Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Healing hands firm helps baby boom (From Warrington Guardian)

© WildCat78. Image from BigStockPhoto.com


When I first read this headline I thought this person was helping Baby Boomers. No, it appears she started her own baby boom.

"Her treatments have helped almost 40 women with problems conceiving and led to the founding of the Natural Fertility Clinic, the only natural fertility clinic outside London, which is based at the main clinic in Stretton.'

“Having treated and helped so many people with fertility problems, I think that helping someone to have a baby is the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” said Tracey, a psychology graduate."

She started using reflexology with her husband because of a bad back. Little did she know her reflexology interest would lead to 40 happy couples.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Monday, September 29, 2008

Why reflexology grows during economic tough times

© LuMaxArt. Image from BigStockPhoto.com

A Right to New Health Care

Consumers are now seeking to make up for what they’ve lost in the faltering economy: their health care safety net. The loss of a job means loss of health care benefits. A tighter budget translates into consumers who are cutting back on expenses including prescription medication, especially the elderly and retired. Yet, in spite of economic set backs, health continues to be an issue for all. And, reflexology can help meet those needs.

A September 22, 2008 Wall Street Journal article noted the cut back in purchase of prescription medicine. Once thought to be an ever growing market, sales of medicine have declined as consumers cut back to save money. One example was a Florida retiree who can no longer afford her medication for acid reflux and asthma. While one’s heart certainly goes out to anyone in such a position, this author’s immediate thought was: Hey! Reflexology’s helped me out with (and taken care of) both those problems. It’s too bad this woman doesn’t know about reflexology.

Loss or limited access to medical care doesn’t mean that the consumer has to abandon hope in taking care of health needs. The anxiety of facing health concerns is perhaps the most stressful part of the situation. By fully investigating what one can do to meet his or her needs as well as that of the family, one can take control and lessen the stress of the situation. And, reflexology provides such an opportunity.

Take for example an e-mail correspondent. She had written a glowing review of our newly published book (Reflexology, Health at your fingertips, DK) and we began an e-mail correspondence. She wrote about how she took care of her health care problems and those of her family’s with reflexology learned from our book. When we wrote another book and volunteered to send her one, she declined. While she appreciated the offer, her original book served her needs. It was totally personalized and customized with Post-Its and notes in the margins to easily find the information she needed to meet her family’s health concerns.

This is not to suggest that reflexology is a replacement for conventional medicine. It is still complementary in nature. But when times are tough people need something to keep going. Doing nothing isn't really an option.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Friday, September 26, 2008

Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe review roundup

Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe review roundup/ Aerobics and Fitness Daily

Here is a site about those shoes that are called Masai Barefoot technology. There is a whole discussion that seems to be pretty objective. Of course these shoes cost $200 for a pair. I do, however like the idea of physiological footwear.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Why Rubbing Eases Pain ; The Study of Neurons and Serotonin is Explaining How Massage Works - Health - redOrbit



From this story:
"Neurons responding to pressure are longer and more insulated than pain neurons," Field said, "so the pressure message gets to the brain faster than the pain message. Once that happens, the brain 'closes the gate,' and the pain message can't get through."

"Massage also boosts levels of serotonin, the body's natural pain- relief substance, and induces deeper sleep. Well-rested bodies emit fewer pain-triggering chemicals, Field explained."

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"Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain known to influence the functioning of the cardiovascular, renal, immune, and gastrointestinal systems."

There is, quite logically, research on reflexology showing a boosting serotonin levels as well as massage. Serotonin depletion effects a lot of things including sleep, weight, depression, schizophrenia, compulsive disorders and learning problems. Depletion is even implicated in hardening of the arteries.

I was often puzzled by people losing weight while doing reflexology. I really thought it had more to do with easing tension so they were more physically active. But there also seems to be a link between sleep and weight. This again involves serotonin. Serotonin effects leptin which is implicate in weight control although the role isn't fully understood.

