ART Reflexology - Tony\'s Blog

In memory of Dr Sumi Chatterjee 1969 - 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:52:23 GMT

In memory of Dr Sumi Chatterjee 1969 - 2026

Mausumi (Sumi), as she liked to be called, faced her end-of-life prognosis with remarkable resilience and bravery, embracing meditation, prayer, yoga, reflexology, and a disciplined approach to nutrition. Her positive outlook and approach allowed her to enjoy five wonderful years filled with travel, new discoveries, and cherished moments with her many friends.

I feel greatly honoured to have been one of her close friends.

Dr Mau (Sumi) Chatterjee

BSc, MBBS, MRCGP, Dip SEM, Dip IM, LFHOM, DJ, Yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, student of Ayurveda. Fellow of the College of Medicine.

I have been fortunate to have people enter my life at different times, serving as mentors who have provided guidance, support, and inspiration.

Having practised as a reflexologist and physical therapist for over fifty years, I have had clients who radiated energy and exuberance for life, even when their medical prognosis is bleak.

One such client was Mau (Sumi) Chatterjee, a medical doctor, who came to me for reflexology.

During the initial consultation, she informed me that she had been diagnosed with metastatic or stage four cancer and had undergone major surgery and intensive chemotherapy several years ago.

I learned that Sumi was given the last rites by a priest five years previously, but she defied the odds, and with her knowledge of naturopathic therapies, including nutrition, meditation, yoga, and prayer, she decided to ‘Die another day’.

Sumi made no secret of the fact that she was ‘end of life’ but wanted to enjoy her love of travel, music and art for as long as possible.

It is a testament to her mainly naturopathic approach that she managed to survive for five years and had the energy to travel as much as she did. There were times when I knew she was going through a bad phase and not feeling well, and yet she never complained and was always ready to offer help, such as the time I was hospitalised following an accident when she arrived with a carrier bag of healthy nutritional foods.

She possessed a wonderful magnetic energy and easily engaged in conversation, quickly captivating those around her, something I witnessed many times.

Sumi qualified in medicine and practised as a GP in Leeds from 2006.
She was also a qualified pharmacist and studied integrated medicine between 2017 and 2019. Additionally, she was a qualified yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner, and a student of Ayurvedic medicine.

Sumi came from a medical family; her Father was a consultant, her Sister is also a doctor.

Another aspect of her varied life was becoming a DJ at venues and on local radio stations. She was a big fan of Coldplay and attended their concerts whenever she could. She also loved the Italian city of Florence (her soul city, as she called it) and spent many joyful times there with friends.

She related that as a conventional doctor, she was skilled in diagnosing and treating illnesses with medication and surgery. However, her cancer diagnosis motivated her to explore integrative medicine.

She made no secret of the fact that she was ‘end of life’, but wished to prolong the time she had left to enjoy life as long as possible and to finish the book she was writing about her journey.

The title she gave to the book is:

THE BANYAN TREE - A scientific love story between a doctor and her cancer

She told me that when she was a young girl, all she wanted to be was an Air Hostess (which was what cabin crew were called at the time) as this would fulfil her love of travel. However, her father persuaded her to pursue medicine, and after four years of study, she earned a degree to enter medical school.

She became an integrative medical practitioner, which she described as being her trellis, gently weaving evidence-based practices with lifestyle and complementary practices.

It was a testament to her healing strategies that she was able to fulfil her desire to travel and to spend time with her many friends.

Unfortunately, life had other plans. A terminal diagnosis shattered her fleeting time in remission, leaving her to confront the fragility of life.

She describes this time in her writings in the following way:

As I stood at the precipice of mortality, an extraordinary vision unfolded, a bath of golden light, serene and blissful, beckoning me towards its warmth. Yet, in that moment, I felt an inexplicable pull back to my physical form, as if my life’s purpose awaited. This experience ignited a beautiful journey of self-discovery, and this book is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to survive and thrive.

Sumi was a healer in the truest form and realised the healing potential of natural therapies such as reflexology. She placed great importance on meditation and prayer.
Her healing touched the lives of many people.

She will be greatly missed.

Thank you, Sumi

Tony

Arrangements are being made to complete her book. Once it becomes available, a notification will be posted.

