Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Listening Skills That Help the Reflexologist

© YuriS. Image from BigStockPhoto.com.


Developing listening skills helps the reflexologist. It pays to listen. What you’re hearing are verbal stress cues, what’s making the client’s life stressful now or, at times, a recounting of stresses continuing from the past. Such conversation can help you develop a session plan and determine which reflex areas to target. And, talk about the people and places important to the client help establish and maintain a relationship with a client.

It’s always been noted that people seem to open up and talk when they’re sitting in the reflexology  chair. There are many theories and thoughts about this. For one, people just don’t have a chance to sit down and talk as they hurry through their busy days. Sitting opposite a reflexologist gives them that opportunity. Or, the touch of reflexology brings about a closeness that brings out the talk. 



There again, many believe that the body’s tissue holds memories that creates a physical impetus to share as reflexology is applied. (I was working with a client who normally saw Kevin when I came across an unusual stress cue, a hard pea-sized area of the foot. I made a mental note to ask Kevin’s opinion later. At that moment, the client chose to tell the story of one of the four times he had almost died. Feeling ill while traveling through Washington, he flew home to Albuquerque to see his doctor. The doctor told him he was about 10 minutes away from dying. An aneurysm of the aorta was causing internal bledding with the real possibility of bleeding to death. Hmmm, there under my thumb was a possibilty location for an aorta reflex area and site for this aneurysm.)

For whatever reason, clients will talk. There are many benefits for the reflexoloigst to actively listen. Remember you’re listening to the client’s personal story. It could be health history. It might be about their job—likes and dislikes. It could be the major events in their life (operations, car accidents, post traumatic stress). Any of this information could and will have a direct bearing on your work and where you will be applying technique. Tense day at the office? It’s time to work the solar plexus reflex area for stress reduction. Flare up of an old lower back  pain? Time to target the appropriate reflex area. Mention of a major car accident? It could explain why it’s taking time to make progress on the client’s on-going neck pain.

The client’s conversation could be about their family members or hobbies. Big tip: remember Fido’s name. All kidding aside, such information is important to maintaining your relationship. The family pet could be of major importance in this individual’s life. Remember the names of children, grand children, family members or co-workers. They’ll be mentioned again. Then there’s holiday or vacation trips. Take notes after the session to jog your memory in the future.



Another easy way to show interest is to tilt your head slightly and focus on what they say. The tilt is a way to visual cue them that you are interested in what they have to say. Use your body language as a simple way to let them know you are listening. 


Barbara and Kevin Kunz







Monday, March 29, 2010

Passionate about reflexology

Passionate about reflexology? Share your passion and use it to your advantage to sell your services. For example, have you yourself seen results with reflexology yourself? Have you used it to help family, friends, neighbors or co-workers? Guess what. You have a platform to make your case for the value of your services.

As a matter of fact, this is a prime selling feature. The passionate point of view tells a story for the consumer trying to make a decision about from whom to buy reflexology services. Think of this from the perspective of the potential or current client seeking to get results. How’s a client to choose a competent reflexologist? Consider credentials (supposedly) conferring competence in reflexology and hope to get results?

For example, in Santa Fe complementary services and service providers are abundant. Consumers are savvy buyers who are educated in such ideas, however, trying to decide from whom to buy services is not an easy task. In talking to a Santa Fe client, I noted that it’s important to find a service provider who is accomplished at getting results. My point was: why should you be a guinea pig when you’re paying for professionally delivered services? She was intrigued to consider how to make such a determination. 



My response was to consider the practitioner’s involvement in reflexology. Is it just another thing to add to a business card or a passion? I advised her to ask, Have you received help through reflexology? I was asked this question at a speaking engagement and thought it a curious question but I replied with my personal success-with-reflexology stories. Later, it occurred to me that the questioner had a very valid method of assessment.

