ART Reflexology - Tony's Blog

September 09th, 2019

9/9/2019

The Meditation of Reflexology

1/9/2019

Meditation is a practice of stilling the constant chatter which constantly flows through our brains. To achieve this, attention has to be focused on something else other than the procession of thoughts. This is achieved through repeating a mantra or fixing attention on the process of the breath going in and out of the nose. Chanting a mantra is also another means of achieving a state of one mindedness.
Interestingly reflexology acts as a type of a physical mantra — the sensation of feeling the fingers and hands applying pressure to the feet, cannot help but take attention away from the chatter of thoughts in our brains, to what is being experienced through the feet.
This focus of attention gives a meditative quality to a reflexology session — a profound, detachment from the everyday concerns of life.
Meditation has been shown to cause the release of endorphins and the other feel, good factors which I have previously mentioned, but in combination with ‘effective’ reflexology, a cornucopia of endogenous chemicals flood the brain with the potential of immense, therapeutic value.
It is not just the gentle touch which evokes this response, although in certain individuals this may be required — as I have said, there is not a one size fits all type of contact, and each person needs variations of techniques to suit their individuality. I have patients who get into the meditative ‘zone’ only when more robust and focused contacts are applied.

Tony Porter

SPECIAL A.R.T. REGISTERED MEMBERS SEMINAR/WORKSHOP

30/8/2019

LONDON NOVEMBER 13/14 (Wednesday-Thursday) 2019

To all my A.R.T. Registered and non registered members
A rare opportunity to study with A.R.T. Founder Tony Porter.
A.R.T. Registered members enjoy a prestigious standing within the reflexology profession.
A.R.T has evolved since its inception — making it imperative to keep up to date with the latest developments.
The event will also be an excellent time to meet and interact with other members of the A.R.T. family.

Seminar/workshop programme.
Day 1:
Demonstration of the original techniques with practice

Demonstration of the evolvements of the techniques with practice
Including the interpretation of the ‘disturbed’ reflexes and their significance in treatment outcome.
The comparison of ‘maintenance’ treatment sessions of 50-60 minutes, to that of focused treatments of 25-30 minutes 2-3 x weekly.
Exchanging treatments using all of the techniques will be shared by the participants.
Issues such as hormonal, and digestive will be discussed and techniques demonstrated — also techniques used for spinal and conditions of the neck, thoracic, lumbar hip and knee will be included.
Day 2
Review of subjects of the previous day as requested by participants.
Also included will be the demonstration of strategies which I have included in treatments where indicated over the years - strategies which patients can regularly perform as their ‘homework’ in between treatments.
These include gentle contact of the abdomen, combined with specific breathing techniques.
Inflammation is at the root of many, common diseases including:
Multiple sclerosis
Type 1 Diabetes
Psoriasis
Crohn’s disease
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory bowel disease

Regular practice of various breathing techniques have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory benefit, whilst also encouraging neurogenesis — the production of BDNF or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. This has been described as super fertiliser for brain cells, capable of repair of brain tissue and general neurological regeneration through the release of stem cells.
(1) Theise, ND., and R. Harris 2006 Postmodern Biology: Handb Exp Pharmacol (174): 389-408

The breathing techniques are also valuable when used in conjunction with some of the A.R.T. contact techniques.
These techniques are invaluable as a self-treatment for reflexologists.

THIS SEMINAR HAS BEEN POSTPONED AS THE DATE DID NOT SUIT MANY PEOPLE. IT WILL BE ARRANGED FOR EARLY NEXT YEAR AND ON A WEEKEND IF POSSIBLE.
Apologies
Tony

A.R.T. Registered members seminar

14/8/2019

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
SPECIAL A.R.T. REGISTERED MEMBERS SEMINAR/WORKSHOP
Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th November 2019 London
With A.R.T. Founder Tony Porter

Dear ARTist
I am very pleased to be able to announce this special seminar/workshop.
The techniques of A.R.T. have evolved over the years since I introduced them in 1989. This makes it vital for members and non members to stay up to date with developments. It will also be a great opportunity to meet up with fellow members of the A.R.T. International family.

These are exciting times for those trained in the A.R.T. techniques. There is an ever increasing demand for this positive and effective form of reflexology, in fact this year has seen an upsurge of interest from potential patients.
There is a general dissatisfaction with much of the highly diluted and poor excuse for reflexology which abounds today.

This seminar/workshop is aimed particularly at current registered members. It may be possible to include A.R.T. students who have attended seminars but are not yet registered, or those who have attended at least two A.R.T. seminars (including those previously conducted by Hagar Basis) who would like to be assessed for A.R.T. Registered membership. Those wanting assessment need to attend both days.

