Ear Reflexology or Auricular Therapy is a form of Reflexology that is administered by working on the ears.

Every smaller part of the body can be mapped as a micro-system of the entire body.

This is called somatotopy.

Somatotopy is the point-for-point correspondence of an area of the body to a specific point on the motor areas of the brain.

As we know there are micro-system maps of the body, all over the body - on the feet, hands, tongue and more.

The ear to brain connection is the shortest and most direct of these neurological micro-systems.

Auricular therapy is the only direct micro-system that can be used for diagnosis and treatment.

All the other micro-systems, such as foot and hand reflexology and acupuncture are much more indirect, with many more nerve connections from the point of stimulation to the end result.

Often a neglected part of the body, the ears are one of the most accessible areas to work on.

The shape of the body is projected onto the ear and every point of the body corresponds to a point on the ear.

Visualize an inverted fetal shape on to the ear ... head on the ear lobe and buttocks at the apex of the ear ... and that's how the body is mapped on the ear in reflexology terms.

A reflexologist uses their fingers and thumbs to work all the outer surfaces of the ear.

In a healthy person the link is not apparent but when there is an imbalance of the physiological equilibrium its related reflex point on the ear becomes painful. The reflexologist then stimulates the painful points of the ear by gentle massage.

A further perk of working on the ears, is being able to apply an Ear Seed to a specific area to allow continued working by the client on an area of need in the body, via the ear.

The ear is a very concentrated and busy area of nerve endings. So the points that are found on the ears are literally access points in to these nerves.

Therefore, using the ears as the therapeutic surface has the possibility of profoundly powerful benefits, and the most rapid results in Reflexology terms.

Working the ears may be used as an alternative to the hands or feet if they are not accessible, are injured, or absent.

Pain management.

Insomnia.

Muscular tension.

Ear reflexology is also the ideal add-on to a foot or hand reflexology session, and may be used to further enhance the work already done on these, or to target and address a specific need, i.e. pain management, insomnia, muscular tension and more.

Points on the ears are very easy to detect.

They are only active if there is some physical or functional problem in the corresponding area in the body.

Ear reflexology is a natural treatment for improved brain and body function, with the purpose of attempting to alleviate certain conditions in specific areas of the body.

Reflexology is well known for its capacity to lower pain levels in the body. Ear reflexology takes this to a higher level entirely.

It is effective at reducing pain levels and/or facilitating the natural healing process of the affected body part.

In the first instance working the ears reduces pain while other medical procedures are needed.

Pain relief through the ears.

This reduction of pain is not for the purpose of healing the affected area or removing the problem. This intervention is for the purpose of making living with the pain and surviving through the medical ordeal easier for the person involved.

The reduction in pain levels also works to prevent other areas of the body from being compromised as a result of the compensation that naturally happens in the body.

For example, muscular pain in one area very often causes other parts of the muscular system to carry the load and thus experience tension and then pain of its own.

Managing pain levels with ear reflexology also means that lower levels of pain medication need to be consumed, or even possibly none at all.

Pain also causes immense mental and emotional stress and anxiety in the body and psyche of the sufferer.

Ear reflexology is known to bring relief in many ways,

and to support the healing process of your body.

In the second instance the application of ear reflexology actually supports the healing process.

Just as foot reflexology supports the body in its task of balancing and self healing, so too does ear reflexology.

The analgesic effect created through working the ears may be the intervention that the body needs to restore on its own, in areas of pain.

In many instances when pain is relieved, the condition that produced the pain may be relieved too.

I very seldom give a session that works exclusively on the ears, but I do often work the ears at the end of a foot reflexology session, when an area of specific need arises as indicated through the feet.

I love the 'power' of working on the ears. It's not always the answer, but when it is ... WOW!

It is amazing how much tension is built up in our ears, and seeing as our ears are a little version of us, it therefore stands to reason that this tenion is mirroring the tensions bound up in our bodies.

Apart from working on the ears to alleviate specific pain in an area of the body, just 'rubbing' the ears at any time helps to ease the tensions in our muscular system.

Receiving an ear reflexology treatment from your reflexology practitioner leaves a very obvious feeling of relief from this tension.

However, you can also do this yourself. Anytime. Anywhere.

Remember, your ears are very easily accessible.

By systematically working your ears from the outside to the inside you are accessing the reflex points for every part of your body and the direct pressure points for many specific conditions.

