i can't believe i haven't written this yet

Reflexology for cold and flu prevention or to expedite the one you already have

Work your hands and fingers to help sinus congestion, and respiratory health

Gently pinch the webbing in between each finger several times. You can also drag from webbing down into the palm of your hand (this stimulated lymph drainage)

Gently squeeze the fingers from the base (web) to the tip, squeeze all sides of the finger and give an extra squeeze and slight pull at each knuckle.

this also works on your toes and feels especially nice if someone else does it for you.

shoes are evil

here's a guy who found a tribe of amazing runners in mexico and realized shoes will kill us all.

video link

reflexology and cancer

there are tons of studies going on about reflexology and how it helps those undergoing cancer treatments. one of my dearest friends and clients is having a mastectomy today and i felt the need to share a few thoughts on my reflexology is so helpful when dealing with cancer.

these are my thoughts and experiences only as reported by other clients during and post treatments for various forms of cancer, please do not take these thoughts as evidence.

Post Cancer and surgery clients are best served by reflexology because :

• Assists in Detox. Removal of harsh chemo drugs from system, these drugs settle in tissues and digestive system and can eventually lead to complications.
  
• Nurturing pain free touch. This gets clients back in their body after traumatic life experiences and months of feeling like crap. Assists in clients well-being and relief of nausea, pain, stress and surgical trauma. Re-integration to their body.
• Assists in circulation and lymph drainage. Reflexology allows the body to relax which opens the circulatory system allowing fluids to flow, pick up and distribute waste and nutrition to cells and facilitates increase health through potential stimulation of white blood cell creation.
• Body and Self love. reflexology allows time for deep healing relaxation, this stimulates the expression of deep emotions that have been pushed aside. Allowing fear, grief and pain to surface and leave the body opens the client to deep self love, calm and a sense of connection to all--allowing profound healing and shortened recovery time.

may we find a way to alter the harsh experiences cancer makes us experience. may we find a kinder, gentler healing process.

August Specials

Summer Discounts on Tarot & Reflexology

Summer is busy, time to get off your feet & relax with reflexology.
$10 off in August-tell a friend and I'll share the discount with them!
Just $65 and hour $90 for an hour and half



Discover what your summer holds in store...
You + Friend= 2 Tarot Readings for Just $99

Limited Availability-Book Today!

call amy at 206-818-3118
email amy [at] barefootphoenix [dot] com

this is what i know

a list created when trying to come to terms with life and it's challenges:

pain keeps people sedentary and craving safety
reflexology interrupts pain
i can read most anything
i can seek out and find information
i am creative
looking for miracles can make them appear
everyone is struggling with something at some level
tarot cards can trigger solutions in your subconscious
when you look for beautiful things, sometimes you find them
stuckness arises to slow you down and teach you about Fear. Self. Doubt. Pain.
the period following stuck is usually packed with joy and movement.
people think i am a faerie.

praise from the hot tub arena

my latest newsletter concerned all ways you can keep feet pain-free with foot exercises and stuff.

one of my clients loved it and blogged about me

Alice also happens to be the owner of Olympic Hot Tub here in Seattle... if you are ever in need of a awesome source of relaxation go see her. She will take great care of you.

She will keep you pain-free in body, mind and spirit with a good soak and the pummeling action of hot tub jets.

am off to get my feet their monthly tune-up with a delicious reflexology session!

FREE stuff

so in my exuberance of finally feeling like i might kinda know what i am doing... i have added a whole new section to my contact form!

it is called free reports!

it's free

it's reports i've written (and mostly edited but you never know what might have been over looked)

what are the reports about?

there are nifty factoids on how reflexology reduces stress levels

or why a tarot reading rocks all your existential angst

or a free sample of the tarot e-book i am creating which gives you insight into card meanings

you can access the contact form of enlightenment here

and don't forget to follow me on twitter for your daily dose of tarot goodness, plus other goodies i post there once in awhile. there is a twitter feed right over there--->

twitter feed is on the side bar click it to follow me :D

my life is on sale

so it seems people might either a)have a hard time receiving b) don't trust things that say free or c) not want to take advantage of the person offering things up for free.

so let me spell it out for you. i want you to come in and see me for a session. i need to build my client base and get more people in for healing during these stressful times in our history. you are not taking advantage of me, i am offering my time in exchange for yours and if you feel you get the better end of the deal go out and do something nice for others. this "special" was brought on by a radio interview of random people stepping up in this economy and doing random generous acts. i don't have money to give you all but i seem to have a lot of time. so come grab yourself a slice of it.

until sunday may 10th, when you bring a friend to a session you both receive an hour of my time for the price of one of you. what does this look like?

two 60 minute reflexology sessions for $75 ($37.50 each)
two 60 minute tarot readings for $100 ($50 each)
two 90 minute 'afternoon w/ your soul' session (combo of both tarot and reflexology) $225 ($112.50 each)

yes it's a steal. yes you should sign up now. why? cause it really sucks trying to be nice to people and they ignore you and the gesture. but mostly cause i want to meet new people and to help people de-stress. it's hard functioning on a daily basis and we are all strapped for cash so spread some love and some money around and get yourself a little nurturing.

it the time of year for foot pain

every year i have two cycles of people coming in with foot pain. when the weather gets warm and the flip flops come out; and again in the fall when the other shoes (the water proof kind) go back on.

here are some tips to avoid the dreaded foot pain.

first of all don't wear those crappy shoes... wait! this was a post to educate not lecture. sorry. but really if shoes cost less than $5 or is made of bright foam. just saying...

