Reflexology at Oregon School of Massage (OSM)

The author,  Alexis “Lexi” Reale, is Oregon School of Massage’s Clinic Coordinator. While not a massage therapist, Lexi has a long standing interest in natural healthcare and uses massage as part of her own well-being. The report stems from Lexi’s participation in a recent OSM workshop,”Reflexology for Women,” taught by Amy Goetz.

By Alexis Reale
WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?
Reflexology is a form of massage built on the belief that there is a map of the entire body reflected, or connected energetically, to the points on the feet, hands and ears. For example, each side of the body is reflected in the foot, hand or ear with the corresponding side of the body. Reflexology works by clearing nerve pathways and helping to restore the communication systems of the body so everything can run more smoothly. Reflexology is a great tool for self care, and when applied by friends and family it makes for a simple, non invasive way to provide healthy touch.

WHY REFLEXOLOGY FOR WOMEN?

Reflexology practitioners, like those in other healing modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, reiki and massage, can tailor their treatment sessions specifically to women’s health concerns. Alternative healing practices can be used to deal with menstrual problems, menopause, hormonal imbalances, infertility, pregnancy, labor and birth as well as postpartum and emotional concerns.

Studies have shown reflexology to be effective in maintaining comfort and quality of life during pregnancy, although a number of precautions need to be taken. Treatments during pregnancy might focus on relaxation, exhaustion and sleep issues, or work on specific concerns such as low back pain, and morning sickness. Treatments can continue into the labor and birth stages, and can be quite effective in inducing labor, turning the baby into the correct birthing position, and decreasing pain; treatment can also continue on into postpartum care.

Because reflexology helps to restore and balance the body’s systems, holistic practitioners suggest that it may be particularly beneficial for health concerns specific to women. Stress is a significant factor in most diseases and can directly impact a woman’s hormonal balance, blood sugar levels and immune response.

REFLEXOLOGY FOR WOMENS HEALTH CLASS AT OSM:

In this particular class students were taught reflexology techniques for the hand, foot and ears, and the class followed this sequence:

• Introduction to reflexology

• How to use your hand to avoid injury

• Reflexology techniques, including the amount of pressure necessary, how to effectively engage the tissue, techniques such as the thumb walk (which resembles the motion of an inchworm), j-strokes, vibration, circles and the use of knuckles

• Specific health concerns

• Contraindications.

One theme of the class was to provide care to the client, while making sure to not compromise our own health.

The first sequence we learned was for balancing hormones. This consisted of considerable work around the ankles, which helps relieve tension in the low back and pelvis. The work was then focused around the solar plexus, this area holds a lot of power for both the giver and receiver, which I experienced first hand. When the student located my solar plexus reflex point, which is located under the ball of the foot somewhere between the second and third toes, I instantly felt my body melt into the table, I noticed that I wasn’t holding any tension in my jaw, an area that even when I’m in my most relaxed state, is still tight; that was huge for me.

When it was my turn to give I was holding her solar plexus point, very relaxed, and I felt a subtle vibration in my hands, I had never felt anything like that before; it was at this moment that the power of touch and reflexology became evident to me. After the solar plexus we continued onto the uterus and ovary reflexes, then the pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid and ending on the pancreas reflex.

The class then covered “Things that make life hard”, which covered headaches, constipation, lower back pain, stress, sleep troubles, breast sensitivity and finally bloating. After several hours were spent exchanging work, we covered the “growing life” and “labor and birth” lessons.

We each got a chance to receive work from Amy, while she demonstrated a new sequence. When I heard her ask if any of us had lower back issues my hand immediately shot up; it was a treat to receive from her.

HOW WILL I USE REFLEXOLOGY

Being prone to chronic headaches, reflexology offers me simple and effective tools for self-care. The points are easily accessable through the hands, so whether I’m at work, on the bus, or waiting in line at the store I will be able to apply reflexology.
We learned various stress relief sequences, for both the hands and feet, that can be applied from the self or from a partner.
Aside from treating health conditions specific to women, I will apply some general pain relief techniques we learned to alleviate the discomfort from my persistent knee problem.

Reflexology can easily be integrated into your life; think morning, noon and night. It is easy to multi-task while doing reflexology, you could put a foot roller under your desk at work, or use a golf ball on your hands while watching television. Be creative in your methods and where you apply the techniques, be consistent, and play around until you find what works for you.

Who should take this class?

Although the class is a general interest class, I recommend having some knowledge of reflexology, massage therapy, or anatomy and physiology. While I have limited experience in all three areas and I was able to keep up and comprehend all of the material, having prior knowledge might have made for an even deeper learning.

Amy is full of knowledge, energy and love for reflexology, and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor for my first continuing education class at OSM. Id recommend that those interested in Reflexology take Foot Reflexology Basics as a way to get a more general introduction to the theory and techniques. For those with prior experience in reflexology OSM offers a Reflexology Variations class.

Resources
“Complete Reflexology for Life” by Barbara and Kevin Kuntz. A guide to use reflexology for common ailments, infant-old age, for everyone! (Can be obtained in the OSM bookstore.)

Watch the OSM calendar for this and other reflexology classes.