Do you need to have a scientific study behind the effects of a good foot rub? Or can you go on faith that if you find something that makes you relax, relieves a little stress and makes you feel good... it might just be good for you?
Last weekend I was lucky enough to meet Jennifer Johnson, founder of the Atlantic School of Reflexology. Jennifer is a very interesting chick who has been all over the world learning and practicing her talents and we are lucky enough to have her located right here in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Jennifer is very talented in energy work and I can’t wait to learn more about this exciting complementary therapy. Jennifer spent the weekend teaching a small group of us, including my fellow Wellness Warrior, Ruth Hoyt, about the benefits and techniques of Reflexology. This one tops the books in my adventures as a Wellness Warrior!
My first introduction to reflexology happened a week before my first chemotherapy treatment. At the time, I didn’t really understand the benefits. All I knew was that it felt heavenly and I left feeling a little lighter and a little calmer.
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I missed an emotion. I was pissed off, I was sad, I was annoyed, I was embarrassed. I felt a lot of things in the “dawn of my diagnosis” but in the very beginning, I was missing fear. I felt I had to be very, very calm. I had to tell my family, my kids, my work and a whole shitload of other people. I needed to remain in control. I avoided the fear emotion because if I let that set in... I might lose control.
One week prior to my first round of chemo, I found the missing “fear” emotion. I was scared shitless and panic was starting to set in. I needed to figure out a way to calm myself down big time in a big way! Voila my first introduction to Reflexology. I didn’t know a lot about it, but an hour long foot rub seemed like a good idea at the time... and it was. I booked an appointment and went a few days prior to each and every chemo round. It helped me relax, refocus and just let go of some anxiety for a little while.
A couple of weeks ago I saw an advertisement for the Atlantic School of Reflexology and knew that I wanted to explore this complementary therapy more to understand how it helped me and how it can continue to help me in the future.
It is believed that our feet are tiny maps to glands and organs in our bodies. The body is broken up into zones, natural pathways or meridians that run through our body. The theory of reflexology believes that you can communicate with parts of your body through reflexes on your feet and hands. Energy medicine and acupuncture have been used for thousands of years to assist the body’s innate ability to heal and create inner balance.
The benefits of reflexology are reported to be total body relaxation (I can guarantee that this one is true!), the ability to help the body achieve ideal balance, improve circulation and oxygen flow and assist the body to remove toxins. I’ve been practicing on my family and a few close friends and I am truly amazed at the results.
A reflexology session takes approximately one hour. Virtually anyone can benefit from a session. The only contradiction would be those who have blood clots. Many patients actually fall asleep during the process. After all the crappy stuff cancer patients have to go through, an hour of pure deep relaxation is well deserved and downright good for you!
I found the whole weekend fascinating! Reflexology is a completely natural therapy and is a wonderful addition in your “feel good” tool box. You absolutely should learn more about this therapy. Try contacting a reflexologist in your area or Jennifer at the Atlantic School of Reflexology at (506) 206 1718 or soleworksreflexology@rogers.com.
Sending you good vibes!
Nancy