1) roll out your feet. purchase yourself a nice $5-15 foot roller and treat you feet at the beginning and the end of the day to a good 2 minute foot rub. yes you can multi-task while doing this, like check you email, or brush your teeth.

2) soak 'em in hot water and epsom salts. epsom salts are magnesium and magnesium helps heal sore and achy muscles. so does hot water. forget the foot bath! stick your whole self in.

3) ankle circles. i will never get tired of promoting this simple and VERY effective stretch. ankle circles stretch both lower leg and foot muscles. do them often as you transition into your summer shoes. by often i mean at least 10 rotations each direction 4 times a day.

4) calf stretches. most summer shoes have little to no heel. if you have spent the winter in heels your calf muscles are going to be mad at you if you don't stretch them out. twice a day for best results.

5) get yourself some castor oil, mix in a nice amount of your favorite scent and some other oil if you don't like it sticky (my favorite is avocado) and give yourself a nice little foot massage. This is the perfect way to maximize time spent watching you-tube or the boob-tube (do people still refer to tv's as the boob tube? obvious cool people don't) spend extra time on your arches cause they will be the most sad. also between the toes cause they will all of a sudden have lots of room and that might be scary for them toes.

*both avocado and castor oil can be found in the beauty section of whole foods and PCC. castor oils is like magnesium in that it helps breakdown and heal damaged tissue. both oils are very hydrating and can help prevent icky cracked heel and summer calluses.

and as a bonus you can visit your local reflexologist (preferably me :D) for a quarterly tune up. because no self massage will ever feel as good as a professional reflexology treatment. and really preventing foot pain... getting education on developing problems so you can maintain your exercise program and/or avoid surgeries or orthodics. plus relaxation or an un-iterupted nap. i'd say that's worth $75. i'd almost say it was priceless

can you receive... this is a test

Do you need to run away from your life?
Are feelings of stress or confusion ruling your day?

Find calm. Reground and center yourself. And connect with someone you love to hang out with.

When you bring... your mother, friend, auntie, niece, partner or anyone you love to a reflexology or tarot session ...you get an hour free. **

Please receive the gift of nurturing,
and with my gratitude, forward this on to everyone you desire to nurture.

Why am I doing this? Because my clients and their friends and families deserve to be honored for the extraordinary lives they are living. And to remind us all, that by opening our hearts and taking care of others we take care of ourselves.

Remember, Mother's Day is coming up. This is a wonderful way to honor yourself and treat your mother, friend, sister or partner. Even if you cannot take advantage of this, please help me nurture others. When you send this out, you may be earning referral credits towards more time with me.*


Between April 25 and May 10th
Bring a friend and receive:
Two- 60 minute tarot readings for $100
Two- 60 minute reflexology sessions for $75
Two- 90 minute Afternoon with your Soul sessions for $225

You will leave feeling relaxed, clearer, calmer and more able to deal creatively with the challenges of daily life. Plus you will have spent at least 2 hours laughing, playing, and relaxing with friends.
Remember you deserve to be nurtured and by taking good care of self you can better care for others.


**Promotion of bring a friend and get one free runs from Saturday April 25th-Sunday May 10th. There are only so many people I can squeeze into two weeks so book your session soon!

amy@barefootphoenix.com
www.barefootphoenix.com
206-818-3118

*refer 3 clients to me and get $50 credit towards your next session.

Library Event

Just a reminder that I am giving a free presentation tomorrow evening at the Seattle Central Library. The event starts at 6pm, hope to see a few people there.

For more details here is the Library home page.

class updates

More links to other cool blogs I did not know exist that talk about my upcoming class!

seattle healthy living

A note on the March 11th class! I am intending to have it be half education/presentation and half self-help things you can do at home. So you won't be bored, come see and learn and play.

Am off to Portland this weekend to teach a foot pain class, there is still time to register if you want to add this awesome technique to your healing abilities. Even in a down economy people need help for their ouchy feet.

I think I broke my advanced tarot class on Saturday. We all looked fried after spending 4 intense hours with the major arcana. Good think they get a week off to recover.

share the blog love

hey look I'm in a blog!

I've never been referred to as Goetz before, how funny. I've only been married like 10 years but that was weird to see.

american towns

and it's promoting my library gig! maybe people will show up and play with me and I won't be talking to myself.

Speaking at Cenrtal Library

YAY!

My posters are done for the talk I am giving at the Seattle Public Library on Wednesday March 11th. They are very yellow and kinda funny but who cares!

I hope a couple of you can come so I am not in a big room talking to myself. I'll post more details as they progress and as the date gets closer but save Wednesday the 11th. Maybe we can even go out after words since we will be downtown!

I looked at my calendar and realized I am also giving a presentation this Sunday to the Washington Reflexology Association. Crap! I need to plan something amazing quickly!

foot games

i was sent this yesterday and I want to challenge you to create some new neural pathways. It is in very big letters and I am too lazy to retype it :P

You have to try this please, it takes 2 seconds. I could not believe this!!! It is from an orthopedic surgeon...
This will boggle your mind and you will keep you trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It's pre-programmed in your brain!

1. Without anyone watching you (they will think you are GOOFY...) and while sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.
I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it!