You don't need to know the points to benefit your body and target problems, but here's a good ear chart for you to refer to from the Pacific Institute of Reflexology.

Your ear work can be applied in squeezes, pulls, circles, strokes, and holds, with either a light or firm pressure.

Rub your ears whenever you are feeling stiff or tight or achy.

Rub your ears first thing in the morning to limber up your mind and body in preparation for your day. Even better, do it whilst in the shower!

Rub your ears last thing at night, just before going to sleep, to help your brain and central nervous system unwind and calm down, to relax your muscles, and to help give you a better night's sleep.

For now I leave you with this ...

What you do to your ears you are doing to your body, so ...

Start rubbing your ears NOW!

x Karen x

Disclaimer: Please rememer that these are the views and findings of the therapist and you are are reminded to seek advice from a health care practitioner in your area if you have sysmptoms that persist.

Nature ... in particular the weather ... provided me with a moment of reflection today.

Auckland was misty this morning. Really misty! Visibility was down to only the few cars around and ahead of me. The whitish greyness robbed us all of familiar landmarks, geographical and architectural.

The beautiful inlets of the harbour sea just weren't there. The numerous distant volcanic mounds that are part of the character of our biggest city had been erased. The Sky Tower may just as well have never been built.

And yet as we drove over the crest of the sloping harbour bridge we emerged very suddenly into glorious sunlight and a clear blue sky.

There was the Sky Tower, towering above the crowd of buildings that form the central business district of Auckland. The volcanic hillocks. The gorgeous harbour with its clusters of sailing boats, motor boats and ships. The busy ferries following their usual course, taking commuters to their office jobs in the city.

It was all there after all, even though I could not see it! It had been there all along. Shrouded temporarily from my sight, but never the less, there.

And while I could not see it others could.

On arrival at my destination my exclamation about the heavy mist drew immense surprise from those I was speaking to. "What mist?", they said.

It's all about Perspective isn't it.

The Oxford Dictionary definition of Perspective reads like this - 'A particular attitude towards, or way of regarding something'.

And then there is Perception. Perception is our ability to see, or become aware of something through our senses.

These two 'P' words are closely connected and hugely affect by a number of factors and influences, both within us and from around us. Especially Attitude.

Our Attitude affects our Perception and shapes our Perspective.

Scary hey!

And this is where Reflexology fits in.

I know you were wondering how I was going to bring Reflexology into it.

The role of Reflexology in this is powerful, far reaching and very personal. Stepping away from it all for just an hour, to receive Reflexology, may be exactly what you need to maintain (or restore) a healthy Attitude, a holistic Perception, and clarity of Perspective ... Even on misty days.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons, that can be associated with repetitive tasks, over use, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, or sustained/awkward positions.

Since the 1970s there has been a worldwide increase in RSI's of the arms, hands, neck, and shoulders attributed to the widespread use of first typewriters and then computers in the workplace, that require long periods of repetitive motions in a fixed posture.

But, since the introduction and popularity of other hand held devices in recent years this has risen drastically.

In my capacity as a Natural Therapist, working with people through Reflexology and Indian Head Massage, and as a Stretch Coach, I can categorically say that I have not met a single person who does not experience RSI in some form or another at some time.

That may sound rather extreme, but on further consideration

I think you will agree with me.

People in certain fields are definitely at a greater risk of repetitive strains than others, but everyone will experience RSI at some point.

Patterns are a part of our lives.

From the minute we start to move as babies we start repetitive actions and form patterns of use in our musculoskeletal system. Rolling over just seems to be easier on one side. Our first step up in to standing naturally happens with the same leg every time. We seem to have this predisposition from somewhere, either genetics or natal development, as it's fairly easy to see that young children develop their dominant hand/foot/leg more or less on their own.

And so the patterns begin.

Add to this the inactivity of working at a desk, the sustained fixed posture of certain tasks and the level of stress felt by the individual whilst doing the action, the repetitive use of the same muscles, or muscle groups, and RSI’s happen.

Here in New Zealand our new school year has just started, and I was watching a group of students as they made their way to school. One with a bag slung over one shoulder. Another with a very obviously over full satchel causing her to bend forward. Yet more, sitting at the bus stop waiting for their bus, all bowed over their smart phones.

Now, I really enjoy this technological age that we are living in. I really do! I LOVE my iPhone. Spend a fair amount of time on my laptop. And use my iPad daily to create posts for Facebook.

