Yoga mats and blocks, essential oils, organic food items, books
Want to come in with a friend? Let me know and I can arrange for a session in our beautiful loft. You can both sit comfortably and visit while the other has their session. This is also a great option if you have a friend or loved one who would like to know how to work on you at home in between sessions!
In the main studio, on the yoga floor. I love doing sessions out here! It's so bright and open. A great place to heal.
God created woman with the amazing ability to feed her offspring. It's natural. It's healthy. We all know the benefits of breastfeeding and know that "Breast is Best" for our infant. It is not only important for proper development, but convenient and economical! Many mothers start off with the intention of breastfeeding, but become discouraged when their milk supply simply can't keep up with their growing infant.
In this study reflexology resulted in an average 88% increase in
breast milk production for nursing mothers. The individual who wrote this
article experienced an incredible 300% increase! Not only that, but other ailments such as
stress, anxiety, back pain and fatigue improved over the course of 10 reflexology treatments. Amazing!
Key Reflexes:
Breast reflex to encourage proper mammary function
Pituitary, thyroid, & reproductive reflexes to stimulate proper function and aid in hormone regulation.
Solar plexus, neck, shoulder, and back reflexes to relieve stress and tension as well as a possible muscle pull
Studies show that over 12% of the reproductive population struggles with infertility. Infertility is defined as being unable to get pregnant after at least 1 year of trying and also includes those who are unable to carry a pregnancy to term. Those of you struggling with infertility are already aware of treatments available to you through your fertility specialist, so those options will not be discussed here. What you might not be aware of, however, is that there are other options available at a fraction of the cost with no negative side effects. One of these options is reflexology.
While researching for clients, I found a very intriguing study demonstrating miraculous results:
" Has Reflexology An Effect on Infertility? (Ericksen 1996)
To determine the effect of reflexology on infertility 108 women under 35 years with no
previous children, and that had attempted to become pregnant for more than two years
were selected from 260 applicants. Forty-seven of the 108 withdrew. The remaining 61
women were given sixteen 45-minute reflexology treatments over a 7 - 8 month period.
Treatments were given 2 times a week for 4 weeks, then 2 treatments before ovulation.
Nine women (15%) became pregnant within six months after starting treatment. Of two
thirds of the women who had menstruation problems 77% experienced an appreciable
improvement, with the majority totally getting rid of the problems. Three quarters of all the
women reported improvements in other ailments such as: muscle tensions, psychic
imbalances, indigestion, poor circulation and general imbalance."
A separate study published a table demonstrating results. I encourage you to look at the table found on pages pages 10-11 of this study. You will find the age of the patient, reason for infertility, number of years spent trying to conceive, previous treatments attempted, as well as how many reflexology sessions were administered before resulting in pregnancy.
Key reflexes to be stimulated during a fertility reflexology session are:
Pituitary- master gland- helps regulate cycle
Hypothalamus- regulates pituitary hormone production
Thyroid- over/under active thyroid can impact fertility
Solar Plexus- to relieve stress and tension
Ovary/Testicles- improve hormone function
Fallopian tubes/Gonads- release any blockages
Uterus/Prostate- improve circulation and promote normal function
Reflexology can be done in conjunction with other fertility treatments to help lessen negative side effects while normalizing body functions and encouraging fertility.
If you are categorized as "unexplained infertility," you may want to consider treatments for both you and your partner.
If you feel reflexology would be a good option for you, please email me at SereneSolereflexology@gmail.com to set up an appointment. For those of you outside of Leavenworth, please do your homework to find a qualified reflexologist in your area. If you are unsure of what to look for, please read this post on the difference between Spa Reflexology and Clinical Reflexology.
Best of luck to you. I pray you will be led toward the option that will be most beneficial for you and your situation.
Many
have false ideas about what reflexology actually is. There is nothing
magic or mystical about it. Through extensive study, reflex points
found in the feet have been mapped out and found to mirror the organs,
glands, and bones of the body. When calcium or uric acid builds up on
the nerve endings found in the feet, it can congest nerve pathways, decrease the
function of the corresponding organ, and lead to compromised health. My job is to locate crystal build-up on various reflex
points and break it down so it can be effectively flushed from the body.
Once the crystals are removed the body is better able to achieve
homeostasis and heal itself.
