It was with great pleasure that I accepted an invitation to give presentations on the development and protocols of A.R.T. reflexology at the symposium.
The symposium was very well attended by enthusiastic reflexologists from all over Ireland and some from the UK.
it was also nice for me to be back in Ireland for two reasons:
Firstly a number of my early seminars were given there in the early 1980s. The first one I gave was at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, I used that venue a number of times and really enjoyed teaching and staying there.
Seminars were also given at many other venues across southern Ireland.
And secondly, I also spent long spells in nearby Tullamore of which I have fond memories.
It was during these early days that I met Anthony Larkin, who, sadly I was to find out during the symposium had recently passed away. Apart from reflexology, Anthony and I shared another passion which was radio. I have been a keen amateur short wave radio enthusiast since my teenage years - we spent many a time over a Guinness or two and good food, talking things radio, plus of course Reflexology.
I know that everyone at the symposium was with him in their thoughts - see you down the trail Anthony.
The symposium was really well organised by Tomasz Stanczyk who is the NIIR Secretary/Manager. I know from experience how much work goes into organising events like these. Tomasz is has such wonderful qualities and is a very special human being. Thank you Tomasz!
I would like to thank delightful Mary Littlewood and Joan Moore who picked me up at the Airport and provided a massage couch to demonstrate from, and to Roisin Graham for taking me back to the airport after the symposium.
It was also really nice to meet the other speakers:
Marie Therese Shelly who spoke about ‘Self Care for Reflexologists’ (a most important subject)
Susan Quayle ‘Empowering Families with Reflexology’
Susan has also published some delightful children’s books linked to reflexology. This was her first speaking engagement - I know what a challenge this can be from personal experience. She came through it with flying colours!
Mauricio Kruchik ‘Reflexology For The Treatment of Pain (For Crohn’s Disease Patients)
I am glad that at last our paths crossed. Mauricio gave a very informative lecture, interspersed with humour which was very well received. I was to find out that he speaks six languages fluently. I am still stuck on English!
For me it was very gratifying the way that my presentations were received.
Sadly I did not take any photos at the event to post with this article - I am not really into the media platform - I don’t do Facebook.
For those who asked me where they can access further information about A.R.T: - www.artreflex.com there are many blogs which I have posted there over the years which you may find of interest.
If you would like to get in touch - Email: tonyporter@btconnect.com
I pointed out during my presentation that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the publication of ‘Stories The Feet Can Tell’ by Eunice Ingham. (1938). I doubt very much, in fact I am certain that reflexology would not be where it is today if it was not for her struggles to overcome the legal obstacles preventing reflexology being recognised as a therapy at that time.
For a full account her life, I highly recommend ‘Eunice Ingham a Biography’ by Christine Issel. Christine has also written other books on reflexology.
I also mentioned Eunice’s nephew Dwight Byers, who as many of you know lived with his aunt for many years, and later as a teenager helped her with seminars, and after she died in 1974 made the National Institute into the International Institute.
Dwight made reflexology more acceptable to the public and gave it a lot of publicity, which is another reason for its popularity today.
It is Dwight’s 90th Birthday in February 2019 he still keeps up his beloved tennis and goes to the gym regularly.
Another topic I mentioned was the Museum of Reflexology which will be based mainly on his Aunts work and life. It will contain many of her artefacts, unpublished writings and books. It will be the world’s first such museum and will be based in Florida. I am honoured to be on the Executive Advisory Board of the museum.
My Best Wishes
Tony Porter