Add to that the fact that I sit for an hour at a time while giving Reflexology sessions. Travel in my car in heavy traffic for long periods twice a week on my way to my other job. And, oh yes, stand for most of the day once I get there! I’m also a musician and music teacher you see. I play and teach the flute. Well, there is a whole postural discussion on its own ... playing a musical instrument for hours on end!

So you see I’m just like you and this article is not going to tell you what ‘not to do’ ... Nope! Rather, I will show you how easy it is to insert some life saving practices in to your day. Tips that may help you survive and surmount your situation and avoid RSI altogether.

Firstly let me tell you how muscles work.

In every movement that we make and in every position that we assume, one or more sets of muscles are involved. One muscle (or set of muscles) is contracted and the opposite set or sets extended. The contracting muscles become tense, shorter and stronger and the opposite set relaxes and lengthens. It therefore makes sense that doing this for a prolonged length of times leaves residual tension in the muscles and creates an imbalance in the partner muscles. It also stands to reason that once we come out of this position, our bodies may feel stiff and inflexible. While much of our lives may be passed in some or other ‘working’ position, we do still have to be able to function and move around, and we want to be able to do this with ease and enjoyment and for as long as possible.

The best 5 tips for improving your posture and avoiding RSI

1. Stack your spine - Place a small rolled up towel under your tail bone at the back of your buttocks so that your pelvis is tilted slightly forward when you are seated. You may also want to place a small cushion in the sway of your lower back too, if your chair is not shaped like that. Then draw your shoulders back and down, and your chin too, so that your head is balanced perfectly on your spine. Maintaining the natural ‘s’ shape of your spine is vital. Paying particular attention to always sitting in this supported position will allow you to relax into this position and let go of muscles that are not needed for the action that you are doing, rather than having unnecessary muscles in use as your body tries to keep itself upright and supported. I always tell my clients and the ladies in my stretch class, that you are like a carefully stacked ‘Jenga’ tower. You know that stacking game? It’s not about being ramrod straight, it’s about being carefully piled and supported. “A good sitting position will stack your ears over your shoulders and your shoulders over your hips.”

Read more in this very helpful article at http://www.takeonestep.org/Pages/yoursafety/everydayergonomics/straightenup.aspx

2. Go barefoot- Kick off your shoes when ever appropriate. Wearing high heeled shoes further shortens the muscles in your legs ladies, and gentlemen your feet are very restricted too even if you aren’t wearing stilettos. You would not believe the difference allowing your feet the freedom to move, flex and twirl will make to the rest of your body. Try it! Also, grab a foot roller, golf ball or bouncy ball and roll this around under your feet from time to time.

Here’s a great article in the Daily Mail

3. Lie on a foam roller- Lying back on a foam roller for the full length of your spine, is exactly the kind of postural reset that your body will thank you for. Do this as often as you are able and watch your work productivity and general well being improve. You can use a full round foam roller for this, but it is easier to lie on a half round. Or if you don’t have either of them, then just grab a couple of bath towels and roll them together into a sausage shape. I’m thrilled that the one of the companies that I visit weekly to give Reflexology has added a foam roller to their office decor for the use of their employees. Weekly reflexology and a foam roller to restore posture ... Who else would like to work there?

A great article on the Huffington post for you if you need more convincing http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/23/better-posture-stretch_n_7851120.html

4. Do stretches - Did you know that you can't actually "stretch" a muscle? Muscles are not elastic. We can't simply make them longer. BUT they can release! Gaining and maintaining flexibility involves training the nervous system to relax the muscles, release the tensions found there and regain elasticity in the surrounding fascia. And it can be done, I experience it myself every time I do my stretch routine, and witness it in every one of the ladies who attend my stretch class. The good news is you don’t have to attend a class to do stretches and release this tension and regain the flexibility you probably once had, and need to stay healthy and avoid injury. You can do them at work. Insert them in to your work day. Find a suitable stretch to do while you wait for the photocopying to finish, or for the coffee machine to brew your coffee. Grab a moment to do gentle twists when you’re on the loo. seriously, its possible, and fun! There are plenty of fabulous website with detailed instructions on stretches.