Resonance

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:50:23 GMT

RESONANCE

Transitioning the London underground system, even in the best of times, can challenge any remaining sense of spirituality.

However, there was one journey when I became aware of a low-pitched sound that resonated not only through the station but also through my body.

Upon investigation, I discovered that it was produced by a didgeridoo, a sacred instrument of the Aboriginal people that dates back at least 1500 years.

I have harboured a strong interest in the effects of various sounds and breathing on the human body, particularly regarding their impact on the vagus nerve and pineal gland, among many other functions.

I paused to listen and absorb the frequencies flowing through my body.

The performer was Giuseppe, a licensed London busker whose small pitch transformed into an oasis of calm as people paused to savour the harmonic tones emanating from his instrument. Those who did not stop seemed ‘touched’ as the frequencies ‘washed’ over them.

According to Dr Naveen Jayaram

The frequencies produced by the Didgeridoo have been shown to be beneficial in alleviating anxiety, depression, and various other mental and physical conditions.

He also states that the sounds produced are akin to those of Om chanting and humming, which stimulate the vagus nerve, resulting in chemical changes in the brain.

The tonal range of the instrument is between 50 and 150 Hz, a frequency that has been shown to aid relaxation.

To quote consultant neurologist Dr P. R. Krishnan, the frequencies of the sounds produced aid in the treatment of conditions such as dementia, strokes, and speech issues, as they activate the associated areas of the brain.

I have been involved with the physiological effects of sound.

Due to an inherited cardiological issue, I have practised specific pranayama techniques every morning for many years. My practice included Bhramari Pranayama, also known as Yoga humming. It was through this that I became an advocate for sound therapy.

It is the different resonant frequencies produced through humming that have such a profound effect on the Vagus nerves and the Pineal gland.

As a very busy reflexology practitioner, I found that my practice increases my vitality enormously. This is also passed on to my clients in the form of more effective treatments. Clients often remarked that my hands felt electric.

My online presentation on 29th March will highlight this subject, as it is of such great value.

I shall also be posting more information on my Website:

www.artreflex.com/zoom

Tony Porter

Reflexology - The Energy Factor

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:03:20 GMT

Reflexology - The Energy Factor

I look forward to meeting you and sharing what I have learned from my fifty-one years in reflexology, which included working in the clinics of medical consultants in London’s Harley Street medical district.

During this time, my treatments were closely monitored as part of a cohort study to establish the effectiveness of my reflexology techniques on various gynaecological conditions.

This enabled the assessment of the physiological effects of different types of reflex contact, resulting in the development of A.R.T./Focused Reflexology.

Additionally, this study highlighted the significance of detecting and understanding patients’ energy or Qi potential through the reflex textures of their feet. This resulted in a ‘quantum leap’ in my effectiveness as a reflexologist.

We are immensely fortunate to have Dr. Sumi Chatterjee join us for the second part of the presentation. Dr. Chatterjee will share how she has tackled her serious health issues using modalities that enhance the body’s energy circulation, or Qi. She will describe these modalities.

My Best Wishes

Tony Porter

www.artreflex.com/zoom

Reflexology decoded

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:00:40 GMT

Reflexology decoded - an online presentation by Tony Porter

Saturday November 9th

Start time 3.00 pm (15.00 hours UK time)

Duration: approximately two hours
Cost £40.00

Reflexology is a multifaceted therapy akin to an elusive butterfly that never stays in one place for long; its movements are impossible to predict. I've spent nearly six decades as a reflexologist trying to understand this elusiveness. While I can't claim to have fully grasped it, I have become aware of the reasons behind it. This has given me a deeper understanding of reflexology and transformed the effectiveness of my treatments.

My intention for this presentation is to help fellow reflexologists gain a better and clearer understanding of the therapy. This includes becoming aware of how the client’s (and, equally importantly) the practitioner's levels of Qi or electricity affect treatment outcomes. Strategies for quickly increasing these will be discussed and demonstrated.

Reflexology offers a life-changing opportunity for practitioners willing to challenge conventional norms. This enables a more therapeutically valuable service to clients, which, after all, is the purpose of our work.

