Why engage in energy therapies?

If we look at the big picture, we see that we live in a precarious time!  In Canada, we have this tsunami of seniors turning 65 each year.  Our population is aging and we are living longer (but not necessarily better).  Our health care system is teetering on disaster due to underfunding.  Our health care workers are facing increased stress and more difficult working conditions.  Chronic diseases are on the rise.  We are seeing a dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes and cancer diagnoses are exploding.  Does this suggest that there is a safety net there for us?
I think not!!  Quite honestly, it is not the governments responsibility to keep you healthy.  It is a personal responsibility to be healthy.  This entails conscious decisions concerning our diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and engaging in activities which will promote the natural healing of our bodies.
One of the ways we can help to promote balance and healing is the modality of reflexology.  It has been around for 4 thousand years.  Reflexology is similar to acupressure and acupuncture.  It is concerned with allowing the energy to flow freely through out the body thus allowing the healing to be done from within.  We were not created to be in "Dis ease".  We were created to be well and the body has the ability to heal naturally. 
We have not been made aware of reflexology or other natural healing therapies because our modis operendi in treating people in North America has been by way of prescriptions (which incidentally has only been around for a couple of hundred years, if that).  Instead of running to the pharmacy for some over the counter medication which will only mask the underlying issue, consider a preventative approach to health by making better choices in food products, exercise, stress management, sleep, water intake, and engagement in natural therapies to promote balance and healing.  Yes, change is scary and difficult for many!  Consider the alternative.  Studies suggest that failure to embrace this change will result in the last ten years of your life being lived in pain and disease.  I for one, appreciate my health and wish to keep it!!      

Sevenvid1 b Sick Tired and Broke

Reflexology and pH Balance

 

Reflexology and the pH Balance of the Body.  This is what has been known for centuries “life is all about balance.”

  By Julie Wilson, Certified Reflexologist, Wilson and Reynolds Reflexology

Are you wondering how Reflexology and our pH balance are connected, let me explain.  Please keep in mind this information is not based on research studies or any scientific proof and only the opinion of the writer.

Reflexology provides the body the opportunity to relax, reduce stress and tension, increase circulation, as well as to help the body heal itself.

Reflexology works all the systems of the body to keep energy flowing, breaking up any restrictions which in turn keeps the body balanced.  When we say balance, we are talking pH balance.  The heart pumps blood throughout the body, opening up blood vessels, veins and arteries.  Good blood circulation is crucial for the overall health of the body since blood is responsible for bringing oxygen and essential nutrients and to the entire body. That’s why the body cannot by any means function properly if the blood circulation is poor. This allows disease and illness to set in.

Working the entire foot with foot reflexology, roughly half an hour on each foot will significantly increase circulation as well as provide many other benefits. Working the foot and/ or hands aids in digestion; helping to move the excess acid, also referred to as toxic waste, out of the body.  The immune and autoimmune systems are also stimulated to fight against acid build up in joints and muscles.  Reflexology works the endocrine system.  Our glands all work together just like a well oiled machine.  Balance relates to the glandular functioning of your body, or homeostasis. Homeostasis is really just a biochemical balancing act played every day of our lives by our endocrine glands.  Homeostasis is the medical term used for the body's internal balancing act. It means that our unconscious body functions such as body temperature and glandular secretions are working for us to keep us alive and functioning.

This was just mentioning a few of the bodies systems and the effect of reflexology.  As I mentioned before, all the systems of the body are worked and each system has an important role in aiding our pH balance.

pH stands for power of hydrogen, which is a measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration in the body. The total pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 considered to be neutral. The lower the pH number, the greater the acidity, and the higher the pH number, the greater the alkalinity.  Our ideal pH is slightly alkaline - 7.20. You can test your pH levels regularly by using a piece of litmus paper in your saliva or urine first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything.

Human body pH balance is key. Failure to maintain an alkaline pH in our tissues and cells will hurt our cellular health. Too much acidity (too little alkalinity) can cause weight gain. Cancer cells, disease-causing bacteria, fungus, viruses and parasites can thrive in acidic body tissue. A combination of a good alkaline diet, the water you drink, the air you breathe, the amount of sunlight you are exposed to, how well you sleep, the amount of stress in your life, and how often you get physical exercise, can have a profound effect on the pH level of your body. This will affect how healthy you are and how long you will live. Read more by Marcus Julian Felicetti on all the systems of the body and how they respond to acid and alkaline in the body.