Think
of it this way. Have you ever used a shower head that was encrusted
with calcium deposits? How did the water flow? Some holes probably
shot water intermittently or in the wrong direction all together while others were probably blocked
off completely, not allowing any water to pass through. The shower head is unable to work to it's full potential until it is scrubbed clean. And so it is with nerve endings and reflexology. As I
“scrub” your nerve endings clean, allowing proper function to be restored, your body is better able to reach its full potential in all body functions. This shower analogy also demonstrates why reflexology is suggested for health maintenance as well as healing. It is significantly easier to keep your shower head clean, so
to speak, than to scrub off years of excessive build up!
Reflexology aids in stress relief,
improves circulation, and improves overall nerve function. Many
have found great success in treating sinus congestion, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, PMS,
migraines, sciatic pain, fibromyalgia and countless other conditions. Come on in and
try it out! You just might discover a safe and affordable way to
improve, as well as maintain, your health.
To better understand the difference between Spa Reflexology and Clinical Reflexology, read my post HERE.
When you come in for your first session you will remain fully clothed and be asked to remove your shoes and socks only. You will be provided with a wipe to clean off your own feet before your treatment. *Please cover any sores at home with band aids before you come in.* You will sit in a reclining chair while I work on your feet. Both feet will be touched as well as your legs up to your knees. You will be asked to give a brief health history so your session can be catered to your individual needs. The more you communicate with me before and during your session the more beneficial it will be for you. Let me know if the pressure being applied to your feet is too light, too hard, or if you experience any discomfort or other sensations (tingling, warmth etc) during your session. These sensations may be experienced any place on the body during our session. All of these sensations are normal, but communicating them allows me to know what areas require a little extra attention. As stated in previous posts, reflexology clears away calcium deposits and uric and amino acids from your nerve endings, opening nerve pathways, improving circulation, and helping the body get to a point where it can better heal itself. No oils or lotions will be applied to your feet during your session as this makes it more difficult to manipulate the build up on your nerve endings, however essential oils will be placed on the feet at the conclusion of your session to aid in the healing process. (To read about the difference between reflexology and massage, read my post located HERE.)
Many ask how frequent sessions should be. This is completely up to the individual, though keep in mind that the most significant results are generally seen after 3-5 sessions. If you are in good health you might want to come in for a regular "tune up" on an as needed basis to maintain health. If you have a chronic condition (digestive issues, fibromyalgia, MS, restless leg syndrome, PMS etc.) you might want to consider more frequent visits, as often as twice a week, until you have achieved your desired level of health. The beauty of reflexology is maintenance can be performed by a loved one in the comfort of your own home to decrease the frequency, and subsequent cost, of a professional reflexology treatment. If this is something that interests you, please let me know so I can keep you informed on upcoming workshops. If requested, I can also mark problem areas on your foot with a pen so your loved one will know better what areas to work at home. Keep in mind that acute symptoms are resolved faster than chronic ones. (For a brief video on home maintenance, click HERE. )
While there are countless benefits from reflexology(read testimonial here), a few of my clients, maybe 5%, experience what is called a "healing crisis" as toxins are flushed from their system. I encourage all my clients to read my post on healing crisis' found Here. I want you to get better. I will not pressure you into coming in more often than your schedule or budget allows. Come on in and we'll come up with a plan to suit your needs.
"You've made such a difference in the way I feel." ~M, Leavenworth KS
"I went in for a foot massage, and it felt great while they were doing it, but I didn't find any relief afterward. When I leave our sessions I find relief."
"Thanks for the reflexology session this weekend. I had hoped for some relief from my neck pain (mission accomplished), but had the happy surprise of relief from sinus pressure and congestion, too! Thanks for everything!" ~A.H., Leavenworth KS "You probably hear this all the time, but I feel so much better! I can't pinpoint what the difference is exactly, I just feel better overall. More balanced. Especially emotionally."
"I slept through the night without any (sleeping) medication for the first time in I don't know how long! Thank you, MaryAnn!" ~Julie "I have found significant relief for my restless leg syndrome."
"I started out as a skeptic, as I'm sure most people do. MaryAnn was so
good at explaining reflexology in layman's terms and making sure I was
comfortable. She is very good at reminding you to communicate your needs
throughout the session. It would be easy for her to quietly complete a
generic reflexology session, but she is always sure to address your
personal needs, and concentrates on those areas that need extra
attention. Her goal is to help you feel better! I walked in with back
and neck pain, sinusitis and a mild case of carpal tunnel. A few hours
after a session with MaryAnn I could already feel a difference. I had
more energy, I wasn't as achy, and my hand didn't hurt at all! I will
definitely be seeing MaryAnn again, and make reflexology a part of my
wellness routine." ~Suzie, Leavenworth KS
"At first I was a little unsure about the practice of reflexology. I had never heard of it before but thought I would give it a try. After the first session, I started to notice my headaches lessen and my allergies lighten. After a few more sessions I noticed that I had more energy during the day and was able to focus better. MaryAnn is very gentle and patient. I will definitely come back again!" ~ Melanie. Leavenworth KS
"MaryAnn did an amazing job!! She made me feel relaxed and hit some
great spots. I went in with a headache and within minutes it was gone!
