by Karen Ball
I recently got into a conversation on Facebook with a new reflexologist (in another country) on whether or not reflexology “fixes” illnesses in the body. I learned that it was important to her to feel that what she was doing and her skill at delivery of those techniques could “fix” (her word) another’s maladies.
Before sharing my inner thoughts on this subject, let me first just state that in the United States, anyone making claims to be able to “fix” someone’s health imbalances better hold a medical license before they open their mouths. Otherwise, they may find themselves in serious trouble for practicing medicine without a license.
That said, I loved the opportunity to examine this subject. I discovered that sometimes in my own life I seek confirmation that I am doing something that matters, something that will make a difference in someone else’s life. That comes from a small part of me that needs always to be “doing” in order to justify my own existence, my own importance.
If I practice reflexology from this mindset, then yes, I want to think that I am really good at what I do and that the modality is powerful enough to cure someone’s ills.
There are other places in my inner landscape from which I can speak and touch though. I can choose to trust; to trust my client’s path, trust her body’s innate wisdom, her body’s desire to return to wholeness, and trust that I can stay out of the way.
If I choose to be relaxed myself, stay present with what is happening and responsive to what I might offer, then everything is possible. Within the space of deep relaxation and acceptance, void of any coercion and judgment, the body can feel safe and supported enough to perhaps take the sometimes difficult path to restoration.
This is what I love about reflexology. It doesn’t “fix” anything – although in my 32 years of practice I have witnessed many, many amazing responses to the work – it simply provides for the client the internal physical environment that makes change possible.
It is my belief that it is the body that heals, not any intervention that I might perform. The beauty and strength of reflexology is that it puts the body into a neurological state in which the body can repair and heal itself. Relaxation heals, allowing the body to restore homeostasis. Communication relayed between reflexes and the brain directs the body to make the changes necessary to return to health. The body, in its infinite wisdom, wants to be healthy. As a reflexologist, I am fortunate to know how to create the environment in which that can happen.
I invite you to join me at FSM on April 21 and 22 to learn how to offer a relaxing foot reflexology session to your clients, friends and family. Bonus: You’ll receive lots of delicious work yourself that weekend!
Details and registration can be found here.