Diet, eating the recommended ratios of acidic/alkaline foods daily (for examples see chart and food list below), Exercise (read more here ) will keep oxygen flowing and this is where Reflexology comes in!  Regular Reflexology treatments combined with diet and exercise is a part of the whole. Assisting in balance to feel your best and look your best!

 

 

Reflexology 101

                                                                                                                 

Reflexology 101  

Complementary therapies can be used in addition to the treatments prescribed by a doctor. There are many different types of complementary therapies and it is important to choose one that fits your needs best. Some of the more common types are; therapeutic touch, reiki, aromatherapy, massage, visualization and mediation. There is another natural healing therapy that is regaining popularity, that has proven over centuries to be not only relaxing but offer tremendous benefits to your health, Reflexology.

Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. Its origin can be traced back to Ancient China.  Hieroglyphics were discovered in Egypt dating back to 2500 BC.  Through the centuries, reflexology has evolved, from what was first known as zone theory to what is now known as reflexology.  Reflexology is based on the principal that the body is mirrored on the bottom of the feet and on the hands.  By stimulating with light to firm pressure on those pressure points and reflexes, positive changes take place within the corresponding parts, organs and glands of the body.  

The feet and hands have 1000’s of nerve endings that act as sensory receptors which influence all the systems of the body. By stimulating nerves and specific reflex areas on the feet and/or hands, one can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs.  Reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, beneficial to every system of the body.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and has proven to bring relief from a wide range of chronic and acute conditions.  Foot reflexology treatments are very beneficial in reducing daily stress and tension.  Our society now has a better understanding between the correlation of stress and disease. We must now actively engage in activities and therapies to manage our stress.    

Hand reflexology is ideal to use in self treatment and at times when foot reflexology is not possible.  Working the hands is a wonderful form of contact and communicating with each other.  Although the hands are not as sensitive as the feet, it is still effective in bringing about relaxation throughout the whole body.

Reflexology has four main benefits: relaxation, increased circulation, reduction of stress and homeostasis (the ability of the body to heal itself).  These four main benefits can provide relief for such conditions as diabetes, inflammation, insomnia, digestive issues, constipation, muscle and joint pain and more. It helps reduce body tension and definitely brings a sense of relaxation.   The body also produces its own natural painkillers, known as endorphins, which are released during a reflexology treatment.

 

Reflexologists do not claim to extend the life of their clients, but assist in the quality of it.  Maybe that will mean a day free of pain for one person or a week of regular bowel movements, or a good night’s sleep for another. The body is not machine, but similar to machinery our bodies require a regular maintenance program. A Reflexology maintenance program might be planned weekly, bi-weekly, monthly depending on each individuals specific needs.

This article was provided by Wilson and Reynolds Reflexology and the Reflexology Training Academy of Canada.  www.wilsonandreynolds.ca      www.reflexologytrainingacademy.ca  1-866-491-5566

Reflexology Research Cancer Care

Reflexology Research

Industry leaders Kevin Kuntz and his wife Barbara, have researched, taught, practiced and documented reflexology for more than 30 years.

Unfortunately these studies did not take place in Canada but I beg to differ the outcomes would not be the same!

 Below are their findings on Reflexology and Cancer care.  Pleasing results!


Results from 24 studies conducted by nurses in ten countries are reported in Medical Applications of Reflexology: Findings in Research about Cancer Care (Kunz, Barbara and Kevin, RRP Press,2011).

The results show that reflexology helps cancer patients improve the physical and emotional symptoms of the cancer experience. From chemotherapy to symptom management and from postoperative care to palliative care, research demonstrates reflexology’s effectiveness at alleviating pain, relieving anxiety, easing nausea and more for cancer patients.

For the 28 million people fighting cancer worldwide and the 1.3 million diagnosed each year in the US alone, findings from the reflexology research offer potential, potential for improved quality of life and easing of their symptoms. Speaking to such potential are the results realized by the total of 1,173 cancer patients participating in the 24 studies:

• In eleven studies totalling 697 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, reflexology was found to be effective at in easing symptoms such as nausea vomiting, fatigue and anxiety.

• For those under cancer care with concerns about management of symptoms, six studies of reflexology which included a total of 255 patients demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety
• Two studies of post operative cancer patients including a total of 89 cancer patients noted results of lessened pain and anxiety reported by patients to whom reflexology was applied as well as significantly less use of analgesics.
• Five studies of reflexology applied to a total of 69 cancer patients in palliative care found that reflexology helped with alleviation.