Overview of subjects

Classical reflexology defined.

The reflexes can tell interesting stories if we know how to interpret them.

Understanding the "law" of the "disturbed" reflex.

Is it necessary to work all the reflex areas of the feet?

Treating what you find and not what you are looking for.

The advantages of splitting a treatment into two phases.

Utilising the appropriate types of techniques to match each client's unique reflex status.

The Slippery Slope: Working with an Emollient - Good or Bad?

Electricity (life force, Chi, Qi, etc.) levels in the client and practitioner are a significant factor in treatment response.

The piezoelectric action of reflexology.

I look forward to meeting you at the presentation (early booking is advised).

My Best wishes

Tony Porter

Founder Focused Reflexology/ A.R.T.®

THE 'DANGERS' OF REFLEXOLOGY

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:45:00 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

As this blog (which I originally posted in June 2015) attracted so much attention and interest I decided to send it again.

Looking back over my 43 years in reflexology practice and teaching, I am glad to know that many things have changed for the better, but I find it frustrating that some prejudices and misinformation persist.

In the early days, reflexology had something of a 'summer afternoon with tea and cakes' image about it, at least this is how it was recognised by the majority of people. The practice of reflexology was something one did when the children left home and one had time on one's hands - all very nice and genteel!

But there was another more worrying side of reflexology as a profession, particularly in the U.K. I remember being told by a tutor, that reflexology, if used incorrectly, could have dire consequences for the recipient if certain rules were not strictly adhered to.

Amongst these gems of misinformation was the danger of spending too much time on a reflex, and never to give more than two treatments weekly.
We were even told to use a stop-watch to time to the second the time we spent on each reflex. If a miscalculation was made with this, and the treatment was thirty seconds too long, the wrath of the heavens would fall on the poor patient!

I can recall, as a young reflexology acolyte, being haunted by the fear of the effect my reflex, timing miscalculation would have on that day's patient. A night filled with anxiety!
As for giving three treatments in the space of a week-that was heresy! How would the patient's body be able to handle the bucket loads of toxins which would be gushing into the blood stream?

Added to this were the pages of contra-indications we had to learn by heart, which meant that nearly every new patient had to be referred to their GP to confirm they were well enough to receive a treatment!

Thankfully, sanity now dictates that these beliefs are less predominant, but it is still surprising to me that there remain many reflexologists who are still fearful of the damage they could cause to a patient.

Even today it is believed by some that reflexology must never be given during pregnancy, or at least not until after the first trimester, for fear of causing miscarriage. Where did this come from? As if nature forgot that a pregnant lady may safely walk on a stony or pebbly surface.
Perhaps there should be warning notices on all pebbly beaches making people aware of the fact that walking on them may cause miscarriage or cardiac complications!

I have treated thousands of women throughout pregnancy; it is a time when both mother-to-be and the foetus can benefit from a treatment. I am not suggesting a 'gung-ho' approach, far from it, but an appropriate treatment for each particular patient.

Other pearls of advice included never to treat a person with implants, such as hip, knees etc. as this could cause rejection! I ask you, where does this stuff come from? Add to this heart conditions, cancer, diabetes and others.

I was once told by an eminent tutor while I was demonstrating working on the heart reflexes, that it was dangerous and could damage or even stop the heart! What a way to commit the perfect murder! Another reprimanded me about the dangers of working too hard on the spinal reflexes as it could crush the spine! A therapist told me that she watched a piece of shrapnel (which was embedded in WW2) migrate through the skin of a patient while she was giving a treatment! Not to mention the supposed anti-poison reflex on the feet which was all the rage a few years ago!

Reflexology, applied in the proper manner, is a wonderfully energising, relaxing therapy, capable of being beneficial to the recipient. It is not destructive, but constructive - it does no harm. Certainly patients can experience a variety of responses after a treatment; sometimes a feeling of wellbeing, and sometimes, slightly unpleasant sensations. The body will do what it has to do following a treatment. We as reflexologists cannot put our fingers in the spokes of the wheel of nature's healing response. It will do what it has to do in its own sweet way, as it has done since the first amoeba rejoiced at being alive.

Do your great work with this knowledge and respect in mind, and without trepidation.

