Reflexology and Morton’s Neuroma

After several weeks of discomfort involving a “burning/poking of a needle sensation” and “walking on marbles” feeling, my mother was diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma – an enlarged nerve between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals that’s become entangled enough to resemble a tumor.

The condition targets athletes mostly, but can also come from wearing high heels – - my mother does/did neither.

The podiatrist fitted her with an orthotic – basically a glorified metatarsal pad – which she was told to wear for a month before she felt relief.

Relief never came.

A shot was next. Again, no relief ever came.

Upon doing research for a more holistic approach to treating this seemingly unresolved condition, I came across an anti-inflammatory enzyme which yielded amazing results for other Morton neuroma sufferers: serrapeptase.

After checking with her pharmacist and primary care doctor, my mother began a dosage of one pill every morning. Having already been a patient of acupuncture, she went two times a week for three weeks then down to one time a week thereafter with the focus being on the neuroma.

In conjunction with these approaches, a weekly reflexology session began. The following maps out the protocol used:

Week 1:

Regular session, avoiding any pressure other than a gentle touch on the neuroma and any warm up techniques involving the metatarsal heads on affected foot. Emphasis on the spinal and sciatic reflexes.

Week 2:

Regular session with emphasis again on spinal and sciatic reflexes. This week applied a moderate pressure by a thumb walk around the neuroma, not directly on it.

Week 3:

Repeat of previous weeks on session. Moderate pressure by thumb walking around the neuroma. Moderate pressure on neuroma, with circular motion with light pressure.

Week 4:

Repeat of preview weeks on session with emphasis more on neuroma since more pressure can be had without much pain from client.

Thumb walked entire neuroma with vertical and lateral thumb walks. Thumb walk around the neuroma, then thumb walk diagonal and horizontal towards the lateral aspect of the foot.

Moderate pressure with a hook and back-up for several repeats, depending on pain tolerance. Finished with gentle circular motion and a thumb slide towards the lateral aspect of the foot.

Week 5 – Forward:

Regular session with more emphasis on the neuroma. Neuroma sequence as follows:

• Thumb walk neuroma with upward and medial and lateral side walks
• Rotation on the neuroma point (the very center of the neuroma) with pressure tolerable to a 3. Pause on point for a count of ten. Rotate on point for a count of ten. Repeat five times
• Butterfly around neuroma (thumb walk with both thumbs walking on point alternatively – - fluttering effect)
• Butterfly on neuroma in a lateral and vertical fashion with as firm pressure as tolerable
• Thumb slides towards heads of metatarsals
• Thumb slides towards lateral aspect of foot
• Thumb walk neuroma
• Medium to firm pressure on neuroma point for count of ten
• Inversion – Eversion

Each week past the fifth week, the pressure used was more firm and became increasingly more tolerable by the client. The neuroma size began to shrink and may have moved to the fourth metatarsal, bordering the fifth (the possible effect of thumb sliding towards the lateral aspect of the foot).

Along with the daily wear of an orthotic shoe, my mother’s holistic approach of the reflexology as sequenced above, the daily dosage serraptese, and acupuncture began around November 20, 2011 and had the following results:

*By December 10, the burning sensation common with Morton’s Neuroma had subsided greatly, along with the feeling of walking on marbles. My mother, who had previously been unable to walk a mere two blocks to the supermarket, was at this point able to walk and do some grocery shopping.

*By January 1, 2012 she was able to take the train into Manhattan and walk around with very little pain at the end of the day in her foot.

*By January 29, I felt the neuroma “moving its’ way out” between the 3rd and 4th metarsals and felt smaller in size.

*On February 23, after a check-up with her podiatrist she was prescribed to “keep doing what you’re doing” – though he equated her healing with the orthotics and suggested she be the poster child for them. Ha!

- Elizabeth B.

Professor’s note: Thanks for sharing this with all!

© Wendy Coad

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 Booster”

This is an illustration of one student’s experience, reported after the 2011 Reflexology and Gemstone Therapy workshop.

Case Study – Gemstone Healing

Right after I took the Gemstone class I worked on a reflexology client I had been seeing regularly for diabetes control and stress.

This client is not on medication but he strictly adheres to a diabetes prescribed diet. Despite that, his feet were always ice cold even after I did an hour of reflexology on him.

I had two large citrine crystals which are recommended for diabetes. I put one in the center of the mandala we had done in class and surrounded it with stones for stress reduction.

The other crystal I gave to the client to hold in his left hand and put a malachite stone, good for stress reduction, in his right hand.

