Here you will find questions about reflexology
posed by Students in Training, Graduates, and Post Graduates of
the Modern Institute of Reflexology. Insight to these questions
is offered by Zachary Brinkerhoff (Director of Studies), MIR Advisory
Board Members, Students, Graduates and Post Graduates of the Institute.
If your question is not listed here? Continue to study the Website
where many answers may lay waiting in the context of an information
page. You may also Email Dr. Brinkerhoff or call and talk to a
Reflexology Practitioner @ 1-800-533-1837.
I. Are there any conditions that would
be a contraindication for reflexology treatment?
(to top of page)
Contraindication is a much debated question within the Reflexology
Community. A determination whether to proceed with treatment in
the face of a possible contraindication depends on correct interpretation
of the recipients health history, the proper technique, tempo
of reflexology point activation that is utilized, understanding
the reflexology mechanism of action, and intuitive sense of the
practitioner drawn from an attitude of believing prayer after
consideration of all available data.
I once had a recipient two days into his ankle injury (from a
hunting mishap in his row boat) experience an almost instant and
dramatic increase in ankle pain. He firmly requested that I cease
the basic reflexology finger pressure procedure that I was applying
to the corresponding point on his wrist (known as a referral area).
Why the pain? Does the sudden increase in pain mean I shouldn't
have treated him with this basic reflexology technique applied
to a remote referral reflex point? Was the pain good? Or bad?
The first action recommended by standard medical for such such
an injury is either application of pressure on the area of injury
(held until the pain stops) and/or immersion in a bucket of ice
water or use of an ice pack. Why? Because these procedures help
to close the dilated capillaries. This excessive distention of
the pores occurred at the point of tissue trauma. The swelling
(edema) that occurs from this capillary pore dilation is the result
of excessive blood proteins, red blood cells (bruising) and water
flooding the interstitial space (space between the cells) from
the traumatized capillaries. This influx of unwelcome blood components
will block access of oxygen and nutrients to the cells; if the
lymphatic system is unable to clear this congealing mucoid debris.
Cellular death begins to occur under this condition.
Artistic comparison of the "dry" and the disease
state of
the space between cells. (Courtesy of Samuel West.)
How can reflexology help correct this disease state? First we
need to understand that this congestion in the interstitial space
(space between the cells) is held together by what's called the
"sodium/blood protein bond". If electricity is induced
into the affected area by a "direct current micro amp generator"
... the valence of this bond can be broken. In addition to the
many other electrical devices used in the medical community for
eliminating the symptom of this congestion ... pain ... similar
electricity known as the direct current of regeneration can also
be directly discharged from the brain.
This DC of regeneration discharged from the brain is initially
triggered by the direct current of injury created by the original
trauma. However, additional reinforcement of this current of regeneration
can be induced with focused meditation and/or believing prayer.
A person unable to muster his own inner electrical energies through
meditation, positive thinking or the prayer of faith can assist
his recovery effort with acupuncture and/or reflexology applications.
Or the needy person may search out a practitioner who can pass
the DC of regeneration through a loving touch or the prayerful
laying on of hands. Some are so gifted that they are able to pass
this current of regeneration by way of a spoken word or a focused
thought.
The Electric Eel operates on the same DC electrical system
as
humans. The "electrical shock" emitted from their tail
to kill their
prey is the same type of electricity as the current of regeneration
discharged from the human brain.
In addition to the naturally discharged DC of regeneration from
the brain, simple static electricity created by friction can equally
neutralize the "sodium/blood protein bond". This breakup
of mucoid debris allows the now dissociated smaller particles
to then flow through the lymphatic vessels and into the lymph
nodes for purification and return to the blood stream where the
processed debris is either recycled or eliminated as waste through
the skin, kidneys, lungs, liver and the rectum via the intestines.
The question? To reflex or not to reflex? Contraindications for
reflexology? Pain? Is it good or bad? Could reflexology be life
threatening?
Under Zachary's
watchful eye, Jesus Manzaneras, MD,
of Barcelona, Spain tutors a USA student. Teaching
thoracic reflexes 1-4 which connect with both the heart
and the lungs. This special class was conducted following
the RAA 2002 Conference in Rhode Island.
