To say that reflexology is good for the whole family is an understatement.
Over and over again, I'm told stories about how reflexology has not only supported healing at the physical level but also the emotional and spiritual as well.
Young and old can all benefit.
My family is no different.
This story demonstrates how far reflexology goes beyond the ordinary.
My husband Steve started to get a bad foot pain the other day.
Now being married to me, you'd think he gets a lot of reflexology.
Well...
he doesn't.
Just like the old saying "the cobbler's wife has no shoes", Steve actually gets reflexology very occasionally.
The conversation goes "I'd love some reflexology before I go to sleep.
" My response is usually; "I've been working on feet all day dear, and giving a session is so energizing for me that I won't sleep.
How about making an appointment and come to the office tomorrow?" Doesn't happen.
But, he loves reflexology.
Steve comes to my classes to teach part of the Anatomy and Physiology.
As a psychopharmacologist (he helps people with emotional disturbances and when appropriate, to use medication wisely), he has a great knowledge of the body and, obviously, the brain (reflexology powerfully supports the parasympathetic nervous system.
) And, he works for reflexology because every time he teaches, as payment, he'll get a session from one of the students during our practice.
(This is a real hands-on class.
We practice our techniques every day.
) So, when he had foot pain, I wanted to help him.
I gave him a soothing foot reflexology session before he went to bed.
(I was also thinking about the late night project I might do with all the great energy I'd be generating for myself.
) Now, as a reflexologist, my first thoughts were not about Steve's feet! As I worked, I asked him to tell me what areas, if any, were tender.
I also noticed the areas where there were changes in the tissue texture.
I won't give away all his secrets, but you can be sure there was a connection between the areas of tenderness and health/diet issues.
The feet are such gossips! They will tell you everything.
So, I asked a few questions relating to the spine and the organs in the abdominal cavity.
It's not about being a genius, it's just about asking useful questions (something else you learn in class).
I would never tell anyone that there's something wrong.
They would have to see a medical practitioner for that.
(Reflexologists never diagnose, treat or prescribe!) We can be intelligent though and once challenges are confirmed, our conversation centered around which diet/lifestyle changes could best help.
As a reflexologist, my main interest is in the body, the organs and organ systems.
But, I know there's still a foot (or two) involved.
I wanted to help there too.
So I asked Steve what he already knew to do...
something that helped him in the past (commonly, this isn't the first time a problem appears in an area).
Since we'd covered this territory before, Steve knew that soaking his feet in alternating warm/hot and cool/cold water helps a lot.
He also knew that specific, light exercise (like the ones we learned in class) and working some very tight muscles on his leg helped too.
Asking the question reminded him of that.
He applied all he knew and I gave him reflexology daily for a week.
Today he told me that his pain is gone.
The work with my favorite client may never be done (and, I hope not).
But, there's nothing more satisfying as a reflexologist (and a wife) than knowing that he's taking responsibility for his own body and that he knows where to go for help, and...
how to help himself.
I wish the same for all.
©Wendy I.
Coad