 |  |
 caption |  |
 |  |
 Nous sommes en 1950 et une épidémie de polio se propage au Royaume-Uni et dans de nombreuses régions du monde. Des milliers de jeunes étaient frappés par le virus, certains avaient de la chance et souffraient d'une légère paralysie, tandis que d'autres comme moi, bien que très malades, étaient épargnés. Il y a eu 45 000 cas et plusieurs centaines de décès dus à la polio au Royaume-Uni cette année-là. Ma sœur Ann Gillanders (fondatrice de la British School of Reflexology) n'a pas eu cette chance et a souffert d'une paralysie sévère et permanente de sa jambe droite et des muscles de la colonne vertébrale ; elle avait dix ans. J'avais cinq ans à l'époque et je me souviens que ma sœur était une gymnaste et une nageuse douée, avant la polio. Notre père était un coiffeur pour hommes, réputé à Londres. Il était également connu pour autre chose que la coiffure, à savoir le massage de la tête. Il était très demandé par sa famille et ses amis pour exercer « sa magie » et soulager les maux de tête. Je me souviens de l'avoir vu soulager la gueule de bois et les migraines de nombreux clients qui se présentaient tôt le matin, après une nuit de beuverie dans les différents clubs "Gentleman's" du West End. Après son intervention, non seulement le mal de tête avait disparu, mais le client quittait le salon avec une attitude et une posture totalement différentes. C'est quelque chose qui m'a toujours marqué. C'était dans les années 1950, bien avant que le massage crânien ne devienne ce qu'il est aujourd'hui. Il avait une méthode unique pour "faire rouler le cuir chevelu", comme il le disait. J'ai inclus cette information dans la suite de l'histoire. C'est au cours d'une période particulièrement froide que j'ai été témoin d'une chose qui, bien qu'inconnue de moi à l'époque, était le signe avant-coureur de ma vie future en réflexologie et qui allait également changer la direction de la vie d'Ann. Dans ces années d'après-guerre, la vie et les choses étaient très austères ; les soirées se passaient, blottis autour d'un petit feu de charbon. Je me souviens de la glace qui se formait à l'intérieur des fenêtres de la maison du nord de Londres où nous vivions ! Ce froid n'était pas favorable à la circulation d'Ann ; sa jambe devenait bleue dans le froid et gonflait dans la chaleur. Ce que j'ai vu, c'est mon père qui frottait un bloc de liège (ressemblant à une pierre ponçe comme sur la photo) sur le dessous et les côtés du pied froid et bleu de ma sœur. Je me souviens avoir demandé ce qu'il faisait, il m'a répondu qu'il "stimulait les nerfs". Je n'avais que six ans à l'époque, alors naturellement, je n'ai pas cherché à en savoir plus. J'ai regardé la jambe bleue se transformer progressivement et se teinter d’un rose sain et chaud ! L'action consistait en un mouvement de frottement d'avant en arrière des orteils aux talons, en contact également avec la zone médiane de la colonne vertébrale des pieds (il ignorait ces détails), et était effectuée sans lubrification. L'action était assez vigoureuse et appliquée sur les deux pieds. Cette vision est encore fraîche dans mon esprit, et je regrette de ne pas lui avoir demandé d'où il avait appris cette technique. C'est peut-être le coiffeur allemand qui lui a enseigné sa méthode de massage de la tête au début de sa carrière. Il a également suivi un cours d'assistant médical militaire de six mois avant la guerre ; peut-être que quelqu'un, alors, lui a montré cette technique là-bas. La scène de cette froide soirée d'hiver de 1951 flotte souvent dans ma conscience comme un nuage teinté non seulement de tristesse, mais aussi un message sur ce que la résilience humaine peut accomplir alors que tout semble être contre vous. Ann a élevé quatre enfants, a écrit trois best-sellers, a dirigé une école de réflexologie qui a connu un grand succès et, bien qu'ayant à vivre et dépasser le défi d'être gravement handicapée, ne s'est jamais plainte. Son mantra était "faites-le" - une leçon pour nous tous.  La photo de nous a été prise en mars de cette année à l'occasion de son 80e anniversaire.
