The Complete Idiots Guide to Reflexology pptx

Here you'll learn what you need to know to get started and give your first reflexology session.. 233 18 Finding Balance: The Elemental Foot Learn to detect energy imbalance in the feet a

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Reflexology

by Frankie Avalon Wolfe

A Division of Macmillan General Reference

A Pearson Education Macmillan Company

1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

DEAR READER

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THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S REFERENCE CARD

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Copyright © 1999 by Frankie Avalon Wolfe

All rights reserved No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any

means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher

No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein Although every precautionhas been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or

omissions Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein Forinformation, address Alpha Books, 1633 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10019-6785

THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO & Design are registered trademarks of Macmillan, Inc

Macmillan General Reference books may be purchased for business or sales promotional use For information pleasewrite: Special Markets Department, Macmillan Publishing USA, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

International Standard Book Number: 0-02863187-0

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 97-80961

01 00 99 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Interpretation of the printing code: the rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the book's

printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the book's printing For example, aprinting code of 99-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 1999

Printed in the United States of America

Note: This publication contains information based on the research and experience of its authors and is designed to

provide useful advice with regard to the subject matter covered The authors and publisher are not engaged in

rendering medical or other professional services in this publication Circumstances vary for practitioners of the

activities covered herein, and this publication should not be used without prior consultation from a competent medicalprofessional

The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise,which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of thisbook

Angel Perez Linda Quigley

Reflexology is a science, a therapy, and a philosophy In this chapter

you will be introduced to all three.

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Why Do I Want My Feet Rubbed?

See how reflexology can naturally and safely improve almost anyone's

health and/or attitude.

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3

Reflecting on History

Reflexology has been used around the globe for thousands of years.

Here's a quick tour.

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The Foot at a Glance

Your feet carry you through life, both literally and philosophically.

Here you'll learn to understand a little about both.

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In Your Defense: The Immune System

Your immune system keeps you healthy Learn how to keep yours

strong!

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A Lot to Swallow: The Digestive and Intestinal System

Hiatal hernia? Constipation? Gas? Try reflexology first, not last!

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Down to the Bone: The Structural System

A natural plan to set your back straight!

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What Nerve: The Nervous System

Sleep better, reduce stress, and calm your nerves with reflexology.

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Remember to Breathe! The Respiratory System

Natural therapy for relieving sinus problems, asthma, bronchitis, and

other respiratory ailments.

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Give Me a “P”: The Urinary System

Get with the flow of reflexology and release those urinary problems!

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Getting to the Heart of the Matter: The Circulatory System

Get pumped up to strengthen your heart—both physically and

emotionally.

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Sexy Stuff: The Glandular System

Find hormonal harmony and ease cramps naturally.

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Digging In: Where Do I Start?

Here you'll learn what you need to know to get started and give your

first reflexology session.

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Let Your Fingers Do the Walking

All the right moves to make reflexology effective.

Third Time's a Charm

More techniques and how repeated use is beneficial.

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Tools of the Trade

Treating yourself to essential oils, foot rollers, and other interesting

enhancements.

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Finding Balance: The Elemental Foot

Learn to detect energy imbalance in the feet and understand how the

four-element model can help you change it.

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The Personality in the Feet

A fun look at matching personality with foot characteristics.

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Podiatry Matters

Identify bunions, athlete's foot, hammer toes, and other foot ailments,

and find out how to prevent them.

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Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: What You Need to Know

Considering becoming a reflexologist? Here's what you need to know.

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Reflexologists as Sole Practitioners

Tips for the professional reflexologist—making your practice unique.

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Keeping Your Glands in Order

Personal testimonies on how reflexology helped PMS, diabetes, and

thyroid imbalance.

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Let's Get Things Moving

Folks who found relief from constipation and stress with reflexology.

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Reflexology Helps You Breathe

Are your lungs and sinuses going through a “healing crisis,” or are

you really sick? Learn to see the difference in this chapter.

