All About Reflexology Associations

When it comes to getting a career as a reflexologist, everybody accepts that one of the most important steps that you can take is to get certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board. Few people realize, however, how useful it can be to become a member of a reflexology association. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of why you should join a reflexology association if you are a reflexologist and we’ll let you know about a reflexology association that is currently accepting members so that you can get a basic idea of what being a member can help with.

After getting certified as a reflexologist, you have all of the tools that you need to begin your own reflexology practice. So why should you take the time and money to join a reflexology association? There are many reasons why joining an association can be beneficial to your career. Clients will be appreciative that you are doing all that you can to further your knowledge of reflexology, and showing that you spent time and money doing so will always show your clients that you have a high level of professionalism. Reflexology associations are one of the principle ways that the practice can grow as a whole – by associating yourself with other reflexologists in your area, you will be able to trade ideas and research information in order to help each other to learn more about the art.

Many associations offer resources such as newsletters which will help you to keep your knowledge of reflexology up to date so that you can provide the best possible service to your clients. Also, the bigger that reflexology associations get, the more power that they will have to influence public policy regarding the therapy. With only two states requiring licensing for reflexologists, it is important to show that you are doing your part to further the science.

Many reflexology associations operate at the state level. As an example, the Arizona Reflexology Association is based in Phoenix, Arizona. In order to become a member of the Arizona Reflexology Association, you will need to have completed your national certification for reflexology. If you do not have a reflexology certification but you still wish to join, you need to demonstrate that you have been performing reflexology for at least five years prior to membership application. A fifty dollar membership fee is also required to join, but the benefits to joining the association are numerous. Once a professional member, you are allowed to put the association seal on all of your work, giving you a further degree of professionalism in your reflexology practice. Also, you can vote on association decisions and attend events sponsored by the organization.

Clearly, any reflexologist who is looking to add a high level of professionalism to their practice should turn to a reflexology association. If you are already a certified reflexologist, you shouldn’t have much trouble joining one of the associations and the positive effects that it will have on your business will far outweigh the costs.

All About Zone Therapy

Reflexology is a type of medical procedure that involves the manipulation of the nerve endings that are located in the feet and the hands in order to achieve relief from symptoms which may occur all over the body. Reflexology is a practice that is much in line with that of zone therapy; in that respect, we’ve created this article in order to help to inform you about what zone therapy is and how it can be useful as a medical procedure.

Zone therapy is a practice that has its roots in ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphs have shown that ancient Egyptians were aware that manipulating the hands and the feet can be useful when it comes to achieving an anesthetic quality elsewhere in the body. In zone therapy, the body is divided into ten separate and distinct zones. A map of zone therapy points shows that the practice separates the human body vertically into five zones on the right side of the body and five zones on the left. The zones are identical on both sides of the body, but are linked with different parts of the body. These separate zones correspond to different parts of the body, as the nerve endings that are found within the feet and the hands lead to all of the organs inside our bodies. One of the easiest places to manipulate these nerve endings are in the fingers and the toes, where the nerve endings are the most easily accessible to the zone therapy practitioner. To that end, each of the zones corresponds to certain fingers and toes that can be manipulated in order to achieve certain effects. As an example, the 4th zone on the left side of the body corresponds to the ring finger of the left hand and the fourth toe on the left foot.

Manipulating the nerve endings located in these areas are said to have a positive effect on the brain, eyes, lungs, breasts, large intestines and ovaries. Gentle circular rolling motions are used in order to manipulate the nerves and to achieve the anesthetic result. Pinching is also necessary in certain circumstances in order to properly manipulate the nerve endings. Areas are generally manipulated for between a half of a minute and five minutes in order to achieve the full effect.

One great thing about zone therapy is that it is a type of alternative medicine that you can learn in your own home and use at will. Many people regularly practice zone therapy on themselves in order to keep their health in optimal condition. Since practitioners contend that zone therapy can be useful when it comes to helping the body’s stress to be released, it can be of great merit when it comes to keeping you in good health and spirits. If you’d like to learn more about reflexology or zone therapy, there are plenty of resources online that are at your disposal. You can buy books or DVDs that show you exactly how to get the kind of results that you need out of the practices.

