Hi,
I trained using corn flower and then used talc for my case studies. However i really found that most people have very dry skin on their feet and i have never treated a foot that did not need a good moisturize. I discovered tui foot balm for reflexologists which i really like but also end with a sweet almond oil mix with calendula and peppermint essential oil, which seems to go down well and is great for the feet. ( I am a aromatherapist).
🙂
I was trained with talc and still use talc.
Use just your hands - Reflexology is NOT massage - not even foot massage!
Anthony Larkin
Teacher of Reflexology to Practitioner Diploma level since 1987
Hi Anthony could you elaborate further as to why you feel so strongly about not using a medium.
Effects on fascia ?
I am not a reflexologist but I do alot of foot massage.Currently with oils.
Regards steve
after trial and error with lots of mediums...i use Badger's Balm organic products. i can see that use of mediums - especially oil - can allow the hands to 'slip' over the foot and its reflexes but clients do love them....and with my aroma training...i like the fact my badger's balm is packed full of lovely organic oils.
i'd also like to hear more about why reflexology should be performed 'bare'
but i dispute the fact that reflexology does not have a 'foot massage' element to it....my clients love the 'warm up and dessert' moves which are massage strokes and, as such, are better performed with a medium.
but also end with a sweet almond oil mix with calendula and peppermint essential oil, which seems to go down well and is great for the feet. ( I am a aromatherapist).
🙂
Might have to borrow this idea if that's ok ? (Am an Aromatherapist too)
Jo x
There is different points of view when it comes to mediums within reflexology. Over the last 12 years I've tried all sorts and now happy with oils that are high saturated or unsaturated ie coconut, olive and sesame. People should use what suits them.
The attitude of some reflexologist that it is not a foot massage is to make it more wow. I prefer to see reflexology as a combined foot massage and micro pressure point energy healing system that considers the feet as a reflection of the whole body.
Not forgetting that in some countries/states a reflexologist might not use a medium so they don't have to have a massage licence.
Why include massage? Because it is an effective form of healing that helps to build a rapport with the client, smoothes the nervous system, increases the flow of blood, lymph and Qi (Chi) both locally and throughout the body.
After many years of practising reflexology, I came to the conclusion that foot charts have there place but are generally rubbish; the intention to heal is paramount - energy follows thoughts - compassion in action; as in any form of healing whether surgery or reflex - the underlining ritual promotes the healing process; and if the feet are considered the microcosm of the whole body - any physical correction to the structure of the feet will provide balance/correction (homeostasis) to the whole body. Everything I have said can of course apply to hand, facial and ear reflexology. This may be this explains how different charts and methodologies seem to work.
RP
Use just your hands - Reflexology is NOT massage - not even foot massage!
Anthony Larkin
Teacher of Reflexology to Practitioner Diploma level since 1987
I find that reply very arrogant. ALL reflexologists know reflexology is not massage, so your attempt to belittle the OP has failed.
My first tutor used talc, but I didn't as I don't like talc. I'm not studying advance reflexology and my tutor advised us to use corn flower if the feet are sweaty. On very dry skin and to end the treatment I use Aqueous cream with peppermint or lemongrass. In summer if they are wearing flip flops I use aloe vera gel.
At the hospice they use E45 cream it's quite nice to work with too.