This Months Mini-Miracles

I thought it would be fun to share monthly mini-miracles. I will try to post monthly, but this first mini-miracles post is an accumulation of the summer months. Some of these experiences may seem simple, but I assure you they were very significant to my clients: 

Arthritic Pain
A woman came in with arthritic pain in her finger.  Her finger was so swollen she was unable to wear her wedding ring, snap, or play certain pieces of music on the piano.  For 18 months she suffered.  She began weekly reflexology sessions.  By our 5th session she was able to wear her wedding ring, snap, and play piano pieces she hadn't been able to touch in a year and a half. She now comes in for one to two times a month (as needed) for maintenance. To read about her experience in her own words, click HERE.


Restless Leg Syndrome
A woman had been waking up every night with very uncomfortable and restless legs.  Baths and lotions were being used nightly in an effort to calm them, often at 1:00am.  Her restless nights resulted in lack of sleep and lack of energy during the day.  Understandably, this also effected her mood.  She began weekly sessions and happily reports that her restless leg hasn't acted up once!  . .  .except for that one week when I was gone on vacation. ;)

Knee Pain/Stiffness
A client excitedly reported that she was able to bend her knee as she climbed into bed!  Usually she would have to sit on the bed and, leaving her leg straight, pull her leg up onto the bed.  She was so excited she even showed me how she could bend her leg behind her and sit on it on the couch! 

Weight Loss/Constipation
A woman had been having digestive issues and struggling with constipation since childhood.  Her only relief had been found in taking milk of magnesia each night before going to bed.  After her first reflexology session she lost an amazing 3 lbs as her digestive tract was finally able to flush itself of all that waste!  This was a very pleasant surprise seeing as how the reason for her visit was to relieve shoulder pain.  Her shoulder pain was also relieved through our session.


Ovarian Cyst
During our session a client experienced severe pain on her ovarian reflex. This boggled us both as she was unaware of any ovarian problems. I thought it might possibly mean she was ovulating, as many women are more sensitive on that reflex during ovulation. Two days after our session she went to the ER and discovered she had ovarian cysts.

Sometimes a symptom manifests itself in the foot before it is noticed in the corresponding body part. Please keep in mind that a tender reflex does not always indicate a serious problem. It is always a good idea to be aware of your body and seek medical attention if you feel it is necessary. Often times clearing the congestion on the nerve pathway can avoid a complication completely.

 Sleep
A client happily reported that she was able to sleep through the entire night without the use of a sleep aid for the first time in she couldn't remember how long.  As I tell all my clients, the most common side effect of reflexology is the most restful nights sleep of your life.

Mystery Rash
A client had a very sensitive neck reflex on her right foot during our session.  I asked her if her neck or throat had been bothering her or if she carried her tension in her neck.  She said no and we continued our session.  Her next visit was a few weeks later.  When she came in her neck reflex was even more sensitive.  I asked, again, if her neck was giving her any problems.   Again, she said no.  However, when I told her that her lymph reflexes were also congested her memory was sparked and she reported that a few days after our first session she went into the doctor for a strange and very uncomfortable rash on the right side of her neck. She was given antibiotics for the rash.   During our second session the rash had diminished to what appeared to be a few scabbed-over bug bites.  What was really fascinating was that the neck reflexes on her left foot were sensitive as well, but only on the right side (the side of her neck that had the rash).

A Skeptic With an Ear Infection
Often times a skeptic comes in; someone who is seeking relief from an ailment but has a healthy dose of skepticism coming into the session.  These clients tend to leave out certain items on their healthy history.  The don't want to tell me what's wrong with them, they want me to tell them.  I don't mind when this happens.  In fact, I rather enjoy it.  More often than not, I find a congested reflex and discover that, yes, they do have a problem with that body part! My most recent skeptic was surprised when I asked if his ears had been bothering him.  He had gone to the doctors the day before our session with an ear infection and was currently on antibiotics.