Could reflexology help with weight control? There are two obscure Chinese studies with the morbidly obese. But not much else. I would be interested to see what more research could tell us.

We seem to be a serotonin depleted world. We have all the symptoms.

What do you think they will find?

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

How Much for Better Health? $10

© Christopherh. Image from BigStockPhoto.com
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Report: Invest $10 a person for better health
July 17, 2008 By LAURAN NEERGAARD

WASHINGTON, Jul. 17, 2008 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- Investing just $10 per person -- roughly the price of a six-pack of beer and some chips -- could greatly fuel community programs that get couch potatoes moving, prevent smoking and improve nutrition, researchers say.

How much health does $10 a person buy? Invest that every year, and within five years the nation could cut health care costs by more than $16 billion annually, concludes a new analysis by the nonprofit Trust for America's Health and a team of public-health research groups.
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When I read this I immediately thought what impact reflexology could have if it was looked at in a similar vein. I know from personal experience that our own health care costs remain very low.

My first success story with reflexology was Barbara, my wife, whose sinus headaches required expensive medication. That was 32 years ago. How much would that medication cost over 32 years? 

We have a friend who contracted a rare disease which require a shot which cost $10,000 a shot. These shots were given monthly. With reflexology he no longer needed this shot. Savings? Over 5 years that is a savings of $600,000.

Or consider the printer we knew who left the hospital two days earlier than expected after recovering from serious side effects of a gastric by-pass surgery. Then there was the aids patient who instead of being in the hospital for an additional 4 to 5 days was out that afternoon.

But what might be the hardest to measure are the little things. What does a $10 book on reflexology do? We have had people walk up to us at book signing to tell us how one of our books has changed their life. 

Or what can simple $10 foot rollers do for relaxing tension and improving circulation thus avoiding the more serious consequences of tension and loss of circulation. Or what is the impact of free information off an Internet site?

The AP article talked about bigger projects that still cost little or nothing to prevent problems. It talked about low cost programs like after school programs that cost about $40,000. Yet these programs are very effective in helping prevent health care problems and yes, even greater costs in the future.

Reflexology has an incredible potential for cutting health care costs. What about the reflexology paths being built around the world? Now much can they save for a relatively cheap construction cost?

Or what about reflexologists would donate their time to senior citizens and children? What about all those sessions either given away or at a very low cost to those in need. 

Over the years I have heard from people working with farm workers, indigenous people and a variety of needy populations. How much would these people without health insurance cost when their illness became full blown and thrust upon the system if not for reflexology?

What are your thoughts on how reflexology has saved costs for you or others? And how do you think reflexology could be used to keep costs down?

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Healing Sleep and Reflexology

© luv4art. Image from BigStockPhoto.com

I have really been sleeping well lately. It has been a deep sleep with lots of dreams. They are pleasant dreams. I haven't slept this well since I was a kid. 

My trick is simple. I do bamboo walking just before bed. What is bamboo walking? Legend has it that the Samurai warriors would go out in the bamboo forest and chop down a piece of bamboo. They would then split it. They would lay a piece of bamboo on the ground and walk on the rounded part. 

Of course you could work on your feet with  reflexology. There are several excellent research studies that point to the help reflexology can be. Partner reflexology can be excellent because there is a lot to letting someone else apply the technique. Or dust off that old foot roller and give it a workout. 

Sweet dreams. 

Kevin Kunz





Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Reflexology and the Dying

Dear Kevin;

I have a question about reflexology and the dying. How can reflexology help those who are in the process of dying?

I've heard that the treatments need to be short and gentle. I agree with gentle, but not short. I feel a full session would give maximun benefits.
How do you feel about short treatments?

Thank you for your input.

Marianne

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Dear Marianne,

This is probably one of the most poignant moments in a reflexologist's career. It is a learning experience beyond any other learning experience.

There is a whole movement in this direction through hospice and other programs where reflexology is used to help find some peace. It seems to be growing rapidly.