Here’s a great one for you

5. Drink plenty of water - Not only are your muscles losing elasticity the longer you stay in one position, you are probably not drinking enough water either. An adult body is composed of at least 70 percent water. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent some of the muscle tightness that is related to dehydration. Imagine your muscles are child’s play-dough. If it is left out it dries up, hardens, and cracks, making it impossible to mold. Keeping it moist, soft, and doughy allows it to be molded and shaped. The added bonus of drinking plenty of water is that you will need to visit the bathroom more, which means you get to move those muscles a wee bit! Oops, excuse the pun!

Here’s a bit about water and muscles

So, before your posture progresses to the RSI stage, incorporate these 5 things in to your work day and work environment and feel better.

Remember that if any of your symptoms persist or worsen, you should visit a health professional for advice. Listen to your body, it’s talking to you, don’t let it have to shout!

x Karen x

I had a great conversation with a client today, explaining to her how the body goes about 'healing' itself during illness, and in her case (and many cases) restoring balance after the cumulative build up of imbalances over many, many years.

She had a rather more 'negative' reaction to her first Reflexology session with me than she had hoped for. She felt exhausted, almost wiped out, for almost a week!

CHANGE AFTER REFLEXOLOGY IS A GOOD THING

At this point I would like to remind you, as I did her, that we are looking for CHANGE after Reflexology. Naturally, as all practitioners do, I had advised her of the possible reactions she could experience following the session, and that some of these fall under the heading of being less pleasant.

But for some reason human nature seems to still expect that Reflexology will only trigger 'good' and pleasant reactions. The perception is that any changes in the body post Reflexology should be "positive", not "negative".

What is your view on this? Do you think that feeling extreme tiredness after Reflexology is a negative reaction?

You feel very tired after running a marathon ... And that's not a bad thing.

You feel fatigue every Friday after a full week of work ... And that's pretty normal.

You even feel rather lethargic after a delicious 3-course meal ... And that's definitely a good thing.

Now I get to the bit about the body healing itself. When you are ill, your body dedicates all its reserves to fighting the 'bug' causing the disease. The immune system works overtime to produce white blood cells to do the defending, plus simultaneously the body must do repairs on whatever damage has already been done on a cellular level.

This all takes a great deal of energy, so the body triggers fatigue.

IMAGINE THE BODY IS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT

If you think of your body in electrical terms then this is easier to understand. Fatigue is like the lights dimming as the energy supply is needed elsewhere. A surge of energy to one area depletes the energy in another area.

With this in mind, the exhaustion experienced by my client after her Reflexology can now be viewed in a different light.

She had after all, come in with a number of pressing physical issues that she hoped the Reflexology would help her address. Well, we can now see that her body certainly got on with that right away!

The Reflexology stirred things up, and given the opportunity, the body began the task of beginning to restore balance to the organs and systems experiencing imbalance. The energy was utilised where needed and thus she felt extreme fatigue ...

HER LIGHTS DIMMED FOR A WHILE

Once things settled down again, and she felt her energy return, she then became aware of the 'positive' changes. And there were a number of them. Wahoo!

I have to admit that considering what she experienced and how startled and disappointed she was at the outcome of her first Reflexology session, I was extremely impressed to see her back at all.

I've witnessed this senario in the past, and sadly the client did not returned for follow up sessions.

But, this lady held fast to her belief that (in her own words) ...

THERE IS SOMETHING IN THIS REFLEXOLOGY

... And after her second Reflexology appointment she felt vibrant and booked in for her next one!

Lotsaluv and blessings

x Karen x

Back in 2013 I found myself in one of those patterns that happens in our Reflexology businesses quite frequently. That pattern of repeatedly seeing clients with the same problem and/or issue.

And this one was ‘sore feet’. A VERY painful plantar area of the foot. And, particularly painful first thing in the morning when the person gets out of bed and puts their feet flat on the floor to take their first steps.

Some people had self diagnosed this as plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. According to podiatrists this is more likely to happen if:

Your feet roll inward too much when you walkYou have high arches or flat feet.You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.You are overweight.You wear shoes that don't fit well or are worn out.You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.

But something was missing!

Some of my PF clients had previously been to a podiatrist and been told they needed an orthotic or special arch support, usually at quite a cost, and then sent away. A few had been given exercises to do, but not really told why or what the exercises were targeting, and to be honest the exercises often exacerbated the situation, creating even more tension under the foot in the already tight and painful area. The arch support situation surprised and annoyed me the most, as it seemed logical to me that suddenly wearing an insert in your foot to force it in to a new position for an entire day, in itself was creating more stress in the area. I have subsequently had this confirmed from a Podiatrist, who says that he instructs people to wear the new insert for short periods of time initially, and to build up the length of time gradually.

