Friday, April 30, 2010

Choosing a Reflexologist

There are only a few reflexologists in the Memphis area. There are several more massage therapists and massage venues that are now offering reflexology. The prices run the course from $29 to $100 for one session. What will you get for your dollars, and how do you choose (no matter where you live)?

First and foremost, reflexology is not foot massage. While a reflexologist may include some massage techniques, it is not the main focus of his or her work. Once heard reflexology described by another reflexologist as a "moving accupressure." That's not a very scientific definition, but it certainly gives you a clearer picture of the work being done.

A recent article at NaturalNews.com featured reflexology as an effective, drug-free, non-invasive way of reducing tension. Based on the premise that all organs, glands, and parts of your body are mirrored on your feet, reflexology uses very specific touch therapy techniques applied to the feet, encouraging all body systems toward greater balance. Scientific research in the reflexology field offers continuous proof.

With that said, unless a massage therapist has received additional training in reflexology, the quick overview of it in massage school probably does not qualify them as a reflexologist. As a licensed massage therapist, however, they certainly may do reflexology. If you opt for this choice, realize what you think you're getting and what you actually receive may be two quite different things.

Second then, and equally important, ask questions. What are the reflexologist's credentials. What training does she/he have? Is that training both classroom and "hands on?" Are they nationally certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board (board testing required)? (National Certification requires both classroom and "hands-on" training.) Has he/she taken or are they taking advanced reflexology courses to enhance their practice? Are they members of professional reflexology associations? What does the session include? Does the reflexologist's scheduling allow time to take a vital interest in your specific needs? Will you feel like there is a buzzer set while you're in the session? (You know - exactly 55 mins. and it's over.) What extra touches, if any, are included in the session?

Third factor is price. I put this last, because I firmly believe that the reflexologist's skills and time carry value. Pricing says much about the value they place on their services. Depending on where you live (in the U.S.) fees generally range from $50-$100 for a 1 hour session. In light of current economic conditions, it is very tempting to look for the cheapest prices on everything. That is, of course, not always the best value.

The reflexologist who offers deep discounts, just to lure some extra business, may also find themselves resentful for the lack of income they are producing for their time and hard work. It would be difficult to keep from projecting that resentment and frustration on to the client if even in a subtle, non-verbal way. They have devalued themselves and the benefits their service adds to your health and wellness goals.

Massage chains are well-known for their low prices. Just to see, I called one locally and asked about the price of a one hour reflexology session. $39. And then, of course, there were the package deals that made it even cheaper. When I asked if they had a reflexologist on staff, I was met with, "Well, we have people who know how to do it." "Are they trained specifically in reflexology?" I asked. The response: "Well, no, but they know how to do it." I was convinced there are much better choices to be made. (Note: Some of these establishments may have a well-trained reflexologist on staff. I would still be concerned about the low value they have placed on their time and their skills to work for so little.)

At Footsteps In Eden Reflexology instead of offering deep discounts we offer what we believe is an awesome value for investing your budgeted health and wellness dollars with us. We have endeavored to create a wonderfully relaxing and "soothing to all your senses" experience for our clients. We offer sessions 30, 60, and 75 minutes in length. The 60 and 75 minute sessions include some extra touches our clients seem to truly enjoy. Our sessions are usually scheduled with 30 minutes between, so that no one need be stressed. We prefer punctuality, but everyone has those days they are running a few minutes behind. Many times, too, there is just a reason or two we would like to indulge our clients a few extra minutes of our attention. And there's time to take care of the necessary business details at the end without the client feeling pushed out the door.

Lynn Watson (Footsteps In Eden Reflexology) is a Registered Certified Reflexologist (State of TN Health Related Boards). She is Nationally Board Certified, studied reflexology at Laura Norman School of Reflexology (Boca Raton, FL), holds certification from both Laura Norman's School and Healthflex School (Knoxville, TN) and additional Certification in Maternity Reflexology from Soul to Sole Reflexology (United Kingdom). Maternity certification indicates competence in reflexology support for preconceptual care (including sub-fertility challenges), antenatal care, birthing preparation, postnatal care, and newborn baby care. She has taken course work in a Plantar Fasciitis specific reflexology protocol. Lynn also holds an international certificate in aromatherapy from Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy (San Rafael, CA) and is a member of the Reflexology Association of America, the Tennessee Reflexology Association, and the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and has been featured in local news media in Memphis, TN. Desiring to give back to the community, Lynn also volunteers at Target House in Memphis, offering reflexology to the parents of critically ill children of St. Jude Hospital.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Spring Cleansing - Helping Raise Funds for a Special Family's Adoption Journey

It's Spring, and cleansing has been a topic on my mind a great deal recently. Thinking of the healthy version for the body first, but it led me to thinking of Spring Cleaning as a cleansing of the home environment.

Bookstores have lots of shelf space and titles dedicated to decluttering your life. Feng Shui experts tell us that clutter has a significant (negative) effect on the way we experience life. Stuff that we don't absolutely love or need just gets in our way.

Stuff getting in our way is reminding me right now of a reality show I've seen a few times where people have this horrible disease of hoarding. Their lives are so effected that many of them can barely function. At the same time, they have such a difficult time even beginning to let go of any of it. Sometimes I believe any of us could get to that point if we don't make a conscientious point of regularly removing clutter from our surroundings.

So time to Spring Clean!!! Will you haul that "stuff" to the street for the garbage men or take it to Goodwill or the Salvation Army? Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other non-profits are a great choice if you need the tax deduction. (Remember to keep a real specific list. You'll need that for the I.R.S.)

