A RESUME OF A.R.T REFLEXOLOGY
To be able to define the concepts of A.R.T. there has to be a more complete understanding of the significance of the reflex.
The mantra of ‘Finding a sore spot and working it out’. Although having some validity does not take into account the information that the reflex can reveal, and through this obtain a deeper understanding of what the feet can tell. (or trying to tell) It is this aspect that forms the philosophy of A.R.T.
From this understanding, we become aware that reflexology, if we wish to view it from a different perspective, is a more complex model to the one size fits all concept which is very much the standard acceptance today. (The one size fits all concept is using the same type of technique on every client.)
It was through this that I developed a methodology and philosophy of reflexology which could be adapted to suit these variations, but which had the classic model of Ingham as its foundation. I identified this at the time as A.R.T. (Advanced Reflexology Techniques) and because it comes from the same classical roots of Ingham - ‘An Evolvement of The Original Concept’.
Reflexology, as the name suggests, has as its main purpose of locating painful reflexes, and then working them out. This sounds very simplistic and straight forward, and there is some validity in this, however, if we are to approach reflexology from a deeper and more accurate picture than the painful reflex = a problem, we need to understand the other information that a reflex can provide.
Reflexes are looked at as something of a ‘set in stone’ manifestation that display pain, and that this pain is confirmation of a ‘problem’ in the body relative to the reflex. This is the general way that reflexology is understood, and the majority of reflexologists work with this in mind.
As I have said, this view may have validity in some cases; however, it prevents a more complete reflex assessment from being made.
Reflexes display a tone — a unique texture. They are not constant; they are manifestations of the movement of the energy or ‘force’ of the body.
That is why the reflexes will change in accordance with various factors, for example, the time of day. We should look at reflexes as indicators of the flux and flow of the energetic forces of the body.
A painful reflex is not necessarily in itself an indication of a related problem in the body. Feet will generally always display painful reflexes in good health.
The concept of a painful reflex being the prime indicator of a corresponding disturbance in the body without taking into account its texture is not valid - an indication of robust reflexes can be a positive sign.
It is the reflexes which display a ‘texture,’ i.e. a difference to the feel to that of the surrounding tissue, which gives a much deeper meaning to reflexology, as it is these types of reflexes which need focused attention.
I am not suggesting that being able to develop this sensitivity comes easily — some feet will display their reflex ‘secrets’ easier than others. But with perseverance and with focus on the tactile information coming from the fingers, a different ‘world’ of reflexology will be revealed.
This is a very fascinating subject which I cover at seminars and in a book which I have been working on for centuries! Hopefully, if my lifespan gives me an extra fifty years, it may be available before I expire or if not in another incarnation, see you then!
My Best Wishes
Tony Porter
ere to edit.
The mantra of ‘Finding a sore spot and working it out’. Although having some validity does not take into account the information that the reflex can reveal, and through this obtain a deeper understanding of what the feet can tell. (or trying to tell) It is this aspect that forms the philosophy of A.R.T.
From this understanding, we become aware that reflexology, if we wish to view it from a different perspective, is a more complex model to the one size fits all concept which is very much the standard acceptance today. (The one size fits all concept is using the same type of technique on every client.)
It was through this that I developed a methodology and philosophy of reflexology which could be adapted to suit these variations, but which had the classic model of Ingham as its foundation. I identified this at the time as A.R.T. (Advanced Reflexology Techniques) and because it comes from the same classical roots of Ingham - ‘An Evolvement of The Original Concept’.
Reflexology, as the name suggests, has as its main purpose of locating painful reflexes, and then working them out. This sounds very simplistic and straight forward, and there is some validity in this, however, if we are to approach reflexology from a deeper and more accurate picture than the painful reflex = a problem, we need to understand the other information that a reflex can provide.
Reflexes are looked at as something of a ‘set in stone’ manifestation that display pain, and that this pain is confirmation of a ‘problem’ in the body relative to the reflex. This is the general way that reflexology is understood, and the majority of reflexologists work with this in mind.
As I have said, this view may have validity in some cases; however, it prevents a more complete reflex assessment from being made.
Reflexes display a tone — a unique texture. They are not constant; they are manifestations of the movement of the energy or ‘force’ of the body.
That is why the reflexes will change in accordance with various factors, for example, the time of day. We should look at reflexes as indicators of the flux and flow of the energetic forces of the body.
A painful reflex is not necessarily in itself an indication of a related problem in the body. Feet will generally always display painful reflexes in good health.
The concept of a painful reflex being the prime indicator of a corresponding disturbance in the body without taking into account its texture is not valid - an indication of robust reflexes can be a positive sign.
It is the reflexes which display a ‘texture,’ i.e. a difference to the feel to that of the surrounding tissue, which gives a much deeper meaning to reflexology, as it is these types of reflexes which need focused attention.
I am not suggesting that being able to develop this sensitivity comes easily — some feet will display their reflex ‘secrets’ easier than others. But with perseverance and with focus on the tactile information coming from the fingers, a different ‘world’ of reflexology will be revealed.
This is a very fascinating subject which I cover at seminars and in a book which I have been working on for centuries! Hopefully, if my lifespan gives me an extra fifty years, it may be available before I expire or if not in another incarnation, see you then!
My Best Wishes
Tony Porter
ere to edit.