Reflexology Website became the Winner of Best Loved Alternative Therapy in the UK award!

UK Reflexologist Debbie Stevens.

UK Reflexologist Debbie Stevens received the honour at the Worthing Business Awards, Debbie Stevens is celebrating gaining a national accolade: she was being voted by customers for a Best Loved Alternative Therapy in the UK award from leading community website thebestof.co.uk.

Well-being events manager and refexologist Debbie Steven has seen her venture grow considerably over the past three years, attracting a range of clients seeking some pampering to relieve the stresses of the working day.

“I couldn’t quite believe that I’d won as there are 400 bestof websites around the country with everyone voting for their favourite companies. I’ve had so much positive feedback from all the girls who have attended my events and who have voted for me, which is quite amazing,” said Debbie, believing that a passionate approach to her work had been critical to her success to date.

AN INTRODUCTION TO REFLEXOLOGY:

Debbie Steven presents at her website a short introduction to reflexology, featured with a list of problems where reflexology can be applied successfully:

Reflexology is a popular and relaxing holistic treatment based on the principle that reflex points on the hands and feet are connected to corresponding areas throughout the body.

It is a gentle and soothing massage of the hands and feet through which the energy channels and body systems can be reached.  It has a balancing, relaxing and healing effect on the whole person and is proven in the treatment of:

• Back problems
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Digestive disorders
• Emotional problems
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
• Migraines
• Pre-menstrual Tension (PMT)
• Sinusitis
• Stress related conditions

Reflexology is a non-intrusive treatment: the only clothing removed is your socks and shoes.

More reflexology in and outside the UK:
http://www.reflexology-news.com/reflexology/massage-reflexology-centers.htm

2011 STUDY REPORTS: ‘Manually applied Reflexology Increases Pain Treshold & Tolerance’!

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PORTSMOUTH, 2011 – A PhD thesis at the University of Portsmouth has revealed that manually applied reflexology can increases both pain treshold and pain tolerance in healthy volunteer subjects!

Reflexology incorporates the use of specific pressure techniques to the feet, hands or ears. There are many anecdotal claims for reflexology in the treatment of various conditions such as migraine, arthritis and multiple sclerosis but very little clinical evidence exists for reflexology in the management of pain per se. Pain is a worldwide concern and 10% of the UK population suffer from chronic pain, making demands on an already overstretched NHS service. Members of the public seek more control over their wellbeing and there is a growing trend towards complementary medicine. Reflexology, one of the many complementary medicine modalities available, may be a suitable adjunct to pain management by helping to reduce the number of medications and associated side-effects from continued drug use. This research therefore, enters at a time when the call for scientific evidence is sought and offers new evidence for the efficacy of reflexology in acute pain. Various experiments were executed in order to investigate the acute effects of the principal aims of applying reflexology under various conditions:

FULL SUMMARY:
An investigation into the efficacy of reflexology on acute pain in healthy human subjects

It appears that there were all together 83 healthy volunteering subjects recruted in the this study - who participated in what appears to be 5 experiments.

Is reflexology an effective intervention?

Last year UK complementary medicine expert Dr Edzard Ernst presented a thorough study on the effectiveness of reflexology. What did the report of the book ‘Trick of Treatment‘ report? “Reflexology: ‘bodywork on your hands & feet!‘“ Reflexology was described in the study as a technique that involves applying pressure to various parts of the foot or hands, which is said to have a beneficial effect on other parts of the body. Ernst searched six databases and found 217 trials on reflexology, of which only 18 randomised controlled trials were considered good enough to be analysed. Of these 18 trials, only five yielded positive results, says Ernst. Ernst describes: “Most of the higher-quality trials did not generate positive findings. The best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition.” Ernst says proponents of reflexology argue the method is risk free but he argues it could be “life-threatening” if patients relied on it to treat a serious condition. “There is little doubt that a foot massage is pleasantly relaxing, however specific medical claims should always be supported by sound evidence.” SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING: • Four benefits of a reflexology massage! • Reflexology: ‘you can do it yourself’! • Is reflexology an effective intervention? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. [ABSTRACT] Reflexology relates to various massage techniques.