Well I would totally disagree with the "nothing you can do about it" because I had retrained my brain within 30 seconds on both sides to not switch directions. Yes it's hard, yes you have to over-ride impulses that scream at you but I highly recommend playing with this.

It will make you smarter, your brain will thank you, and you won't get icky old age pathologies if you find silly things like this to create new brain patterns once in awhile.

This is a great party trick by the way :D Thanks Lisa for passing this forward!

local shout out to relaxation

Ritzy Ryciak wrote in the latest Conscious Choice Magazine... "If every one of us got a weekly massage, the world would be a better place... left to my own here-there-everywhere devices, I let sweet, sweet massages fall by the wayside.
Which is a pity, really. Because, if I am honest with myself, I have to admit that modalities like massage-practices where you receive the power of touch and are forced to slow down-not only relax me, they clarify my thinking, make me feel more grounded and put me in closer contact with what my true needs vs. wants are...."

Thank you Ricky for that shout out!

Just another validation that some form of bodywork, can actually change the dynamics of your life. It is an investment in your health, mental/physical/emotional and can actually improve your focus, your ability to act and re-act and can cause you to be able to find solutions to problems quicker. Which in the end will actually save your time, money and stress.

This includes reflexology, massage, energywork, reiki, NIA, yoga, tai chi, qi gong... anything that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, connect with your amazing body and just BE.

blessings!

Brainwaves

There is so much interesting research I have been reading lately about how the brain works... Someday I will put it all down in here but for today we will focus on brainwaves.

In a recent post and promotion I put out that Reflexology effects your brainwave activity, helping you to relax deeper and heal faster. Here is what happens at each of the 4 levels.

Beta: Fastest and shortest of the brainwaves and is our normal everyday waking state. Unfortunately for us these brain waves are not very useful for deep learning, comprehension or imprinting. Gamma waves are sometimes included in this category. According to some research gamma waves are emitted when we are making new neural connections or pathways. Tibetan meditators emit a flood of gamma waves.

Alpha: Slower and longer waves alpha waves are associated with relaxation, deep learning, focus, light trances, serotonin increases, presleep or prewaking drowsiness, intuitive factors, meditation and access to the unconscious mind and the quantum field. Magic starts here.

(it is very easy to access alpha patterns in a reflexology session)

Theta: Associated with dreaming sleep (REM), increased creativity, ability to tap into universal intelligence, changes in behavior, integrative emotional experiences, increased retention of learning material and the production of catecholamines (vital for learning and memory). This is the level where things get interesting access to intuition and the quantum field are highly available here.

This is the session where the problem that has been nagging you get solved because as you allow yourself to drift into this space the solution will often "pop" in waking you up with your "AH HA" moment.

Delta: These are slow, very long brainwaves associated with dreamless sleep, the release of human growth hormone and deep, deep healing. People who meditate a lot can access delta brainwaves in the awakened state. Those are some amazing mellow people.

People with training in meditation can access delta brainwaves pretty easily in a reflexology session. Others can definitely get there after a few sessions.

So there is your science lesson for the day. The advantages of moving yourself out of short fast brainwaves is that you are calmer, more focused, and able to retain information.

Meditation daily even for 5-10 minutes will dramatically change your perspective and your ability to tackle any situation.

Reflexology Awareness Week!

This week I am offering up some deals on multiple sessions of reflexology.

2 sessions for $125
5 sessions for $325

Why book more than one session?
Here are some of the benefits of reflexology: stress reduction, revitalizes energy, enhances circulation helping to lower blood pressure, helps body release toxins stored, stimulates creativity and productivity.

Hopefully the benefits speak for themselves as to why you'd want to come back, for more, and more and more.


How often should I get Reflexology?
Ideally you would get reflexology every week to every other week as most peoples lives tend to be very stressful. Since time and finances might not be available for that frequency I recommend getting a session every 4 to 6 weeks. This gives your body a chance to recoup from stress, start rebuilding any damage that has occurred and rest deeply.


Does this really work?
Well that depends... if you are highly skeptical about the ability of having your back healed by working on your foot, then you are most likely not going to have a very dramatic healing experience.

I like to believe in magic but I have to admit that when something "works" and is suddenly different after a session I am always impressed. So, as with all alternative medicines, Reflexology take a bit of faith, however there is tons of research if you want it.

I believe Reflexology's biggest strength is it's ability to allow deep relaxation, which puts the body is a position to heal itself. Your body knows exactly what is off and if you just give it the proper space, relaxation and fuel it will carry you far. I'd say that's worth $75 bucks a month.

If you could only name one benefit to coming more often, what would it be?
Allowing the body the time and space to relax. Accessing this state through Reflexology will help you achieve it faster at home in meditation, when sleeping, and in stressful situations. So in a sense Reflexology trains you to be able to access deep states of calm more easily. Pretty soon you won't need Reflexology anymore, you'll just want it cause it feels so good.


The pictures in this entry are from Reflexology paths in Seattle area, here is more information: If you can't afford Reflexology give it to yourself before the rains and cold set in!
reflexology foot paths in Seattle area

New Path in Kirkland!
13159 132nd Avenue in Kirkland, 98034.

Marymoor Park Path
6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE Redmond

White Center Park Path
1321 SW 102nd St Seattle

Bastyr University Path
open to the public, located at the edge of the herb garden
4500 Juanita Drive N.E. Kenmore

blessings from amy

New Hours! New Stuff!