I worked for a half hour on his left foot. As I was moving to his right foot my arm brushed against his left hallux [big toe] and I noticed it was extremely warm.

This was in marked contrast to the other times I had worked on him when as I stated, his feet always remained cold. I worked on the right foot for an equal amount of time but at the end of the session that foot remained cool, though not as col d as previous sessions.

To conclude, the foot on the side where the citrine stone was held was markedly warmer than ever before while the other foot, on the side with the stress stone was not as cold as previously, which I ascribe to the effect of the mandala, but nowhere near as warm as the left foot.

Since then, whenever I give a reflexology session to this client I put a citrine crystal in each hand. Both his feet respond to this and in fact, the normal every-day temperature of his feet has dramatically improved.

- Lili H.

Nice work Lili!
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”

Airplane Reflexology

Here’s my favorite ”5-Step Airplane Reflexology Sequence”. I use it and it helps every time:

1. First, get a glass or bottle of water from the stewardess and settle in. Dehydration is one of the main factors contributing to airplane discomfort and jet lag! My favorite seats on an airplane are the aisles because I continually drink liquids (especially important on long flights).

2. Carry a small bottle of lotion (less than 3 ounces so I can take it through security). Take out the lotion and apply a small amount to the hands as part of the “warm-ups”. I work the lotion onto the dorsum, up the forearm, between the fingers and into the webs. This alone will get the blood flowing.

3. Next, work the fingers with alternating thumb and finger walking – like a pinching motion on either side of the digit. I prefer working from tip to base, again to support the “venous” return. I detail the area around the nails and finger tips.

4. Starting on the palm, thumb-walk in any direction – the one that has the most ease. I’ll definitely work more on the reflexes to the immune system; spleen, thymus and lymph (both axillary and groin) reflexes.

5. Last but not least, the dorsum. I work with a one finger-walk technique around the knuckles and then combine several fingers to “walk” the last few passes across the metacarpals an up the wrist.

Finish it up with a cradling of each finger in the opposite palm. This technique is used as a calming sequence for all the digits. To end, I hold the solar plexus points.

In the past, I’ve written about giving a woman, who was sitting next to me on a plane having a debilitating PMS attack, a soothing hand reflexology session. (You can go to my reflexology blog www.ReflexologySuccess.com to find the article and others that are archived there.)

I must confess that I’ve even given myself a foot reflexology session (working through my socks) while flying the friendly skies. Not to be done by the very shy – it did generate some lively interest from my fellow passengers. One person said that they’d become a client if they lived closer to me and all the stewardesses swooned each time they passed by.

(I too became the client of reflexologist who was giving someone foot reflexology in the public mineral-water pool at a national park. Talk about a great way to demonstrate your skills, I booked a session with her on the spot and go back regularly when I’m in the area.)

Once the plane reaches its cruising speed and the computers come out, I often look around at the business people with their laptops open, crunching the numbers as the plane soars.

I think about how lucky I am to be a reflexologist. I too am conducting business analysis, but mine is such a pleasure and so good for my health. In addition I carry all the tools I need with me where ever I go. There’s really nothing better.

© 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 Headache of Hammertoe

Hammertoe is the most common term for bent toes (mallet toe and claw toe, are differentiated by the joints that are contracted). Although they may be caused by injury, muscle imbalance or birth defect, they are most commonly formed by ill fitting shoes (too pointy, too short, too narrow or too tight).

Lots of people ask if Reflexology can do anything to help Hammertoes. Remember, as Reflexologists we don’t treat, diagnose or prescribe. Having said that, I always respond to any such inquiry…YES, absolutely!

Why would I be so bold? Because I firmly believe that Reflexology can help just about anything.. Remember that Reflexology is never a substitute for medical treatment. If there is a medical problem they should go for medical help.

For my clients, I integrate all my great relaxation techniques for the toes and detail them in my session sequence. I might be curious whether they experience headaches or sinus congestion too!

Here’s what else I do. I have my client stand on a piece of paper. Have them hold onto a chair so they’re stable and have them put their full walking weight on one foot.

Then I draw the outline of that foot with a pen held at 90 degrees from the paper. Once the outline of each foot is on the paper, I’ll put one of their shoes over the paper and align it with the foot.

Usually you can see that the foot is larger than the shoe, especially at the toes.

Next, I send them to a good shoe store and tell them to take the paper with them.

The store will fit them to shoes that are a bit wider and half and inch longer than their foot. They should be snug and the heel will be low.

Try it. Your feet will thank you for years to come.

I hope you’ve enjoyed your Reflexology newsletter… tell all your friends so they can benefit from it too.

© 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”

Reflexolyogi!

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.

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