Reflexology offers mental and physical health

Interview: Kim Smith, a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist   SOURCE: Reflexology offers mental and physical health benefits for all ages

Always looking to try something new, I decided to visit the new reflexologist in Lindsay. Kim Smith, a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist and owner of Solely R and R, just so happens to be a foot reflexologist. Not being much of a foot person myself, I have mixed feelings about this new endeavor. For me, feet are ugly, smelly and while I respect their purpose and function, I’d rather not think about mine – or have them touched. So for this occasion, I had polished and primped my feet as much as possible to pretty them up, prepping them for the treatment ahead. Soft-spoken and welcoming, Ms Smith had me lie back in her surprisingly comfortable chair with my feet up, putting relaxing music on the CD player to enhance the mood. Ms Smith explained that the treatment can be very personalized according to the client’s comfort level and she tries to make each experience suit the client. She began with one foot, and because the treatment tends to make people cold, she gave me a soft blanket for my body and wrapped the other foot in a towel. After a brief warm-up to get the circulation going, the actual reflexology treatment began. The textbook definition for reflexology is ‘a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, feet and ears which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.’ As Ms Smith described it, each part of the foot corresponds to a part of the body. She began at the top of the big toe of my right foot reflexology, explaining that it represents my head. Using a series of techniques with her fingers including hooking, walking and compression, she worked her way down my foot. It did not take long for me to relax and enjoy the treatment, completely forgetting that the thought of a stranger touching my feet had freaked me out just a short time before. As she worked the inner length of my foot (which represents my spine), I could distinctly feel a pleasant tingling run up and down my back. We chatted about Ms Smith’s new business and she explained why she felt reflexology and other natural treatments are the perfect answer to today’s fast-paced world and all its stresses. “Everyone is in such a hurry these days. Everything is so fast-paced on a daily basis. I think it’s important for everyone to just take some time out for ourselves – whether it be reflexology or yoga or whatever.” There are also more practical benefits then relaxation, she said, “It helps to cleanse your body and it will help your organs function better. It is extremely relaxing.” By the time she moved on to my left foot reflexology, I had nearly stopped talking and was lying back and enjoying what feels like a foot massage. Ailments can also be detected through reflexology Ms Smith said, like a disturbance she discovered on the ball of my foot directly below my pinky toe, representing my shoulder. There is a distinct grinding sound as she works the area, and she spends more time on it then the rest of the foot. By the time I got up from the chair I couldn’t believe how relaxed I felt – almost too relaxed; considering that I had to go back to work for the rest of the day. All I wanted to do was slip under some covers and have a nap. The experience was everything that was promised: relaxing, soothing and ultimately very interesting. I was intrigued to learn that our feet, probably the most underestimated part of the body, can be the gateway to total body health. Specific ailments that reflexology is meant to help include: migraine headaches, constipation, arthritis, back pain, allergies, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and many others, but Ms Smith is quick to say that everyone can get some measure of benefit from reflexology. “In the long-run, basically everyone benefits from it. Let’s face it; no one is in perfect health.” Having just opened, Ms Smith is looking for new clients, and can also make house calls for those who are most comfortable in their own environment. To contact Kim Smith at Solely R and R, call: 705-324-1327

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‘Little Masseurs’ To Pamper Your Tired Feet

‘Micro massage’ in Kuala Lumpur: Dipp your tired feet and you will be treated to an instant ‘micro-massage’. SOURCE: http://www.reflexology-news.com/reflexology/reflexology-news.htm

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) — The ‘little masseurs’ housed in the aquarium-like pool are not only a sight to behold, but try dipping your tired feet among them and you will be treated to an instant ‘micro-massage‘. ‘Doctor Fish’, which is the name given to the little masseurs, will pamper you via the process of the natural exfoliation of the skin layer over your feet as they nibble away the dead layers of the epithelium. The tingling sensation promotes the skins blood circulation, leaving you with a healthy, glowing skin. “Doctor Fish has a unique dietary habit where it would naturally peck away at the dead skin. It is also believed to be able to bring benefits to those suffering from psoriasis”. Veron Wong, the sales and marketing executive of “Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa”, said Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa, which opened its doors to the public in October 2007, received the Malaysia Book of Records accolade for being the first fish therapy spa pool in a shopping mall, in April this year. Besides the first outlet, which is located at Lot 5.01.09, Level 5, at the Pavilion KL, “Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa” has another branch at the Mid-Valley Megamall. According to Wong, a third outlet is in the pipe line and scheduled to be opened in Penang August this year whilst the fourth one would be in the Klang Valley and is expected to be unveiled also in 2008.