Basic Reflexology Information

In modern day society, many people choose to undergo whatever their doctors tell them will be the best for their health. Alternatively, however, there are many different forms of therapy that can offer results but are less widely known than types of Western medicine. In this article, we’ll help you to learn more about reflexology so that you can find out whether or not this special type of alternative therapy can be useful in helping you to get over the problems that you are having with your health.

First, we’ll go over some of the basics to give you a better idea of what reflexology is. It is sometimes referred to as zone therapy, and more often than not, it is used as a type of complementary therapy to conventional medical treatments. It is very different from other forms of therapy, as it focuses upon the manipulation of the nerves that are found in the feet, hands and the ears in order to help other parts of the body. The reflexologist generally uses their thumbs and fingers to manipulate specific ‘zones’ located on the feet, hands, and eras in order to address a specific problem. Different zones of the feet, hands, and ears are known to correspond to helping specific different parts of the body, and many reflexologists keep charts that help to illustrate exactly which parts of the feet that they should focus on in order to treat a specific problem.

There are numerous positive health effects that individuals report after they receive reflexology treatment. Amongst the many benefits include a decreased level of stress, as well as a higher level of energy, increased circulation, and a boosted immune system. People claim that the practice can also be helpful when it comes to eliminating or lessening symptoms of PMS, as well as helping to assist with lessening the pain that headaches can cause. Those who suffer from cancer pain and victims of multiple sclerosis also may find relief from receiving treatment from a reflexologist.

There is no real scientific consensus on why reflexology is so helpful in benefiting the health of different parts of the body. Some contend that the practice works by helping to correct energy levels throughout the body. Others believe that the manipulation of the nerves in the feet helps to break up stress patterns that may be present in other parts of the body since there are around seven thousand nerves in the feet alone. Still others claim that reflexology techniques help the body to release neurotransmitters in order to help the individual to feel better. Although there are many different hypothesis, science has been unable to accurately explain how reflexology works as of the writing of this article.

Hopefully, this article has helped to give you a good basic idea of what reflexology is and the types of problems that it may be able to remedy. Remember that reflexology is often used as a complementary therapy, meaning that you should not cast aside Western medicine, and instead use reflexology as additional treatment to the care that you are already receiving.

Reflexology Charts

The philosophy behind the art of reflexology is the premise that there are certain reflex sites found on the hand and feet which actually correspond with different organ and systems of the body. By producing pressure on these sites, through pressure/touch, message, or squeezing, the corresponding organs and body systems can benefit from the procedure. Reflexology charts are useful for mapping out the exact reflex site aligned with the corresponding body part. Evidence of ancients reflexology charts are found on Egyptian tombs.

Modern reflexology charts generally show the diagram of a hand, foot or ear with the zones mapped out. Reflexology charts are very colorful with a different color or shade representing different organs or systems of the body. The reflexology charts can be numbered and labeled to assist in ease of location for the practitioner to effectively locate the zone for treatment.

Reflexology charts can come in all shapes and sizes from a small book diagram to a large wall size chart effective for classroom instruction. There are some wonderful new tools for home use available as well such as:

Reflexology gloves come with the chart imprinted on them to massage the hands. These colorful reflexology charts are printed on both sides of the gloves so the person doing the application will remember to massage both the front and back of the hand. It is important to note that the reflexology charts on the right and left hand are not identical and not to confuse one with the other while doing the pressure therapy.

Reflexology mats are designed to facilitate exercise and meditation. Reflexology mats have raised bumps along the surface. These bumps will apply pressure to the feet when the individual walks upon them. Thus the individual will not only have a good physical workout but reap the benefit of their healing properties as well. The mats are made out of a soft rubber and are effective in releasing body toxins, stress and fatigue.

Reflexology socks also have the chart imprinted on them. They are stretchable - one size fit all. Generally speaking the recipient will engage another individual to effectively message the feet by following the therapeutic guide. Not only can the socks produce physical holistic health results but can add a psychological bonding or intimacy between couples.

Stimulating these pressure points can improve circulation, relieve stress detoxify the body, release energy trapped within the body and more. Reflexology charts will guide you to the right pressure point to stimulate the organ or body system that you want to concentrate upon.

