All about reflexology from authors Barbara and Kevin Kunz. "Barbara and I have written 20 books on reflexology in 22 language editions with 58 foreign editions. We have been doing reflexology for over 35 years."
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Reflexology Path Week
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Elephant, Bears and Reflexology
Does the behavior of elephants and bears hold a clue to why reflexology has been practiced throughout history? Do we creatures all act on natural impulses for our phsyical good?
A review of some facts and reports makes one wonder. First, elephants suffer from sore feet to the extent it can be life threatening. A zoo in South Africa reports that their elephants rolls their feet on rocks if they are available. Next, an ethnobotanist made headlines a few years ago when he reported that bears in the wild act with purpose when they dig up the osha plant and rub the root all over their bodies. The purpose: to treat or care for their fur and skin with the root, used by humans to make a soap. As noted by http://www.chinese-herbs.org/osha/ “Osha is one of the herb of so-called "bear medicine". In many cultures the bear is considered to be the prime healing animal, which uses herbs for its own good. In case with Osha, bears will roll on it and cover themselves with its scent; it will have the same effect as catnip for cats. Also first thing to do after hibernation a bear will eat osha, if it can find it, to cleanse its digestive system.”
Now, we come to the human side of things. Reflexology has been practiced by cultures throughout history with no signs of direct cross fertilization. This term means that the idea was not carried from culture to culture. A sociologist does have an explanation for why so many people at so many different times would create and practice reflexology. He states: “An archestructure can now be defined as a felt or perceived function or structural feature of the nervous system, projected or unconsciously acted out in the life-style or the beliefs, customs and social structures of the indicidual concerned or of whole communities” (Gooch, Stan F., Total Man, Ballantine Books, 1972, p. 209)
http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
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Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.
Monday, September 28, 2009
How to enjoy Mother Nature’s reflexology paths
Nowhere will you find a better reflexology path than those designed by mother nature herself. The beach, forest, meadow and stream can all provide a fun and unforgettable reflexology path experience. (See Nature's Reflexology Paths.)
Before you motor off to the nearest beach or forest there are a few things to consider. First, dress appropriately for the outdoors. Take suntan lotion and a good hat. Wear warm clothing if needed. The seashore may be sunny but we’ve spent many a chilly, wind blown day at the beach. Check the weather forecast. Rain and snow are no fun especially since rocks can become slippery and the ground muddy.
Next, consider where you’re planning to spend your day. An ecologically sensitive area or private property other than your own is off limits.
Be aware of your capabilities. Do you have trouble walking or standing? Do you have osteoporosis? Just because it’s pretty and inviting, consider whether or your sense of balance is good enough to stand atop any rock.
Be aware of where you are and what you’re doing. Generally survey the field intended for your footsteps. Judge whether or not the general area is foot friendly. Mother nature produces thorns and thistles and other things you don’t want underfoot. Watch where your step. Not all rocks are foot-friendly rounded surfaces. Not all forest paths are a walk in the park. Ragged rocks can cut your foot.
This is nature and not Disneyland. Be aware of your surroundings. A miscalulated in-coming tide once found us wading knee deep in water seeking dry land. If you’re standing in water, make sure you know what’s underfoot. Ocean coral can cut your feet. Slippery under water rocks can cause you to lose balance. Keep track of your location. Don’t get lost wandering off trail.
Look before you step. Consider how staple the rock or leg will be for your balancing body. One of our favorite beaches includes conveniently located tree branches to grip so we can more easily balance. A walking stick may be a help in maintaining balance.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Nature’s Reflexology Path: Vacationing on the rocks
There’s nothing like taking your feet on a vacation that you too can enjoy. Or so one would think if following us around on vacation. Vacationing in Maui will find us up at the crack of dawn. If there’s scant sun for tanning on the beach, no matter. We’re there for the rocks our feet can enjoy anyway. Driving a hundred miles so our feet can visit their favorite beach in northern California?
No problem.