Cela me semble encore surréaliste quand je pense à la façon dont ce massage avec ces blocs de liège dans les années 1950 a conduit à une vie de réflexologie qui a inclus de nombreuses aventures et rencontres merveilleuses à travers le monde jusqu'à aujourd'hui. Je n'ai pas mentionné notre merveilleuse mère. Elle a joué un grand rôle dans le maintien de la cohésion, en particulier pendant ces jours sombres. Elle avait également un lien avec la réflexologie : Elle souffrait de symptômes digestifs et prétendait les guérir ou du moins les atténuer en passant un peigne métallique sur le dos des mains. Naturellement, elle a été ostracisée par son médecin et ses amis. Elle ne se savait pas que le Dr Fitzgerald, célèbre pour sa thérapie des zones, utilisait des peignes métalliques sur les doigts et les mains pour soulager la douleur. Mes voeux vous accompagnent. Tony Pour obtenir des informations sur les séminaires A.R.T. en France, veuillez contacter Sophie BOSC Tél: 06 31 57 10 49 or s.bosc262@orange .fr;  The year was 1950, and a polio epidemic was spreading throughout the UK and many parts of the world. Thousands of young people were being struck down by the virus, some were lucky and suffered mild paralysis, while others like me, although being very ill, were spared. There were 45,000 cases and many hundreds of deaths from Polio in the U.K that year. My Sister Ann Gillanders (Founder of The British School of Reflexology) was not so fortunate and suffered severe and permanent paralysis to her right leg and spinal muscles, she was ten years old. I was five at the time and can remember my Sister in her pre-polio days as being a gifted gymnast and swimmer. Our father was a well known London-town gentleman’s hairdresser. In fact, ‘Jimmy of Mayfair’. However, he was also known for something else other than hairdressing, which was head massage. He was in demand from family and friends to work his magic in relieving headaches. I can remember witnessing him alleviating the hangovers and migraines of many of the clients who ‘presented’ to his salon in the early morning after a night of drinking in the various west end ‘Gentleman’s’ clubs. After his ministrations, not only had the headaches disappeared, but the clients left the salon with an entirely different persona and posture. This was something which has always stayed with me. This was in the 1950s, long before head massage became what it is today. He had a unique method of ‘rolling up the scalp’ as he put it. I included this information as it leads to the next part of the story. It was during a particularly cold spell that I witnessed something which, although unrealised to me at the time was the harbinger of my future life in reflexology and which also was to change the direction of Ann’s life. In those post-war years, things were very austere and evenings were spent huddled around a small coal fire. I can remember ice forming inside the windows in the north London house where we lived! The cold did not bide well for Ann’s circulation, her leg would turn blue in the cold and would swell in the heat. What I witnessed was my father rubbing a cork block (resembling the sanding block as shown in photo) on the bottom and sides of my Sister’s cold and blue foot. I remember asking what he was doing, he replied ‘stimulating the nerves’. I was only six at the time so naturally did not enquire further. I watched the blue leg gradually turn to a healthy and warm pink! I must stress that the block was 100% cork. The action was a back and forth rubbing movement from toes to heels also contacting the medial, spinal area of the feet, (not that he knew that), and was performed without lubrication. The action was quite vigorous and was administered to both feet. This vision is still fresh in my mind, and I regret not asking where he learnt this technique. It may have been from the German hairdresser who taught him his method of head massage early in his career. He also completed a six-month military medical assistant course before the war, so perhaps someone showed this technique to him there. The scene on that cold winter’s evening in 1951 often floats into my consciousness like a cloud tinged not only with sadness, but also with a message of what human resilience can do when the chips are down. Ann raised four children, wrote three bestsellers ran a very successful reflexology school and although having the challenge of being severely handicapped never complained. Her Mantra was 'just do it' — a lesson to us all.  The picture of us was taken in March this year on the occasion of her 80th birthday. It still feels surreal to me when I think how that cork block massage back in the 1950s led to a lifetime in reflexology which included many wonderful adventures and meetings throughout the world up to the present time. I have not mentioned our wonderful mother. She played a big part in holding things together, particularly during those dark days. She also had a link to reflexology: She suffered from digestive symptoms and claimed to cure it or at least alleviate the discomfort by running a metal comb over the back of the hands. Naturally, she was ostracised by her doctor and friends. Little did she realise that Dr Fitzgerald of Zone Therapy fame used metal combs on the fingers and hands to relieve pain. My best wishes Tony Tony's original ART Manual and DVD are available on Amazon Click here to view ART Manual Click here to view DVD  À tous mes merveilleux étudiants et amis en France
La première partie de ce blog a suscité un nombre considérable de réactions, non seulement sur le sujet mais aussi sur les débuts de la réflexologie. C'est pourquoi j'ai décidé de m'écarter légèrement du sujet et d'inclure d'autres informations qui pourraient être intéressantes. Le sujet principal de la première partie était la différence entre la façon dont la réflexologie était perçue à l'époque où j'ai commencé, à la fin des années 60 et au début des années 70, et celle d'aujourd'hui. Ce sujet de "La dilution de la réflexologie" est né d'une discussion que j'ai eue avec Dwight Byers il y a quelques années sur la façon dont sa tante, Eunice Ingham, administrait les traitements. Deux de ses étudiants de l'époque étaient également présents et pratiquaient toujours ! Ils m'ont raconté qu'à l'époque des années 50, les références dont nous disposons aujourd'hui n'existaient pas - ils étaient très seuls pour trouver les moyens les plus efficaces de faire travailler leurs pieds. Imaginez la difficulté d'être seul et de devoir créer une façon de travailler, un toucher spécifique, sur les pieds sans les supports et références qui existent aujourd'hui ? Les chartes de réflexologie n'étaient pas aussi compressives qu'elles le sont aujourd'hui. Elles ont été conçues progressivement au cours de nombreuses années de développement constant (dans le cas d'Eunice Ingham, en passant par les services des hôpitaux et en appliquant différents types de pression sur les zones des pieds des patients et en observant la réponse). On les comparait aux diagnostics cliniques et allopathiques). C'est grâce à ce suivi constant qu'une meilleure compréhension de la réflexologie s'est progressivement constituée, et que les tableaux de base ont été élaborés. Comme Eunice était kinésithérapeute et travaillait avec différents médecins, cela signifiait que la réflexologie (un terme qu'elle a inventé) s'alignait exclusivement sur le soulagement des maux physiques. Ma longue association avec la famille (Ingham), et le fait d'être « le gardien » de certains des écrits d'Eunice Ingham, confirment que ses efforts ont été le point central du développement de la réflexologie dont nous bénéficions aujourd'hui. En effet, où en serait la réflexologie aujourd’hui et que ferions-nous sans sa contribution ? Elle a été une véritable pionnière. Tous les réflexologues, en particulier en Occident, font partie d'une lignée qui remonte à elle, sous une forme ou une autre. Revenons au sujet original de la finalité et de la reconnaissance de la réflexologie de cette époque jusqu'à aujourd'hui. Vous pouvez déduire de l'introduction ci-dessus comment la réflexologie était utilisée pour divers troubles physiques, pour lesquels, lorsqu'elle était utilisée de manière ciblée, avait une valeur significative. C'est ainsi qu'elle était encore perçue à mon époque (je suis sûr que d'autres de mes contemporains seront d'accord avec moi) J'ai raconté comment les clients s'attendaient à vivre des séances « positives et fermes ». Ils n'auraient pas toléré certaines des versions "massage-spa" de la réflexologie qui dominent aujourd'hui. Il est difficile de faire le lien entre le statut de la réflexologie d'il y a 50 ans et celui d'aujourd'hui. On pourrait faire une analogie en essayant d'expliquer l'atmosphère qui régnait dans le Londres des Sixties ; ce n'est pas possible. Mais comme le dit le dicton : "Si vous vous souvenez des années 60, vous n'étiez pas là ! Je conclurai ce sujet en répétant comment la réflexologie d'aujourd'hui a été largement (et non exclusivement, je suis heureux de le dire) presque totalement reconnue comme étant un contact doux sur les pieds à des fins de relaxation. Cela peut avoir de la valeur - qui peut nier les bienfaits de la relaxation ? Si les techniques de relaxation sont utilisées pour répondre aux besoins du client et font partie du vaste répertoire de la réflexologie, le réflexologue peut très bien les utiliser. Le problème est de savoir si c'est le seul type d'application connu par le praticien ? Si c'est le cas, la véritable portée et la valeur de la réflexologie sont refusées aux clients. Il existe une variété infinie de types de pieds, combinée à une variété infinie de besoins physiologiques/émotionnels des personnes. La réflexologie est une modalité unique et exige une connaissance des nombreux types d'applications pour en maximiser le potentiel. Ce n'est qu'à cette condition qu'il sera possible de fournir le meilleur traitement possible aux clients. Il y avait quelques thérapeutes dits de "zone" à Londres dans les années 1960-70. L'un d'eux était Joe Corvo, avec qui j'ai eu plusieurs séances et que j'ai appris à connaître assez bien lorsqu'il avait un cabinet dans le nord de Londres dans les années 1970. Dire que ses traitements étaient positifs est un euphémisme. Je me souviens « m'être accroché à la table de massage avec mes dents ! » Il utilisait une sorte de sonde en caoutchouc dur ou en bois pour entrer en contact avec les réflexes. Ses séances duraient environ 20 minutes. Il a eu beaucoup de succès, les gens faisaient littéralement la queue pour ses traitements. Il comptait parmi ses clients des personnalités du monde du spectacle, de la politique et même de la royauté. Il travaillait sans relâche, se déplaçant continuellement d'une salle de soin à l'autre, donnant environ 25 traitements par jour. En outre, il était en quelque sorte chanteur d'opéra et donnait un petit « récital »durant son traitement. Je peux attester qu'un médecin à la retraite m'a dit que le traitement de Joe Corvo l'a guéri d'une grave maladie. Je ne vous suggère pas du tout de commencer à travailler de cette manière, mais je vous ai donné ces informations comme une comparaison de différents types d'approche. L'un des fondements de la réflexologie est qu'un réflexe douloureux indique automatiquement un problème, un déséquilibre, quel qu'il soit - une sorte de prophétie d'une maladie imminente. Ceci n'est pas valable, ni exact et est la cause de confusion, de désinformation et de peur. Pour une personne en bonne santé, les pieds doivent réagir de façon vivante. C'est la texture d'un réflexe qui révèle des informations précieuses, donnant une indication beaucoup plus fiable de l'état "énergétique" d'une personne. C'est l'un des piliers de la formation A.R.T. Un autre consiste à "traiter ce que vous trouvez et non ce que vous cherchez". C'est ce qu'on nous a inculqué, à nous les étudiants en physiothérapie. Cela s'applique particulièrement à la réflexologie : Laissons-nous les pieds révéler les réflexes perturbés et nécessitant d’être « travaillés », ou bien le réflexologue traite-t-il les réflexes qu'il estime avoir « à travailler » pour diverses affections ? Ceci fera l'objet d'un futur blog. Je vous souhaite un bon retour au travail, quand ce sera le cas! Meilleurs vœux Tony Pour obtenir des informations sur les séminaires A.R.T. en France, veuillez contacter Sophie BOSC Tél: 06 31 57 10 49 or s.bosc262@orange .fr;  Part 1 of this blog produced a considerable amount of response not only to the subject but also to the early days of reflexology. For this reason, I decided to deviate slightly and include some other information which may be of interest. The main subject was the difference between how reflexology was perceived during the time I began in the late 1960s and early 70s to that of today. This subject of 'The Dilution of reflexology' came about through a discussion I had with Dwight Byers a few years ago relating to the way that his Aunt, Eunice Ingham gave treatments. Also in attendance were two of her students from those days and were still in practice! They related that in their days of the 1950s the availability of reference we have today did not exist — they were very much on their own to find the most effective ways to work feet.
