August 2011 Meeting - Lisa Hensell, Seattle Reflexology
Monday, August 29, 2011 at 4:56PM "A Brief Introduction to Reflexology"
Lisa Hensell loves to learn and teach! She earned a degree in Nutrition at Bastyr and began studying reflexology at Seattle Reflexology & Massage Center in 1999. Since then she became licensed as a massage therapist through Brian Utting School of Massage and Nationally Certified in Reflexology with the American Reflexology Certification Board. Lisa currently teaches reflexology classes from the principle of holistic wellness. She helps students integrate reflexology concepts through hands-on practice, reinforcing the wholeness of body and mind through this approach.
Your body reveals miniature maps of itself ("microcosms") in various locations of your body, including the feet, hands, and ears. When you are aware of these microcosms you can stimulate specific areas of the body through the map to trigger balance in the whole body, bringing great healing and relaxation to your client or yourself. In this hour we will explore some of these maps and practice techniques that are easily translatable to your practice as an esthetician.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural holistic science and art used since ancient Egypt to promote health and well being. It is currently used extensively in Sweden, China, Denmark, England, Norway, and Japan.
Reflexology is based on the principle that the feet, hands and ears are mini-maps of all the systems of the body. The right side of the body is reflected on the right foot and the left side of the body is reflected on the left foot. Specific manual pressure to any of the microcosms stimulates the corresponding body part or zone as well as the entire nervous system, helping to improve circulation and achieve an internal balance. At this point, stagnant toxins can be released and pain and stress on the body reduced. The enhanced relaxation experienced through reflexology accelerates the body's natural healing abilities. It can affect positive change in health issues ranging from minor aches and pains to chronic conditions, and acts as a means of preventative health care, fostering peace and balance that resonates to mind, body and spirit.
In addition to the reflexive effects of reflexology, it is helpful locally as a natural, non-invasive means of reducing the foot pain experienced by a great portion of the population.
What are the benefits of reflexology?
Most significantly, reflexology allows for reduction of stress, enabling a deep and meditative relaxation. This opens the door to homeostasis, the state in which the body is most able to heal itself. Clients will experience improved circulation and a cleansing of toxins and impurities from the body. This will in turn help to balance the whole system (homeostasis), revitalizing energy, and stimulating creativity and productivity.
How does it work?
Reflexology works through nerve and energy pathways. Energy flows through the body via a network of over 70,000 nerve endings running to the bottom of the feet and hands, and through ten primary reflex zones that span the entire length of the body. When there is dis-ease in the body due to everyday life or a direct injury, the flow of blood and energy is diminished, blocking the supply of nutrients and oxygen to tissues in the area and throughout the body. This blockage may affect everything in the specific zone in which the blockage occurred (for example, the kidney and eye fall in the same zone - diabetics have weakened kidneys and frequently develop visual difficulties). In a state of stagnation crystalline deposits form and gravitate to the various microcosms, indicating where disharmony exists within the body.
Once reflexology techniques have been introduced to the reflexive and local areas of stagnation, the body can relax and regain its balance. Circulatory flow can be restored and blocked areas rejuvenated. Organs and glands can return to optimal function and the immune system can be strengthened and freed to defend itself against diseases that try to invade.
Lisa Hensell, LMP, NBCR
Seattle Reflexology & Massage Center
206.284.8389