So I am about to email out the EPIC newsletter but am posting some stuff here partially just to organize my poor full brain!

New Hours!
I am available in West Seattle Tuesdays-Saturday Hours vary per day so see the website for details
I am also available in Fremont on the First and Third Monday of the month (except this month due to Labor Day and because I had to be complicated)

New Tarot and Reflexology Packages!
something for everyone, including those who want to indulge :D

New Tarot Class!
Starts Thursday October 16th... You know you want to sign up

Reflexology Awareness Week Upgrades!
sign up for a reflexology session the week of September 22nd-26th and get a free 15 minute upgrade.

New Foot Pain Section!
This seems to be an area I am spending more and more time in so I have finally decided to put out more information and create some specialty sessions focused just on foot pain.

do you notice how i am excessively using exclamation points! i am doing that intentionally to get you really excited! is it working!

putting it out there

look at me i wrote a knol :D about reflexology :D go look

it's pretty and informative and it kinda makes me look smart, which i kinda am when i can own up to it.

i love the internet

oh and the gig at Oregon School of Massage has been solidified, i am now an adjunct teacher specializing in foot pain.

maybe that means i should start using capital letters consistently in my blogs. hmmm, maybe not quiet yet.

flip flops cause pain

The itty bitty shoe is under attack again...

here is the full article

"What we found is that people take shorter strides and that their ankle angle … the angle between their shin and the top of their foot … is actually increased … [We] attribute the change in ankle to protecting the toes as the foot swings through, but also to keeping the flip-flop on the foot so that it doesn't fly off as they swing forward. And so they do alter their gait," said Shrover.

With the average American taking between 10,000 and 20,000 steps each day, the small changes in one's gait can add up to serious injury.

"The major shock absorption occurs back on the heel, and if the surface between the heel and the ground is not supported it does not allow the heel to absorb shock as well as it should. Which means the foot works harder than it should and people tend to develop overuse injuries such as tendonitis, or in this case, lower leg, knee, hip and back problems," explained Dr. Rock Positano from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Fortunately for flip-flop fanatics, Positano says you don't have to throw away those thong sandals quite yet.

"Look, this is not an attack on a flip-flop or a flip-flop like shoe. Once again, it has to do with when you wear the flip-flop. If it's for hanging out around the swimming pool, or hanging out around the beach, or hanging out with your friends, they're fine," he said.

Reflexively speaking the areas of most impact are pelvic structures including hamstrings, quads, all major reproductive organs and lower digestion, low back, core muscles, lymphatic drainage to lower limps and pelvic region and many more teeny tiny muscles and things like ya'know circulation and stuff.

So if you are going to wear flip-flops please do your ankle circles, calf stretches and some sort of crazy or sexy foot movement to get everything stimulated, loosened up and strong again.

staying young

I was reading a magazine while waiting for my massage today and there was a tidbit of an article about 3 ways to stay young, by Dr Oz. I was delighted to say that reflexology provides all three!

1) Reduce Stress. Reflexology does this by giving you a whole hour to just be. It also stimulates brain wave activity similar to deep meditation, so the body, mind and spirit enter a deep renewal period and recharge. Frequent session of reflexology (about 1 per month) help to teach your body how to relax and maintain that relaxation and adaptability much like bio-feedback training.

2) Increase Sleep. I always tell clients on their first session that I will take their snoring as a compliment. Reflexology is like a major power recharge. A study several years ago found that a 1 hour session of reflexology was like the equivalent of 8 hours of sleep, your body can really respond to this amazing work! Find yourself working long hours trying to meet a deadline, take an hour out to recharge both body and brain. It will save you years of your life.

3) Decrease Toxicity. It is estimated that we are exposed to hundreds of toxins per day. YIKES! Several of those toxins settle in the feet due to gravity and decreased circulation. Reflexology helps remove toxins from your system by stimulating circulation, and gently balancing all your organs through their reflexive points.

To wrap up reflexology not only makes you feels great but it actually makes you younger :D in a round about kinda way!

BizJam Seattle 2008

Seattle's amazing networking group is hosting their 2008 conference today and tomorrow! What a delight to mingle with inspired business owners and get to practice my non-existent self promotional skills :D

Today's theme was Social Networking and I found myself overwhelmed by the second presentation. Fortunately I know how to combat that with my Super Reflexology Powers and I found myself, sitting in sessions working my hands and twirling my ankles.

Gently pinch your fingers from the base (web) all the way to the tips Reflexively this area corresponds to the neck, head and brain. In addition grab and squeeze each finger, don't go in order and that creates a meditative and soothing response if you are trying to be alert alternate your pattern to stimulate your brain.

Also the very tip of your fingers and toes is the actual brain reflex, if you find anything lumpy, painful or hard in these areas then some of your nerve pathways aren't working on all cylinders. Break those deposits up by gently rolling on them with your knuckle, pinching them or rolling them on a table or the floor.

Find yourself getting a bit of a head ache? gently pinch the "ouchy" spot in the webbing between your thumb and pointer finger. Also pull on your earlobe gently squeezing it as you pull and hold until pressure decreases. Make sure you are drinking water!

If it's at all possible slip off your shoes and spread your toes, this allows your shoulders to relax and reminds your body to continue breathing so you can stay awake and absorb more information! And my favorite gently do ankle circles (and wrist) to increase circulation and loosen the body before standing after sitting.