My Best Wishes
Tony Porter

THE ENERGY FACTOR Part 2

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:02:19 GMT

THE ENERGY FACTOR

Part 2

Reflexology, with its captivating elusiveness, stands out among other manual therapies. Its actions are multifaceted, akin to an elusive butterfly that never settles in one place for long. To truly grasp its elusiveness, we must cast our nets wide and develop the ability to discern the subtle changes in the tissues of the reflexes — what I identify as a disturbed reflex.

It's important to note that many reflexologists may not work in a way that allows them to become aware of these changes. However, this presents an exciting opportunity for future exploration, which we will explore in a future article.

A disturbed reflex displays a texture or ‘feel’ that differs from its surrounding tissue. There are various types of textures, from the crystals described by Eunice Ingham to those with a more subtle identity. Once this ability has been developed, the practitioner will become in tune with the energy that gives animation to all life forms. That energy is —electricity.

The feet are receptors of the electromagnetic energies from the earth. They serve as a two-way communicator between the earth and the brain, not forgetting to and from the therapist. The feet serve as electromagnetic communication centres.

The quote below explains this very well:

‘Each cell in the body is a tiny, complex electrical system which picks up magnetic impulses not only from the atmosphere but especially from the ground. Hence the tactile hypersensitivity of the toe tips and sole of the foot is no coincidence, but part of our natural equipment to ‘pick up’ these electro magnetic forces and convey them through the body’.

- James Beal NASA’s Space Centre:

As reflexology practitioners, we need to be aware of the electrical circulation of the body, as well as that of the blood, lymph, and, of course, oxygen.

In ancient cultures, electricity was described as Qi, life force, chi, vitality, ka, etc., vital force. In acupuncture, electricity or Qi is said to flow in channels (or vessels) known as meridians. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is called prana and is said to flow through a complicated network of vessels or channels called Nadis, of which there are said to be 72,000.

‘Circulation is life; stagnation is death’, a wise maxim that applies not only to blood circulation but also to electricity. It is a resistance to this energy that creates a disturbed reflex.

My life in reflexology has taught me much about reflexology. One of the most valuable factors is the variation of each client's reflex sensitivity status. This showed that those with a generally dull reflex status were slow responders to treatment, while those with lively and easily detected reflexes would have a strong response. This led me to discover that a painful reflex does not necessarily indicate a problem in its referred pathway. On the contrary, in health, feet should display robust and sensitive reflexes, a sign of high levels of Qi or vitality throughout the body. This explains why the reflex status of people with serious or terminal diseases will become less evident as the disease progresses due to the decreasing levels of Qi. This is evident in those not receiving analgesic medication.

In addition to the client's energy status, I became aware of my own energy status and how its fluctuations affected my treatments. I would begin most days with an early morning run, but sometimes I extended my running time, and even though I felt good afterwards, something seemed missing from my treatments on those days. Clients remarked that my touch felt empty and my treatment lacked its usual effectiveness.

This made me question how the practitioner's Qi levels affected treatment outcomes.

My investigation led me to discover that ancient schools of therapeutic knowledge emphasised the practitioner's health as much as the patient’s.

A few years later, during a visit to China, I met a famous acupuncturist who explained the same energy factor. As a point of interest, she told me that working on the feet was deemed bad for the practitioner; for this reason, reflexology was not practised except in public bathhouses for insomnia. (this is for another article). She explained that to build or restore Qi; we need to stand barefoot on grass or the earth and breathe the energy up through the feet (from the kidney 1 acupuncture point — an example of the benefits of grounding).

Since then, I have discovered much about restoring and increasing the body's Qi, which, in my case, always leads to more effective treatments.

I found that jogging for a too long duration, particularly on my treatment days, had a negative impact on the therapeutic effectiveness of treatments.

Interestingly, a gym workout with weights did not have the same detrimental effect. It seems that anaerobic resistance exercise can stimulate Qi.

Strategies to increase Qi

Since then, the most effective way for me to increase and restore my Qi has been the practice of pranayama (the science of breath). (I began this practice many years ago after being diagnosed with having an inherited cardiological issue.)