Imagine the difficulty of being on your own and having to create ways to contact the feet without the support and references which exist today? Reflexology charts were not as compressive as they are now. These were gradually conceived over many years of constant development (In Eunice Ingham's case, going through the wards of hospitals and applying various types of pressure to areas of the feet to patients and monitoring the response.) This was compared with clinical, allopathic diagnoses.) It was through this constant monitoring that a better understanding of reflexology was gradually built up, and through this, the basic charts were developed. Because Eunice was a physical therapist and worked with various doctors, it meant that reflexology (a term she coined) became exclusively aligned with easing physical ailments. My long association with the (Ingham) family, and being a guardian of some of Eunice Ingham's writings confirms that her efforts were the pivotal point in the development of reflexology which we enjoy today. Where would reflexology be, indeed what would we be doing today without her input? She was a true pioneer. Every reflexologist, particularly in the Occident are part of a lineage going back to her in one form or another. Getting back to the original subject of the purpose and recognition of reflexology from those days till now. You can deduce from the introduction above how reflexology was used for various physical ailments, to which when used in a focused manner had significant value. This was the way it was still viewed in my day (I am sure that others around at that time will agree) I have related how clients expected to experience positive and authoritative treatment sessions. They would not have tolerated some of the 'interpretations' of reflexology which dominate at this time. It is difficult to relate the status of the reflexology of 50 years ago to that of today. An analogy can be made when trying to explain the atmosphere in London during the (swinging) 1960s. It is not possible. But then, as the saying goes 'If you remember the 1960s you were not there!' I will conclude this subject with repeating how reflexology of today has largely (not exclusively I am pleased to say) become recognised almost totally as a gentle, contact of the feet for the purpose of relaxation. This can have value — who can deny the benefits of relaxation? If the relaxation techniques are used to suit the perceived needs of the client and are part of the extensive reflexology, repertoire of the reflexologist all well and good. The problem is if that is the only type of application known by the practitioner? In this case, the true scope and value of reflexology is being denied to clients. There is an infinite variety of types of feet, combined with an infinite variety of physiological/emotional needs of people. Reflexology is such a unique modality and demands a knowledge of the many types of applications to maximise its potential. Only then will the ability to provide the best, possible treatment for clients be possible. There were a few 'zone' therapists around in London in the 1960s-70s. One was Joe Corvo with whom I had several sessions and got to know quite well when he had a practice in North London in the 1970s. To say that his treatments were positive is something of an understatement. I can remember hanging on to the treatment couch by my teeth! He used a type of hard rubber or wooden probe to make contact to the reflexes. His treatments were around 20 minutes. He was very successful, people were literally queuing up for his treatments. Luminaries from the world of show business, politics and even royalty were among his clients. He worked non stop, continually moving from one treatment room to the other, giving around 25 treatments daily. He was something of an opera singer and would give a 'performance' while treating. I can attest to being told by a retired doctor how Joe Corvo's treatment cured him of a serious medical condition. I am not suggesting that you start working in this way at all but related the information as a comparison of different types of approach. One of the underpinnings of reflexology is that a painful reflex automatically indicates a problem, imbalance, whatever — something of a prophecy of an impending ailment. This is not valid and is the cause of confusion, misinformation and fear. In good health, feet should display robust reflexes. It is the texture of a reflex which reveals valuable information, giving a far more reliable indication of the 'energetic' status of a person. This is one of the mainstays of A.R.T. training. Another is to 'Treat what you find and not what you are looking for'. This was drummed into us, physical therapy students many years ago. It applies particularly to reflexology: Do we let the feet reveal the disturbed and valid reflexes, or does the reflexologist treat the reflexes which they feel are valid for various conditions? This will form the subject of a future blog. I wish you a successful return back to work, whenever this will be! Best wishes Tony   The title of this blog may be surprising — if reflexology has become diluted, why is it so popular? Before continuing, I must make clear that I am not out to ‘bash’ all of the well meaning and dedicated reflexologists out there. My aim is to reveal the trajectory that reflexology has made since the time of Eunice Ingham until today. It is from this that the essence of what was known as reflexology has indeed become diluted. I have the value of hind-sight due to the length of time I have been involved with reflexology and through my long association with the Ingham ‘family’. It is because of this that I am able to relate the difference between reflexology then and now. The primary purpose of reflexology is to detect and ‘work out’ relevant reflexes. The techniques which were developed by Ingham for this purpose, are identified as the classical techniques, which is the default ‘walking’ type of contact popular today. This forms (or should form) the foundation of reflexology. However, it is here that the first dilution of reflexology occurs - The classical (walking) techniques cannot be used in conjunction with any type of lubrication. Somehow the use of combining the classical techniques of reflexology with a lubricant has become commonplace. It has changed reflexology into something akin to a shuffling thumb, type of foot massage, which is not the reflexology I was weaned on! There are specific techniques (such as those of A.R.T.) which are designed to be used in conjunction with lubrication, should it be needed, but, I repeat, never with the classical techniques! What is the identification of reflexology today? Today, the general aim of a reflexology treatment is to relax the client, indeed this is the way that the therapy is now accepted. I admit, that having someone apply a lubricant to the feet and give a light massage with the perambulation of fingers and thumbs is relaxing — however, it is not reflexology! What was the original purpose of reflexology? The original purpose of reflexology is readily understood by paraphrasing Eunice Ingham’s ‘Find a sore spot and work it out” mantra. This was the way that we were all taught in those days — to find a sore spot (disturbed reflex) and work it out using the classical techniques (without lubrication). This process may not have been particularly relaxing to the client at the time. The remit was to apply specific contacts in a positive way and focusing on the disturbed reflexes for sometime minutes — not just a fleeting wisp from an oil-infused thumb. The aim of each treatment was about its therapeutic benefits and not relaxation. The sensation experienced by the client was one of a ‘good or sweet pain’. In fact, this is what clients expected and paid for in those days, many experiencing therapeutic benefit and relief from even long-standing ailments very quickly. We must have been doing something right, as we were booked weeks in advance for this type of treatment. I can remember working from 9am through to 9pm on my London clinic days. There is a great and largely untapped potential for this original approach to reflexology — it only needs a change to the concepts of reflexology and to the way treatments are given. What is the problem with using lubrication with the classical techniques? The aim of effective reflexology is to be able to detect and then apply appropriate contacts to the disturbed reflexes. This will not be possible on feet that are swathed with lubricant, particularly on the dorsal areas of the feet where the finger tips are used to detect and contact the reflexes — the reflex applications here are such that they demand a dry lubricant-free surface to be effective. This is the reason why I divide treatment sessions into two phases. Phase 1 & Phase 2 . I shall explain the reason and value of this in this in my next blog. Best Wishes Tony Porter LA DILUTION DE LA RÉFLEXOLOGIE Première partie Le titre de ce blog peut surprendre : si la réflexologie s'est diluée, pourquoi est-elle si populaire ?
