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
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
RSS Feed