Menstruation
A client had a very sensitive uterine reflex. At the completion of our session she stood to realize she had started her period.  She stated that even though she couldn't say she didn't expect her period (she knew it would start that week) she didn't expect it right then!  Reflexology is amazing at stimulating normal body functions.    On a side note, reflexology can also regulate menstruation as well as  drastically reduce menstrual symptoms.

Painful & Tired Feet
A client with an occupation demanding her to be on her feet for an entire shift came in hoping to find some relief.  After work her feet were tingling and painful.  It was all she could do to kick off her shoes and get into bed.  This occurred every night she worked and would require a few days to fully recover.  She found relief after her first session and happily reported that her feet felt great at work that night and the feeling stayed with her for 72 hours after her shift ended!

To read testimonials from my clients, click here!

Is Reflexology Safe for Pregnant Women?

Is reflexology safe for pregnant women? There are many differing ideas on this subject, even amongst reflexologists. This article details my personal opinion.

My short answer to the question would be YES!  So many pregnancy ailments can be relieved through reflexology!  Sciatic pain, back & joint pain, edema, mood swings, constipation, nausea and countless other problems.  However, when deciding if reflexology is right for you personally, there are several things to consider.

*Are you in your first trimester?  Many Reflexologists choose not to work on a woman in her first trimester, though there is no proof of reflexology causing a miscarriage.  I feel denying a mother treatment does her a disservice as there are so many symptoms of pregnancy (listed above) that could be improved through reflexology! 

*Do you have a history of miscarriage? If there is a history of miscarriage, it is wise to wait until you are well into your second trimester before beginning sessions.  That being said, reflexology is much like exercise.  You would not start an intense exercise regimen as soon as you found out you were pregnant, but if you had already been working out regularly, your doctor is more likely to allow you to continue to do so.  This is also true of reflexology.  A woman may be trying to improve her fertility by coming in for regular sessions.   If that is the case, the mother would be fine to continue treatments throughout the length of her pregnancy. (To learn how reflexology can improve fertility, click HERE.)

*Will reflexology stimulate contractions and lead to labor?  I would say yes and no.  Reflexology improves all body functions and helps the body to do what it is already preparing to do.  If your body is already prepared for delivery, labor may be triggered immediately during a session.  If your body or your baby are not quite ready, you may experience some preparatory contractions, but you will not go into labor until both of you are ready.  That being said, if the baby is in distress and your body is preparing for an early delivery, reflexology could possibly initiate that early labor.  If this is a concern for you, ask your reflexologist to avoid working all hormone related and reproductive reflexes.

*Will reflexology ease delivery?  Yes!  Not only can the ailments listed above improve, but sleep quality will improve (more energy to push) and the body (read: hips) can better relax, allowing easier passage for the baby.

One mother went into labor 48 hours after her reflexology session.  Though the mother came in hoping for a more immediate response, her Doula, who had also attended her first birth, was certain her delivery for her second child went considerably smoother because of reflexology. Her body needed those 48 hours to prepare. 

Another client delivered just 12 hours after her session.  Both she and her baby were ready to go!

What about post-natal care? Reflexology is a fantastic option for treating the "baby blues", improving milk supply, balancing hormones, and stimulating the uterus to contract back to it's pre-baby size all without the use of drugs.  You may want to ask your reflexologist if they treat infants.  An infant session usually lasts 5 minutes or less as their feet are so small and their tiny reflex points can be easily manipulated.  Reflexology can help your infant with gas, colic, and whatever else might be making it hard for the two of you to rest at night. 

I can bundle an infant session onto a mothers session for no additional charge. Some mothers have more success nursing their child during a session as they tend to be more relaxed, allowing the milk to flow more freely. To read how reflexology can improve milk production, click HERE.

Foot Note: Please make sure you see a trained reflexologist when pregnant.  Though reflexology is a very safe option, reflex points can become overstimulated by untrained hands and lead to complications.  