Have a great conference! You can also use these tips to stay awake and retain information in meetings, traffic and anywhere there is information to be absorbed, sorted and processed. I wish I would have know this in college!

I hope to meet more people tomorrow and continue practicing networking skills; someday maybe I will be able to convince myself I am not a shy introvert and people do actually want to know this information. Until then my Super Reflexology Powers will stay quietly hidden in West Seattle.

Reflexology in Portland

Whew!

I have made it past my trepidation and fear and am finally putting myself back out there to teach reflexology. It has been a roller coaster of highs and lows on this journey and I am so delighted to be back.

Oregon School of Massage has accepted my proposal of teaching a weekend reflexology class! The class will focus on how reflexology can help reduce and eliminate foot pain. I never would have made it this far without my dear friend Nancie! Thank You!

I'm heading down on the 15th of July to meet finalize things and pick dates!

I have also decided to make a video of the sequence I have created, I'm sure there will be many funny stories to tell about that process in the near future!

Next stop! Cortiva in Seattle... then on to who knows where...

you walk wrong

at last!!!!!
a concise detailed description of the evils of shoes.

please read and then come see me for reflexology so we can wean you off those evil shoes!

from the article:
"...She explains that, when we don’t use our feet properly, our muscles have to strain to compensate—not just in our feet but in our whole body. She asks me to lift the front of my foot, which I also do. She then replants my foot and asks me to “trust my bones to hold me up.”

And I have to tell you, in that brief moment, it felt like I had never stood up properly on my own two feet before in my entire life..."

You Walk Wrong

from article:

"Try this test: Take off your shoe, and put it on a tabletop. Chances are the toe tip on your shoes will bend slightly upward, so that it doesn’t touch the table’s surface. This is known as “toe spring,” and it’s a design feature built into nearly every shoe. Of course, your bare toes don’t curl upward; in fact, they’re built to grip the earth and help you balance. The purpose of toe spring, then, is to create a subtle rocker effect that allows your foot to roll into the next step. This is necessary because the shoe, by its nature, won’t allow your foot to work in the way it wants to. Normally your foot would roll very flexibly through each step, from the heel through the outside of your foot, then through the arch, before your toes give you a powerful propulsive push forward into the next step. But shoes aren’t designed to be very flexible. Sure, you can take a typical shoe in your hands and bend it in the middle, but that bend doesn’t fall where your foot wants to bend; in fact, if you bent your foot in that same place, your foot would snap in half. So to compensate for this lack of flexibility, shoes are built with toe springs to help rock you forward. You only need this help, of course, because you’re wearing shoes.

Here’s another example: If you wear high heels for a long time, your tendons shorten—and then it’s only comfortable for you to wear high heels. One saleswoman I spoke to at a running-shoe store described how, each summer, the store is flooded with young women complaining of a painful tingling in the soles of their feet—what she calls “flip-flop-itis,” which is the result of women’s suddenly switching from heeled winter boots to summer flip-flops. This is the shoe paradox: We’ve come to believe that shoes, not bare feet, are natural and comfortable, when in fact wearing shoes simply creates the need for wearing shoes."

Consider a paper titled “Athletic Footwear: Unsafe Due to Perceptual Illusions,” published in a 1991 issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. “Wearers of expensive running shoes that are promoted as having additional features that protect (e.g., more cushioning, ‘pronation correction’) are injured significantly more frequently than runners wearing inexpensive shoes (costing less than $40).” According to another study, people in expensive cushioned running shoes were twice as likely to suffer an injury—31.9 injuries per 1,000 kilometers, as compared with 14.3—than were people who went running in hard-soled shoes. "(emphasis added)

Wine and Wellness Night

Put it on your calendar! 5/14/08

It a FREE event where you get to play with a bunch of wellness practitioners and learn all about things like EFT, reflexology, personal coaching and much much more.

It happening Wednesday May 14th 6:30-9pm admission is free and a wine bar will accept your cash for your favorite red or white.

I will be doing a 12 minute presentation on reflexology, come say hi!

Come! and bring other girls to wander about with! Here are the specifics and a RSVP. I will remind you again so don't worry about forgetting :D

http://holidaygolightly.com/wine-and-wellness

Fish Reflexology

This just came to me from one of my teachers and I had to post it. It's a hoot!

Imagine spending a week in one of the world's most elegant hotels next to which is a lovely marine aquarium. A new attraction at Underwater World Singapore is a warm water pool with a school of Turkish fish that enjoy nibbling at your feet as you dangle your feet in the water. The small fish gently nibble dead skin leaving skin smoother, an interesting way to exfoliate and pamper your feet.

Reflexology has become so popular that the Aquarium is using the term 'Fish Reflexology' to draw people to this popular attraction.

Pain Killers

My husband forwarded me this article on pain killers the other day and I have been in shock for the past two weeks trying to come up with some way to file it in my brain.

I understand that people are stressed and I understand that pain is unacceptable in a world that needs you to keep going. But an increase of 96% in users is well... I'm a bit stunned.

Maybe we need to look at our lifestyles and see why we are causing our bodies so much discomfort. Maybe we need to invest in education, body mechanics training, and ergonomic work spaces. I feel strongly that employers should look at this seriously, if your workforce is in so much pain that they are popping pills throughout the day, what is that doing to companies product.