So, how do you tastefully and professionally show your passion and convey your experience at result-getting? More Info. Gather your stories. Write them down. You may be surprised at your list. Frankly, not all may be applicable but it help to keep track of your “inventory” of results. (Yes, “case histories” have a place but also valid are the stories highlighting the personal side of things has a place in showing the client how reflexology fits into their life and health goals.) It’s also a part of the answer to the common client question, Can you help me with _____? There may or may not be research but you can also day, Yes, I have worked with that. What I found was ------------. Or, just say, No, I haven’t.

You can convey your reflexology passion by having stories ready to tell about what’s new, what’s interesting in reflexology. Fun or interesting information can convey your passion. Reflexology, foot or shoe information can be endlessly fascinating (or at least we think so). Did you read something? Discuss something with a fellow reflexologist? See something on a blog, Twitter? See something on TV? Always adjust to your client’s level of interest. Not everyone’s interested in hearing about the reflexology paths of Japan or the Vibram shoe.




Barbara Kunz

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Tweet me @twitter.com/kevinkunz
Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz 

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Study Finds Therapeutic Techniques May Help Alleviate Pain in Hospital Patients | Better Health Research

Study Finds Therapeutic Techniques May Help Alleviate Pain in Hospital Patients | Better Health Research

"According to a new study published in the Journal of Patient Safety, physicians who treat their patients with non-drug techniques may effectively stop their discomfort.'
"Treatments such as relaxation response, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, music and aromatherapy and reflexology were administered to 1,837 caridiovascular, medical, surgical, orthopedic, spin, rehabilitation, oncology and women’s health patients at Abbott Northwestern.'
"It was found that a high number of patients experienced up to 50 percent less pain..." Donna Parker, Better Health Research, March10, 2010
Kevin Kunz 

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Finding Science in Acupuncture - WSJ.com

How researchers view acupuncture gives a clue to how reflexology can be seen as well. “Medical Science Decoding Acupuncture Therapy” was the title of a recent Wall Street Journal article (March 23, 2010, p. D1). Statements about acupuncture’s mechanisms of action—how it works—sound similar to research discoveries about reflexology. “Studies in the early 1980’s found that acupuncture works in part by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, much like vigorous exercise does.… “Now, a growing body of research suggests that it may have several mechanisms of action. Those include stimulating the blood flow and tissue repair at the needle sites and sending nerve signals to the brain that regulate the perception of pain and re-boot the autonomic nervous system, which governs unconscious functions such as heart beat, respiration and digestion, according to Alejandro Elorriaga, director of the medical acupuncture program at McMasters University in Toronto which teaches a contemporary version to physicians.” The article notes that studies show acupuncture “Has proven effective in reducing nausea and fatigue caused by chemotherapy.” In addition, the article discusses findings about acupuncture resulting from neuroimaging such as the fMRI and EEG showing special effects on the brain.

Hmmm. Maybe medical science could decode reflexology too. Let’s see how reflexology and its research stacks up by the above measures. Stimulating blood flow: separate studies show reflexology improves blood flow to the kidneys, intestines, brain and feet. Perception of pain: 27 studies show reflexology’s impact on pain relief. Re-boot the autonomic nervous system: multiple studies show reflexology’s impact on heart beat, respiration and digestion. Reducing nausea and fatigue caused by chemotherapy: 8 studies show reflexology’s effect on nausea, vomiting and fatigue for those receiving chemotherapy. fMRI and EEG: 5 studies using fMRI and 5 using EEG demonstrate the effects of reflexology.