Okay. So we’re there to sun and enjoy nature too. Our rock walking hobby has given us unforgettable scenes. There was the time we were walking on the ocean-smoothed lava rocks at Grandma’s Beach in Maui when two male humpback whales decided to give us a show, fighting over a female and performing a full range of behaviors usually seen only in books (breaches, tail slaps, head slaps to name a few). Seal moms and pups and sea lions and sea otters have waved at us (or so it seemed) as they swam by in Northern California.
The eroded rocky ocean-side terrain of Gerstel Cove at Salt Point State Park in Northern California, gave us an opportunity to experience tafoni, a rare geological surface found in only a few places on earth. Like kids turned lose at Disneyland, our feet couldn’t decide where to go next. There were so many things to see and do: big rocks, little rock, rocks embedded in stone and, most incredibly and most challenging, the honeycomb-like tafoni all while surrounded by sea creatures and some of Mother Nature’s most unusual geographic formations.
Tafoni forms when erosion from wind and water shapes the sandstone, previously leached of its moisture with deposits of hardened rock on the surface. The result is a visually interesting and foot-stimulating ridged surface. The word tafoni is from the Italian for perforated and examples of this type rock are also found on Sardinia and Corsica. (To create this effect at home, we’ve first visited the aquarium section of the pet store and purchased the shallow rock basin for the bottom of the tank. A word of warning: this is extreme.)
Point Reyes National Seashore close to San Francisco offered tide pooling opportunities to keep us busy as our feet enjoyed the varied rocky surfaces.
The Reflexology Path kit from Barnes & Noble
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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Got a lot of reaction to the self reliance. So here is another wow moment. You are in rural Ireland. No chance of quick medical help. In your sleep you here your wife cry out. You know it isn't good. When you arrive in the livingroom your friend... is lifeless. You dive for the floor and hit the center of his big toes repeatedly. After 10 hits to the left toe and 7 to the right he bolts upright and names everyone in the room asking why we are all standing around him. I want to see the reflex revival technique studied. It could save a lot of lives. It is as self reliant as you can get.
It is what we call the pituitary. But I think it is a lot more than that. It is the start of the longest neuron in the body. It goes from the center of the big toe to the brain stem. Brain stem effects a lot of different functions such as respiration, heart rate and so forth. (That why I used the brain stem for arrhythmia), I revived a woman twenty years earlier with the same technique. Same thing lifeless- no vital signs. Our frined it turns out had a rare disorder called Brugada's syndrome. It's only symptom is sudden cardiac death. There is more to this.
I am not a big fan of using knuckles but in this situation I would use knuckles or instruments(pencil eraser?) if you aren't strong enough to get in deep. Worry about the bruising later. The thing that I will try do if you are interested is do a short video. It isn't a hard technique. But what really gets me is how fast they come back. And with both of them there was no chance of medical help arriving. Now I still believe you need to do conventional first aid but if someone is free or if nothing works.
What intrigues me about this is that they are cognitive. Not groggy but right there with you. We have a newsletter article on this. I will post a link, I know the stress cue for this disorder. I don't know how you test revival techniques. It isn't in the kit but the technique is in Complete Reflexology for Life. And it works with people who have simply passed out. You can use the thumb. More?
Barbara was just on the phone to Michael. It was three years ago this happened. I can also tell you that they tested Michael after this and couldn't find the same patterns on his ekg's. It took a genetic test to confirm. I can also tell you I work a much wider area on the heart after this particularly under the big toe. It is the timing on the heart that goes haywire.
Completely stopped no signs of life. With arrhythmia I used the whole stalk of the toe up to the pituitary area. I think the revival techniques has other applications since it is the longest neuron in the body. the other person I revive about 23 years ago was what I thought was kicking when she came out. After we looked into it it might have been walking. The walking reflex area is in the same area as basic metabolic functions like heart beat and breathing. The EMT's got lost because the house's numbers were removed for painting. I asked her if she knew who I was and she said, "Yes you are a jackass." We knew she was back because she always talked to us that way.
Oh Brugada is when the heart goes into arrhythmia and then it stops. His had stopped. 2nd leading cause of death among young men in Asia right behind car crashes. Now they have discovered an Irish strain. The stress cue is right under the big toe on the ball of the foot. Hurts like hell. Lots of calcification.