Avant de continuer, je dois préciser que je ne cherche pas à dénigrer » la pratique de tous les réflexologues bien intentionnés et dévoués qui exercent. Mon but est de révéler la trajectoire qu'a suivie la réflexologie depuis l'époque d'Eunice Ingham jusqu'à aujourd'hui. C'est à partir de là que l'essence de ce que l'on appelait la réflexologie s'est en effet diluée. J'ai la légitimité d'un regard rétrospectif en raison ma longue pratique en réflexologie et de ma longue(cancel) association avec la "famille" Ingham. C'est pour cette raison que je suis en mesure de faire la différence entre la réflexologie d'alors et celle d'aujourd'hui. L'objectif premier de la réflexologie est de détecter et de "travailler" les réflexes pertinents. Les techniques développées par Ingham dans ce but sont identifiées comme des techniques classiques, et connues comme étant « la technique de reptation, populaire aujourd'hui. Ceci constitue (ou devrait constituer) le fondement de la réflexologie. C'est ici que l'on trouve la première dilution de la réflexologie. Les techniques classiques (de reptation) ne peuvent être utilisées en conjonction avec aucun type de lubrification. D'une certaine manière, l'utilisation de la combinaison des techniques classiques de réflexologie avec un lubrifiant est devenue courante. Cela a transformé la réflexologie en quelque chose qui ressemble à un pouce traînant, un type de massage des pieds, qui n'est pas la réflexologie dont j'ai été sevré ! Il existe des techniques spécifiques (comme celles de l'A.R.T.) qui sont conçues pour être utilisées en conjonction avec la lubrification en cas de besoin, mais, je le répète, jamais avec les techniques classiques ! Quel est l'objectif d'un traitement de réflexologie ? Aujourd'hui, le but d'un traitement de réflexologie est de détendre le client, c'est d'ailleurs la façon dont la thérapie est maintenant acceptée. J'admets que le fait de faire appliquer un lubrifiant sur les pieds et de donner un léger massage avec le glissement des doigts et des pouces est relaxant - ce qu'un enfant pourrait faire, mais ce n'est pas de la réflexologie ! Quel était le but initial de la réflexologie ? Le but initial de la réflexologie est facile à comprendre en paraphrasant le mantra d'Eunice Ingham "Trouvez un point sensible et travaillez-le". C'est ainsi qu'on nous enseignait à l'époque : trouver un point sensible (réflexe perturbé) et le traiter en utilisant les techniques classiques (sans lubrification). Ce processus n'a peut-être pas été particulièrement relaxant pour le client à l'époque. Il s'agissait d'appliquer des contacts spécifiques de manière positive et de se concentrer sur les réflexes perturbés pendant quelques minutes - et non pas seulement l’effleurage rapide d’un pouce huilé. L'objectif de chaque traitement était d'obtenir des bienfaits thérapeutiques et non de (cancel) relaxer. La sensation ressentie par le client était celle d'une "bonne ou douce douleur". En fait, c'est ce que les clients attendaient et payaient à l'époque, beaucoup d'entre eux ressentant très rapidement un bénéfice thérapeutique et un soulagement de leurs maux, même anciens. Nous devions faire quelque chose de bien, car les séances étaient réservées des semaines à l'avance pour ce type de traitement. Je me souviens avoir travaillé de 9h à 21h lorsque j’exerçais dans mon cabinet londonien. Il existe un potentiel important et largement inexploité pour cette approche originale de la réflexologie - il suffit de changer l'orientation dans la manière dont les traitements sont administrés. Quel est le problème de l'utilisation de la lubrification avec les techniques classiques ? L'objectif d'une réflexologie efficace est de pouvoir détecter les réflexes perturbés et ensuite appliquer les contacts appropriés Cela n’est pas possible sur les pieds enduits de lubrifiant, en particulier sur les zones dorsales des pieds où les bouts des doigts sont utilisés pour détecter et contacter les réflexes - les applications réflexes sont telles ici qu'elles exigent une surface sèche sans lubrifiant pour être efficaces. C'est la raison pour laquelle les séances de traitement doivent être divisées en deux phases. Phase 1 & Phase 2 Je vous expliquerai cela dans mon prochain blog. Pour obtenir des informations sur les séminaires A.R.T. en France, veuillez contacter Sophie BOSC Tél: 06 31 57 10 49 or s.bosc262@orange .fr; (Traduit de l’anglais e français par deepL.) Meilleurs vœux Tony Porter  The title of this blog may be surprising — if reflexology has become diluted, why is it so popular?