Mark initiated the Reflexology program in Hopespring's Cancer Centre in Waterloo, Ontario and after 2 years became the most sought after healing therapy to Cancer survivors!


If you would like to read about other Reflexology research projects and outcomes with Kunz and Kunz go to http://www.reflexology-research.com/ 

With seeing such a need for more research and with the positive results, more reflexologists are needed.  If you would like to become a certified Reflexologist the next course starts February 23rd, 2013.  Visit www.reflexologytrainingacademy.ca  for more details and registration.
For more information about us Wilson and Reynolds Reflexology go to www.wilsonandreynolds.ca

Reflexology can help Reduce Cellulite?

Many women I know have experienced problems due to a damaged or a sluggish lymphatic system.  A sluggish, damaged, compromised lymphatic system leads to excessive swelling, lymphedema, cellulite and cancer.  Physical, mental and emotional health all depends on the body’s ability to not only circulate blood, but also circulate lymphatic fluid.

Death, taxes and cellulite…the great equalisers. Cellulite does not discriminate, most women of all ages and sizes (yes, even skinny supermodels) have at least a few embarrassing orange-peel patches of skin.

Our blood is pumped by our heart to keep the circulating moving; however, the lymphatic fluid has no pump to circulate it. It is propelled by the contraction of our breathing and by the body movements, causing pressure against the arteries and muscles which help assist its flow.

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is one of the body’s natural cleansing processes. It has a variety of jobs to do; it works to guard the body from various viruses or diseases. The lymph nodes or glands are filtering devices for removing dead cells and other foreign matter. They carry away the wastes, bacteria and viruses from the body’s connective tissue. It also flushes out toxins and excess water, which could otherwise cause congestion and edema.

A simplified explanation of how the lymphatic system normally functions.

What does the Lymphatic System do?

Ø The lymphatic system aids the immune system in removing and destroying waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, toxins, and cancer cells.

Ø The lymphatic system absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and delivers these nutrients to the cells of the body where they are used by the cells.

Ø The lymphatic system also removes excess fluid, and waste products from the interstitial spaces between the cells.

There are no fast miracle cures to get rid of cellulite. The best way is nutrition, exercise and massage. A Reflexology treatment will flush out the toxins and help the body eliminate faster.

Facts about Cellulite:
Cellulite usually depends on both genetic and hormonal factors. It’s said to worsen with such things as altered blood circulation, incorrect eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol, high heels and tight garments. 90% of women have been said to confront cellulite, which increases as women age and their skin thins. So we are pretty doomed unless extremely lucky!
Cellulite is not a medical term, but is the name given by the French. For those 10% of women that have never seen cellulite, it describes a skin condition with dimply, orange-peel look above the fat on hips, thighs and buttocks. It results from compressed and stagnant plasma and lymph accumulating in surface adipose (fatty) tissues. In other words,

How Can reflexology help?

With foot reflexology there are several areas and pressure points that correlate to the lymphatic system.  With emphasis on these area when working the foot, Reflexology can effectively support the lymphatic system in circulating lymph fluid; simultaneously giving a “boost” to the immune system.

Reflexology can assist in reducing cellulite by working on the lymphatic system and digestive system. The session will activate the blood and lymphatic flow hence flushing out accumulated toxins. In the same way, by stimulating the digestive system, it will help get rid of unwanted fats.

So, ladies considering having a series of reflexology treatments, adding exercises like yoga and zumba along with eating more fruits and veggies to your health regime and you will be looking good and feeling good!

Here is a great recipe for Lymphatic Boost Juice!!

If you have a juicer throw in a Grapefruit peeled, 2 Oranges peel, a Lemon peeled a chuck of Ginger and voila!!  Juice to Boost!!

Happy New Year! Feet First!

Happy new year Everyone!
We hope everyone started their year feet first!!

Your feet should be a part of the "whole". By this I mean the "wholistic"( yes a play on words) approach to good health.  Eat right, exercise, keep a positive mental attitude and participate in alternative therapies, such as reflexology are all part of the "whole" health regime.

