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].