Usually my headaches last for HOURS! I can't wait to see her again." ~Susi, Leavenworth KS
"After I felt different sensations in different areas, MaryAnn told me what body part it was targeting and it all made perfect sense based on whats been going on with me lately. Amazingly accurate! I definitely became a believer after my session. MaryAnn is also very easy to be around which is a huge plus when someone is touching you!" ~Faith, Leavenworth KS
"MaryAnn is genuinely concerned and cares about her clients. She takes all of our frustrations and struggles into consideration while working on us. She knew I had a job where I had to run around on my feet all night so she concentrated on making my feet feel less strained; she worked out some of the other kinks in my other pressure points. She made sure that before I left I felt better and gave me specific instructions on how to help find relief in the future. I would recommend MaryAnn to everyone! " ~Brandi, Leavenworth KS
"I had been dealing with arthritis pain in my left middle finger
for over a year and half. The base of my finger was so swollen and
painful, I couldn't wear my wedding ring (even though it was on the next
finger over). As a piano teacher, I had been avoiding the use of my
middle finger to the extremes. I stopped playing certain pieces of
music and couldn't snap my fingers with my left hand. I had been doing
everything in my power to avoid taking prescription medications. I
didn't think reflexology was going to do the trick. To be honest, I was
skeptical that anything done to my feet would have an effect on my
hands. I was pleasantly surprised. After my first reflexology session,
I had a visible reduction in swelling and a the pain was manageable
without medication. After the second session, I could snap my fingers
for the first time since showing symptoms. Now, after 5 sessions, I can
play pieces of music I haven't touched in ages. I have truly seen
better results than I had imagined! I am able to manage my pain without
the side effects of immuno-suppressants or pain pills. Thanks MaryAnn!
Reflexology is definitely going to be a regular part of my health
management program." ~Amy, Leavenworth KS
"[My Husband] said that it's amazing what a difference he felt after his appointment with you and that his neck has not hurt since!! (You saved us a big hospital bill as he had an appointment to get occipital nerve blockage) that he is no longer getting, thanks to you!!! " ~Nery, Leavenworth KS
"This is the first time I haven't gone PAST my due date. I'm sure it's because of reflexology! Thank you!" S.S. Leavenworth KS
***To leave your own testimonial for Serene Sole Reflexology,click here.
When build up on nerve endings is broken down through reflexology it shatters into the surrounding area where it is absorbed by the surrounding tissue and ultimately flushed out of the body. As a result of this freeing of toxins, many clients of reflexology experience what is known as a "healing crisis." For many this means temporary cold or flu symptoms, lasting 1-3 days. This is one of the ways your body relieves itself of toxins and as such, these symptoms should not be suppressed.
Other patients of reflexology may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms or temporary presence of old symptoms. Neck pain from an accident years ago, for example. All of these reactions are normal and should be short lived. Many people get discouraged when they experience a healing crisis, thinking they are worse off than before their session. Do not be discouraged if you have these symptoms. It simply means it is working! Your body is rebooting and getting back on track. It is remembering when and where the problem occurred while retracing and renewing nerve pathways.
The frequency & symptoms of a healing crisis should decrease as you continue your reflexology sessions. If your symptoms feel severe you should talk to your Reflexologist about possibly having shorter but more frequent visits to lessen the effects. Many have found the process of a healing crisis and it's symptoms can be sped up through a juice fast. Please talk with your doctor before starting a juice fast or any other cleansing. Drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day can also be helpful in removing toxins.
Still others will experience an emotional, rather than a physical, healing crisis. This often results in a cathartic cry during a session. Do not be embarrassed, but let your emotions run their course. This emotional cleansing can be very therapeutic, especially to those who have experienced an emotional trauma.
A friend of mine shared her experience:
"Both of my kids have been struggling so badly with both parents
remarrying and various issues this year and one session with her and my son
was sobbing, but it was a good sob. He was working through everything
and now he tells me, 'I was having a hard time being happy but since she
rubbed my feet it's just easier to be happy now mom!' Love it."
After the toxins and emotional blockage have been flushed from the body your body is better able to achieve homeostasis and heal itself. Physically, mentally, and emotionally.