A brief refresher, Reflexology is described as an alternative healing therapy, based on the principles that every part, organ and gland are mapped out on the bottom of the feet.  By applying pressure, pressure suitable to the receiver, and stimulating the various areas and pressure points, energy pathways are opened plus crystals built up in nerve endings are released. With this relaxing and warming circulation, positive change occurs throughout the body.

Over the holidays I have indulged in reading various websites  about nutrition, detoxing, raw foods, juicing, supplements, various different therapies, exercise programs, and of course reflexology to increase my knowledge.  There is some much information out there it makes the head spin.

I am going to share a few I found :
10 Of The Most Unhealthy Ingredients Found In Food and Their Side Effects: 
We all know reading food labels is important, but there are some ingredients that might need that second look. It's most often these ingredients that burden our bodies with toxins and other harmful substances.
READ MORE

This website is a fountain of great information on a vast array of  health topics . This direct link will enable you to look up different health disorders and conditions. READ MORE

For anyone interest in obtaining a  free copy of our foot map download Go Here and scroll to the bottom of the page. This will make it easier for you to understand that certain  areas on the foot when worked with help with system disorders.  We highly recommend the the entire foot is worked with paying extra attention to the reflex area of concern to assist with the disorder. 

Eunice D. Ingham, a Physical Therapist, worked closely with Dr. Riley and was fascinated by the concept of Zone Therapy and started developing her foot reflex theory in the early 1930's. She had the opportunity to treat hundreds of patients where each reflex point of contact had been carefully and thoughtfully checked and rechecked until with all confidence she was able to determine that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs of the body. Dr. Riley encouraged her to write her first book entitled "Stories The Feet Can Tell" where she documented her cases and carefully mapped out the reflexes on the feet as we know them today.  If you wish to ready more about the history of Reflexology click here.  From this book we learned much and we would like to share this with you.

"The disorders and their associative reflexes are listed only as a guide. In no way is this this list to be constructed as, nor used for, diagnostic purposes.  Reflexologists do not diagnose nor prescribe at any time in any manner."  D.C.B.

Disorder                                                                   Reflex

Bronchitis                                                              Chest/lungs, Ileocecal, Diaphragm, Adrenals

Colds                                                           Chest/Lung, Adrenals, Intestines,  Lymph system, All toes

Fatigue (general)                                                Adrenals, Diaphragm, All Glands, Whole Spine

Headaches (general)                                          Whole spine, Diaphragm, All glands, All toes

Kidney Stones                                                Ueter tubes, Kidneys, Bladder, Diaphragm, Parathyroid

These are just a few if you would like to know more email us!
Julie Wilson and Mark Reynolds, CR
www.wilsonandreynolds.ca

Detoxification is an important component to overall health!

Benefits of Detoxification

 More Energy, Better State of Mind, Feel lighter, Think more clearly, Enhance your well-being!

Healthy Weight Loss: Increase metabolism, reactivate the body's fat burning mechanisms, release the fat cells holding toxins, reduce cellulite, and maintain a healthy body weight.

Rejuvenation: Look and feel great inside and out with beautiful skin, nails, and hair.

Restore and Regain Your Health: Create a stronger immunity, experience fewer aches and pains, or reduce allergies and flu symptoms.

Easily Rid Your Body of Toxins: Remove toxins easily and comfortably with no drugs, pills, or harmful side effects.

Relief: From discomfort, sore and aching joints, symptoms of arthritis and bursitis, or inflammation.

Look and Feel Younger: Clear skin, rough discoloured areas smoothen, dark areas under the eyes lightened, allowing our skin's colour and beauty to naturally radiate through. The ageing of our skin may slow presenting a more youthful appearance.

The body, diet and detoxification 

"Our bodies naturally detoxify everyday as part of a normal body process. Detoxification is one of the body’s most basic automatic functions of eliminating and neutralising toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. Unfortunately in this day and age, with the pollution found in the air, water and food we eat, our bodies have a hard time keeping up. Our chemical laiden diet with too much animal protein, too much saturated and trans fats, too much caffeine and alcohol radically changes our internal ecosystem. 

Body systems and organs that were once capable of cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely over-loaded to the point where toxic material remains inside our tissues. Our bodies try to protect us from dangerous substances by setting it aside, surrounding it with mucous and fat so that it will not cause an imbalance or trigger an immune response (some people carry up to 15 extra pounds of mucous that harbours this waste)

Detoxification through special cleansing diets and colonics is the best way to assist your body’s natural self-cleaning system. It is especially important for immune-compromised diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes and chronic fatigue. However, even if your diet is good, a spring cleanse can revitalise your system and rid your body of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites."
James & Laurentine
Filmmakers 'Food Matters'
& 'Hungry for Change' http://www.foodmattersdistribution.com

Did You Know Reflexology will detoxify?