There is an Indian belief that you can be healed yet pass on. In Western cultures we tend to fight death as the final enemy. But we all die anyway.

Yet how we pass on has real significance. I feel reflexology can really help.

I think reflexology can help in the process of dying be easing the stress not only of the person passing on but also of the families of the loved one. It is hard to describe but it seems to act as a comfort to everyone including the practitioner.

I have come away from these events with a sense of peace. I can see how working with the dying is rewarding.

Long or short sessions isn't really an issue. It is about gentle touch that is simply meant to soothe. You find what works by carefully following cues from the person. No dramatic heroics or lifesaving attempts at this point. It is about letting go in a positive way.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Monday, September 15, 2008

The Loch Ness Monster and Reflexology

(c) This digital image was created by Sam Fentress, May 7, 2005.
I like anomalies that challenge my thinking. I don't have to agree with the anomaly. I just enjoy challenges to my conventional side. I guess that is why I first explored reflexology. I didn't really "believe" in it until much later in my exploration.

Skeptics like to think we, reflexologists are a gullible lot that accept anything weird and out of the ordinary. But in fact I come from a scientific family and know the value of logical thinking. However I also know that scientist cling to their "beliefs" with as much fervor as anyone else. They know what is true and what is false often at times without the inconvenience of research. They can be just as guilty of clinging to belief as those they point fingers at.

Even with all the research that has been done with reflexology the scientific community has been able to discount all the positive research while touting the negative evidence as flawless. This was evidenced by a recent BBC program.

Everything was discounted as a placebo effect or touchy feely types of reactions. There is really no connection between the feet and the rest of the body. The feet are not integrated into the internal organs and they cannot effect our bodies since they are seemly like a set of wheels on a cart. No connection whatsoever.

Yet we, reflexologists, are witnesses to events that simply do not fit the scientist view of the relationship between the feet and the rest of the body. These events can't be explain away by placebo effects and simple tactile stimulation.

The other night I watched a program on the History Channel about the Loch Ness monster. Again I like anomalies that challenge my thinking. It was a very well balanced program that showed both sides of the debate and to be honest I can't really say what is out there.

What struck me was not whether or not the Loch Ness monster exists or not. Some of the evidence was quite compelling. There was also compelling evidence that pointed that there were troubling questions to answer.

What struck me was what a very educated researcher who was a lawyer had to say. He said that you can discount some of the witnesses but not all of them.

He pointed to our judicial system. While our judicial system may be flawed it still works rather well.

And there are enough witnesses to some anomaly in the Loch Ness to point to a more than reasonable assumption that something is there. There are too many witnesses over too long a time.

We are witnesses to the workings of reflexology. We have seen too many events to be dismissed. We are too many of us.

What is patently clear is that here is an extremely important relationship between the feet and the rest of the body. It is integrated directly with our internal organs and our brain. We can use pressure to effect the internal organs in very profound ways.

And this relationship that is shunned by the scientists is much clearer than the Loch Ness monster. It is sitting in plain sight.


Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Doctor in Your Kitchen: PARKINSON's DISEASE


Doctor in Your Kitchen: PARKINSON's DISEASE

The "Doctor in the Kitchen" blog has quite extensive information on Parkinson's Disease. There is a lot of good information on this site. Worth reading.

My very first client had Parkinson's. There was a distinctive "button" located on the stem of her toe. This would be the area from the brainstem reflex area to the midbrain reflex area.

The basal ganglia is implicated in Parkinson's. It is hard to say if this "button" covers that area but every Parkinson's patient I have worked on had the same stress cue- the button.

It was a round calcified area on the lateral or outside of the big toe. And here is the curious part. It always seem to be on the left big toe.

Reflexology does seem to help Parkinson's patient with the symptoms. In fact a scientific research group in the UK recommends it for symptom control.