Barbara Kunz



Monday, March 22, 2010

blogtalk radio interview

"This is an absolute wonderful interview Kevin. I love it. I am so thankful to have you helping to pave the path for the future of reflexology!" Karla

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pmotc/2010/03/22/reflexology-with-kevin-kunz

Friday, March 19, 2010

Reflexology and Prevention of Obesity

© Trigem. Image from BigStockPhoto.com.
Reflexology and prevention of obesity—it would certainly be a boon to weight conscious everywhere. A small study from Korea opens the door to such ideas. Ten normal weight students and clients of the Korea Foot Manager Association (Koyang Branch) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: do nothing but lie in bed, receive lavender oil applied up to the knees and a foot reflexology group. “And the experiments were repeated 10 times, 50 minute sessiona dn 2-3 times a week” Measurements were taken of: weight, body mass, fat free mass,  BMI and edema index. Results: Those who laid in bed saw no change and those who received a lavender treatment showed a change that was not statistically significant. Members of the group who received reflexology session saw a statistically significant reduction in weight, body mass, fat free mass,  BMI and edema index (P<0.05). The results were seen to be significant for the prevention of obesity in regular weight women and “that especially it was effective in dissolution of edema obseity and weight loss.”

We can all hope. 

Kevin Kunz

Thursday, March 18, 2010

How tickling your feet can beat incontinence | Mail Online

How tickling your feet can beat incontinence
| Mail Online
: "A high-tech foot 'tickler' can reduce the symptoms of incontinence.
The device works by electrically stimulating nerves in the foot. In a new study, more than half the men and women who had the treatment improved"


The new device, the Urgent Neuromodulation System, stimulates the same group of nerves via the foot. However, it is handheld. It consists of a battery-powered stimulator, which generates an electrical impulse.

During the pain-free procedure, the electrode, which has a fine needle at the end, is placed in the skin near the ankle. The device is then turned on to 'tickle' the nerve. 

How tickling your feet can beat incontinence

By ROGER DOBSON
Last updated at 8:55 AM on 16th March 2010


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1258178/How-tickling-feet-beat-incontinence.html##ixzz0iZQnwVSn


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1258178/How-tickling-feet-beat-incontinence.html##ixzz0iZQVBFx5

Friday, March 12, 2010

Free Friday- Reflexology Resources




1. Interactive Foot and Hand Charts

Done with a design team from Kunz&Kunz and DK these charts are wildly popular and a great teaching tool as well. 


2. Free Widgets

These interactive widgets are free to put on your web site, blog, Facebook page and other social networking sites. 

Links  http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/foot-reflexology
Foot reflexology widget
          http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/hand-reflexology-dkindersley
Hand Reflexology Widget 



5. Free Facebook Reflexology Forum- A causal forum on reflexology for anyone to join

6. Free interaction with Kevin Kunz- http://facebook.com/kevin.kunz
Kevin's Facebook page that might as well be a forum. Lively, fast paced and a real treasure trove of information

8. Free Reflexology Information- http://www.reflexology-research.com 

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Help Us Improve Our Reflexology Newsletter

We are considering several options with our reflexology newsletter. We would really like to hear your input. We have left open opportunites to write in your opinion. We appreciate your time. Thank you. Kevin Kunz


Monday, March 8, 2010

Amazing Uses: Watching the Trends in Reflexology


The philosophy of just-do-it has come to health. 

A Facebook correspondent wrote to tell of her amazing use of and success with a reflexology mat. Incompletely paralyzed, not able to sense below the injury but able to walk a few steps with the use of crutches since a skiing accident in 1993, the Swiss resident walked on a reflexology mat each morning. She has experienced a return of bowel and bladder functions. For those unfamiliar with the life of a paraplegic, it is amazingly good news to be freed from the routines necessary to void the bladder and bowels. (More in future blogs as we interview the woman whose just-do-it spirit serves as an inspiration for us all.)

A recent Tweet recalls how the tweeter took care of his fibromyalgeia concern by applying reflexology and other complementary therapies.

Yes, it seems that more and more people are refusing to accept common wisdom, believe the prognosis of medicine, or whatever you want to call it. They’re stepping beyond what medicine has to offer and taking things in their own hands (and feet) to make a better, healthier life for themselves. 