I'd make some pretty speech now about the benefits of alternative therapies, however since heath insurance rarely covers it, and most practitioners aren't available at 3am when your headache is preventing sleep... well i get why more americans are reaching for the pill bottle. It makes me really sad though, and I weep for our poor livers.

To reflex your liver and give it additional support go to your right foot. The liver reflex is located under mid foot (the waist line or skinniest part) to the ball of the foot (diaphragm line) and spans from the 5th zone (smallest toe) to the 1st zone (big toe). When in doubt work the fleshy arch part across the whole foot.

In the hand basically work the palm of the right hand.

Work these areas with hand, tennis/golf ball, or foot roller.

For pain relief, it depends on the area affected, but an easy cure all is to pull/rub your ears. You can easily do this with out attracting notice and cover the whole reflex map in a short time. Move slowly all over the whole ear gently pinching and rubbing it between your fingers, if you find and area that feels really hard or sore stay there and work it a bit longer and see if it shifts.

the curse of flip flops

I feel the need to make a public service announcement stating the reflexive and body ills that wearing flip flops cause. I want to add that these things don't occur in all people who were itty bitty shoe-like things, but I feel the need to discuss. So since it is my blog you have to listen to me, or skip this entry and move on :D

Remember the stages of walking? Heel strike, weight flow and toe off. Can you guess which ones don't happen with flip flops, itty bitty sandals and other strappy things that barely exist?

If you guessed all of them you'd be correct. Most people don't do a heel strike because there's no padding, the shoe might come off and the toe piece might become dislodged leading to tripping. The flow of weight doesn't happen because you never started a proper step, and you are most likely shuffling keeping weight solely on the ball of the foot, scraping your way through the day. (It makes a good noise though) And of coarse you wouldn't toe off at the end of the step because Hello? shoe would go flying and then... and well then you'd just look dumb.

Now you can get around some of this by gripping your toes. That way you could do the stages of walking, but then you'd eventually end up with lovely foot pathologies like claw or hammer toes, a tight tibialis anterior, and cramps in the arches of your feet.

Reflexively the ills of this types of shoe include: lung issues, lungs also include grief issues in Chinese medicine, sinus congestion, headaches, reduced endocrine function, (pituitary, thyroid, hypothalamus, pineal) digestion woes like constipation or irritable bowl, breast health, spine issues (especially thoracic and cervical spine). And that's just the major reflexive effects.

Emotionally it could lead to dragging, feelings of depression, tiredness, heaviness, inability to cope, inability to be happy, and many many more. Why? One because of the reflexes you are effecting and two because of the posture you are forced to take when utilizing these types of shoes.

So wear your cute slip on strappy sandals to get from point A to point B and do not use them as a everyday practical shoe, because ladies (and gents) they aren't any better for your health than a 6 inch heel.

As a bodyworker there are two times a year I have an influx of foot pain clients and they are when the seasons change to sun and back to rain. Why because people have just changed their shoes. So if you have complains about foot pain, leg pain or increased back pain with no injury or change in activity of your clients. Ask if they've change the shoes they wear most often. If the answer is yes, start an education process and get them hooked up with info in this blog or other places so they can wear sexy cute shoes (in moderation) but maintain healthy strong feet (permanently)

the reflexology 12 step

Stress Reduction: Reflexology calms and balances the body, sooths the nervous system, and puts you in a state of bliss.

Immune Support: Reflexology works from the inside out and focuses on returning your body to perfect health.

Detoxification: Toxins get stored in the feet due to gravity. Receiving foot reflexology improves circulation and moves accumulated toxins out of your body.

Better Foot Function=Energy: Reflexology improves flexibility, decreases foot pain, and helps align bones put out of place by shoes and sports. This increases your energy levels by allowing you to walk better, getting natural reflexology with each step.

Whole Body: Reflexology is based on the belief that the whole body is mirrored in the feet, hands and ears. By working these areas you can provide pain relief or address any dis-ease or discomforts you may be experiencing anywhere in the body.

Better Sleep: Reflexology balances the mind and body, helps hormonal and endocrine imbalances and sooths the mind allowing all cares to fall away. One hour of sleep on the reflexology table is equal to 8 hours as your body immediately descends to delta brain wave activity.

Improved creativity/ productivity: Reflexology puts you into a deep meditative state, the place where ideas are generated and problems solved. Serendipitous moments happen on the reflexology table and after.

Grounding: Taking your feet out of their shoes can help to ground you to the present moment making you more aware and thankful of all the small wonderful things that happen daily. Plus it literally connects you to the ground and closer to the energy of the Earth.

Shoes Kill: Your feet do you numerous services daily and their reward is often shoes that disfigure them and make them hurt. Support naked feet and celebrate wiggly toes with a session of reflexology.

It feels great: You deserve to feel great because you are great. Reflexology helps you remember to take a little space and time all for you, and what a bonus that you walk out in a state of bliss!

Earth-Friendly: By doing good things to improve your health you will most likely start doing better things to help the planet(like get more reflexology!). Plus! All lotions and oils used in session are organic and on the first Tuesday of the month Amy donates all profits to the Nature Conservatory.

healthy feet=healthy spine=healthy life: If the feet are balanced, healthy and functioning properly, then the spine is allowed it's full range of motion. If these two things are flowing your whole life is full of ease. Why?Because the bones and muscles are working right, which moves lymphatic fluid and blood around, which carries vital nutrients and oxygen to your cells and carries wastes away to be eliminated. Plus the nervous system can communicate more efficiently which all adds up to a better life full of energy, creativity and joy.