Those who regularly practice breath work will experience the circulation of Qi through the body, particularly in the fingertips and toes. In my experience, this energy is shared with the client, giving treatments a touch of magic.

Ancient schools of health taught practitioners how to build and maintain good health and vitality for its value in treatments.

Some activities which reduce Qi

Too long duration of aerobic exercise (on treatment days)

Lack of sleep

Excessive alcohol
Poor breathing

Dehydration

Some activities to increase Qi

Breathwork, particularly each morning. (Including abdominal breathing, which can be performed in unison with humming — both are great vagus stimulants.)

Abdominal massage

Splashing the face with cold water is another vagal stimulant.

Pilates

Meditation

Reiki

I have touched a single thread of a vast tapestry of lost knowledge.

I know many practitioners practice my suggestions regularly, some of whom are leaders in this field. I will expand on this subject later in one way or another.

I conclude with this thought: ‘The body distils its own miraculous medicines’ — if given a chance.

My Best wishes

Tony Porter

REFLEXOLOGY AND LOW BACK PAIN An alternative approach

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:51:55 GMT

During my physical therapy training, students were told that for every case of back pain successfully treated, at least two new clients would be brought to the practice. I can vouch for this. As Low Back Pain (LBP) is the most common pain practitioners encounter, let us explore how it applies to reflexology.

My experience has shown that reflexology can be highly efficient in easing or eliminating the distress caused by this condition and can provide a positive boost to satisfied clients. The treatment of LBP is a convenient subject to explain the gist of this article.

Reflexology is more than following a chart and applying contact to a reflex, which the practitioner assumes needs to be worked on instead of letting the feet tell stories through their reflex status. Eunice Ingham, The Mother of Reflexology, gives clues to this through her books, ‘Stories The Feet Can Tell’ and ‘Stories The Feet Have Told.’ Yet, how many reflexology practitioners work this way by letting the reflex status of the feet tell the stories?

The subject of LBP is convenient for explaining the concepts that I devised through A.R.T./Focused Reflexology, where the principle focus is on the practitioner becoming aware of the reflex disturbances on the feet and applying the appropriate types of contacts rather than the practitioner applying contacts to the reflexes that they believe need to be treated. In a previous blog, I mentioned the importance of examining the hip reflexes, as it is an imbalance here that can be the primary cause of LBP.

In addition, the feet need to be thoroughly mobilised using various techniques, including thumb walking counter-flexion of the plantar cuneiform and metatarsal joints. This has to be a focused and deep movement that can only be performed without lubrication! Most reflexologists are unaware of and unable to perform this technique. A weak ‘tweak’ of feet dripping in oil will not achieve what I explain here.

Lubrication can be used when necessary and with the appropriate techniques. However, it cannot be used in conjunction with the classical ‘walking’ techniques. In this case, it is not reflexology but a dilution denigrating the therapy being used.

Also, when the feet are treated with positive and focused techniques without lubrication, the accompanying stretching and stressing of the skin and underlying structures of the feet (including the fascia) produces a beneficial electrical potential which would not occur if a lubricant is used, as the fingers and thumbs would just slide over the skin.

The ankles must be rotated in all directions, including plantar and dorsiflexion. This serves two purposes: one is to find if there is a restriction to one ankle more than the other, which is an indication of lumbar/pelvic tightness on the same side as the restriction (ruling out if there has been an injury to the ankle)

The other purpose is to help loosen the pelvic region, which takes place through the rotation of the ankles.

Before my reflexology life, I had built a busy and successful remedial and physical therapy practice in North London. People came to me for their painful ailments, and LBP was the most common. Some were in so much pain that massage on the body was out of the question.

I found that a deep and exclusive massage and mobilisation of the feet would at least reduce the pain and increase mobility (which is a precursor to accelerating the healing process), or the pain they presented was reduced to a minimum after the first treatment.

Although reflexology is not massage in the strictest sense, it demonstrates that LBP needs to involve examining and working all the reflex areas of the feet, not just the symptomatic.

Through this, I built a very successful practice with a three-week waiting list.

The advantage of treating LBP through the feet is that, apart from promoting general physical relaxation, it gives clients a boost to their mood, which is often affected by pain, and without manipulation.