Before continuing, I must make clear that I am not out to ‘bash’ all of the well meaning and dedicated reflexologists out there. My aim is to reveal the trajectory that reflexology has made since the time of Eunice Ingham until today. It is from this that the essence of what was known as reflexology has indeed become diluted. I have the value of hind-sight due to the length of time I have been involved with reflexology and through my long association with the Ingham ‘family’. It is because of this that I am able to relate the difference between reflexology then and now. The primary purpose of reflexology is to detect and ‘work out’ relevant reflexes. The techniques which were developed by Ingham for this purpose, are identified as the classical techniques, which is the default ‘walking’ type of contact popular today. This forms (or should form) the foundation of reflexology. However, it is here that the first dilution of reflexology occurs - The classical (walking) techniques cannot be used in conjunction with any type of lubrication. Somehow the use of combining the classical techniques of reflexology with a lubricant has become commonplace. It has changed reflexology into something akin to a shuffling thumb, type of foot massage, which is not the reflexology I was weaned on! There are specific techniques (such as those of A.R.T.) which are designed to be used in conjunction with lubrication, should it be needed, but, I repeat, never with the classical techniques! What is the identification of reflexology today? Today, the general aim of a reflexology treatment is to relax the client, indeed this is the way that the therapy is now accepted. I admit, that having someone apply a lubricant to the feet and give a light massage with the perambulation of fingers and thumbs is relaxing — however, it is not reflexology! What was the original purpose of reflexology? The original purpose of reflexology is readily understood by paraphrasing Eunice Ingham’s ‘Find a sore spot and work it out” mantra. This was the way that we were all taught in those days — to find a sore spot (disturbed reflex) and work it out using the classical techniques (without lubrication). This process may not have been particularly relaxing to the client at the time. The remit was to apply specific contacts in a positive way and focusing on the disturbed reflexes for sometime minutes — not just a fleeting wisp from an oil-infused thumb. The aim of each treatment was about its therapeutic benefits and not relaxation. The sensation experienced by the client was one of a ‘good or sweet pain’. In fact, this is what clients expected and paid for in those days, many experiencing therapeutic benefit and relief from even long-standing ailments very quickly. We must have been doing something right, as we were booked weeks in advance for this type of treatment. I can remember working from 9am through to 9pm on my London clinic days. There is a great and largely untapped potential for this original approach to reflexology — it only needs a change to the concepts of reflexology and to the way treatments are given. What is the problem with using lubrication with the classical techniques? The aim of effective reflexology is to be able to detect and then apply appropriate contacts to the disturbed reflexes. This will not be possible on feet that are swathed with lubricant, particularly on the dorsal areas of the feet where the finger tips are used to detect and contact the reflexes — the reflex applications here are such that they demand a dry lubricant-free surface to be effective. This is the reason why I divide treatment sessions into two phases. Phase 1 & Phase 2 . I shall explain the reason and value of this in this in my next blog. Best Wishes Tony Porter Dear ARTists and Reflexologists everywhere My thoughts are with you during these difficult times, and I hope that you are keeping healthy and active. Besides all the tragedy caused by Covid-19, there is a positive side. People are finding time to discover activities rather than being glued to a T.V., phone or computer screen all the time. (I ditched my T.V. several years ago which proved to be a revelation). I am in the process of sorting out my archives which have accumulated over 46 years of reflexology. The extra incentive to complete this task was through a request by my friends Ignatio Santchez & Daniel Pontent, founders of the proposed Eunice Ingham Museum of Reflexology, which will be based in Florida once a permanent site has been found. They want my archives to be part of the museum display. During the sorting out I found there was a lot of information which I thought would be of value, and for this reason, I decided to place some of the information here on the A.R.T. website. The following notes have been taken from articles I wrote over the years, the ones here include some of the most recent. I have included a small selection for your perusal. Apologies for the lack of grammatical accuracy or subject order as most of them were jottings made on my travels. Despite this, I hope you will glean something of value from them. Round, like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel Never ending or beginning on an ever-spinning reel. From the ‘Windmills of your mind’ By Michel Legrand Lyrics A&E Bergman The lyrics above describe the ‘energy’ and action of reflexology perfectly, and I hope that by reading the blog, you will also agree. The general view that reflexology works through direct, nerve pathways from the feet to the organs is built on shaky foundations. The reflex stimulus we give to the feet is conducted to the brain and not directly to the various structures of the body. Although this view has gained credence, it still does not explain by what pathway the reflex, stimulus uses to reach the brain? It is known that the Vagus nerve is a major player as it has such a large area of influence and conducts efferent and afferent communication to and from the brain. During my early training in various aspects of physical therapy, I was taught of the importance of manually releasing the soft tissues of the neck before anything else. (This was performed manually) Very often this was enough to resolve a long-standing problem of the lower back or elsewhere. I have to thank my dear, late friend, teacher and mentor Arthur Lincoln Pauls, Founder of Ortho-Bionomy, for making me aware of the integrity of the body all those years ago. Releasing the soft tissues of the neck (which is performed passively) has an influence on the vagus nerve as it exits through the skull and into the neck at the Jugular Foremen. The far-ranging release, which came about through relaxing the neck, gave me a clue to the existence of an inherent ‘web’ of communication throughout the body. I became increasingly aware of the complete harmonious integration of the entire panoply of the body. Being aware of this gives a deeper understanding of reflexology. As an example taking the case of low back pain, or for that matter, pain emanating from any level of the spine. Examination of the spinal reflexes of the feet will reveal the symptomatic disturbances corresponding to the pain. If there was a trauma to the spine, this would be a valid reflex area of treatment. The majority of spinal or structural pain is not always caused by direct trauma. But through being in prolonged, unnatural postural positions, such as sitting in front of computers for long periods or hunched over mobile phones which are just two examples of practices which place continuous strain on the entire structure, causing a myriad of problems elsewhere in the body. Originally, body-workers of many disciplines were weaned on the mantra of ‘Structure Governs Function’ — meaning that lesions in structural tissues will affect function in their related areas. A lesion is an abnormality in the tissue, caused by disease