Massage Therapy Careers

A Bright Future For Massage Therapy Careers

There are many interesting massage therapy careers available for today’s massage therapists. Increased demand, coupled with an ever-growing acceptance of massage therapy as an integral health-management and treatment option, has opened many doors for graduates of massage therapy programs and for experienced massage therapists.

Forecasts For Massage Therapy Careers

The forecast for massage therapy careers is quite favorable. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within the various careers of massage therapy is expected to grow faster than the average for other careers. Better than average career growth is expected to last through 2014.

Employment in the field of massage therapy includes both full-time and part time opportunities, and approximately two-thirds of massage therapists are self employed (either running their own businesses or working as independent contractors for a larger organization).

The Many Faces Of Career In Massage Therapy

It can be difficult to find two massage therapy careers that look the same; that is because massage therapists enjoy a range of job opportunities housed within a variety of physical settings. Employment is in both public and private settings, with an array of focuses.

In self-employed positions, salaried, hourly, and contractor arrangements, massage therapists can be found working in

• Health clinics
• Spas
• Salons
• Resorts
• Physician and chiropractic offices
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Massage therapy offices
• Hospitals
• Fitness centers and gyms
• Corporate offices and corporate health centers
• Private homes
• Nursing homes
• Studios, alternative health studios and yoga centers
• Holistic health centers/alternative medicine practices
• Airports
• Shopping centers/malls
• Colleges and universities

Among many others, job titles for massage therapy careers may include

• Physical therapist/assistant
• Sports massage therapist
• Masseuse
• Massage therapist
• Mobile massage therapist
• Massage therapy instructor/teacher

The Nature Of Massage Therapy Careers

Massage therapy careers are quite demanding; demands on massage therapists are both physical and personal.

Physically speaking, massage therapy can take a toll on the body of a therapist. Maintaining a career in massage therapy requires spending long hours of standing and physical exertion. Repetitive stress injuries are common among those with improper physical care and technique. Fatigue from long hours on-foot is also a common problem. Maintaining a good technique and proper scheduling of appointments lessens the physical demands on therapists. Because massage therapy is so physically demanding, few therapists actually deliver massages for more than 30 hours per week; in fact, according to the US Department of Labor, many positions are considered full-time if the therapists treats clients between 15 and 30 hours per week. Additional time is normally required for administrative tasks, though.

Personally, massage therapy careers can be demanding because many times services are most in demand during off-work hours; this means evenings and weekends may be prime-time for client appointments, although many successful therapists are able to maintain a more “normal” work schedule.

A career in massage therapy can be very rewarding indeed; it can also be very demanding, but for those who are up to the challenge, the outlook is very good for massage therapy careers.

Free Reflexology Charts

The beginning student or layperson interested in dabbling in the art of reflexology will no doubt want some free reflexology charts. The subject of reflexology is truly satisfying especially when practiced. The novice will quickly learn that certain areas of the body such as the feet, hands, ears, and head are reflex areas that when manipulated or massaged will promote healthy tissue and organ health. No doubt to know exactly where to manipulate the foot, hand, ear, or feet is quite tricky. The student will need the aid of free reflexology charts; at least in the beginning. As the student becomes more involved in the art of reflexology or becomes interested in becoming a teacher or practitioner then, would be the time to invest money for a worthwhile career.

If you do a Google search for reflexology charts you will come up with tons of sites selling reflexology charts, but to find free reflexology charts is a bit harder. Do not fret or worry, there are free reflexology charts out there. Here are a few sites to investigate for your free reflexology charts.

An excellent site for information on reflexology can be found at the American Academy of Reflexology they also run the www.ReflexologySchoolLosAngeles.com   and www.ReflexologyResearch.net sites.

You will find free reflexology charts offered by expert reflexologist, Bill Flocco there. This site offers an ear, foot, and hand chart as well as free books and other materials. These free reflexology charts are in black and white only and are quite small but they are place to start. The site does offer an email address to contact them for further information: ReflexologyEdu@aol.com

It would be very practical and easier to understand and read if you could obtain free reflexology charts in color. The reflex zones that you are particularly interested in will stand out in color whereas in black and white you will have to look a little more closely. Color is also easier on the eyes as it jumps out to you. You will have to concentrate and perhaps strain your eyes to see the zones clearly when using black and white charts.

