to exercise every day, and if he didn’t (or even if he stayed on his feet for more than 8 hours) his pronation would return.

A simple exercise to strengthen the tibialis anterior is to stand with both feet on the ground and lift only your toes (extension).

A way to lengthen the peroneus longus is to stand with both feet on the ground and roll your feet onto their outside edge (supination).

By doing this daily, he swore that his arch would remain elevated throughout the day and that the pains he felt in his back, legs and feet were alleviated.

Of course this is just one person’s approach and may not work for everyone. That’s because there can be many different reasons for flat feet.

Reflexology is a complementary modality that will work well in conjunction with just about any medical treatment. It’s been found successful in relieving the pain that accompanies many pathologies and treatments. Flat feet are just one of many.

Think of your client’s highest good and join forces with other professionals so that the best results can be achieved.

Their feet will thank you for it.

In addition, don’t forget that with reflexology, the magic is in the details. For structural issues, I pay attention to the reflexes to all the spinal reflexes in addition to the reflexes to the legs, hips and knees, arms and shoulders.

1. Be attentive and listen for what your clients needs.
2. Be clear about your reflex location.
3. Never work beyond your client’s pain threshold.
4. Hold the healing space as sacred.
5. And, enjoy your wonderful reflexology skills.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEBSITE?
You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Online health and reflexology expert Wendy I. Coad, the “Reflexology Professor” publishes the popular “Reflexology Secrets, Tips and Techniques” monthly email newsletter to subscribers from around the world. If you’re ready to enjoy health, express creativity, gain knowledge and skyrocket you reflexology or holistic health career, get your FREE tips now at http://www.reflexologyprof.com.

Flat Feet is a post from: Reflexology Success

Submitted by Wendy Coad on August 27.

Well here’s a match made in heaven.

We’re all familiar with the benefits reflexology, so imagine what will happen if you add yoga. Yoga is the traditional physical and mental exercise discipline that originated in India.

In the present time, more and more people, especially in the US (and you’ll see it just about everywhere, around the world), are resorting to Yoga to find a solution for chronic health problems as well as a practice in attaining peace of mind. And those who don’t practice it already are curious about knowing what exactly Yoga is and what’s included in it.

Although many of us are well aware of the health benefits of the physical activity, not everyone knows about the origin and exact definition of Yoga.

It’s a popular belief that Yoga merely includes stretching and warm up exercises. Of course, yoga involves stretching, but includes many other things beyond that. Yoga’s aim is to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit.

Branches of Yoga

The major branches of yoga in Hindu philosophy include Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Hatha Yoga. There are many more that you commonly see including Iyengar, Kripalu, etc.

The Goal of Yoga

The goal of yoga may range from improving health to achieving Moksha (within Jainism and the monist schools of Advaita Vedanta and Shaivism the goal of yoga takes the form of Moksha), which is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), at which point there is a realization of identity with the Supreme Being.

I’ve always thought of yoga as an exceptional health practice – after all, it’s our responsibility to take care of our own health and well being. Yoga is not a religion but rather a encourages a state of being present that is based on awareness of your body and mind in order to fully experience your wonderful (and wondrous) existence here on earth.

Benefits of Yoga

The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which some think is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. By keeping the body clean, flexible and well lubricated, we can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell deterioration. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one would do well to combine the practices of yogasanas (exercise), pranayama (breathing exercise) and meditation.

Yoga is not only a great form of activity but it also massages all the internal glands and organs of the body. Tai Chi can also offers these benefits, but it is a different exercise and philosophy altogether.

Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on all of the various body parts. It is thought to help in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny which in turn may help to facilitate nourishment up to the last cell.

The benefits – delayed ageing, increasing energy and offering a remarkable zest for life (see list below)!

Therapeutic uses of yoga

Yoga is highly therapeutic. Some of the ailments proven to be relieved, reversed and even healed through the practice of Yoga are acidity, allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, colitis, common cold, constipation.

Some other benefits of Yoga are

• Dexterity skills improve
• Reaction time improves
• Posture improves
• Strength and resiliency increase
• Endurance increases
• Energy level increases
• Weight normalizes
• Sleep improves
• Immunity increases
• Pain decreases
• Steadiness improves
• Depth perception improves
• Balance improves
• Integrated functioning of body parts improves

How can reflexology help?

If you look at the previous statement: Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on all of the various body parts. It is thought to help in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny which in turn may help to facilitate nourishment up to the last cell… I could say the same for reflexology.

As a reflexologist, I have clients report to me every day that they have seen improvements in their health. And they attribute those improvements in part or in whole to reflexology.

I love to see my clients and they enjoy their sessions but there is a lot more that can be done between sessions that will help to maintain health or may even accelerate their healing process.

Before I go further, I want to tell you that I am not a yoga instructor or expert. Thankfully that’s one less thing I have to do because there are plenty of them all around. (I live in an urban area, but for those of you who don’t have any classes nearby, there are many good videos and books out there.)

I often recommend yoga classes to my clients who want to work on their health between reflexology sessions. I think it’s excellent just as an exercise program, and it also offers support for the life-style changes that will serve you well in the long run.

Hopefully there’s a class that will suit your speed, but if you’re a little older and have gone to a class with a room full of 20 year olds with buff bodies – do not despair. You can do half the poses that the instructor is offering and still reap the benefits.

But referring to a class is not all that I use yoga for. It’s easy to recommend some simple stretches for the toes. A favorite of many is –

1. Hold onto a chair or a table and place both feet on the floor.

2. Bend one foot so that the toes are flat on the floor but the heel is lifted high off the ground.

3. Rock the foot (heel) from left to right so that the toes remain bent and on the floor but the metatarsophalangeal joints and the flexor tendons get a nice stretch.

4. Change the direction of the toe bends from extension (curled up) to flexion (curled under). Make sure it’s comfortable and if your toes don’t bend well in this direction – don’t strain to do so. But if they can bend under, you can again

5. Rock the foot (heel) from left to right so that the toes remain bent and on the floor, but the metatarsophalangeal joints and the extensor tendons get a nice stretch too.

Client’s love it and so do I.

Note: It’s recommended that you check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

There have been numerous students who have come to train in reflexology because they have either had a yoga instructor do a little foot compression at the end of the class, or they’re a yoga instructor who has gotten rave reviews from giving a little foot compression at the end of a class and they want to know how to do more*. (*Note to those who want to market their reflexology!)

One or 2 of my former students have actually incorporated reflexology into their own practice, creatively working on their feet as they relax into certain poses.

As I said before, it’s a match made in heaven and you should consider suggesting it to clients as a great tool for health in between sessions – or learn it yourself – you too could become the next Reflexolyogi!

Enjoy your wonderful reflexology skills and explore how beautifully reflexology mixes with any healthy modality. It can work for everyone.

Here’s to your good reflexology health!

@ 2009 The WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEBSITE?

Wendy Coad, the “Reflexology Professor” helps reflexologists and aspiring reflexologists learn dynamic skills that attract clients and increase sales.

If you liked what you read today and want to learn more or refresh your skills, you’ll love Wendy’s www.thefootfactorprogram.com.

The Reflexology Professor has been sharing holistic health and “Reflexology News, Tips and Techniques” in classes, trainings and a weekly email newsletter to students and subscribers from around the world.

You can learn more about Wendy and her programs at www.reflexologyprof.com

Reflexolyogi! is a post from: Reflexology Success