Based on the principals of reflexology, every part, organ and gland of the body is mirrored on the bottom of the feet . When a reflexologist works your feet with  gentle massage and stimulation of  reflex  pressure points, this will in fact help the body to detox itself.  Some clients have noticed this elimination by means of perspiration of the feet, stomach nausea, headaches, sleepiness, poor mental clarity, more frequent urination  and bowel movements.   This is know as the "healing crisis".  This detoxification usually only last 24 -48 hours after a treatment and then a better sense of well being will follow.

The more toxins we hold in our bodies the harder it is to reap the benefits discussed above. Reflexologists believe each foot is actually a channel; a conduit, through which your body attempts to cleanse itself of toxic wastes that have been building up. www.wilsonandreynolds.ca

Ionic Detox Foot Bath

We have now have incorporated an Ionic foot bath into our practice to assist in  deeper elimination of built up toxins.  Reflexology and the ionic foot detox bathing are great treatment combinations.  With the ionic foot bath you can actually see the colour of the water changing to indicate what part and or gland of your body the toxins are being pulled from.

http://wilsonandreynolds.ca/services.php

Fun Foot Facts by Ann Gillanders

I had purchased the book written by Ann Gillanders a British Reflexologist. It is very informative and I am she she does not mind me sharing it with you. If you would like a copy it is called "The Complete Reflexology Tutor".  (2007)

We teach the treatment sequence differently at the Reflexology training Academy of Canada, but there is certainly alot of helpful tips, tools and research found in this book!

 www.reflexologytrainingacademy.ca

 

Fun Foot Facts!

Our feet bear a cumulative weight total of 1,000 tons a day.

They cushion as much as a million pounds of pressure during only one hour of strenuous exercise.

The average person walks over 115,000 miles during their lifetime - that’s enough to walk around the world 4 times.

Your feet may be as much as 5 to 10 percent larger at the end of the day.

An average pair of feet will create a pint of perspiration a day.

One fourth of all the bones in your body are in your feet.
The palms of the hand and the soles of the feet cannot tan.
Before King George IV of England ordered a set of boots made to fit each of his feet, shoes were designed to be worn on either foot.

- Ann Gillanders

Upcoming Introduction to reflexology workshop

It is truly amazing and gratifying for us every day as we perform reflexology treatments. We diligently act to educate for regular reflexology treatments as preventative health measure. But no, many clients come to us with desperate hope for relief of their pain and discomfort after many alternative avenues have failed.

Lest we say, the majority are pleased to see the results they obtained with reflexology treatments. This leads to wishing they had given this natural therapy fair consideration in the beginning.

We are pleased to offer workshops to assist in the awareness of what reflexology is and the many benefits this therapy can produce. Our next workshop is Wed, Aug 15, 2012

Please join us or tell your friends.

Introduction to Reflexology Workshop

Learn the theory and basic techniques of the ancient natural healing therapy of Reflexology.
Workshop objectives:

• Reflexology history and origin
• Health benefits of Reflexology
• Learn the location of pressure points and reflexes in the feet
• Description of basic techniques and benefits
• Learn a 20 minute relaxation program
• Opportunity to consider Reflexology as a new career

August 15, 2012
6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m
94 Simpson Street Brighton, ON
Instructors Julie Wilson and Mark Reynolds
Certified Reflexologists
Reflexology Training Academy Of Canada

Registration $55.00 per person.
Email us at info@wilsonandreynolds.ca

Ontario Healer uses Reflexology in 1900"s

Because Author Rex Ellingwood Beach got fallen arches on an Ontario golf course, some five million readers of the Hearst Press last week learned about a Miraculous Healer. A doctor friend took Author Beach to the village of Williamsburg, some 40 mi. from Ottawa, to see Dr. Mahlon William Locke. While getting his arches treated Author Beach was amazed to learn what thousands of persons from all parts of Canada and the U. S. knew about Dr. Locke; that he treats from 800 to 1,000 a day for rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, neuritis.