The first day (Wednesday November 13th)
This seminar is essential for those wanting to catch up on the latest developments, particularly for those Registered members and students who have not attended a seminar in the last few years.

The second day (Thursday November 14th) will be a complete review of the previous day, and will include other strategies which I have not taught in their entirety before, Including passive, manual relaxation of the neck and abdomen before working on the feet.
Discussion and demonstration of how specific breathing methods can add extra benefits to treatments, and how this protocol can also be adapted for therapists to treat themselves.

Tony Porter

Seminar Dates with A.R.T. Founder Tony Porter

10/8/2019

A.R.T® (Advanced Reflexology Techniques) by founder Tony Porter

1/8/2019

Although the techniques and philosophy of A.R.T. have become entrenched into the annals of Reflexology since I introduced them in 1989 and continue to be taught internationally. I feel that I should explain the origins and concepts of A.R.T. .
I began my reflexology career in 1972, and since that time, I have been able to witness the therapy's transition from then up to the present day.

The emphases of treatments at that time, was, to quote Eunice Ingham's mantra 'Find a sore spot and work it out' and this was the primary objective of each treatment. Her technique consisted of the 'walking' type of movement using the thumbs and fingers, this is now known as the classical technique, and today, at least in the West is the way (albeit in various interpretations) that most Reflexology is performed.

It is a positive approach, given in combination with the fingers and thumbs combined with proper support, and because of this, is experienced as a satisfying 'good' pain.
It was the type of treatment that I was taught and 'weaned' on all the years ago. However, a gradual change or should I say, dilution has gradually encroached on the original classical, concept. It is important to note that the classical technique cannot be used in conjunction with any form of lubrication.
Today, the trend is more towards providing a soporific interlude as the purpose of treatment — this is the way that the public generally perceives Reflexology, the fact that the receiver may feel a positive sensation is taboo! It is because of this that the original legacy of the classical approach has become (and continues to be) diluted.

It was against this backdrop that in the 1980s I formulated the concepts and philosophy of A.R.T. I aimed to preserve the original, classical origins of Reflexology but in combination with techniques which would allow for all the structural and reflex variations of feet to be contacted as effectively as possible.

Effective, therapeutic Reflexology depends on the utilisation of touch with the purpose of detecting, interpreting and applying the appropriate techniques to the 'disturbed' reflexes, this is the mainstay of Reflexology, above anything else.
I made it a prerogative to demonstrate how the more focused approach, of A.R.T. differs from the diluted image of Reflexology, which is commonplace today.
The techniques of A.R.T. can be used individually or incorporated into existing protocols, such as the original concepts of Eunice Ingham, this is the reason why I call A.R.T. ‘The Evolvement of The Original Concept'.

For details of my seminars, please go to the seminar page on this site

I look forward to meeting you.

Tony Porter

Tony Porter Seminar

26/7/2019

www.artreflex.com/booking-form.html

Tony Porter ART Seminar

28/6/2019

Information/details to follow

A.R.T. IN WONDERFUL DENMARK

1/6/2019

I was very honoured to have been invited by Peter Lund Fransden and Dorthe Krogsgaard owners of the Touchpoint school in Copenhagen to give two A.R.T. seminars in May. One in Copenhagen and the other further north in Aarhus. Denmark is one of my favourite countries, not only for its visual identity but also for the easy-going friendliness and happiness of its people.

Both of the seminars were well received and in the free time we had Peter and Dorthe took me sightseeing around Copenhagen and Aarhus.
I was interested with the dominance of the spiral symbolism built into some of the buildings as the ones shown.

The spiral has always been a fascination to me, and how its symbolism is evident throughout nature, the double helix symbol for D.N.A. is one example, and the spiral pattern of the head of a sunflower is another.
Also the Romanesco cabbage or Broccoli as shown is a dramatic example.

Peter and Dorthe and I have a shared interest in the significance of the spiral in natural medicine. In fact, Peter has a great interest in energy medicine and is developing presentations to explain how it can be utilised into therapy. Combined with his degree in medicine it will, I am sure offer some fascinating insights into reflexology - it is something I am very much looking forward to.

I admire the way their seminars are presented, and I am pleased to say that there will be an excellent opportunity to meet Peter and Dorthe when they come to London to present a seminar on fertility in November.

2nd + 3rd November 2019 Round about:; Fertility

Click for information

My Best Wishes to my A.R.T. family

Tony Porter

April 20th, 2019

20/4/2019