Energy
Therapies
Reflexology By Paula Arndt,
RMT,CR Ah…. Reflexology. Where exactly does this word come from and what exactly does it mean? Well, literally translated, the word Reflexology is Latin as "loggia reflex", or the science of reflexes. These reflexes are found all over the body such as the feet, ear, hands, scalp, face and lower leg and connect to the entire physiological network of your body. The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet and ears, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body. Applied competently reflexology has been known to rejuvenate and balance the body in all aspects. Often when a person has been in an accident of some kind, and may be simply too sore to touch, reflexology on the feet is appropriate. It works on the whole yet person at the same time there are certain areas that can be emphasized, like the neck and shoulders areas of a person who was in a motor vehicle accident. This natural healing art of assisting the body (and therefore, the mind) to function more harmoniously takes place in clinics, major offices and homes around the world. For instance, in Thailand over 65% of the population practice Reflexology in one form or another. In Sweden, Reflexology is the first choice in complementary health care and many companies have Reflexologists on site for their employees. The statistics show that there is less absenteeism due to sickness and an increase in well-being resulting in increased productivity in personnel. In Western countries like Canada and the US, Reflexology is experiencing explosive growth and recognition, and is positioned to be in the forefront of complementary therapies in the 21st century according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Reflexology has become an extremely effective and exciting therapy to receive, give and to learn. To help you out a little in your quest to find a good Reflexologist and a sound Reflexology training program and before making an investment, here are some questions to ask your practitioner or potential training association: What are the actual number of Reflexology training hours required in the course before receiving the designation of a certified practitioner of Reflexology? Does this coincide with national/international standards and curriculums being currently taught? Have the instructors been specifically trained as a certified Reflexology Teacher, not just a Reflexologist? If so, by whom, where and what kind of institute or association is backing the training? Does the facility set and maintain high professional standards and review these on an ongoing basis? Are there appropriate exams for students that lead to certification and the ability to be licensed (in some provinces) and registered? Can they offer you professional liability/office insurance programs? Have they done or do they have access to recent clinical research on Reflexology and its benefits? What local, provincial, national or international associations recognize the training? Are manuals, exams and curriculum regularly revised and expanded to stay in tune with the international community and the increasing demand for quality instruction? If so, when? Is there a code of ethics and conduct that is adhered to? When asked, can they provide information about cost, course outline and content and all other pertinent information freely and in writing? And finally, does the program encourage and foster communication and co-operation with other types of complementary health care fields as well as traditional medical practitioners? The answers to these questions should set your feet in the right direction, and on your way to one of the best experiences ever. Check out the web page of the Reflexology Association of Canada at reflexologycanada.ca. There are some interesting links along with it too. Paula Arndt, RMT, CR Certified Instructor
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