Dr. Manzaneras ( who gave 70,000 treatments to patients with
a single diagnosed disease in the acute state for the purpose
of establishing reliable reflex reference points) has sited a
specific contraindication: "We have to be careful when treating
a chronic respiratory process. If there is an infection going
on, we have to wait to begin with a treatment (on the lung reflex)
until the acute phase is over. DO NOT MASSAGE LUNG AREA IF THERE
IS AN ACTIVE LUNG TUBERCULOSIS because we could stimulate the
dissemination of germs into other organs." However, Manzaneras'
contraindication does not preclude working other areas to boost
the immune system.
Again, some reflexology teachers warn against treatment during
the first trimester of pregnancy as a precaution against potential
miscarriage due to an unstable pregnancy (just in case you may
not be aware of diagnosed or undiagnosed possibilities for complications).
There are others that don't think a pregnant woman should have
a reflexology treatment at all. However, the Full Spectrum Reflexology
Method contains enough diversity of technique that I personally
believe there is a reflexology treatment that can be selectively
chosen and properly applied in association with any health condition
or state of disease.
It is my judgment that barefoot reflexology treatment
for a female with a known history of miscarriage should be started
six months before a scheduled/planned conception. In conjunction
with good body water management, a nutritional diet, professional
reflexology sessions, and moderate daily sunshine together with
barefoot reflexology will help to tune-up the various organs and
glands for their impending challenge of a successful pregnancy.
Some consider foot infection a contraindication for reflexology
treatment. However, since I started working with thick cotton
socks over the feet I have never turned a person away due to any
type of infection (in fact I don't remember turning away any soles
since 1967). The practitioner has to consider the state of his
own immune system and the level of faith at which he operates.
I have never taken illness through a reflexology treatment, nor
for that matter when I kissed my ill wife on the lips. Again,
Jesus violated the health law of his nation by touching infected
lepers with his hand, but he never caught the disease ... he only
healed them. The Son of Adam never turned anyone away (not even
the unclean Syrophenician woman) and I personally don't
anticipate refusing anyone I can get into my treatment chair.
I had a cripple in a wheelchair (like myself) come into the clinic
three weeks ago ... a homeless person struggling with alcohol
and his lot in life. Urine soaked from a damaged sphincter muscle
I tried to get him into the Aerobic Bouncing Chair, but he suddenly
experienced a spasm from a former brain injury ... straightened
out ... and four of us did well to even get him back into his
wheelchair. I set him up with a Photoluminescent Reflex Beamer
I-1 for self treatment and asked him if he would like for me to
pray with him as he wheeled towards the exit. As I took his "smelly"
urine soaked hand in mine ... he gripped me firmly. When I concluded
my verbal prayer ... be began to pray in turn. He was inspired
and encouraged as we concluded our time together.
Yes, as I came back into the clinic I washed my hands and hand
rims of my wheelchair. Yes, we washed the towels and plastic liner
we put in the bouncing chair. But I bore no fear of catching any
disease. My only thought was the admonition in the second chapter
of James regarding discrimination against the poor man that is
so common in high society. The poor man who comes into your facility
dressed in soiled, vile clothing. The warning not "leave
him standing or telling him to sit on the floor" in preference
to the couch. "Hear this, my beloved brethren: Has not God
chosen the poor of the world who are rich in faith to be heir
of the kingdom which God has promised to those who love him? If
you fulfill the law of God: You shall love your neighbor as yourself,
you do well. But you have despised the poor."
Dr. Jesus Manzanares Corominas, MD, believes we have to think
as scientists, not as theologians with a mystic focus.
The answer? Manzanares states: "Nowadays ... the image
of 'mystic therapy' is now disappearing due to the investigations
that demonstrate reflexology's neuron biochemical base. This is
the path to follow. We have to think as scientists, not as theologians."
However, I believe there is merit in combining both schools of
thought ... a balance between science and an intuition developed
through a prayerful approach to treatment.
Dr. Alfred Reinhard Bird Bear Obes,
MD
|
Reflexologist Alfred Obes, MD, agrees resoundingly that intuition
has played an important role in his successful treatment of life
threatening conditions. He believes that development and exercise
of intuition was an integral part of his success as Head of Intensive
Care. He operated his intensivist team in several major hospitals
in Germany before coming to the USA. Obes and I mutually agree
that both science and intuition contribute to proper diagnosis
and complement each other to produce a successful outcome. The
patient/recipient has to be approached as a unique individual.
His request for help must be respected. His pain tolerance has
to be carefully observed and not violated. And we need to remember
that one man's food may be another person's poison. Therefore,
prayerfully cultivated intuition is indispensable in any final
reflexology treatment decision.