Intent

It's been busy, busy, busy around here. I am making lots of changes to my practice and searching out many forms of advertising and marketing strategies to help in my transition. I will share more about that later.

In the midst of chaos, whatever it may be it is good to be reminded of intention. When working with clients in a energy related field it is of prime importance to remember who you are, what you are doing, and leave everything not related to the session outside the room. I cannot tell you how many times I have made my grocery list while working on a client and afterwards felt drained and horrid. How rude was that to be working on someone and not feeling what was going on under my hands?!? Because I am trying to be more gentle with myself instead of scolding, I made a pact that when I found myself drifting I would gently pull myself back and re-focus, much like in a meditation practice.

Intention is powerful. In my opinion it is the most powerful tool we as bodyworkers have. Instead of asking what a client needs, I now try to ask what their intention is for the day. This way we both have an active focus for the session. Miracles can happen when two people combine efforts to shift a pattern.

I love intention because you can talk to anybody about it and not have them think you are 'out there'. You can most definitely have metaphysical discussions around intention with those who choose too. But you can also ask your business or athletic type clients what their intention is for the session and they usually won't think you are getting all eccentric on them.

Holding intention is easy. You just take what the client has told you and you image yourself as a mirror and reflect that quality, or change back to them. In essence you are reflecting back to them their highest self. It requires no energetic output from you, you are a mirror not a conduit of free flowing energy. After a session you should feel energized, for in reflecting their highest healed self to the client you are also coming into contact with your highest healed self. Fill up your client, get filled up yourself.

Again when you find yourself drifting, gently pull yourself back and refocus on the intention. If the client is awake you might want to check in with them and see if you are picking up their worry, energy, grocery list, or physical discomfort. Don't judge as you may have picked up some really important information, just file it away for later and return to the session. I have during a session told a client, I hate to say this but I am making a grocery list in my head right now, it includes *blah, blah, blah*. My client sat straight up and said, I was just thinking about making *blah* for dinner and I need all those things. So really sometimes the grocery list is for your client!


"There are two ways to spread light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton

Missing Organs

That title reminds me of a Monte Python skit...

While wandering around a natural health blog I found a reflexology question on organs. Specifically what does it mean reflexively when an organ has been removed. In the five years I have been practicing I have had many clients with missing gall bladders, appendix, tonsils, ovaries and/ or uterus, kidney, and spleen. I all the cases I found tough tissue at the reflexive space, hinting at scar tissue and a vacant energy field.

In the world view I inhabit the energy of the organ is still there. As a reflexologist I find it necessary to add energy or drain energy form the reflexive spot. I often find that along with tough tissue there is a sense of detachment and loss and that nothing has been done to fill the space. If the client seems willing I work with them on visualization and potentially some massage to the local area and teach them the reflexive spots so they can work on creating a balance. If the client does not feel receptive to this form of work, I focus on the energy or pulse of the reflex and visualize light filling the space, so the vacant energy is dispelled and balance can be restored in a more subtle way.

I find acupuncture a great addition as the acupuncturist will again work on restoring balance in the body and help distribute the energy that will be disrupted by the surgery. I'm always looking to refer a client, I understand my limitations and I love getting others views on the situation, often times they will see things that then trigger a deeper understanding for both the client, myself and the other practitioner.

here is an interesting article talking about organ removal as well as missing limbs with reflexology and quantum energy theory (I love quantum energy!)

Walking

My partner and I went hiking yesterday in the Cascades off I-90. It was beautiful, the trees are brilliant yellows, reds and green. It was overcast but that just makes the colors stand out more.

While walking I realized how much gets processed and how amazing it is to just be. There were quite a lot of people around, didn't see them, just heard them and it made me realize how utterly noisy we are as creatures. We have lost our sense of balance in nature and it seems to compensate we create noise. I almost always hike in silence. I stop often and point out small flowers, or places where there are 6 colors of moss and lichens, or a red leaf on a rock by the creek, but I point and smile, I don't yell.

There was this quote I once read and have lost track of but essential it said, "there is no problem in my life I cannot walk away from." I love this for it's metaphysical and physical qualities. I have found in my own life this is true, any depression I have found myself in is healed by the simple act of walking, even just around the block. It's the getting up and starting that's the hard part.

I was reading the next book in this series Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. The author talks about adding a weekly walk to your routine. (She does morning pages and artist dates, in case you don't know here work.) She talks about the walk being a place where creative solution happens. For me walking is much like receiving a reflexology treatment, with the added benefit of being in nature. In reality it is a reflexology treatment. If you are wearing the correct shoes, your feet are being moved through all ranges of motion and your body is pumping blood and your feet are being worked by the earth, the tree roots, and the rocks you wander over. I recently read and article on hiking barefoot. I'm not sure I would recommend this activity to most of my clients, but someday I think I will have to try it myself, just for the experience and the extra reflexology you would receive.