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A Nervous-System and Psychological Workout

Hear how some sleep better, relax, and even reduce nausea using

reflexology

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Appendices

Homeostasis: Getting It Right 21

Good Stress, Bad Stress, Ugly Stress 24

Panche Karma, Heal Me or Kill Me … Please! 39

Footbaths—“Look, You're Soaking in It!” 51

Keeping You Grounded—The Four Elements 53

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In Your Defense: The Immune System

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“Thymus Be Strong” Should Be a Commandment 71

Lay Your Thumb on My Shoulder 97

The Pituitary: Master Controller 109

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Remember to Breathe! The Respiratory System

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All I Need Is the Air That I Breathe 118

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Give Me a “P”: The Urinary System

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Bladder Infections: A Bad Burn 130

Uterus on to Prostate Health 164

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Digging In: Where Do I Start?

169

Reaching the Depths of Your Sole 176

That Feels Yummy: A Relaxing Technique 178

Happiness Runs in a Circular Motion 205

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes 213

Varicose Veins, Varying the Treatment 214

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Third Time's a Charm

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Tools of the Trade

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Reflex Pro Machine, Percuss-O-Ramma! 243

Water: Puff, the Magic Ankles 256

Never Let Them See You Sweat 269

Say It with Freckles: Larry, Curly, and Mole 272

Bone Spurs and Other Missteps 278

Do You Cry When You Peel a Bunion? 282

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Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: What You Need to Know

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Would You Like a Shrink with That? 288

Reflexologists Charge by the Foot 291

Stand Up for Your Posture 295

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Reflexologists as Sole Practitioners

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Stopping Trouble Before It Starts 305

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Keeping Your Glands in Order

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What to Watch For 324

Not By the Zit on My Chinny, Chin, Chin 331

Branden the Constipated 333

All Stuffed Up and Not Going Anywhere 334

Can You Get Bronchitis from Living in the Bronx? 340

Sinusitis Is Not an Allergy to Signs 345

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A Nervous-System and Psychological Workout

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Central Processing 350

Appendices

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FOREWORD

Reflexology is an ancient healing art that came to us from China, Egypt, and India and was rediscovered 100 yearsago Like other ancient healing modalities, we have been able to rediscover reflexology's many benefits, and we areable to use these benefits to assist us in alleviating the stresses of the modern world

Reflexology has the ability to bring about a state of relaxation, and because of this it is able to assist the body's ownnatural healing to take place Reflexology is also able to complement other types of health care From my own

experiences I have found that reflexology is able to assist everyone, from infants right through to the elderly It is ofbenefit whether out lives take active or sedentary roles, and it is able to transcend all barriers: emotional, physical, andmental

With the increased interest in reflexology worldwide, I find it exciting that the amount of information available to the

general public on this subject is increasing It is refreshing to see a book like The Complete Idiot's Guide to

Reflexology being published This book explains the workings of reflexology to the layperson in easy to understand

terms and still manages to contain a wealth of information for the complete novice

It covers all the body systems and explains in simple terms the importance of each system It covers everything thebeginner needs to know and might come across when giving sessions to family and friends It also tells you the

different types of foot conditions that can occur and the importance of wearing the correct shoes

It has been said that the foot is a reflection of our health, and reflexology gives us a means to use this reflection toimprove the health of our family and friends

No matter whether you only want to work on family or friends or you want to go further and become a professional

reflexologist, you will find The Complete Idiot's Guide to Reflexology to be of great benefit.

—RUSSELL MCALLISTERRUSSELL MCALLISTER IS PUBLISHER OF REFLEXOLOGY WORLD MAGAZINE, AND ADIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF REFLEXOLOGISTS MR MCALLISTER

IS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE REFLEXOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA ANDRESIDES IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, WHERE HE HAS A REFLEXOLOGY PRACTICE

connected This connection idea is a philosophical point of view I use in my life and my practice.

I decided to include some “fun” ideas that you might find useful, such as how to read the personality in the feet Weall have the personal power to behave correctly; however, it is entertaining to match the general personality tendencieswith the shape and condition of a foot This observance is not necessarily considered part of reflexology, but since youwill be observing feet, you might be surprised how many times the foot fits the person! Utilizing this technique, youmay be able to understand a little more about a person and help personalize how you deal with them

And, if you decide to become a professional reflexologist, this book will help you to be prepared and assist you inmaking your practice unique and successful It can also be used as a reference to help you remember what you learned

in your classes

I hope you have fun reading this book and that you laugh, learn, and grow

I wish you the best of health

How to Use This Book.