So, if the recipient is willing to bear the pain of dynamic healing
activity and all indicators are positive .. then apply the proper
reflexology technique and let the healing begin. However, a novice
student needs to be patient and realize the importance of learning
to make the right call through the process now known as INTUITIVE
EXPERIENTIALISM.
It is taught by MIR that mistakes will be made by reflexology
practitioners, and these misjudgments are considered part of the
learning process. However, make sure that you learn the lesson
your first time around and don't necessitate the taking of the
same class twice. The Reflexologist should also be sure to have
the recipient read the Full Disclosure Document and take the time
to discuss any questions that might arise in the recipient's mind
about the myriad of possible "side effects". Once agreement
has been reached on best procedure ... let the adventure embodied
in Full Spectrum Reflexology begin.
Security
is mostly a superstition.
It does not exist in nature,
nor do the children of men
as a whole experience it.
Avoiding danger
is no safer in the long run
than outright exposure.
Life is a daring adventure
or nothing at all.
Helen Keller
II. When giving a reflexology treatment
do we use only the amount of pressure that the client/patient/recipient
can endure?
(to top of page)
Fr. Joseph Eugster demos his most painful probe technique.
|
When you create pressure to a specific reflex/meridian point:
on a recipient; you should only create the amount of pain that
THEY ARE WILLING TO BEAR. More seasoned patients will understand
the value of pain and many times ask for deeper pressure. Then
you are obliged to take them to the maximum level of their tolerance
in order to meet their perceived need.
The practitioner's effort to meet the demand of a recipient for
more pain could result in injury to himself in his effort to create
the requested reflex point pressure. The resultant over-stressing
of the practitioner's anatomical structure will eventually result
in self-inflicted injury. This is why the use of instruments is
important. They are used to meet the need of the client without
creating injury to the hands or wrists of the practitioner.
Conversely, an instrument such as the DRUMmer, Dr. Wittman's
Reflex-O-Massager or Reflex Beamer's can be used for dynamic effect
when the pain tolerance of the recipient is very low. These type
of instruments are able to create deep stimulus without the pain
caused by knuckles or various wood, stone or steel probes.
Recipient Jean Wrasse enjoys Wittman's
Reflex-O-Massager
activation of K1 meridian point at Afoot Connection.
III. When I give a reflexology treatment,
is there a certain way to begin. Should I work only the reflexes
related to the problem requested by the client? Or should I give
a full treatment?
(to top of page)
First the recipient of treatment must be fully informed through
a full disclosure document regarding all the possible repercussions
and side effects of treatment. If they want to limit the potential
for reaction to the treatment ... it would be best to limit the
treatment time and focus primarily on those reflexes related to
the problem area. Neutralizing the fundamental underlying cause
of disease will take cooperation between both the recipient and
practitioner over a period of time. In the cases of acute and
the more chronic cases the time element could run from 6 months
to 2 years of consistent self-treatment with professional oversight.
Sometimes you will experience the one-treatment-resolution, but
in the case of the older citizen? The recovery time is usually
more extended.
Student Erik Z. Whisker (shown in his treatment room) took
two years to finish course. Note Student in Training Certificate
and Lay Ministry Commission
of Foot Reflexology in hand.
I have a basic treatment package that I can build upon according
to recipient's need: Dr. Riley's Ultra Massager aka the
DRUMmer for activation of the K1 meridian point and the Photoluminescent
Reflexology Beamer radiation to the plantar of both feet. I seek
to match the recipients durability with the length (5 minutes
to 1.5 hours) and intensity (pressure, speed and diameter of reflex
tip) of treatment. When K1 stimulus is followed with Reflexology
Beamer radiation to the feet reflexes ... most recipients will
emerge from the relaxation state in a condition of equilibrium
(recipients with a hypersensitivity to light energy are excluded
from this aspect of treatment). More extensive reflexology treatment
might include the use of thumb-walking, wooden probes, foot joint
micro alignment reflexology pressure technique, needle pressure
to ear reflexology points, and prayer according to patient request
and/or need.
If a recipient feels nauseated or dizzy after treatment, I help
them step onto a mini trampoline or sit in the Aerobic Bouncing
Chair, and encourage them to very gently bounce for a minute or
two. This helps move the waste loosened by reflexology's bio electric
effect. Moving it through the lymphatic system ... helping to
clear the space between the cells. As normal oxygen levels return
to the cells ... the recipient begins smiling again. The re bounder
usually helps to solve these type of toxic overload problems.