However, if black and white is the only option available open to you, do not let that become a handicap, if the printing is small and you have the chart as a download, adjust your printing size, or zoom feature on your computer. If you have printed it to full size and still find the chart is too small, go to a photocopier machine or service and have it blown up. Remember, don’t give up there are always options available.

CircleofLight.com will send you two high quality free reflexology foot charts to you by email, because their philosophy is that everyone should have foot reflexology chart to promote good health.

Mindbodyandsoul.com will also send you free reflexology foot charts in word format if you provide your email address.

Massaging Your way to Good Health Using the Foot Reflexology Chart

The theory of manipulating the foot in such a way as to apply pressure, massage, or squeezing specific locations that correlate to different areas in the body is an ancient practice. There are 10 such zones on the foot that have been mapped out and reproduced on a foot reflexology chart.

A foot reflexology chart is a very useful instrument that can be used for teaching purposes. The teacher of reflexology can use a large wall foot reflexology chart to illustrate the various pressure points. The student of reflexology can use a much smaller foot reflexology chart or diagram which is easily assessable in text books. There are books written specifically for the layman who just wants to learn and practice this ancient art for self improvement purposes as well.

Basically a foot reflexology chart is quite colorful, implementing a different color or shade for the zones or pressure points that correspond to a body part. For example, the color red is used to locate the site needed to be manipulated on the foot to stimulate the heart organ. A foot reflexology chart will also be labeled as an added measure to avoid mistakes. This quick and easy reference is particularly useful for visual learners who normally get boggled down with written instruction. It is also very useful for the student who enjoys the attention to fine detail. Now the student and practitioner alike can rest assured that they can practice their technique for therapeutic purposes with utmost precision.

The reflexology experts are constantly developing new instruments to aid in the understanding and practice of reflexology. Besides the courses offered to students who whish to become practitioners, the various reflexology institutions and practitioners do realize that there are a growing number of laypeople who do not want to practice reflexology; they simply want to learn this holistic art for their own personal use. They have come to realize that a good foot message has many medicinal purposes.

Few people would argue the fact that a foot massage performed after a long hard day at work can lift a person’s mood, circulate endorphins within the body, stimulate the blood flow and relieve stress. There is nothing more pleasant than a relaxing foot massage for those tired, aching burning feet. But over an above massaging the foot for the sake of massage, the foot reflexology chart does show the corresponding areas of the body that will be massaged at the same time.

The nurse, for example, or waitress that walks and talks all day long on the job, not only would be taking care of her poor tired and often swollen feet, with the foot reflexology chart she would also be capable of massaging her voice box, (larynx) by massaging the corresponding area on the foot. She would have easy access to exact location of the voice box through a foot reflexology chart found in the conventional books, or on the internet, or most recently, on a pair of foot reflexology socks. All she would have to do is follow the diagram. There definitely is a foot reflexology chart for just about anyone, anywhere, to use in anyway that is appropriate.

Hand Reflexology

Hand Reflexology: You can Have It all in The Palm of Your Hand

Most laypeople will know that reflexology pressure points are found in the feet and many have already experienced a massage. However, the person who is bashful to take off his or her shoes in public, whether it be because of an odor problem or the feet are just to ticklish etc, there is an alternative – the hand massage. Hand reflexology also concentrates upon pressure points or zones in the hand which corresponds to the various body organs and systems similar to foot reflexology.

The pioneer experts, Barbara and Kevin Kunz are specialists in this area. They have provided much information on hand reflexology and foot reflexology in their various websites. The couple has been in practicing for over 25 years, but the practice of foot and hand reflexology has been in existence since ancient china, India, Egypt and even some parts of Africa.

Kevin Kunz maintains that there has been a renewed interest in hand reflexology of late due to the amount of stressful activities we are now subjecting our hands to such as: playing video games, spending long hours on the computer, using new electronic equipment such as the blackberry and text messaging back and forth. Many people are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome because of the pressure put upon the hands.