Click here to read testimonials from my clients!

Unexpected Reactions to Reflexology

My clients have reported many benefits resulting from reflexology including a decrease in headaches/migraines, reduced PMS symptoms, the elimination of restless leg syndrome, and reduced pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, just to name a few.  Of course, each of these clients came in hoping to find relief from these specific ailments. But are there other pleasant side effects? Of course!

During a private session I treat the whole person, not just the one or two symptoms currently being manifested.  As a result, my clients often experience multiple benefits. 

Here are a few of the unexpected benefits reported by my clients:

*Best nights sleep of their lives, resulting in more energy throughout the day.  "I slept through the night without any (sleeping) medication for the first time in I don't know how long!"
*Increased awareness of all body parts. "I feel so alive!"
*Improved posture.   "I know this sounds strange, but I feel more aware of my posture.  I feel taller!"
*Triggering of normal body functions. (Regulation of menstrual cycle, increased libido, increased focus etc.)
*More vivid dreams.
*Reduction of stress and tension.  One client said he didn't realize how tense he was until after our session when he was finally relaxed!
*Improved bowel and bladder function.  It is not uncommon for a client to ask to use the restroom after a session.
*More positive attitude and outlook on life. 
*Overall sense of well being.
*Weight loss.  One client lost 3 lbs the week following her first session as her body flushed itself of toxins. Wow!



Was reflexology what you thought it would be?  Please feel free to share your experience either in the comments section below or by clicking HERE.

To read more testimonials from my clients, click HERE.

Reflexology for Weight Loss and Cholesterol Management

Is diet and exercise just not enough when it comes to cholesterol and weight management?  Maybe you should consider adding clinical reflexology to your routine.  

One of my clients lost 3 pounds the week following her session.  3 POUNDS! As toxins build up in our body we store them as fat or as waste in the bowels.  As the bowels are stimulated throughout a clinical reflexology session, they are better able to function properly and aid in the removal of harmful toxins. 

Doctors Shou-qing, Xian-qing, Yuna-zhong, and Wan-yan, conducted a study of 72 cases of hyperlipemia (excessive lipids/fat) with a treated group of 41 and a control group of 31. Before and after the treatment session, 4 ml of "empty stomach blood" was collected. One group received a series of reflexo-therapy sessions of more strength (clinical reflexology) and lasting 30 to 40 minutes. The control group received a lighter strength 20 minute session (spa reflexology). The reflexo-therapy group showed an improvement of symptoms of 78% as opposed to 32% for the second group. The treatment group showed a reduction in cholesterol and monoglyceride with a marked statistical difference.

  
Shou-qing, Gui; Xian-qing, Xiao; Yuna-zhong, Li; and Wan-yan, Fu, "Impact of the Massotherapy Applied to Foot Reflexes on Blood Fat of Human Body," 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, China Reflexology Association, Beijing, p. 21

By clicking here  you can find illustrations detailing what reflexes to work at home to aid in weight loss, or you can email me to set up a consultation and clinical reflexology session. 


Foot Note: Reflexology is not intended to replace your current health care treatments or medications.  Always talk with your doctor before starting an alternative therapy or adjusting medications.

Click here to read testimonials from my clients!

Arthritis Testimonial

"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, allowing me to wear my wedding ring, and 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

***Foot Note: Individual results may vary.  Best results are seen after 3-5 sessions. When you purchase my 5 session series you will receive 20% off. If you have any questions, or if you would like to set up an appointment, please email me at SereneSoleReflexology@gmail.com***

Want to see the place?

 The Leavenworth Yoga Co-op, Leavenworth KS.

Home of Serene Sole Reflexology.

 A few of the items available for purchase: 

Teas, Zuma bars, meditation pillows, local honey.

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.

Reflexology for Nursing Mothers/ Increased Milk Supply

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

To read testimonials from my clients, click here.