Susan Mix, Certified Ingham Method Reflexologist

Feet tell the true story about health. Your stresses, illnesses, past accidents, surgeries, low energy and congestions all can be found in your feet and are evident to a Reflexologist. Many folks think they are managing their stress adequately or even admirably; unfortunately, the story their feet tell is vastly different. Their feet reveal they are just locking that stress away in part of their body where it is causing problems elsewhere that they hadn't even connected to stress! The more the body stays stressed, the more likely we are to become ill.

 

In today's fast-paced, competitive culture, we all need to plan some routine time to relieve stress, whether we think we are stressed or not! Remember addressing the stress can improve your health. That's why I love helping people with Reflexology. A Reflexology session can clear congestion in nerve endings and improve circulation, but it also one of the best methods for relieving stress. Take some time for yourself and have a session soon. In the meantime, here are a few other stress relief helpers for you:

 

To those who are stressed in body, mind or spirit, may these musings support and heal you. Please share your magic with other.

 

I've learned that lying awake and worrying is just plain stupid and I don't do it much anymore. I've never changed what worried me by losing sleep, and I've never solved a big work problem by tossing and turning at 3 a.m. Distracting my mind with a good book, relaxing with a warm bath before bed, these are things that help. But someone I admire very much suggested listing five blessings about the past day just as I close my eyes. What a wonderful way to decompress ... with gratitude.

 

One of the best stress-relievers I've found is to go help someone who's under more stress than me. And there's always someone! Be there for another…

 

I've found the wonder in smiling at people I don't know. I do it every day now. Some don't smile back, but those who do lift my heart and I feel like I have both given and received a gift.  (Dare you to try it at the next stoplight!)

 

©2010 Susan Mix

Have Pain In Your Heels? 

Many clients report pain in the heel with their first steps upon getting out of bed in the morning.  This is a classic symptom of plantar fasciitis, also sometimes called "heel spurs" or "arch pain". The plantar fascia (pf) is a tight, inelastic ligament that runs from the toes along the arch of the foot and inserts into the heel bone. When the pf pulls on the bone, micro-tears can be created resulting in pain and inflammation. Activities that increase the pull of the pf on the heel, as well as uncorrected over-pronation conditions may worsen the problem.

In their book, Foot!, Care, Prevention and Treatment, Doctors Matthew B. Werd and E. Leslie Knight recommend initial steps (pun intended!) for plantar fasciitis folks can take to help alleviate the problem before it worsens to the point it needs serious medical attention.  These include:

• Well-fitted and properly supported footwear.  Arch supports, heel lifts or custom orthotics should be worn if necessary. (Ladies, note that wearing flats or flip-flops with no arch support may be making your problem worse!)
• Stretching and strengthening exercises before stepping out of bed in the morning.  (See the simple pf stretch instructions below.)
• Roll a frozen water bottle along the arch of your foot for ten minutes, three times per day.
• Lose weight if necessary to help alleviate pressure on your heels.
• Choose lower impact sports activities, for instance walking or swimming instead of running.
• Avoid standing or walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces.

Doctors Werd and Knight also specifically recommend Ingham Method® Reflexology in their book. They state "Reflexologists do an excellent job relieving tension in the feet, as well as stimulating blood flow and circulation. Additionally, Reflexologists are often able to pinpoint specific areas in the foot that relate to symptoms in other parts of the body."   

Stretch for Plantar Fascia
This is recommended first thing in the morning, in bare feet, while still seated on the bed, before walking. 

Cross left ankle over right knee. Grab base of all five toes on left foot with left hand and pull toes back toward left shin until feeling a stretch in the arch ligament (the plantar fascia). The plantar fascia will be prominent along the length of the arch of the foot being stretched and should be massaged with the right hand while keeping toes flexed. 

Repeat for right foot. 

©2009 Susan Mix, Restoring Health and Wellness Center 

Why Ion Cleanse?