I must at this point add that I had already been having fairly good results by applying extra work to the reflex areas on the feet related to calf/ankle/hip and also by working the entire heel pad area and ankle.

But then I started to notice similarities between the clients. All of them had sore and/or stiff lower backs and extreme tightness all the way along their legs. None of them could bend over and touch their toes with their legs straight, while standing. Some said they used to be able to and some said they had never been able too, always feeling tight from lower back down.

I had found the missing bit! Plantar Fasciitis starts in the back!

A tight lower back is a problem but not debilitating.

Tightness down the legs is annoying and sometimes limits certain movements and certainly flexibility, but is not debilitating.

Stiffness in the ankles and tightness in the Achilles tendon is particularly frustrating, and usually means no more running if the person is a runner.

However, it is when the feet become tight and then sore that people take notice, because that is debilitating!

Plantar fasciitis is therefore not always plantar fasciitis YET! It’s not at the ‘tiny tears and inflammation stage’ YET! It is merely tightness! Very tight, and very painful, but not yet PF.

I have always had a very keen interest in stretching and flexibility, particularly being a musician, as it was very necessary in maintaining a pain free body. You can imagine what practicing the flute for three hours a day can do to the muscles. The repetitive nature of being in one, often fairly unnatural position, for many hours at a time, is a very real problem in most musicians lives.

I saw and recognised a need in my clients, and Stretch Fit started in February 2014. A space in which people (ladies at this stage) could become aware of the tension patterns in their bodies and learn how to release them.

Along the way I have read heaps of literature, online and in books, and experimented with various well known stretches from Yoga, Pilates and other movement therapies, even developing my own.

But the secret ingredient is this ...

You can not actually "stretch" a muscle?

Muscles are not elastic. We can't simply make them longer.

Rather, gaining and maintaining flexibility involves training the nervous system to relax the muscles, release the tensions found there and regain elasticity in the surrounding fascia. And this is done through taking charge of your muscles through the control of your central nervous system and coupling the power of your brain with your breath ... in particular the ‘out breath’.

I thought about the phrase ‘muscle memory’, and decided that it is not muscle memory at all but rather ‘central nervous system’ memory. I know we do actually talk about muscle memory and cellular memory and I do not dispute that. But for the purposes of stretching, or rather releasing, I choose to hammer home the fact that the ultimate controller in our bodies ... the big boss ... is our brains!

And it works. I’ve seen it work.

I have personally felt it work. In fact I experience this every time I stretch, and that is daily.

I read a great article on stretching recently and the question was asked, “What do you think the number 1 mistake is that most of us make with regard to stretching?” And the answer was ... “NOT STRETCHING AT ALL.”

But, back to the problem at hand, the growing Plantar Fasciitis problem.

I quickly came to the realization that the growing numbers of people through my studio door seeking help with PF symptoms, was not due only to the fact that word was getting out that that I could possibly help them relieve their pain and get them on their feet again, but rather due to the fact that the number of people with lower back stiffness and problems was growing too.

Of course it would, we are a generation of sitters!

I now saw the bigger picture, and found the key to the solution

for you, in the form of Anatomy Trains!

Anatomy Trains is a unique map of the ‘anatomy of connection’ – whole-body fascial and myofascial linkages. The Anatomy Trains concept joins individual muscles into functional complexes within fascial planes – each with a defined anatomy and ‘meaning’ in human movement.

Anatomy Trains was developed by author and body worker Thomas Myers in the 1990’s.

It has vastly broadened my capacity to assist my clients and Stretch Fit ladies, with not only plantar fasciitis, but with many other physical body patterning and postural problems, tensions and even pain.

And furthermore, help them to prevent further injury to themselves.

Thomas Myers has mapped 11 myofascial meridians, with the one that I refer to the most frequently, being the Superficial Back Line.

The Superficial Back Line

The Superficial Back Line is a myofascial meridian that connects the entire back side of the body from the plantar surface of the toes to the brow-line of the frontal bone on the forehead.

Toe pads - plantar surface - heel - Achilles - calf - behind knee - hamstring - buttocks - lower back - entire back - shoulders - neck - scalp - brow-line

From ‘Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual & Movement Therapists’ by Thomas Myers

Tension/tightness anywhere along the Superficial Back Line acts like a knot in a piece of string ... it shortens everything!