Hand reflexology will produce a calming effect, once administered. Furthermore, with our busy lifestyles we are in constant motion, taxing our minds and bodies and leaving ourselves open to various diseases such as heart attacks and other problems.

Therefore the aim of the hand reflexology massage is to sufficiently de stress the body parts in order to facilitate its ability to repair itself. There are many nerve ending within the hand and by messaging these various pressure points, the hand will relax, blood will circulate more freely, and pain will dissipate. The calming effect will travel to the various body systems and organs for a generalized stress free feeling of well being.

Hand reflexology is simple to learn, the touch points or pressure zones have been extensively mapped out for us in hand reflexology charts. There are even hand reflexology gloves worn directly upon the hand thus avoiding errors in zone point locations.

The technique to use requires pressure and stretching movements. You can commence by pulling upon the web part of the tips of your fingertips and thumbs, while gently applying pressure. Now take the body of the hand (palm and top of the hand) and stretch the skin back and forth, always be gentle and produce just enough pressure to get the task done.

Kevin Kunz maintains that you can overdo these simply techniques if you are messaging too hard, too long, or too much. Do not overdo it! He cautions if any part of the hand becomes too sensitive to touch because of the massage stop it, let your hand rest for a few days before resuming the massage.

Kevin Kunz recommends rolling a golf ball around the palm of the hand as a great source of energy releasing power. He states that this energy release will benefit the adrenal glands, stomach, kidneys, solar plexus and pancreas.

More information can be found on his various websites, facebook, and other reflexology training institutes.

Reflexology Mapping

Foot Reflexology

Foot Reflexology: Not Just Your Basic Massage

Foot reflexology dates back to over 5000 years starting from the east and slowly traveling to the west where it made its debut in Russia. The ancients were aware of the importance of good foot care, evidence shows in hieroglyphics on the tomb of Ankhmahor, the chief overseer and possible physician to the great Pharoahs where foot diagrams reflecting modern day foot reflexology points are mapped out. We can see similar diagrams of the Hindu god Vishnu feet where Sanskrit symbols are precisely located in modern day foot reflexology zones.

Modern day foot reflexology is often accredited to work of Dr. William Fitzgerald and associates at the Riley School of Chiropractic in Washington, in 1913. Doctors Fitzgerald, Bowen and Starr White wrote about their work in this new field of foot massage. They discovered how certain areas or zones in the foot corresponded with various body organs. Dr. Fitzgerald founded zone therapy and is accredited with producing the first foot reflexology charts.

The foot reflexology technique is designed to massage the foot and help you relax as well as stimulate other parts of the body. But it is much more than just a foot massage as this approach to holistic medicine does not only concentrate upon the foot but reflexologists concentrate on the person as a whole. The reflexologist will work with people, find out the different health issues facing them, empathize, support and attempt to therapeutically correct the body imbalance caused by years of stress and strain upon various organs and systems. Reflexologists work with body and soul and claim to touch upon the areas upon which “modern medicine” so often neglects.

Advanced foot reflexology goes beyond foot massage; it incorporates the mind, body and soul. Reflexologists maintain that by doing a foot reading they can ascertain a person’s life style and general wellbeing, they profess that, “The mental, physical and psychological history of the person is spelled out with such accuracy.” Sometimes a person comes to a reflexologist with simply the mention that, “I do not feel well” and the reflexologist begins to analyze the foot to see where the body imbalance originates. Some common indicators of stress within the body can be found by detecting, calluses, bunions, corns and knobby toes, other indications include an unusual tenderness experienced when touching the feet. At this point, the reflexologist will target the stress areas and corresponding organs within the body.

Besides going to a reflexologist, you can obtain information on the web, through your library or bookstore as well. Several excellent books are on the market, one that is highly recommended is The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology by Barbara Kunz, an expert in the area of reflexology. This book is easily found on amazon.com.

Always remember that if the body is experiencing an imbalance through foot reflexology this imbalance can be reversed or corrected for most common ailments. A serious note of caution, foot reflexology is to be used in conjunction with standard medical practice and should never be considered as an application that can be used alone especially if one is suffering from major medical conditions.

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