or trauma. So an example would be the way a lesion in a structure can affect the function to its related part. However, this can take place the other way round - Function Governs structure. I have seen instances where a disfigurement of areas of the feet were caused by a diseased organ such as the heart. It is a well-established observation that the existence of bunions is common amongst those with thyroid hormone problems, and not forgetting severely cracked skin on the heels, which keeps on returning after being filed away — this can be sign of a metabolic disturbance such as that caused be thyroid, hormonal problems. These are examples of disturbed or abnormal function within the body, gaining an external expression. You may be thinking by now how this fits in with back pain? Once you have grasped the complexity of the integration of the body, it will be understood that any disturbed reflex in the feet can have involvement to the spine and other parts of the skeletal system. To make my point clear. In the case of low back pain, for example, the direct or symptomatic reflexes will, no doubt be detectable, but what of the factors such as those of the stomach, liver, colon, reproductive reflex areas of both sexes and so forth. These can also be significant, contributory or causative factors in the same way that a gall bladder/liver problem can also be a significant factor in shoulder pain and function. It is for this reason that the textures of the reflexes play such an essential part of the initial reflex assessment. What I mean by textures is the change in the tone of the soft tissue at a reflex point — there is a range of various types of textures displayed. These only occur when the reflex is energetically ‘disturbed’ and therefore making it a valid reflex to treat. It can be understood what an advantage it is to work in this way as only the valid (disturbed) reflexes receive the proportional amount of attention required. These disturbed areas, occur all over the surface of the body and are not only confined to the feet. When these factors are taken into account and recognised as being potential factors in whatever condition which is presented, it will give a most significant boost to the efficacy of treatments. It gives credence to the fact that reflexes also relate to other areas of the body and not only to their direct correspondences — a type of mirror or ‘phantom’ correspondence. What has to be understood is that the reflexes, apart having a direct correspondence to their related parts of the body, also have other areas of influence — a type of reflex shadow of influence over other areas. To sum up on this somewhat rambling explanation. No matter what the presenting symptoms or indications are, it is necessary to be able to locate the disturbed. Any painful and disturbed reflex can be the cause of a problem elsewhere in the body no matter how distal it may be. As an example, that disturbed reflex in the small intestine area, could be a contributory factor in a fertility problem. To Quote Eunice Ingham ‘Let the feet reveal the answer’ The feet will reveal the answer if we listen through our hands and fingers: ‘In all the myriad sounds of Earth’s many-coloured dream. There runs a secret tone for the one who knows how to listen’ Friedrich Schiegel This is part of a separate paper.
This can be demonstrated and experienced by working specifically on the toes, with the most effective range of techniques. If the techniques are used correctly, and with sufficient focus, a response will manifest in other areas of the body, which seemingly have no reflex relationship to the reflexes of the toes. The more I used this modality, the better the responses became, and as I have already mentioned, it had an ‘amplifying’ benefit to the general treatment. I have repeatedly stated that it is possible to give a full treatment just by working specifically on the toes. The toes have a wide area influence in the body, and this is something which has always interested me. (The techniques of working the toes, form a major part of A.R.T. training.) I could not accept that it was only due to the reflex or the classical neurological model. — there had to be something else. It was during this time that I had an invitation to give a presentation at a conference on the influence of the Fascia several years ago that I realised what that ‘something else’ was. As the various presenters gave their presentations on the Fascia, I realised that it was this which formed the primary communication between the feet and areas of the body. I discovered that the existence of the Fascia is not only confined to the human body but is ubiquitous throughout nature. The Fascia - connects everything in the body as one functional unit. It is truly a matrix — a ubiquitous web of support and communication to and from all parts of the body. It covers every one of the 5,000 structures of the body; Every nerve, muscle, organ, gland etc. are covered by different types of fascial tissue. It keeps moving parts of the body protected and prevents them from sticking to each other, like a well-oiled engine. The illustration shows the extent of the Fascia of the body, a version of the human internet. The fascia is a continuous web of communication throughout the body. The Fascia is the most universal tissue in the body, and yet its influence is only really being investigated. It holds a great amount of secrets waiting to be discovered, and is a major influence on reflexology and also acupuncture. Consideration of the fascia will enable a better understanding of the principle of reflexology. In the next chapter I will explain that on some reflex areas of the feet, there is a reflex within a reflex. The fascial, web is not just related to the Human form. It is of interest to note that a type of fascial web runs throughout nature and even the universe. As an example, right here on planet earth, nature’s fascia casts its influence beneath our feet. The next time you go for a walk in a forest, or park, look at the trees, it may seem that they are individuals existing on their own. Nothing could be further from the truth. Beneath the soil is an enormous structure — a mycelium, a fungal network, an internet of nature a ‘Wood Wide Web’ connecting everything. Those trees you see as being individuals are all interconnected to other trees through the mycelium web of the fungus. The mycelium is composed of millions of thread-like structures. It is these that create a network of communication between the trees and plants even though hundreds of meters apart an organic internet. This fungal network serves not only as a means of communication but also as a means of support. For example, if a tree is having difficulties in surviving, other trees will send extra nutrition, or in the case of an infection a chemical antidote. The Mother tree There are trees which are older and larger than the others; these will be the Mother or sacred trees which, for want of a better description will be a centre (hub) of communication with the other trees of the forest, acting as a server in natures wood-wide net. From here it directs nature’s pharmacy, sending organic ‘medicines’ through the strands of the mycelium giving help to the trees which need it. We become aware of this web in the autumn when various types of fungi appear, which are the flowers of the mycelium. The role of the Mother Tree was very well depicted as Eywa by Director James Cameron in his film Avatar. Eywa was the biggest and oldest tree in the forest. It was the guiding force and deity of Pandora, which was one of the moons of a fictional planet which acted to keep the ecosystem working in perfect homeostasis. (The film is analogous to the way mankind is wantonly destroying areas of the Amazonian rain forest. While on this subject 280,000 square miles have been destroyed since 