Some quick thoughts on hiking shoes. Most are a gimmick and an unnecessary expense. Having said that yes I own a pair, but I also hike a lot and do some really tricky terrains and need some extra ankle support on talus slopes. If you are doing well maintained trails, without huge shifts in terrain your normal tennis shoes or my favorite, Blundstones (Australian for boot), are perfect. If you want the hiking boots, here are my guidelines for a good pair. There must be room in the toe box so you can spread your toes and feel more grounded when walking on rocks, tree trunks, and in slippery or mucky ground. There can't be and excessive mount of room or on steep slopes downhill for an extended period of time you will jam your toes (head reflex) repeatedly and also potentially get blisters on your heel (pelvic/ low back reflex) You must be able to tie the shoe around your foot without pinching, but it must tie snugly so your foot doesn't slip forwards or back causing callousing and blisters. It must be flexible in the arch, not the toe, the arch YES I am serious, you should get some movement in the shoe. The only exception to this rule is if these are boot that you will attach crampon (ice climbing metal spiky things). It is also really nice to have water resistant shoes. In recent testing conducted by me at the local REI there were 10 plus types of hiking shoe/ boot and only one brand fit these criteria. My partner and I have been long time fans of these shoes for outdoor use and if they ever go out of business we will cry. My favorite hiking shoes are made by Vasque but Merrill does ok as well.

"walking should be and effortless exercise" states Wickler, a man whose research we quote often in our foot pain classes at Seattle Reflexology. A podiatrist was once asked what the best exercise for the feet is and he stated there is no comparison to walking. Walk as much as you can, for as long as you can." There will be much more on walking and shoes in the days to come.

Get out, take a walk, enjoy nature and solve all your problems with simple exercise.

Oh and here is the third book in the artist way series that I was referring too Walking in this World

Reflexology Paths part 2

Saturday was a lovely day at Bastyr, celebrating Reflexology awareness week. It was a bit cold but we had a great turn out, mostly students from the campus but there were several people who were driving by and came to check us out. I ended up staying later than I had planned and got to work with 5 lovely individuals. All of them had many, many questions to ask and it was a great opportunity to practice all of those scripts you carry in your head about what is it you do exactly. Here are some photos of the path, and my feets.

the opening to the path

here is me walking the path

the path and railing, isn't it pretty

Breast Cancer & Reflexology

If you or someone you know lives in the Seattle area and has breast cancer Bastyr Medical Center is doing some amazing work and research on the effects of reflexology to help with chemo. Here is the info:

BASTYR UNIVERSITY- Fall 2006
8-Week Breast Cancer Walking Study

Bastyr University is looking for breast cancer patients to study the effect of walking on chemotherapy-induced
nausea and vomiting

Study participants will receive an instructional walking DVD, and a complimentary foot massage at the completion of the study.

Criteria for being a participant:
ÿ Age 40-65.
ÿ Diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.
ÿ Willing to walk 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks.
ÿ Willing to attend one 50 minute study visit per week at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington.
ÿ Willing and able to provide informed consent.

If you are interested in volunteering for this study and fit the above criteria, please contact Elizabeth Marazita, L.Ac. at (425) 829-7881 or Elizabeth.marazita@bastyr.edu.


I've has the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth on several occasions and she is truly and amazing individual. She is doing wonders for brining awarness of reflexology to the communities around Seattle by establishing her reflexology paths throughout King County.

Several of my client have been breast cancer survivors and they all firmly state that there is no way they could have survived and maintained the lifestyle they enjoyed without the aid of reflexology. All of them were able to function in work and with family to a level of satisfaction, which is amazing considering the harshness of the treatments.

Points to work reflexively to assist (in my experience): lymph, flush the system and help the white blood cells move around and destroy the cancer. Liver and kidneys, eliminate poison. Spleen, it recycles cells, it will need help processing all the ones killed by the chmo. Hold the solar plexus to stabilize the energy systems of the body and to calm the digestive system. Large intestines, things tend to go wrong here due to the stress of life and the treatment, keep the body eliminating.

Foot Baths

I truly believe that if everyone came home at the end of a long hard day and stuck their feet in warm water the world would right itself and all would be well. In short a foot bath can save the planet.

Here are the benefits:
* warming to the whole body
* warmth helps release tension in the whole body
* purifying
* cleansing
* the addition of epsom salts can facilitate toxin release
* helps release any adhesions in the foot through heat and relaxation

Here are some ways to make it fun with additions:
* flower petals bring color, joy, and add a sense of luxury
* salts (sea salt, epsom salt, dead sea salts) not recommended if you have high blood pressure
* baking soda
* bubble bath or liquid soap
* essential oils
* make a strong cup of tea and add that for smell and toxin releasing or calming properties (chamomile, ginger and other herbal teas are the best to use)
* light a candle to soak by

Here is a lovely little book with other wonderful goodies.

Reflexology Paths

It is almost reflexology awareness week here in Washington, September 23th-30th. If you are in the Seattle area next Saturday September 30th, the Washington Reflexology Association is having and event at the Bastyr University reflexology path from 1pm-5pm. I will be doing free 15 minute reflexology sessions from 1-3pm. Come walk, participate in activities, and enjoy some free reflexology.

Here are some pictures of reflexology paths in Asia: http://www.reflexology-research.com/virtualpathasia.html

If you want to create a path in your back yard here is a website that can get you started:
http://www.reflexology-research.com/howtoreflexpath.htm

This is an article on the Bastyr reflexology path, the address is also listed if you'd like to participate in Saturday's event:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/192053_hcenter23.html