May Blog Post: I Have A New Toy!

At the weekend, I attended a course entitled “Save Your Thumbs”, run by Jackie James at Calming Influences (calminginfluences.com).  The course is designed to protect the reflexologist’s thumbs and fingers by incorporating the use of a Thai Massage stick to work some of the more imbalanced reflexes.

At first, I had my doubts about the use of a Thai Massage stick in a complementary therapy that is based on touch.  How would I feel the imbalances in the reflexes? What would it feel like for the client?  I have had a Thai Foot Massage, and there were elements of it that seemed a bit random!  Would it really save my hands?

So how was it?  Well – I was pleasantly surprised.  We were taught the techniques with the stick (including the ones that I thought were a bit random), and then we practised; first on our own hands, and then on each other’s feet; and I’ve also learnt some new relaxation techniques, which I loved.

 

The key elements for me as the reflexologist:

• You need to feel with your fingers and thumbs first
• I could feel the imbalances in the reflexes through the stick (I was surprised by this)
• It works well on point reflexes, such as sinuses, pituitary, solar plexus; what took me by surprise was how good it was on the spine
• You can work as gently or as firmly as you can with your hands
• You can get deeper, but it still needs to be controlled
• I will be leaving out the techniques that I feel lack control

And as a client:

• The controlled working of point reflexes and of larger reflexes like the spine felt really good
• I didn’t feel like I was losing out; it was as good as a traditional treatment, just different
• The new relaxation techniques were lovely (and lovely to do); so will be coming to a couch near you very soon
• There were some reflexes, where we preferred the feel of the therapist using their fingers and thumbs; it felt warmer somehow
• I still didn’t like the ‘random’ techniques

So what next?

I think the expression is a soft launch.  I’m going to incorporate the relaxation techniques immediately.  I’m going to need some bigger towels (or muslin cloths) to do that!  I will practise on my own hands first, and then slowly incorporate the stick into my treatment.  I really do feel it brings a new dimension to a reflexology treatment; I’m quite excited at the prospect.

If you would like more information, or to make an appointment, please call me on 07912 951763, or email me on [email protected].