While the purpose of this blog is to specifically share with you what I have found as pertaining to PF, it stands to reason that this approach and the combination of stretches and reflexology will benefit and improve any tension and restriction anywhere along the Superficial Back Line.

And indeed I am doing that already with astounding results!

Emotional Probable Cause

The steps on our physical journey through life are taken by our feet.

It makes sense therefore that problems in our feet can occur from an emotional ‘wobble’ of some sort, and are manifested in the physical as a condition that portrays this faltering in our steps.

I’ve found 3 interpretations for you to mull over ...

According to Louise Hay: “You Can Heal Your Life”www.louisehay.com

Feet - Represents our understanding of ourselves, of life, of others. Are you the “shock absorber” for your family and friends?

Foot problems - Fear of the future and of not stepping forward in life.

According to Maureen Minnehan Jones: www.maureenminnehanjones.com

Plantar Fasciitis: Are You Serving as the “Shock Absorber” For Others?

If so, it’s possible you could develop plantar fasciitis. After all, the plantar fascia ligament serves as the “shock absorber” for our feet.

When someone becomes the support system for everyone except himself or herself, it can greatly affect this ligament. In fact, individuals who have plantar fasciitis are prone to absorb the “slings and arrows” of the world around them. They tend to feel responsible for holding everything together; they take on the job of keeping family, friends, and others around them stable.

For anyone with plantar fasciitis, the desired new belief system could be stated like this: “I’m going to support myself in a healthy way by not being responsible to make everything okay and stable for everyone else. I won’t continue to be the ‘shock absorber.’ Rather, I’ll allow others to support me and keep all of this in balance.”

According to Glenda Hodge: www.holisticreflexology.com.au

The plantar fascia is the band of connective tissue that runs along the sole, from the heel to the ball of the foot. From another perspective, this tissue runs between what the group wants (base chakra) and your personal rules and boundaries (solar plexus chakra), passing over the power games area of the foot (sacral chakra). Therefore, any pain in this area could be caused by divided loyalties or a sense of being pulled in two directions. There could be a pull between what the group, family, culture or another wants, and what you want for yourself.

Where do your loyalties lay: with your own needs or the needs of others? Do you find it difficult to find a balance between the two? Are you overshadowed by what another wants? Do you do for others at the expense of yourself? In trying to honour yourself, do you end up putting others first? Do you feel as though you are in a tug-of-war, being pulled in two directions by others, your job or family dynamics? Discomfort in this part of the foot can also be related to how much you have to compromise your personal beliefs to fit into a relationship/group.

The most important clue to the cause of the pain is: When did it begin?

What were you doing? What were you thinking at the time?

Muscular System of the body on the Feet

I have to admit that the muscular system of the body, as mapped out on the feet has been a bit of a conundrum to me. I now approach each treatment a bit differently to how I used to. The truth is that even if the approach seems completely out of the bounds of what I was taught, I cannot deny that it is working.

Once I have completed all the other systems during the client’s treatment, according to a usual foot chart, I then turn to this one. I know it is not really a chart, but I visualise the entire muscular system on the feet and work the areas that are needed. But as you can see the body is the other way around. And there is the conundrum....

While the feet are still reflecting the same side of the body, I feel that the plantar surface is the back. The buttocks are on the heels, etc.

The limbs are still worked down the lateral edges of the feet and the spine along the medial line.

Plantar Fasciitis treatment plan

Successful treatment of PF requires a combination of reflexology and stretches. The role that the client plays in the treatment process is particularly necessary and very important holistically, if you take into consideration the various descriptions of the emotional aspect of this condition.

Reflexology

Give a full treatment as you would normally do.

Then switch your mind to the image of the muscular system on the feet and alter your technique to working in long rubbing strokes, working from the bottom of the outer heel all the way up to the little toes, ending with a gentle tug on the little toe.

While doing this your client may experience a twitch or two in the muscles of the leg as the release occurs.

This technique is also extremely powerful in the treatment of restless leg syndrome.

Allow more time to concentrate on the following areas and reflex points as indicated in the coloured areas.

Don’t forget to work the spine and limbs on the medial and lateral edges of the feet too.

Stretches and Golf Ball Technique

Gentle releasing stretches that target all the muscles of the Superficial Back Line are paramount in reversing the symptoms of PF.

While I am sadly, not there to show you myself, I have found the following website to show the technique and details of the stretches in the most clear and informative way.