1978 This continues at the rate of 80,000 acres daily!) James Cameron, apart from being a great director, obviously has infinite knowledge of the Gaia principle, which is that all living organisms interact with each other for the purpose of maintaining the homeostasis of the planet. There is an incredible similarity between the strands within the fascia, the tissue of the synapses of the nervous system and the strands or filaments of the mycelium. This is not all, It is thought that a cosmic web exists, linking everything in the known universe. It is by becoming aware of the infinite complexity and influence of the nervous system and the fascia, (which is accepted as being a second nervous system), which gives reflexology greater credence. It is because of this complexity that the reflexes cannot have exclusivity to an organ, gland or structure of the body; there will always be overlapping onto other structures. There is a new world to the understanding of reflexology emerging. The simplistic view of pushing button A to produce a response to button B can no longer remain as being valid. It is this belief which is the reason for the continuing dilution of the therapy to nothing more than a spa-type foot pampering. Thankfully there are those involved in reflexology which are not of this persuasion. Having a deeper understanding of reflexology reveals the futility in believing that a reflex, for example of the stomach, relates exclusively to that organ is a fallacy. A disturbed stomach reflex could quite easily be the cause of neck or shoulder pain. In this case, working on the reflexes to those areas will, at the most only be palliative. This is why developing the ability to detect disturbed reflexes is the golden key to effective reflexology. Everything and everyone is connected, there are no empty spaces in the body or anywhere. With this in mind, I leave you with the following quote: The world is a mirror of infinite beauty, yet no man sees it. It is a Temple of Majesty, yet no man regards it. It is a region of Light and Peace, did not men disquiet it. It is the Paradise of God. Thomas Traherne 1636 - 1674 Best Wishes, good health, stay safe and be positive. Tony Porter © Director/Founder A.R.T and Focused Reflexology. Dear Artists and Reflexologists everywhere
These are challenging times for everyone, particularly for those in the ‘hands-on’ therapies such as reflexology. My thoughts go to colleagues throughout the world, particularly those in Italy who are suffering so badly from the Covid-19 virus. I have been receiving communications not only from members and students of A.R.T. but from reflexologists across the spectrum questioning whether they should continue practising in these times? The professional, physical therapy organisation to which I belong issued a notice which has to be placed, at the entrance to the treatment room. It asked patients to inform the therapist if they have recently returned from various countries which are effected by Covid-19. It also gave instructions that each patient has to apply professional hand sanitiser on entering and leaving the treatment room. The treatment room also has to be really deep cleaned using antiviral products on all surfaces door, door handles, treatment couch, chairs, mirrors , etc. Please note that evidentially, the virus remains on metallic surfaces for up to nine days! People are becoming increasingly nervous about the situation and even if they did want a treatment, having to read the directives above, would make them even more concerned. It was because of this, and the fact that we can never be too careful I decided to cease treating. Yesterday I cancelled a busy week of clients, and all future treatments until the emergency is over. I know theses times are financially challenging for all of us. It is something which will affect millions of people across the world. We are health professionals and cannot chance passing the virus on to our clients or visa versa. I shall be posting regular blogs over the coming days and weeks. Despite all the tragedies throughout the world from Covid-19, there are positives which I shall highlight in my next blog. All things pass, and Covid-19 is no exception. Things will gradually get back to normal, although, perhaps a different and better type of normality. Until then, we need to maintain a steadfastly, positive outlook. I wish you all well My Very Best Wishes Tony Porter In my early physical therapy days back in the 1970s. I was fortunate to have met and taught by Arthur Lincoln Pauls, osteopath and founder of Ortho-Bionomy - a passive system of structural correction.
Arthur made much of the fact that no matter where the imbalances or ‘lesions’ were in the body, lesions (tensions) in the neck always had to be corrected first. It was not until I had been in practice for sometime, that I became aware of the significance of his assertion. It was a frequent experience to observe how a presenting problem, far distal to the neck such as low back pain would ‘magically’ resolve, following passive, manual applications to the soft tissues of the neck. At least it would provoke a general relaxation of the body, making each treatment session more effective. However, throughout my years in reflexology practice, I have noted the correlation between the integrity of the soft tissues of the neck and the 'tone' of the reflexes of the feet. It was as if there was a direct communication between these areas other than reflexes. It reminded me of an oriental, therapy maxim which states that the mobility or otherwise of the great toe/s would be reflected in the neck and vice versa. My experience has shown the difference in the ‘tone’ or ‘feel’ of the reflexes of the feet before giving attention to the tensions in the neck to that after giving attention can be dramatic. The level of ‘release’ correlates to the amount of tension in the neck. The same principle can be used during a reflexology session. If there is, for example a low back problem. It will be found that thoroughly working on the reflexes of the neck/shoulder, metatarsals and upper spine, first will have therapeutically positive benefits, in the alleviation of low back problems, before actually giving reflex attention to those areas. There is such an intimate communication between the two ends of the spine — each affecting the other, that tightness and reflex disturbances causes a reflex conflict between the two. This is why the proper and positive execution of mobilisation techniques in conjunction with reflexology is so beneficial in helping to balance out these types of problems. Tight metatarsals = tight upper back and neck. Those who are qualified in massage as well as reflexology can easily understand the manual techniques used on the neck. It is important for me to mention that the manual techniques are passive, specific and are not a form of manipulation. They can be incorporated into reflexology practice by those qualified in massage of other types of bodywork. They are demonstrated at my seminars. In those early days, I was puzzled about the nature of the link between the neck and the feet and all pats of the body. Since then, I have become aware that it is the fascia which gives this ubiquitous communication. In fact, it is the fascia and the conditions within the fascia which produce the reflexes of reflexology. This subject forms a large part of the foundation of A.R.T. teaching and philosophy, and is included in my long-overdue book, which now that I have cut down on my busy practice allows me time to complete while I am hopefully still around! My Best Wishes Tony Porter Founder/Director A.R.T® and Focused Reflexology® Details and Booking of my seminars on seminar page |
Archives
September 2020
Tony PorterTony is a London-based reflexologist and founder of Advanced Reflexology Techniques (ART) Categories |
RSS Feed