And who knows what is to come? Such stories from the Web offer a view into trends, foretelling the future or so says a recent Wall Street Journal article noting its prognostication ability. “But some researchers say they can get a read on such trends (in the labor market) days or weeks ahead of the official numbers by studying Google searches, tweets and even queries at an online phone directory.” Numbers used by economists to predict the state of the economy are now being predicted in advance by such Web information: individuals who search Google for “what to wear to a job interview,” tweet phrases such as “I just had an interview,” or search Yellowbook.com related to remodeling.

One definite trend noted by Twitter watcher Kevin boding well for reflexologists is the number of individuals tweeting, “looking forward to my reflexology,” But now he is seeing more and more people tweet about looking beyond the treat and to the treatment.

Barbara Kunz


Thursday, March 4, 2010

SpaGate- Are Spas Using Bait and Switch on Their Customers?

I thought this was very interesting from Patricia Lavelle:


"this actually, by what i read... is not about massage.. but spas! The spas are trying to make money, from advertising reflexology and getting a therapist to carry out the treatment, who probably did a couple of weeks of reflexology, that were included in her beautician course... this is again, not to reflect all spas... and beauticians.."

"...a spa, would normally charge a high price for reflexology, so you won't  have the treatment... but it looks good, for the spa, that they offer the treatment.."keeps them looking up to date!   A hotel, near me 5* and very famous... charges 80 euro for a reflexology treatment, and the girl that does the treatments, is a beautician... and had three lessons in the reflexology..(i used to work there in sales and marketing)  it's a money spinner.. and bad advertising for reflexology..."



Money spinner. Quite a term. 



Kevin Kunz


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Are Spas Conning the Public?

© Nao. Image from BigStockPhoto.com.


Spa con we could call it—spa goers sign up for, are provided with and pay for “foot reflexology” services yet they receive a foot massage. This has been a common problem for any number of years. However, as reflexology moves from a treat to a treatment—an expectation from consumers for a relaxation service to a health-providing service—the issue becomes more urgent. Urgent for sap goers, reflexologists, massage therapists and spas themselves.

Let’s start the discussion with the experiences of two friends. Both went to high-end spas, one in Albuquerque and one in Dallas. Both asked and paid for “foot reflexology.” Both left the spa knowing that what they had received was not reflexology. Sally was particularly outraged. She loves foot reflexology (as done by Kevin anyway) and she’d paid $100. (Emphasis hers) Joan paid $45 in Dallas—discounted from the usual $65 because of the newly hired massage therapist/reflexologist. Joan was kinder in her comments since her “reflexologist” was a young relative. The “reflexologist” did confide that she really didn’t know what she was doing; had received one day of reflexology training in massage school and had been instructed by her spa supervisor: Do a foot massage. Just rub harder.

(Take a break from this blog and express your outrage here. Misrepresentation of foot massage as reflexology means the idea gets shortchanged. Incompetent services demean reflexologists who have worked for, literally, generations to build the reputation of reflexology as a health-giving service.)

Under these circumstances—bait-and-switch with foot massage substituted for reflexology—everyone loses. The spa-goer doesn’t receive requested services. The massage therapist / untrained “reflexologist” is placed in an awkward and unethical situation. The spa loses future income: the customer may not come back, will certainly not purchase “reflexology” services at this (or potentially any other) spa, and could file a complaint with the attorney general’s office under the Fair Practices Act, failure to receive purchased goods or services. Plus, dissatisfied customers tell others, further impacting future possible income.

So what’s the solution?
• If you’re a spa-goer, ask before you book: Has the reflexology service provider completed a course of study in reflexology? For more tips, see www.reflexology-research.com.
• If you’re the massage therapist / reflexologist at a spa, consider getting educated in reflexology. Expand your skill set and become the “foot person” at the spa.
• If you’re a reflexologist, here’s a chance for a job. Work out a deal with a spa.
• If you’re a spa owner, admit you’re actually losing money by failing to provide adequate, let alone expert, reflexology services. Hire a reflexologist. Get your reflexology service provider educated.