Kevin Kunz
http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology
Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
“Getting Well: It’s About Time.”
This is Barbara's reaction to a Wall Street Journal article, “Getting Well: It’s About Time.”. The premise of the article is about the staggering costs of seeking medical care for illnesses which will just take time to recover from rather than meriting what are unnecessary tests, treatments and doctor visits.
The headache hit me on Christmas Day, 1974. It was a bad headache. I was particularly attuned to headaches at that time. You see, my sister had died in May at the age of twenty-five from an aneurysm of the brain. Her last words were I have a bad headache. So, it was off to the doctor for me. Here I was told I was suffering from a sinus headache. I was relieved but little was I to know that I was embarking on an occasional but lifelong quest: life without a sinus headache.
I soon tired of prescription medicine. In addition to the inconvenience and expense of seeing the doctor every time I needed a refill, I felt I was having side effects—a buzz in the back of my head.
I moved on—to over-the-counter remedies. I soon tired of them. Why you ask? It was simple: I didn’t want to be dependent on the little pills and dependent I was. I needed my pill every four hours or the headache was truly excruciating.
I moved on—to reflexology. My husband Kevin had become interested in the idea and I was his test subject. Much to my relief, it worked. I could be headache free with reflexology.
I moved on—to self-help reflexology. It was obvious I had a chronic problem that needed on-going attention and I wanted to be self sufficient, taking responsibility for my own health concern. Yes, it has worked. Now, I do work at it—some years and some seasons of the year more than others—and at the moment I am in a more-work-needed cycle.
Why do I bore you with my sinus headache story? It’s because I’ve discovered that my headache and I are trendy. Yes, we’re at the forefront of the health care debate sweeping the country and being pursued around the world.
What’s so special about me? Well, to put it bluntly, I’ve been self reliant. I haven’t depended on anyone or anything other than myself (and OK, Kevin) to solve my health concern. Over the years I’ve considered in personal terms what it’s saved me in time and money not to visit doctors or to buy prescription drugs or over-the-counter remedies. I’ve been proud and self- satisfied for being in control of my health destiny, out from under the tyranny of a little pill and avoiding the potential side effects no matter how benign the medication. But I’ve never thought before what a big favor I’ve done for my country. (OK, I am kidding here.) Frankly, I was doing what was self-serving for me and I succeeded.
I really don’t expect any accolades for my exemplary efforts (OK if you want to send some though). What I do expect, however, is your consideration of an idea many seem to think is far out on a limb.
You see I am a professional reflexologist and the author of 13 reflexology books published in 19 languages and 57 foreign editions. In certain circles, my name would be well known and I would be acknowledged as a leading authority—for one, the Chinese Reflexology Association considers Kevin and I to be the leading experts in “Western reflexology.” I won’t go into details here about the practice of reflexology since ancient times or the millions around the world who rely on reflexology for healthful benefits or the hundreds of studies that show the impact of reflexology work on the human body.
I would like you, however, to see what I saw when I read a recent Wall Street Journal article (September 22, 2009) and I quote: “An estimated one-third to one-half of the $2.2 trillion Americans spend annually on health care in the U. S. is spent on unnecessary tests, treatments and doctor visits.” Author Melinda Beck notes that our doctors do not want to see us for an array of maladies that the passing of time can solve. These include; “colds, flu, sore throats, sore muscles, headaches, stomach aches, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, hangovers, back pain, jaw pain, tennis elbow, blisters, acne and colic.”
What I saw in my mind’s eye were the people I have known who have sought and received reflexology’s help to ease symptoms for health concerns including many of those listed. For example, Ms. Beck notes that colic passes in four months time. I think of the parents’ four months of nerves frayed by the sound of a crying baby, sleepless nights, and work productivity reduced. By the way, a Danish study shows that reflexology reduced crying time for half of colic infants, eliminated the problem for one fourth, and created improvements for the rest that were significantly better than those of the control group.