Recent research devoted to the impact of environmental toxins and heavy metals on our bodies continues to reveal our external environment has a major impact on our health and that high levels of heavy metals may be cause for concern. While there is not a consensus within the medical community to date, some research indicates that heavy metal toxicity may be linked to certain types of cancer and cognitive disorders. Heavy metals is the term used for a group of elements on the "heavier" end of the periodic table. It's essential that we have certain metals in our systems in trace amounts such as iron and zinc; however, other metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead can be toxic in excess amounts. Common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include muscle and joint pain, headaches, short-term memory issues, mental confusion, gastro-intestinal upsets, allergies, food intolerances, vision problems and fatigue.

Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle, you may still suffer from heavy metal toxicity. This can result from eating certain types of fish high in mercury in the past, living in an older home that was painted with lead-based paint, being downwind from our frequent wildfires, using an anti-perspirant, even drinking water in certain areas! There are many ways that we are exposed and it's almost impossible to avoid exposure, so it's smart to be aware of the toxicity symptoms.

The IonCleanse® foot bath can help reduce mild levels of heavy metals and can even provide an indication you may need to see a doctor regarding heavy metals in your system. In testing the water in the IonCleanse® foot bath before and after sessions showed as much as a 55% increase in arsenic, a 233% increase in lead and a 339% increase in aluminum in the water after a cleanse. Reading the water after IonCleanse® footbaths for my husband and finding an extreme amount of heavy metal "flecks" in the water, led us to consult his doctor and have him tested for heavy metal toxicity. The IonCleanse® indications were confirmed by the doctor's tests and we were able to work with his doctor to do further cleansing for the heavy metals. We now routinely perform the IonCleanse® and monitor the heavy metal flecks to report to his doctor.

Most clients also find the IonCleanse® to be invigorating and a great antidote to the mid-winter blues. The benefits of an ionic footbath include helping to promote alkalinity and also to more quickly remove those buildups from your holiday indulgences!

At beginning of Ion Cleanse footbath                               After 30 minutes in Ion Cleanse footbath
                                        
 
©2009 Susan Mix, Restoring Health and Wellness Center 

In the past several years, 13 studies in 7 different countries (US, UK, Italy, Japan, Switzerland,China, and Korea) have documented the benefits of reflexology for cancer patients. Some of these studies were conducted while the patients were receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In general findings reported from these studies showed that reflexology helped:

Provide relief from feelings of anxiety and tension, 

Instill feelings of comfort and improved well-being, 

Provide positive and immediate effect in pain reduction, 

Significantly reduce nausea, 

Reduce fatigue. 

In a pilot study published in 2005 conducted by the Michigan State University College of Nursing three different complementary therapies (reminiscence therapy, guided imagery and foot reflexology) were given to women in late stages of breast cancer who were receiving chemotherapy.  Foot reflexology proved to be the most effective of the three therapies studied, with reported decreases in depression and anxiety and improvements in spirituality and emotional quality of life. Based on this pilot study a further study is now in progress, funded by the National Institutes of Health, on the benefits of reflexology in breast cancer patients. 

In addition, studies conducted at several other nursing schools in the eastern US also confirmed reflexology resulted in an immediate decrease in pain intensity and anxiety. It has proven so effective that MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas acknowledges reflexology may help relieve symptoms of nausea, insomnia and stress related to cancer treatment and offers reflexology courses to its patients and caregivers.

If someone you know is dealing with the effects of cancer therapy or is in palliative care, consider telling them about reflexology to help manage their symptoms. We offer reflexology outcall visits to hospitals, care centers and homes for those unable to come into the office. Susan is always willing to instruct clients in self-help techniques to use interim to sessions with her.

