Part 2
In part 1 of this blog (20/8/15) I made the point of being aware of the connections between the neck, abdominal areas, and their influence on the reflexes in the feet.
In this part 2, I want to focus on other aspects of this subject.
As I shall be focusing on this subject during my Breakthrough seminar in February I thought it would be of interest to give an overview.
During my formative time in physical therapy, a lot of attention was placed on abdominal massage.
Apart from the structured instruction students went through we also had to gain experience ‘in the field’ so to speak.
This entailed giving abdominal massage to clients in a Health Farm, as Spas were called in those days.
We would give these massages throughout the day, on all types of abdomens, from concave to sometimes grossly convex.
Many types of techniques were employed, depending on the needs and types of client.
With experience it became easy, at least on most people, to detect areas of tension within the abdominal cavity. When these were gently released; a transformation would often take place in the way the client felt at the conclusion of the session.
Apart from various rumbles and other expressions from the digestive tract, many would experience a type of calmness and wellbeing they had never experienced before.
Others would remark after a few sessions that their digestive problems which had been troubling them for years had either disappeared or greatly diminished. Conditions such as back pain responded in the same way. Others experienced an emotional release, a catharsis.
The therapeutic efficacy of this type of treatment impressed me greatly; which is why I include it in many of my reflexology treatments.
In part 1 of this blog, I mentioned how tensions and injuries to the neck structure have an influence on the reflexes in the feet.
For the benefit of those who are not osteopaths or physiotherapists, the type of tensions in the neck I am mentioning are those affecting the soft tissues. Even these can cause problems not just in the area of the neck, but to areas of the spine and functions far distal from the original trauma – including the reflexes in the feet.
Severe trauma of the cervical spine produces extreme foot reflex distortion, which will be discussed at the seminar.
It was my dear, late friend Osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls who postulated the importance of releasing tensions in the neck before treating other areas. He was a gifted maverick with a touch of genius.
The main focus of the seminar will of course be on reflexology and the techniques, which once mastered will have a transformational benefit on the the therapist, and most importantly on the client.
During the first two days I shall discuss and demonstrate techniques for the triad of neck, abdomen and feet.
Those who are qualified in a physical therapy discipline will be able to utilise the techniques in their existing practice.
Those who are not qualified will be able to share techniques with colleagues, family and friends.
The other benefit, particularly with the abdominal techniques is that therapists are able to treat themselves.
The two days will cover all the subjects and will be sufficient to learn and practice the techniques.
The option of the third day will be to revue the reflexology techniques and a more focused study on the neck and abdominal techniques, which include therapist self-help.
My next Blog will include more information on the inherent potential of including the reflexology, neck and abdominal techniques of the seminar.
My Best Wishes
Tony Porter©