The Fascia,

It is the ubiquitous corset and support of the body and acts as a communication network and matrix of the body. Therefore, it is of significant consideration in LBP and many other conditions. While on the subject, the fascia is responsible for most of the reflex communication of the body. With the appropriate types of techniques, the feet provide an excellent way to influence the fascia.
Nothing in the body takes place in isolation — everything is connected, and LBP is no exception. This is why all areas which show unusual tension and textures need to be part of the treatment for LBP.

I mentioned in my previous Blog about relying on foot charts. These charts are helpful, particularly to reflexology novices. However, continually relying on them severely limits reflexology's potential.

I cannot emphasise enough how reflexology is about cultivating the ability to sense what is going on under our fingertips and then applying the appropriate range of techniques.

For example, when treating a client with LBP, work over the feet with the fingers and thumbs and then include the mentioned mobilisation techniques. Rotate the ankles, palpate, loosen, knead and rotate the metatarsals. Twist the medial areas of the feet. Apply positive and focused pressure with the thumbs and include the counter-flexion movement. Work the plantar and dorsal areas of the toes with thumbs and index fingers.

These movements are performed with authority and not brutality. Even after all these years, I still get great professional satisfaction when I feel the feet under my hands becoming softer and more flexible. When this happens, areas of tension are revealed; for example, perhaps the lateral metatarsal joints are tighter on one foot than the other, and the areas of the cuneiforms can show tighter on one foot than the other, or a shoulder reflex shows as disturbed.

These are vital indications of imbalance, and they must be considered involved in LBP. Therefore, they need to be worked on until they become more normalised.

There is a meaning behind reflexology—a golden thread uniting all parts of the body (and mind). Working in this way is what it means to become in tune with reflexology's deeper potential.

Remember to ‘Treat what you find and not what you are looking for’!

I will arrange online presentations on this subject and the techniques as soon as possible, which will be announced through these channels.

My Best Wishes

Tony Porter ©️

STORIES THE FEET HAVE TOLD ME

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:27:48 GMT

STORIES THE FEET HAVE TOLD ME

My lifetime career in reflexology led me to discover the effects of the various types of reflex contact on the therapy's therapeutic outcomes.

It also taught me that because of the variations of foot structure, texture, temperature, and not forgetting the unique electrical potential of each client, the reflexology practitioner needs to be able to adapt to these variations by applying different techniques. To be able to understand this we need to start with the reflex and what it indicates.

What does a painful reflex indicate?

One of reflexology's mantras is that a painful reflex indicates a disturbance in its related area and, therefore, needs to be 'worked out'. Although this can have credibility, it is often not the case.

However, today, few reflexologists work with this in mind and perform a general application (of various values) to the feet, usually dripping in a lubricant and oblivious to the reflex status of their client. This is a great pity as it does little to utilise the therapeutic potential of the therapy.

The reflex is what defines reflexology — it is, after all, where it derives its name, and because of this, it should be the focus of attention.

 The problem is that most reflexology practitioners are working the wrong way round — they work the reflexes they think should be worked. Instead of letting the reflex's tone or texture indicate if a reflex needs to be 'worked' or not, i.e., 'Stories The Feet Can Tell'.

It may take time to develop the necessary tactile awareness to be able to work in this manner, but once you do, rewards both to clients and your practice will be immense. 

The type of contact is paramount

The way the contacts are applied to the reflex is paramount to the effectiveness of each treatment session. For example, the type of contact, its angle, duration, and the hand making the contact produce different effects. The practitioner's position in relation to the foot being treated and the way the feet are placed on the treatment surface are also important factors. The frequency of treatments is also important.

I am not suggesting or recommending that you treat in the way I explain next as it requires much experience and a command of different technique protocols. I have only included it as a point of interest on another potential of reflexology.

I have found that short treatments of twenty minutes (sometimes less) repeated twice daily (I have used it three times daily in a hospital setting) bring, about remarkable benefits. Of course, this is more convenient in a clinical situation.

The techniques and protocol need to be thoroughly learnt and understood before attempting to work in this way. 

Don't place your faith on charts!

