A wall painting depicting early signs of reflexology found in Ancient Egyptin the pyramid of Ankmahor, known as the "physician's tomb" dates back to approximately 2,500 B.C.

 

 

Ear and Foot Reflexology and/or with Reiki/Healing Touch

About 25 years ago I experienced a reflexology treatment for fatigue and burnout. I was so amazed about how much better I felt after a few sessions and did some sessions on myself, I became a student of my reflexology therapist! 

Shortly after, I enrolled in an Auricular Therapy course. 

The passion for these therapies never left me even though I was unable to practice on clients regularly due to family obligations and a full-time job. My young daughters at the time asked me to massage their feet to help with sleep and anxiety!

I am opening up my practice again.

I did a few refresher courses this year and since this is such an ancient therapy, not much has changed and is keeping to it is original theory and science.

The micro-systems of the ear, foot, and hand manifest neurological reflexes that are connected with parts of the body remote from that system. 

What is Ear Reflexology and Ear Seeding?

Ear Reflexology is a type of massage designed to find pressure points in and around the ear that when triggered, can release tension in different areas of the body.

Ear Seeding is the practice of applying tiny seeds of the Vaccaria plant, known to balance energy and help promote healing of selected reflex points to provide gentle stimulation of these points.  Vaccaria Ear Seeds are made with an actual seed from the flowering Vaccaria Plant. The Vaccaria is an annual plant that is harvested in the summer in China and Europe. Once the plant is naturally sun-dried, the seeds are removed from their shells, then dried again.

They adhere with tape and are changed 1-2 a week till symptoms improve or disappear.   

This non-invasive treatment is effective because the ear has nerve endings that connect to the central nervous system as well as various body parts. This facilitates the natural self-regulating homeostatic mechanisms of the body by diminishing overactive bodily functions or increasing underachieving physiological processes.

This therapy is borrowed from ancient Chinese medicine and has been practiced for centuries.

One point used routinely is Shen Men, the Spirit Gate. 

This master point alleviates stress, pain, tension, anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, and excessive sensitivity.  It also: 

• tranquilizes the mind and allows a harmonious connection to the essential spirit.  
• utilized in almost all treatment plans, including auricular acupuncture analgesia for surgery, treats addictions.  
• used to reduce coughs, fever, inflammatory diseases, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.

Some reported benefits of Ear Reflexology are: 

• Pain management
• Helps release endorphins for feelings of wellbeing
• Release stress, anxiety, and addictions
• Encourage better circulation of blood/lymph through the body while stimulating the flow of vital force energy
• Supports weight loss

The mind, body, and spirit are all interconnected. It’s important to deal with emotions, lower stress levels, and adopt healthy habits in addition to treatments such as ear seeds. Living a healthy lifestyle will make the treatment more effective.  
Did you know your feet are a source of wisdom? They reveal where you hold your tension and how you approach life. And they can even tell you where some emotional pain is hidden in your body. Your feet never lie, they tell the truth about your health and wellbeing. 

There are 7,200 nerve endings in each foot that are connected with the internal organs of our body. By assessing your sensitivity to the points on the soles of your feet, you can gain insight into what going on in your life.

Massaging a reflex point helps remove any energetic blockages while activating the flow of energy to help the body restore its healthy balance. This sends healing energy to that area, to improve the flow of blood; a detox and clearing  can occur so the organ gets what it needs to heal: oxygen, nutrients, and  antibodies

For example, the Kidney point if sore/tender can hold your fears which depletes your life force creating chronic fatigue. Also, allergies can be associated with low kidney energy. If this is sensitive to you, I will instruct you to massage on your own at home for self-care. 

Another reflex is the top of the foot, for lymphatic drainage, which supports your immune system. If sore or puffy could indicate the need for exercise and a lack of joy. A lack of joy can deplete the mind/body energy.

A favorite is the Acupoint, KI-3 aka Supreme Stream, between the inner ankle and Achilles tendon: can slow signs of aging, improve circulation and fatigue, leg muscle strengthening, blood pressure concerns, help to stop coughing, improve memory difficulties, bladder issues, slow metabolism, and hearing concerns. 

Reflexology is an entirely different practice than that of massage. This form of practice is carried out using maps having predefined points located on your feet that are directly linked to your nervous system, affecting the glands and other bodily organs. According to reflexology therapy, the reflexologist manipulates the pressure points so that any part of your body that is in pain or is weak can be strengthened with the pressure on these points.
 
As we all know, stress and tension can be one of the major sources of a decline in your health by creating stuck energy in your body. Therefore, reflexology is one of the best practices used to reduce worry and stress. Regular massage of the reflex points assists your body to maintain a balance to be more energetic so you can carry out your daily activities with more vigor and determination.

By stimulating these reflexes a spark of energy flows through the nervous system to the corresponding organ. Thus, this free flow of energy provides you with a sense of wellbeing.   

• Relief from sports injuries and arthritis
• Improves blood circulation and flow of energy
• Induce a state of relaxation for healing. 
• Relieve stress and tension
• Supports the immune system and digestion 
• Detoxing and cleansing 
• A simple practice to Live and Age Well. 
• Reflexology can be a very effective practice to maintain good health while preventing symptoms of stress and illnesses from surfacing or worsening, which then signals the body to adjust the level of tension.

Prolonged neglect of the feet can add aches, pains, and potential medical issues as we age. Adding frequent reflexology foot massages to your health and wellness strategy can result in tremendous short and long-term benefits. You can do this yourself too! I will provide you with a map and reflexes that need your special attention! If you are not local or want to learn how to do this to yourself, this is good self-care instruction.
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century.  According to the International Center for Reiki Training, the practice is based on the idea that we all have an unseen “life force energy” aka Biofield, flowing through and around our bodies. A Reiki/Healing Touch Practitioner gently moves their hands just above or on the client’s clothed body, with the intention of reducing stress and promoting healing by encouraging a healthy flow of energy.  Our cells communicate through our biofields. Biofields are fields of energy that guide our health.

Reiki, Medicine, and Self-care

Karen is a Reiki Master Practitioner: A Reiki Master is someone who has been attuned to the highest level of Reiki. The attunement process opens up their body so that they are able to transmit healing energy, and lasts for their entire life. 

There is also Medical Reiki, available for patients in many hospitals. 

Use of Reiki as a biofield therapy: An adjunct to conventional medical care

Natural forces within us are the healers of disease. ~ Hippocrates

Suggested reading: 

Healing Ourselves: Biofield Science and the Future of Health 

Conscious Healing Initiative 

It is vitally important I get a thorough medical history if you choose to have sessions with me.  

Please note that Ear & Foot Reflexology, and Reiki, are complementary therapies and it is recommended alongside advice and guidance from your healthcare provider. This is not a replacement for medical care. If you take medication, suggest you contact your healthcare provider to assist you in monitoring your medications. Energy Therapies can have an influence on prescription medications. I do not diagnose. I support your challenge if you have any.