Body systems and various conditions are described in detail throughout the book Topics are supported by sketcheshighlighting the relevant points Use the tear-out card charts for reference once you are familiar with the techniques ofperforming effective reflexology

The book is divided into five parts:

Part 1, “Before You Take Your Socks Off,” introduces you to the theory of reflexology, what it means, and what

it's used for, and takes a look at its ancient history

Part 2, “The Body Systems: Mapping It Out,” covers all the body systems and describes where the major reflex

points are mapped on the feet and hands

Part 3, “Tools and Techniques for Feeling Good,” gets into the proper techniques of reflexology to help you focus

on getting results

Part 4, “The Practice of Reflexology,” gives you some insight into the physical conditions of the foot It also will

help you see how your feet can tell a story about you

Part 5, “Reflexology in Action,” gives some testimonials and gets into more details of how you can use reflexology

to help combat certain disorders

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Extras.

In addition to all the things you'll learn in the text, this book has some special features to make your progress evenmore pleasant Let me introduce you to a few extras you will see in this book

Thanks to Connie and Bob for all of your encouragement and your time in reviewing my work! Thanks to Jay Parker

of Parker Portraits for your excellent photography of most of the shots in this book And thank you Gordon a.k.a.Captain Camo for lending me your facial expressions for the funny shots in Chapter 14 (You make a great model andfriend.) And to Dr Richard Long and Dr Zachary Brinkerhoff of the MIR for your help with some of the photographsand shared enthusiasm for the book Thank you Werner Wirz of Canada for setting me up with your Canadian

association, eh?! And a special thank you to Barbara Mosier of ARCB for the materials you supplied and your timetalking with me

The rest of the thank yous go to the friends, family members, and clients I have worked on through the years whohave actually proved to ME that reflexology works! And thanks to those of you who always told me that I shouldwrite comedy It keeps me going! Special thanks to my grandma Fran who listens to me when I doubt myself andoffers encouragement and laughter And I wish to express gratitude to all of my teachers throughout the years whoinspire me to continue striving for wisdom

Thank you Jessica Faust of Macmillan Publishing for finding me and giving me this opportunity; special thanks toMary Russell who guided me through the process; and much appreciation is extended to my greatest reflexologyteacher, Isabelle Hutton, for taking the time to do the technical editing—whew!

Special Thanks to the Technical Reviewer

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Reflexology was reviewed by an expert who double-checked the accuracy of what you'll

learn here, to help us ensure that this book gives you everything you need to know about reflexology Special thanksare extended to Isabelle Hutton, R.N

Isabelle Susanne Hutton is a Registered Nurse and a Nationally Certified Reflexologist, having practiced and taughtreflexology for the past 26 years She is responsible for teaching hundreds of students throughout the United Statesand Canada reflexology and other healing modalities She is an internationally known speaker, designs and leads avariety of workshops, and is in the process of writing a book on reflexology Isabelle has recently completed a 10-yearendeavor to develop a series of Health Charts that are simple and easy to follow for anyone from the novice to theexpert She maintains a private practice and teaches at her Academy of Natural Healing in Greenwood Village,

Colorado, where she celebrates her passion, reflexology, and energy work including Jin Shin Jyutsu and aromatherapy

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PART 1

BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR SOCKS OFF

Before you expose those toes to my nose there are some basics we need to cover on the concepts of reflexology!

Reflexology is a natural, safe, and effective practice that helps you take responsibility for your health Reflexology can

be used in three different ways, which is one reason it is so much fun to learn.

First of all, reflexology is primarily used as a natural therapy to promote relaxation and healing of the body, mind, and soul Secondly, you can use reflexology as part of a health analysis, since your feet give clues about what is going

on inside your body And finally, you can use the clues observed on your feet and hands as a tool for discovering your hidden personality traits.

In this section we'll take a stroll through the basics of reflexology, its history, and the fundamentals of the foot.