Dr. Manzanares
instructs on reflex stimulus
to thoracic 10-11 which connect with the
bladder, uterus, testes and ovarian.
As a medical physician Dr. J. Manzanares Corominas,
MD (cited in a previous question) recommends treating only the
condition for which the patients has been diagnosed. This is a
safe approach for a novice student when giving treatment to the
elderly and those with weak constitutions. But for those wanting
to get well and willing to endure the discomfort of deep cleansing
reactions (as when debris is dislodged from the interstitium and
begins to flow into the lymphatic system for purification and
recycling or elimination from the body) you may administer a wider
scope of reflex stimulus involving selections from both feet,
hands, ears and other selected energy points along the zones and/or
meridians of the body.
Never
measure the height of a mountain,
until you have reached the top.
Then you will see
how low it was.
Dag Hammarskjold
IV. Do I work on both feet simultaneously?
Or one foot at a time?
(to top of page)
Dr. Eunice Ingham Stopfel
|
Eunice Ingham taught me to entirely
work one single foot ... covering all the reflexes ... before
proceeding to the second foot. However, a special relaxation treatment
focused on the Solar Plexus was her one exception. In class she
had me place the thumb of my right hand in contact with the solar
plexus reflex on the left foot of the classmate-recipient. Then
the thumb of my left hand onto the corresponding reflex of her
right foot.
Once every body in the class had both of their thumbs in position
on the Solar Plexus reflex points, Eunice signaled us to began
to apply a steady pressure to both feet at the same time, gradually
increasing the pressure while the recipient (in response to the
pressure) started to inhale slowly and deeply. In anticipation
of the recipients need to exhale, I followed the instruction to
gradually release the thumb pressure while the recipient slowly
released the air from her lungs. Then the process was repeated
five to nine times in a rhythm compatible with the ability of
the recipient to participate.
Eunice Ingham
Stopfel's Solar Plexus reflex chart
used to identify area for simultaneous thumb
pressure technique for recipient relaxation.
Eventually I began to experiment by working from foot to foot,
i.e., alternating from pituitary to pituitary; right kidney then
left kidney; ascending colon then descending colon, left eye then
right eye, etc. Over the years ... somewhere along the line ...
I began simultaneously working both pituitary points (one on each
foot) which required some single hand pressure applications. Some
points in the heel had to be worked by crossing your hands ...
right hand on recipients right foot and left hand on the left
foot.
I was invited to speak at the 1989 North American Reflexology
Association Conference held in Toronto on the subject:
"Water: The Conductor". There I met another guest speaker
named May Post from Pennsylvania. I was pleased to learn that
she had been teaching her students to perform reflexology on both
feet by alternating between them. Mrs. Post was the first reflexologist
I had found who believed in the same approach of altering from
foot to foot. I was encouraged to have found another who had been
practicing and teaching a similar approach.
After meeting with May I was inspired to further perfect the
dual foot approach. Eventually I got good at simultaneous activation
of many reflexes, but some points were just not practical to try
to work with a single hand (one hand on one foot). Advantage?
Yes, you could cover more reflexes in less time by working both
feet at once, and there appeared to be more dynamic response with
simultaneous stimulus. The Institute's Research Staff has likewise
observed and concluded the advantage to simultaneous stimulation
to reflexes of both the feet, the hands and the ears.
One disadvantage of working one foot completely before moving
to the second foot? Well, I have had recipients suddenly look
at their watch, jump up out of the reflexology chair, and run
out the door. They had forgotten another appointment and left
with only one foot treated. By working both extremities alternately
or simultaneously ... this type of half-body treatment
situation is avoided entirely.
V. I have watched the Video Demonstration
of the Foot Joint Micro alignment Reflexology Pressure Technique,
but don't seem able to do it perfectly --- Can you help me?
(to top of page)
)
1949 photograph
of Dr. John Martin Hiss' large clinical practice in Los
Angeles. Note five patients on treatment platform receiving Bone
Set
technique. Eleven patients sit in background awaiting their turn.
MIR Video on Foot Joint Micro alignment Reflex Pressure Technique
is based on the Hiss Procedure using a LaFuma Reflexology Chair.