At this point, however, I'm interjecting some additional food for thought here. Don't need that tax deduction, or are willing to forgo it, or you would rather not be bothered with having to keep up with all the lists.... Have you considered donating your unneeded - no longer loved by you stuff to a family hosting a yard sale to raise funds for their adoption?

There are often families right around you that are in this process. The Adoption journey can be a quite expensive one. Many families fundraise to help them meet the financial burden, and yard/garage sales are a common fundraiser. We all know it takes lots and lots of stuff to make that a real profitable venture. Your donations could mean so much.

There is a bit of a personal agenda in this post, too. Our son and d-i-l are adopting two precious Ethiopian children. The time is nearing to bring these children home, and considerable additional funds are still needed. A yard sale is being held in Bartlett, TN on May 22.

If you are in the Memphis, TN, area will you join me in this Spring Cleansing endeavor? Would you consider donating those items you no longer need or love to the yard sale to help bring these precious children home to their forever family? Please direct message me with your email address, and I'll be in touch. We'll even come get your "stuff."

You may read about Amy & David's adoption journey at their blog, Ethiopia's Calling.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Royal Blue Bloods - Facts About Colloidial Silver


Did you know?

Members of royalty were called
bluebloods due to the silver content in their blood and the blueness of their skin. When eating the royalty used almost exclusively silver plates, bowls and utensils. They essentially digested large particles of silver over an extended period of time, which created a permanent discoloration of the skin, due to the excessive silver deposits. This condition is known today as Argyria.

The mineral known as silver has been used for healing purposes and for treating diseases as far back in recorded time as 4000 B.C. Eastern Persian records specifically mention the practice of placing water in silver vessels, and the ancient Babylonian and Greek civilizations were fully aware of silver's ability to disinfect.

Colloidal Silver was in common use until 1938, and had proven itself to be useful against 650 different infectious diseases, but was very costly to produce at that time. Today, advanced technology provides us with electro-colloidal solutions that produce even greater results.


In a December 1996 article in Readers Digest entitled, "Warning: Antibiotics Could Endanger Your Child", it is stated that "Antibiotic resistance appeared soon after the introduction of these synthetic drugs in the 1930s. Since then, more and more bacteria have become resistant to more and more antibiotics." The article continues: "Last January, researchers at the Georgetown University School of Medicines Department of Pediatrics monitored 20 children taking amoxicillin daily to prevent ear infections. (Note: Dr. Fallon) The study indicated that while their risk of infection from a resistant germ was 20% before using the antibiotic, after a five-month regimen, they stood a 100% chance of contracting a superbug, a fivefold increase in risk. Four months after those children were taken off amoxicillin, their risk level returned to its original point."


The following is a comprehensive listing of all ailments or disease-conditions that have been successfully treated by solutions of Colloidal Silver:

Acne, AIDS, Allergies, Angina (Vincents™), Anthrax, Appendicitis (Suppurtive post-operative), Arthritis, Athletes Foot, Axillae and Blind Boils of the Neck, Bladder Irritation or Inflamation, Blepharitis, Blood Poisoning, Boils, Burns or Wounds (Corneal), Cancer, Candida Albicans, Catarrh (Nasal & Nasopharyngeal), Catarrh (Spring), Cholera, Colds, Colitis, Conjunctivities (Gonorrheal), Conjunctivitis (Phlyctenular), Cough (Shooping), Cystitis (Chronic), Dacrocystitis, Dermatitis (due to Extreme Toxemia), Diabetes, Diarrhea, Diphtheria, Dysentery (Bacillary), Ear Infections (Inner Ear), Eczema (Chronic Anterior or Meatus of the Ear), Eczema (Perineal), Eczema (Pustular of Scal0p), Edematous Enlargement of Turbinates (w/o True Hyperplasia), Epididymitis, Erysipelas, Eustach Tubes, Fatigue (Chronic), Fibrositis, Furunculosis, Gastritis, Gonorrhea, Halitoses (Bad Breath), Hayfever, Hemorrhoids, Herpes or Shingles, Impetigo, Indigestion, Infantile Disease, Inflammation, Infections (Bacterial, Fungal, Parasitic or Viral), Pleurisy, Polyps (Nasal), Prostate (Enlarged or Inflamed), Prostatic Gleet (Gonorrhea Pruritis Ani, Psoriasis, Pyorrhea Alveolaris (Riggs Disease), Quinsy, Rheumatism (Inflammatory), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rhinitis, Ringworm, Scarlatina, Scarlet Fever Seborrhea, Sepsis (Ears, Eyes, Mouth and Throat), Septicemia (Puerperal), Sinusitis, Skin Rash (Diapers), Sores (Soft, Sprue, Staph or Strep Throat, Stomach Flu, Thyroid Disorders, Tonsillitis, Tonsillitis (Follicular & Septic), Tooth Decay, Toxemia (Extreme Systemic), Trachoma, Tuberculosis, Typhoid Fever, Ulcers (Corneal Infected), Ulcers (Septic in Legs), Ulcers (Stomach, Urticar (Ulcerative, due to Extreme Toxemia), Valsavas Inflammation, Vorticella, Warts, Yeast Infections.




For myself, I am a believer! Last summer under the direction of a naturopath, this amazing solution (along with much prayer and the healing power of God) restored my health after a serious bout with an allergic reaction which yielded itself to a systemic strep infection, toxic shock syndrome, and cellulitis all rolled up in one big ball.

Wrote this post so long ago... Can't believe I failed to post it then. Pray someone finds the information useful for their life today.

Photo above from www.sxc.hu