©2009 Restoring Health and Wellness Center

Comparing Reflexology Methods - The Ingham Method® Difference

Many folks have asked about reflexology offered at spas and storefront mall reflexology locations compared with Ingham Method® which we practice. Having experienced all types, here are the differences as we see them:

Certified Ingham Method Reflexology	Spa Reflexology	Mall Reflexology
Require an intake questionnaire. This helps us understand your health conditions, medications and concerns before treatment and enables us to determine particular reflexology protocols to address your issues.	May ask what you'd like to focus on but typically will not ask for information regarding medical conditions or medications.	Typically do not ask anything.
Keep session records, known as SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan) to document treatment findings, what you tell us about your reactions, as well as to record progress and areas for future focus.	Typically do not keep session records.	Typically do not keep session records.
Work reflexes in multiple directions to detect stress cues and optimally clear congestion and restore circulation to the glands and organs. Will work entire foot including shafts of toes, top and bottom of foot and all critical pinpoint reflexes.	Typically only work some areas in a single direction. May work great toe and nominally address lesser toes. Typically does not fully address all pinpoint reflexes.	Typically only work some areas of the foot in a single direction. Typically does not fully work shafts of toes, except great toe. Typically does not fully address all pinpoint reflexes.
Use relaxation, pressure, stretching, joint movement, thumb- and finger-walking techniques. Discomfort, which fades as congested area is worked, may occur depending on your condition, but pressure is adjusted to your level of tolerance. You are relaxed during and at end of session. Technique clears congestion in nerve endings and improves circulation. Use defined protocols on certain reflexes to address specific conditions.	Typically use techniques similar to massage rubbing, kneading or probing motions, sometimes may use stretching and joint movement. Generally do not use thumb- or finger-walking technique. Generally adjust pressure so it isn't painful. Relaxation typically during and at end of session. Technique generally will improve circulation but may not address congestion in nerve endings.  Typically no use of protocols.	Typically use extremely heavy pressure, often digging in with knuckles or hitting reflexes with a fisted hand. May be uncomfortable and even painful. Generally do not use thumb- or finger-walking technique. Technique may clear congestion in some reflexes, however, too much pressure can also create severe soreness or lead to injury. Discomfort from heavy pressure throughout session may prevent relaxation and its healing effects.
Use no tools, oils or lotions. May assist you to clean your feet if necessary.	Typically uses massage oil or lotion. May provide footbath or paraffin dip prior to session.	Typically uses strong disinfectant or herbal footbath prior to session.
Only fingers and thumbs are used to provide appropriate pressure and addressing of the reflexes.	Generally uses fingers and hands, but may also use elbows.	Generally uses fingers, knuckles, fists, and may use elbows or tools. May use karate-chop motion with edge of hand.
May instruct you in self-help homework between sessions to help continue clearing nerve congestion and maintain increased circulation. This decreases time to achieve your improvement goals.	May suggest stretches or other movements to assist you in working on problem areas.	Usually don't provide self-help suggestions.
Trained and certified by the International Institute of Reflexology, the world's leading authority, and also an American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) accredited school.	Typically trained in reflexology as a sub-specialty at a massage school that is not ARCB accredited.	Typically trained in reflexology at a massage or a reflexology school in another country that is not ARCB accredited.

As you can see, there really is a difference between the methods. Selecting an Ingham Method® practitioner insures you are receiving Reflexology from someone truly trained in the modality who takes a clinical approach to helping you. 

© 2009, Susan Mix, Restoring Health & Wellness Center

A study in China on women with frequent urination problems showed Reflexology was effective in reducing frequency.  (Many men with prostate problems also report Reflexology provides relief from frequent urination issues. 

Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects one in ten American women of childbearing age. PCOS can cause infertility, weight gain and acne.  Women who have it may be higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. In a study completed by the Danish Association of Reflexologists and an ongoing study at Derriford Hospital in the UK, reflexology has been showing promise in alleviating the problem.  

If you or someone you know has any of these conditions, we’d recommend trying reflexology!   

This blog article reprinted from Restoring Health and Wellness Center News.  To view our entire newsletter or for permission to reprint, visit www.susanmix.com. 

©2009 Susan Mix, Restoring Health and Wellness Center