Dr. Mahlon Locke (1880-1942). physician and surgeon, was horn at Williamsburg, Ontario, and was educated at Queen's University, Kingston, receiving his M.D. in 1905. Alter studying in Scotland. he received the triple degree of Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. I-Ic returned to Canada to practise in Williamsburg.
His unorthodox treatment of arthritis and rheumatism gained him worldwide celebrity status. and people travelled from all parts of North America to see him, turning the small (own of Williamsburg into a thriving centre which attracted both the sick and the curious. At his peak. he saw up to 2,000 patients a day, receiving one dollar per visit. His unique "twist" received mixed reactions from others in the medical community, but Locke himself recognized that the healing process is psychological as well as physical.
Always interested in the corrective value of shoes, he designed wedges. and lent his name to several lines of footwear that lie believed would help those with physical problems.

Interesting Article found here:
http://lifeasahuman.com/2011/feature/the-story-of-the-toe-twister/

Reflexology and Pain Control

How does Reflexology help with pain?

A number of chemical changes take place in the body during a Reflexology treatment. One of the changes deals with sedation of pain. The body produces its own painkillers, known as endorphins, which are 5 to 10 times more powerful than morphine. Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and can stop the transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord.
Studies have shown that pain signals travel along the nerve pathways to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, beginning a complicated reflex action.  From the spinal cord the impulse is relayed to the thalamus, which then sends the impulse to the cerebral cortex where the intensity and location of the pain is recognised. The brain then sends signals back to the spinal cord to release endorphins.                                                                                         
Reflexology uses finger and thumb pressure to stimulate reflexes mirrored on the feet.  All parts, glands and organs of the body are reflected on the feet.  By stimulating the foot using pressure, reflexology encourages the brain to produce more endorphins while interrupting the pain cycle and helping the body to relax.

www.wilsonandreynolds.ca

Introductory Reflexology Workshop

Wed, May 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m
Learn the theory and basic techniques of the ancient natural healing therapy of Reflexology.

Workshop objectives:

• Reflexology history
• Benefits of Reflexology
• Learn location of pressure points and reflexes in the feet
• Description of basic techniques
• Includes hands on practice
• Basic skills to treat family and friends
• Valuable addition to a caregiver program

Instructors Julie Wilson and Mark Reynolds
Certified Reflexologists
Reflexology Training Academy Of Canada

Testimonial on workshop
The workshop was great - enough information to get started, not so packed as to be overwhelming, and a useful skill to take home!

My family members are all *Very* happy I took the intro course, especially my husband Nathan who is a mechanic and stands on a concrete floor all day. I gave him a treatment when I got home that night and the difference was amazing - the pain was completely eliminated. He often gets foot massages from me when his feet are sore, and he said that while those feel good in the moment, they don't have a lasting effect. The reflexology treatment made him feel like he was walking on pillows. Lol.

I've referred frequently to the handout as well. The only problem with it, is that the numbers on the foot chart are difficult to read (I have excellent eye sight), so I've gone through and re-written them all in a darker ink. It might be worth checking with Willow Printing in Brighton to see if they can print a higher resolution image for you.

One of the natural health books I have specifies which reflex areas to treat for various health conditions, so I've been able to add those in for family members as well, using the techniques that I learned on Wednesday.

All in all - it was a worthwhile investment of my time and money, and I'm excited to pursue certification this summer. :) Sarah

An age old healing therapy, Reflexology is regaining awareness!

An age old healing therapy, Reflexology is regaining awareness!

Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. This natural healing therapy has been discovered through hieroglyphics dating back to 2500 BC.  Through the centuries it progressed from what was first called zone theory to later years reflexology when pressure points and reflexes were discover within those zones.  Those pressure points and reflexes corresponded to the organs, glands and parts within our body.  Reflexology’s popularity faded as modern medicine and technology have advanced.

Natural alternative therapies, especially Reflexology, are gaining renewed awareness as safe and effective.  They are largely preventative in nature, however, are used to combat many illnesses and diseases. 

Foot Reflexology is based on the principals that the body is mirrored on the bottom of the feet.  The feet have over 7200 nerve endings. They act as sensory receptors which influence all the systems of the body.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages, especially seniors, and may bring relief from a wide range of chronic and acute conditions.  Reflexology has four main benefits: relaxation, increased circulation, reduction of stress and homeostasis (the ability of the body to heal itself). 

These four main benefits can provide relief for such conditions as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, pain management, insomnia, digestive issues, constipation, menopause, muscle and joint pain and more.