Reflexology charts are obviously of value, as they indicate the main reflex areas. However, they can create a dependence which masks the interrelationship between the structures and systems of the body, where a seemingly unrelated reflex can be the key to helping the presenting ailment. For example, a disturbed Liver reflex could be the key to alleviating a shoulder problem.

Another example is a case of neck pain with associated restriction of movement. Going by the chart, the practitioner 'works' the neck reflex areas and becomes frustrated when the condition remains unchanged.

I have seen the interrelationship of the body in action not only through reflexology but also through abdominal massage. An example is when a client presents with a tight and painful upper back with an associated restriction of the neck.

This is can be resolved through abdominal massage. This 'release' was most likely brought about by the 'freeing' of the diaphragm with an associated Vagus nerve response. How often would the diaphragm reflexes be associated with a neck condition in reflexology unless you work in the way I mentioned?

The same applies to conditions affecting other systems of the body. Everything is connected by the fascia. This is why a stubborn case of low back pain can often be resolved through a general foot massage given with authority without focusing on the spinal/structural related areas.

There needs to be a paradigm shift in the understanding of reflexology. One way of bringing this about is to 'Treat what you find and not what you are looking for'!

Best wishes

Tony Porter

Understanding Thyroid perspectives

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 11:10:46 GMT

I had the immense privilege of knowing and working alongside the late Dr. Barry Peatfield for over thirty years. Dr. Peatfield was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to the study and treatment of metabolic disorders, particularly Hypothyroidism. His unconventional approach, especially towards this condition, although successful garnered both admiration and criticism from the medical establishment of his time. In fact, it was this very opposition that eventually led him to voluntarily remove himself from the medical register.

One of my fondest memories of Dr. Peatfield was during a leisurely lunch at his favourite country pub a year or so before his passing. Our conversation naturally gravitated towards all things thyroid, which continued long after we returned to his home. Over the years, Dr. Peatfield graciously shared his wisdom with my A.R.T. students through engaging lectures, and he was an unwavering supporter of reflexology.

Through my deep bond and countless conversations with Dr. Peatfield, I gained a profound understanding of the far-reaching impact that thyroid disturbances have on the body, which I know from my own experience. It also made me question the reflexology approach to addressing thyroid issues.

It is tempting for reflexologists to believe that simply working on the thyroid reflexes and perhaps ‘tweaking’ the pituitary gland can "cure" thyroid conditions, and like the seven dwarfs it was only a matter of ‘Hi Ho, Hi Ho its off to work we go’ to ‘cure’ our patients of their thyroid conditions.

However, the reality is far more complex. The body's various systems are intricately interconnected, each relying on the other. This is where the concept of "Holistic" comes into play, and as reflexology practitioners, it is crucial for us to constantly bear this in mind.

While there may be instances where working on the symptomatic cause can bring positive results, such as when the thyroid gland has been damaged through various causes, it is essential to recognise that a different understanding of reflexology is required. We must "Treat what we find and not just what we are looking for." This statement, though repeated often, holds immense significance.

To illustrate one example. A healthy thyroid function is impossible without a healthy gut function, and vice versa. The gut and thyroid share a profound connection, with thyroid hormones exerting a significant influence on the stomach and small intestine, much like how the Gall Bladder has an influence on the thyroid. Through my years of being involved in the treatment of various gynaecological conditions through working in various, medical clinics. I could not help but notice a correspondence between thyroid and ovary function, and because of this I perceived the thyroid as the third ovary.

When the digestive reflexes exhibit abnormalities, whether in texture or sensitivity, it is vital to consider that the reflexes of the small intestine or the liver might hold the key to aiding an ailing thyroid.

Autoimmune issues also play a role in thyroid hormone levels, particularly in the case of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, a common autoimmune condition. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, gradually causing its destruction through antibodies. Imbalances in the gut microbiota can contribute to this condition, and there is also a notable Adrenal-Thyroid connection. Additionally, we must be mindful of the potential impact of radiation, chemotherapy treatments, as well as damage to the pituitary due to head injuries or high fevers.

It is important to note that thyroid conditions are not always the primary cause of the problem, but often secondary. Once again, I emphasise that the feet can reveal the answers if we allow our senses to perceive them, rather than imposing our own interpretations. Inflammation in various parts of the body can be responsible for autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s.