You can see where I’m going with this. Yes, some of the maladies I have personally tackled may have passed with time. I can tell you, however, that thanks to reflexology I have by-passed unpleasant effects of discomfort and pain as well as improved my quality of life, missing fewer days of work and fewer family events. I’m pleased and proud and hopeful that those who have read our reflexology books or used reflexology have been able to impact their own health, the health of their family and friends and/or professional clients.
I can’t tell you that either research or my personal and professional reflexology experiences make me think reflexology can solve all problems for all people. I can tell you, however, that ideas such as reflexology and efforts such as mine and those of many others—and possibly yours too depending on what you’ve done for yourself—can help solve a national problem.
I ask that when you think of the national debate on health care now underway, you realize that solutions are out here, just beyond what may be considered conventional but which—if you’re smart— may be an answer to your personal health pursuit and, yes, the nation’s problem.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Reflexology Paths of Japan
The Reflexology Paths of Japan are unique among reflexology paths of the world. More information The paths commonly found throughout Asia consist of a sidewalk-like walking surface of embedded stone surface extending for the full length of the walk. More Information Elements from nature such as bark, logs, stones, moss, mud and more are found on the barfusspads (bare foot paths) of Germany.More Information Such paths target all reflex areas of the foot with occasional specific pressure applied to a reflex area as the foot meets a well placed object.
The Reflexology Paths of Japan are designed to work each and every specific reflex area of the foot with carefully designed and crafted walking surfaces. The paths are found all over‹in urban areas and park settings: city parks, nature parks, fitness facilities, natural hot springs businesses, business parks, even a car park garage and the roof of a sewerage treatment plant. In some instances the Paths are included in theme parks with hot springs and / or facilities for traditional bathing.
Kevin Kunz
http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology
Monday, September 21, 2009
Why Our Health Matters- Dr. Weil
Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future
In a sense I have felt lost in the health care debate. On the one hand it is important that everyone in this country does get health care. But on the other hand what kind of health care can we get under the present system. Not very good I am afraid. Prevention as an example is seen as pork with no real benefit.
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Friday, September 18, 2009
Wobble, wobble...WII eee...
I have been working with the WII Fit system for awhile. The one element that has been rather discouraging is the balance test. The initial test has you stand on the "Fitness Board" and try to remain still. My balance always seems to be too far to the left. And the line following my movement looks like it is tracking earthquake tremors. If you look at the callusing on my feet the really heavy callus is on the left heel.
Kevin Kunz
http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology
Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Elusive Reflexology Paths of Japan
As a researcher it doesn’t get any better than the “wow” moment when the hunt for the elusive Japanese reflexology path finally came together: the thrill of the hunt, the pleasure of discovery, that moment of realization bringing together layers of research over twenty years—wow.
I knew it had to be there on Google translate somewhere—the Reflexology Paths of Japan. The topic is so popular and the paths in China so extensive, I knew Japan must have lots but my searches were fruitless. Then I combined my discoveries. I knew “foot reflex” was the term to use when searching instead of “reflexology” when searching for reflexology information in the Japanese language Google translate but “path” didn’t help—until I noticed the use of “promenade” on two sites I could find. Plugging in “foot reflex promenade,” I came across the Mother Lode. Web site after Web site of reflexology paths complete with extensive photos.
But the discoveries didn’t stop there. Now that I was in, seeing path after path, I suddenly noticed that many repeated the same elements: differing embedded stone sizes, a bridge, a by-pass (with one side for a more ouch-producing stone size and the other half a more gentle stone size). Yes, the configurations varied with the site available for placement of the reflexology path but I must admit I was truly moved when realized what I was looking at.
You see, the paths were replications of the original reflexology path at Shiseido designed by and built under the direction of Mr. Abe Shunichi around 1990. Mr. Shunichi was given the task of helping his company’s health by considering construction of a health facility. (“Our factory manager’s policy is that ‘good products cannot be produced by staff with health problems.’ A walking path and gym with equipment were both considered but then Mr. Shunichi drew on his personal experience with reflexology (see below) and decided to build a path to walk on and receive the benefits of reflexology. The true genius of Mr. Shunicihi’s work was to design individual segments in the sidewalk like structure. Each individual segment would include rocks specific to working each of reflexology’s reflex areas. Various materials were tested and a decision resulted that nine patterns “suitably press the Rwo-Shr points.”