If you are looking for a natural healing therapy that has proven over centuries to be not only relaxing but offer tremendous benefits to your health, I suggest you try reflexology.

Wilson and Reynolds Reflexology                                                                  www.wilsonandreynolds.ca

Complementary “touch” therapies such as reflexology may help to reduce the experience of distress for Retirement home residents

Complementary “touch” therapies such as massage and reflexology may help to reduce the experience of distress for nursing home residents by promoting a relaxation response.

This paper discusses the use of reflexology as a clinical intervention in nursing home residents with mild to moderate dementia. A review of the literature indicates that reflexology is a useful tool in promoting relaxation and improving well-being. Referral criteria for reflexology in this population are suggested.
We present the story of a resident whose primary diagnoses of moderate dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depression is similar to the clinical presentation of many nursing home residents. The case illustrates the role of reflexology in assisting with the management of stress in residents with complex needs.

Reflexology provides a holistic practice tool that does not rely on language, is minimally invasive, and can evoke a positive emotional response with little risk of adverse effect.

Source of support: The Farber Family Foundation
Susan G. Andersen BS, CHES Project Director, Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life North Wales, PA USA

Nancy A. Hodgson RN, PhD Acting Director of Research, Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life North Wales, PA USA

---

Citation: S.G. Andersen, N.A. Hodgson: Reflexology with Nursing Home Residents: A Case Vignette. The Internet Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology. 2007 Volume 3 Number 2

Reflexology interest (hands-on) course

Wilson and Reynolds Reflexology
Reflexology for Beginners Interest Course
March 31. Click on the link above for more details

Reflexology for Beginners

Reflexology for Beginners

Date: Sat, Mar 31st, 2012
Time: 09:00am - 12:00pm
Location: 94 Simpson Street, Brighton, Ontario

A Hands-On Workshop For Beginners

Learn the theory and basic techniques of the ancient natural healing therapy of Reflexology.

The Workshop objectives
-Learn the history of Reflexology
-Learn the benefits of Reflexology
-Learn location and Pressure points and reflexes in the feet
-Learn the description of basic techniques
-Practice hands-on

Go away with the basic skills to treat family and friends.


Price is $79.00 per person
Register prior to march 1st and pay only $69.00

Contact us via website www.wilsonandreynolds.ca

This is an interest course, not for certification

Learn Better Health with Reflexology and Proper Nutrition

Better Health with Reflexology and Proper Nutrition

Discover the benefits of reflexology combined with proper nutrition

Look better, feel better, sleep better

Reduce stress, improve circulation, balance the body systems

January 30^th, 2012

Copperfield’s Fitness and Rehabilitation Centre

421 Dundas Street West Trenton

6:30- 8:00 pm

No Charge

RSVP   613-475-1023 or

Copperfield’s 613-392-1825 or email rsvp to info@wilsonandreynolds.ca

Presented by: Julie Wilson and Mark Reynolds, Certified Reflexologists

And

Jaye Yarrien, Registered Holistic Nutritionist

Plantar Fascitis

Plantar what?

Symptoms

The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.

The pain is usually worse:

Ø  In the morning when you take your first steps

Ø  After standing or sitting for a while

Ø  When climbing stairs

Ø  After intense activity

The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show:

Ø  Tenderness on the bottom of your foot

Ø  Flat feet or high arches

Ø  Mild foot swelling or redness

Ø  Stiffness or tightness of the arch in the bottom of your foot.

X-rays may be taken to rule out other problems, but having a heel spur is not significant.

Treatment

Your doctor will usually first recommend:

Ø  Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and inflammation

Ø  Heel stretching exercises

Ø  Resting as much as possible for at least a week

Ø  Wearing shoes with good support and cushions

Other steps to relieve pain include:

Ø  Apply ice to the painful area. Do this at least twice a day for 10 - 15 minutes, more often in the first couple of days.

Ø  Try wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heel area, or shoe inserts.

Ø  Use night splints to stretch the injured fascia and allow it to heal.

from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reflexology Treatment Benefits

Reflexology is beneficial because it stretches and relieves heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.  During this special massage treatment, ligaments and muscles of the foot are relaxed and loosened, in addition to the calf muscles. The entire lower leg and foot experiences increased circulation, muscle relief and improved flexibility. Those who routinely go for a reflexology session experience less pain in the foot, heel and lower leg and are able to maintain full flexibility when doing daily activities.