Dr. Barry Peatfield's legacy lives on, reminding us to approach thyroid conditions with a holistic perspective and to constantly seek a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the body's systems. Let us honour his memory by continuing to learn and grow in our practice, always striving to provide the best care for our patients.

Best Wishes,

Tony Porter

THE KIDNEYS REVISITED

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:38:46 GMT

THE KIDNEYS REVISITED

An essential factor in reflexology is to realise that every organ is responsible for a range of functions. An example is that of the kidneys, which we associate typically with urine production. The kidneys play a vital role in general health and maintaining homeostasis and produce the following:

RENIN: This plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure.

ERYTHROPOIETIN: (EPO) produces red blood cells (erythrocytes)

PROSTAGLANDINS: A factor in the control of blood pressure.

CALCITRIOL: Produces active vitamin D.

KLOTHO is a protein crucial in the ageing process and overall health. It is present in infants blood. It is named after the Greek goddess Klotho, believed to control life's thread. The protein was discovered in the late 1990s and has been extensively studied.

It is produced in specific body tissues and organs, including the kidneys, brain, and reproductive organs.

It helps to maintain the balance of calcium and phosphate in the body, which is vital for bone health and overall mineral metabolism.

Additionally, Klotho has been found to have anti-ageing properties. It is believed to protect against age-related diseases and promote longevity. Studies have shown that mice lacking the Klotho protein exhibit accelerated ageing and age-related health issues, such as osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular problems.

It has a role in memory and cognitive function.

Furthermore, Klotho has been associated with other physiological processes, including kidney function, cellular stress response, and antioxidant activity. It is also thought to have neuroprotective effects and may be involved in maintaining brain health and cognitive function.

In summary, Klotho is a fascinating protein that plays a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, maintaining overall health, and potentially influencing ageing. Its discovery and ongoing research offer exciting possibilities for understanding and improving human health and longevity.

Kidney energy is the fountain of vitality and enthusiasm. I find that the kidneys respond well to reflexology.

This information in mind, will broaden your horizons (in the case of the kidneys) about the effect of the treatment is having rather than just that of urination.

This subject will be continued in future articles.

My best wishes

Tony Porter

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OBITUARY Dr. Barry Durrant-Peatfield November 1936-August 2023

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:18:29 GMT

OBITUARY

Dr. Barry Durrant-Peatfield

November 1936-August 2023

As I was writing an article on various aspects of thyroid issues, I received the sad news of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Barry Peatfield. As many of you will know, Barry was a leading light in the treatment of thyroid and metabolic issues.

I got to know Barry in the 1980s after hearing from a reflexology colleague about his success in treating thyroid issues.

He obtained his medical degree at London’s Guy’s Hospital in 1960, after which he worked at the Croydon University Hospital before entering general practice.

Not satisfied with the usual diagnostic and treatment procedures for thyroid issues, Barry studied at the Broda Otto Barnes Institute in Connecticut in America.

Broda Barnes (1906-1988) was an American professor of medicine specialising in endocrine dysfunction, in particular Hypothyroidism. His diagnostic and treatment methods highly impressed Barry, and on returning to the U.K. he opened his clinic where he based his treatments on those of Broda Barnes.

However, his emphasis, which included unconventional treatment and prescribing methodology for thyroid and adrenal problems, although highly successful, brought him into conflict with conventional medicine. In May 2001, he was suspended from practising medicine in the U.K. for 18 months for what the General Medical Council (GMC) described as ‘controversial treatments’.

Barry voluntarily erased himself from the register and ran a very successful private clinic where he helped over 25,000 patients towards better health by using glandular thyroid and adrenal supplements in combination with dietary and lifestyle changes.

He leaves behind an enormous legacy of information through his books:

Your Thyroid and how to keep it healthy and The Great Thyroid Scandal.

Barry gave seminars to my A.R.T. students and members in London and at Apple Tree in Shropshire during the 1980s and 90s.

After tragically losing a grandchild in the Thailand Tsunami of December 26th 2004, Barry set up the Peatfield Fund for the disaster victims.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Tony Porter