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KENKO STORY Wong said, “Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa” was the brainchild of Dr Jimi Tan, a Singaporean and the founder of the Kenko chain of Wellness Spas and Foot Reflexology Centres. According to Wong, Dr Tan visited a fish spa in Japan two years ago during a holiday and came back with the idea of setting up a similar establishment in Malaysia. Wong said, Kenko Fish spa at the Pavilion is aimed at foreign tourists and high-end customers.“At the Pavilion, we have many tourists from the Middle East, Korea and Japan,” she said, adding that the outlet in Mid-Valley Megamall attracts more of the locals including families and youngsters. The fish is legally protected from commercial exploitation in Turkey due to concerns on over-harvesting for export. Its unique dietary habits (eating away dead and diseased skin of bathers) were first discovered in the waters of a hot spring near Kangal, Turkey. “The Turkish treat the Garra rufa as their national treasures. They do not export them. What we got from our suppliers are those from a family of Garra rufa that have been successfully bred in Asia and from countries near Turkey like Jordan and Syria,” explained Wong. Wong said, Kenko Fish spa at the Pavilion is aimed at foreign tourists and high-end customers. “At the Pavilion, we have many tourists from the Middle East, Korea and Japan,” she said, adding that the outlet in Mid-Valley Megamall attracts more of the locals including families and youngsters. Weekend customers, she said can reach up to 500 per day while on weekdays, the number is around 200 a day. According to Wong, even though fish spas are mushrooming, “Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa”, being the pioneer in this business, is already a household name. “Our fish spa has the ambiance which sets the mood and allow our customers to relax. “We also ensure the water in the pool is hygienic and clean. It is changed daily and treated with 2000W Ultraviolet sterilization to kill virus and bacteria in the water,” said Wong. The standard Kenko fish spa half-hour treatment is priced at RM38 for adults and RM19 for children below 12 years old. Children below four years old are free-of-charge. There is also a private room at for the fish spa at the Pavilion outlet with two pools and the charge is RM58 per person. Besides fish spa, customers can also seek other therapeutic treatments including foot, hand and shoulder massages at “Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa”, which opens daily from 10 am to 10 pm.

Changes may put reflexologists out of work

South Africa: change in ‘therapeutic’ legislation: The term “therapeutic” might be removed from the names of the professions of aromatherapy, massage therapy and reflexology. SOURCE: http://www.reflexology-news.com/reflexology/reflexology-news.htm

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There is the fear that scores of aromatherapists, reflexologists and massage therapists will be put out of business if proposed changes to the registration of therapeutic health practitioners go ahead. The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) wants to petition the minister of health to change legislation so that the term “therapeutic” is removed from the names of the professions of aromatherapy, massage therapy and reflexology.This means people in these fields would be known as practitioners. They would also have to register with the health council.Tracy Chambers of the SA Association of Health and Skincare Professionals said this would influence the entire industry, as anyone wanting to practise reflexology or aromatherapy would have to comply with council regulations.

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The council has said the reason for the change was to prevent people from practising as therapeutic therapists without registering with them.Chambers said the distinction between therapeutic – meaning that it was used for healing – and non-therapeutic treatments was misleading, as both required the same knowledge. Registered therapeutic practitioners would also be barred from offering treatment in any circumstances other than medical referrals.“It impinges hugely on the industry,” Chambers said. Gayl Hansen, director of the Cape Institute for Allied Health Studies, said the proposed changes did not look at the “bigger picture” of the need for basic skills at grassroots levels. There is speculation that practitioners wanting to register with the AHPCSA would have to do a four-year degree – meaning they could practise on a clinical level. “This is very short-sighted,” Hansen said. She said the council needed to have multiple levels of entry and training in the health care industry so that therapists with basic reflexology training could still work in beauty salons. Therapists with clinical training tended to work for themselves, not in a spa or beauty salon. However, the non-registered therapist without clinical training, but with the skills to do reflexology or massage therapy, would be unable to practise. Debbie Drake-Hoffmann, the registrar of the AHPCSA, said the change would not put therapists without clinical training out of business. “On the contrary, if spas employed registered therapists it would ensure the public receivedstandardised quality treatments.” She said current legislation prevented council-registered practitioners from working for health spas or beauty salons, but the council was reviewing these regulations. The deadline for comments on the AHPCSA’s proposed changes is July 31.