Not all the stretches listed are necessary for PF treatment, so focus on the ones that release, twist and work on the lower back, buttocks and legs.

Golf Ball technique

Standing, and with your legs straight, but not locked, slowly bend over, by curling your head and shoulder over, aiming your finger tips to touch your toes, or as close as you can. Feel the tensions you are experiencing along the entire Superficial Back Line area and see how far your fingers are from the floor.

Slowly stand up again by uncurling.

Now stand securely on one foot and place the ball under the heel of the other foot. Roll the ball around under the outer edge and heel of your foot until you find an area that you feel to be tight or painful with the pressure of the ball.

DO NOT PRESS INTO THE BALL.

Merely relax your entire leg and drop your hip and let your weight sink in to the ball. As the pressure under your foot becomes more comfortable you may then lean into the ball and press a wee bit harder.

Swap to the other foot and do the same.

Both legs may feel very different and the area you target with the ball under your feet may be different.

Once you have done both feet as long as you like, either once or twice, then slowly curl over aiming to touch your toes ago.

What do you feel?

You have now released the tension in your Superficial Back Line. Well done!

Disclaimer: Please rememer that these are the views and findings of the therapist and you are are reminded to seek advice from a health care practitioner in your area if the sysmptoms persist.

Your physical wellness cannot be separated from your emotions. Every feeling you have affects some part of your body, and can sadly, wield great power over your body.

At the moment there is a real awakening to this fact, and Reflexology (and other complementary therapies) take this interrelatedness between your emotions and physical wellness into account and support your body in the process of trying to counteract and balance the effects felt in the body and mind.

Though it cannot be explained, certain emotions are known to be associated with pain in certain areas of your body.

We can even look to the English language to see that this is so ...

Extreme grief or sadness is related to the heart, hence the saying, having a “broken heart.”

I am seeing a large number of clients with pain and restriction in their shoulder or upper arm muscles. Shoulders are about “bearing a load” and arms are about “reaching out and embracing the experiences of life”. Muscular pain manifests in your body when you are experiencing resistance. So, if we put the two together, you can say that your shoulder pain is about “resistance to bearing a load” for the shoulders, and “resistance to reaching out and embracing life” with regard to the arms.

I put it to a client in this way yesterday ...

Imagine that your life is a river, and you are flowing along with it. Floating is weightless and easy. You feel light and flexible and strong. Then one day, you find yourself standing the other way around, facing the oncoming stream. To remain upright you are required to brace yourself and resist the flow of the water. You turn slightly to put your shoulder in to the flow of the stream, because you feel firmer and stronger that way. This may seem manageable at first, but after a time, your muscles will become tired, start to ache and become painful. The pain will wear you down. You may falter and feel like giving up. The resistance is exhausting!

Your body is constantly communicating to you, through pain and other physical symptoms. There are many amazing people who have documented the metaphysical explanations of specific physical aches, pains and illnesses. My clients often hear me refer to Louise Hay, and I am quick to grab her book “You can Heal Your Life” or refer to her mobile phone App “Heal Your Body”.

As a Reflexologist, the feet are naturally my favourite source of information on this metaphysical level, with every crooked toe, wrinkle, corn, and patch of hard skin on your feet, telling its own story. Chris Stormer’s book “The Language of The Feet” is my ‘bible’ for the purpose of helping me to help you interpret the message portrayed by every part of your feet.

And there are other fantastic therapists and reflexologists who have written fascinating books on this topic too.

But, what can you do about these physical aches and pains that you are feeling right now?

Don't go it alone! While your life is turbulent and you feel as though you are going against the flow, and your body is feeling the consequences, then seek help. Even pop music tells us not to go it alone. My favourite song, "You raise me up" says it like this ...

"You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up to walk on stormy seas; I am strong when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up to more than I can be.”

What is your body trying to tell you? Can you learn from what it is saying? Learn from the pain?

Self exploration is not easy.

Often uncomfortable.

But VERY empowering.

You will feel better, physically, mentally and emotionally! You will have found tools and learnt skills for self improvement.

Of course not all muscular pain is from emotional resistance, so please seek medical intervention if you think you need to.

But on the flip side, don't seek a medical solution when deep down you know the answer to be within your own grasp. The more self knowledge you have, the better equipped you will be to face and resolve the issue if it should manifest again.

Lotsaluv and blessings

x Karen x