What was truly moving was the realization that the efforts of one man would have such profound impact. Yes, Mr. Shunichi created an amazing blueprint for a generation of reflexology paths to come, impacting the health of his country by an unimaginable measure. (See below.) And, yes, research at Shiseido showed his efforts accomplished an improved productivity and a gradual decrease in health care costs.
I applaud Mr. Shunichi’s efforts but, you see, it was the realization, once again, that the work of Father Josef Eugster, had done so much to change our world yet again. You see, Mr. Shunichi became familiar with reflexology when he lived in Taiwan in 1983 and his wife was taken ill with gastritis that demanded continual medication. Mr. Shunichi and his wife were told about and started applying “the Rwo-Shr.” Rwo-Shr translates from Mandarin Chinese as “Josef.” It is the reflexology method named after Father Josef. In brief, however, let me say that Father Josef is quite literally a one-man army whose reflexology work, revived from ancient Chinese practices, created an enthusiasm for an idea that stormed the Asian continent.
Today Father Josef’s influence is all pervasive throughout Asia. Whole industries of reflexology products, practitioners, and, yes, reflexology paths started with one man working with ancient traditions. In Asian cultures where expectations of self-reliance in health is accepted and expected, reflexology was and is an idea whose time has come—thanks to Father Josef.
I really don’t know what to say at this point in my search for the Japanese reflexology path. I’ve come full circle through 20 years—Kevin and I met Mr. Shunichi and Father Josef at a Tokyo conference then and have studied their ideas since. I appreciate: the “wow” moment; the demonstration that an idea developed and expanded can have profound impact; the blueprint of what we in other countries can do to better our citizens’ health and, perhaps most of all, the clear message of the ability of one person to create a better world.
Barbara Kunzhttp://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology
Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Life- Order yours today.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Reflexology Connecting Worldwide- Out latest newsletter
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Kevin Kunz
http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology
Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Reflexology Path kit released
The Chinese tradition of tap shek (stone stepping) is now a part of the country’s fitness plan with
government funding for construction of reflexology paths in cities.
In China the elderly line up in long queues every morning and evening for their 15 minute walks
on reflexology path in parks for fitness.
In Germany, reflexology paths at schools or on family outings are used as a walking training
ground to help children develop healthfully.
“Walking the cobblestone road” (reflexology path) is a “national popular fitness method” and a
“fashionable fitness” activity in China.
German reflexology paths in barfussparks (barefoot parks) take walkers over terrains such as
logs, streams, pine cones, moss, mud and other elements found in nature.
Reflexology paired with walking, standing or exercising on a cobblestoned or bamboo surface
has been proven to be a safe, low impact activity that exercise-avoiding seniors (and others) will
gladly undergo.
Kevin Kunz
http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology
Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Reflexology Path kit released
Finally the Reflexology Path kit has been released online. It maybe awhile longer to get in the Barnes and Noble stores.
• Reflexology mat walking research shows that walking on the cobblestone-like surface impacts
mental and physical quality of life for the elderly including blood pressure, pain reduction and
control over falls.
• Research in China has found that walking the reflexology path is a form of fitness helping to prevent chronic illness as well as to sharpen mental acuity.
• Walking the reflexology path provides a means to engage in a low impact physical activity for
the exercise reluctant and out-of-shape health seeker.
• Research on walking the reflexology path showed that use created favorable mental changes in negative mood states such as anger, depression, tension, and confusion.
So grab your kit and start walking the cobblestone mat. You will enjoy it.
http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Follow me on Twitter-http://twitter.com/footreflexology
Paperback edition of Complete Reflexology for Lifeis here- Order yours today.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
We have been taking some time off
The release of Complete Reflexology for Life, the paperback edition went well. Went from 89 in Reflexology standing on Amazon to number 1. Some real nice reviews.
The really good news is that the Reflexology Path Kit will be in the Barnes and Noble stores on Saturday and Sunday. You might stock up quickly as it looks like they will sell out quickly.
More soon.
Kevin Kunz