My clients felt it helped. And anything that can help with Parkinson's is a blessing.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Friday, September 5, 2008

Ionic Foot Baths - Might as well flush your money down the john...

Talk about a hot topic. This is a very long blog on Ionic Foot Baths. They are the latest rage in using the feet to detox the body. They seem to be somewhat related to foot detox patches,

The writer of the blog generally discounts the foot baths as being nothing more than a placebo effect., In fact he feels you might as well flush your money down the toilet. However there are a lot of supporters who feel the foot baths have helped them out.

I love spirited debates. And this is one spirited debate.

How do I stand on it? Well I am a bit skeptical but I am ready to hear more. Research would be really good. Not much research is available.

What do you think? Has an ionic foot bath helped you?

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Walking Backwards

Walking Backwards on a Treadmill: Advantages, Benefits and More!

"Research has shown that walking backwards on a treadmill, also known as retro walking, puts greater strain on your cardiovascular system than walking forward at the same speed."

We are used to walking one way forward. Our muscles and nerves are used to following the same pattern. Walking backwards shakes things up. It even makes the brain operate a little differently.

This web site has a whole set of instructions on walking backward on a treadmill. Takes a lot of practice. There is a link to research which states that this exercise "may be helpful to the prevention of falls, especially for the elderly population."

While the web site has you walk backwards on a treadmill the research says you can do this "overground initially with the use of rails or the wall for support and eventually without external support as on learns to fully control the body and the directional changes."

And here is the really good news. You burn more calories. This could offset some of the comments from your neighbors.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

We reached a million



We have had a million hits for our Interactive Hand Reflexology Widget. That is in slightly less than a year's time. Close to 4000 placements have taken place. That means the Hand Reflexology Widget is on web sites, blogs, and social networking sites like Facebook or MySpace pages.

DK/Penguin just launched an Interactive Foot Reflexology Widget and all ready we have close to 40,000 hits. There are close to 300 placements.

Do you have a web site, blog or Facebook page you would like to put these charts on? Or would you simply like to put these interactive charts on your desktop? It is all very easy. Just go to http://www.dk.com/reflexology .

While you are there visit the full size interactive reflexology charts. They are really cool.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Britain's first barefoot park - Times Online


Britain's first barefoot park - Times Online

© OndagoArts Name. Image from BigStockPhoto.com


The article was in the Times of London. It was on Britain's first barefoot park. These parks are common throughout Germany. They are really sensory pathways with a variety of materials like grass, mud, straw and pine cones. These pathways frequently take you through water. The Germans also have really cute pathways for children in the shapes of different animals like snails. The paths do have a connection to reflexology but not in an overt way.

But as I am reading this article there is the most astonishing statment by Open University.

"Of course, there are those who refuse to accept reflexology as a valid concept. 'The notion that there are connections between the feet and other areas of the body have no foundation in anatomy or physiology,' says Dr Hilary Macqueen, a senior health lecturer at the Open University. 'You can't underestimate the power of placebo. If you believe something will make you feel better, it will, as the body has huge recuperative powers.' London Times

This is one crazy statement. But it is also an eye opener. Open University really believes that there is no connection between the feet and other areas in the body. Sorry, Dr. MacQueen but the placebo effect doesn't account for locomotion and the attending parts of the body necessary to make movement possible. That includes the internal organs that help provide fuel to make walking, running and other bipedal activities possible. And yes, the brain is also involved.

What dawned on me after reading Dr. MacQueen's profoundly ignorant statement is that in fact most of Western science and medicine do not get the connection between the feet and the rest body. Feet are like wheels on a cart to them. The feet aren't connected to anything but the leg. The feet do not integrate their activities with other parts of the body. They just don't interact with any other part of the body.

So there you have it. Like Donovan's brain the feet are disconnected from the rest of the body having little or no impact on the body's sensory or motor functions. Donovan's Feet?

I feel really good that I have a handle on what these "scientists" are thinking. Rubbish.

Kevin Kunz