Hiss' great work established a protocol for better understanding
of functional disorders in human feet based upon both pathological
and mechanical changes that he studied and documented in treatment
of 35,000 patients over 25 years of practice in his Clinic. This
was his contribution so that practitioner could arrive at more
accurate diagnosis. It is important for the modern reflexologist
to possess some degree of knowledge about the Hiss Classification
of Functional Foot Disorders, so he can recognize and successfully
deal with the vast array of abnormalities suffered by the shoe
wearing public. This huge reservoir of data has been masterfully
deciphered by Hiss and gives reflexologists a framework upon which
to build a more successful reflexology practice.
Functional Foot Disorders by John Martin Hiss, B. S.,
M. A., D. O., M.D., Sc.D., is the foundation upon which the Institute
continues to further develop the Foot Joint Micro alignment Reflexology
Pressure Technique. This basic procedure is contained on Video
#3 and is one of many techniques presented in the Full Spectrum
Reflexology Home Study Correspondence Course that is presented
on this Website.
Reflexologist
Jay Kaufman, DC
|
As you review the Website and/or take the Home Study Reflexology
Course you will be able to determine the techniques with which
you are comfortable (some students choose to use hands only and
avoid the probes and percussion instruments). There are a few
students that have been able to accomplish the Foot Joint Micro
alignment Reflexology Pressure Technique. Chiropractor Jay Kaufman
watched the video once and had the procedure developed into a
routine within an hour. That is Dr. Jay in photo to left performing
MIR's Technique on an employee of a bank that hired his services
in Hanford, Pennsylvania.
|Dr. Michael
Berlin makes judgment on effectiveness
of the
Percus-O-Matic jackhammer
prototype in his
Lakewood Podiatric Clinic.
The origins of this bone set technique adopted by
the Institute go back to MIR Advisory Board Member Dr. Michael
Berlin, DPM. In 1990 he gave me a video of the Hiss Whip Snap
Technique performed by his podiatry colleague Dr. Shay. Michael
told me as we viewed the demonstration together, "Zachary,
I think you should learn this art and teach it to the Reflexology
profession. It is too time consuming for me to perform in my surgical
practice, and very few in our profession want to get involved.
Podiatry is primarily into foot orthosis, medicine and surgery,
so I think it would be an ideal fit with your reflexology relaxation
techniques."
1993
Harvey Lampell
But it wasn't until Harvey Lampell gave a presentation
of foot bone alignment at the 1993 International Council of Reflexology
in Melbourne, Australia (assisted by his student Bill Rhenquist)
that I was motivated to make a definitive move in this new direction.
I invited Reflexologist Harvey Lampell, DPM to teach a special
class to friends of the Institute in Denver. He accepted. Lampell
had developed his unique reflexology procedure of bone alignment
as a Podiatric-Reflexologist. He had initially drawn on the aforementioned
writings of Hiss who had operated The Clinical Academy of Science
in the City of Los Angeles, California since 1924. Although the
Hiss book was like Harvey's Bible, he continued to search the
world for new insights into his new found art in order to develop
the best foot bone alignment procedure.
MIR Tutor Dise Withers was trained by Dr. Lampell on his
Denver visit.
Here he shows foot joint micro alignment reflex
pressure technique to students at MIR. Zachary observes.
The Lampell procedure was performed face-down.
Hiss' bone set thrust was delivered face-up.
"Once I got on an airplane and flew to Europe
to see a unique joint adjustment that sounded new to me, but when
I got there I found out the man had not been entirely honest with
me. I was deeply disappointed to find there was nothing new or
even different about his demonstration," stated Harvey
in a conversation with me during his seminar at the Institute.
"Zachary, I am pleased to be here at the Institute. MIR
is the only Reflexology School that I have ever visited which
has an actual physical building where classes can be conducted.
You have what I call a real school."
Dise
Tutoring Students at MIR.
Lampell's cuboid thrust is next.
|
Twelve students attended Harvey's initial training
class at MIR. It was video taped so they could continue to study
the specific moves taught by Lampell. At the conclusion of the
seminar the MIR Doctoral Board presented Harvey Lampell with a
Doctor of Reflexology Diploma in recognition of his great contribution
of Bone Reflex Alignment to the reflexology profession. He gladly
received the handsome certificate and hung it on his wall. Later,
when he returned for a second visit to MIR before departing to
Australia for a second teaching tour "down under" ...
he shared a disappointing experience with me: "There
are some leaders in the profession who told me that I should not
have accepted the Reflexology Doctorate from MIR and that I should
give it back. But I am proud to have been issued a Doctor of Reflexology
by the MIR Doctoral Board, and I told them so. I spoke firmly
when I told them I was not going to give the certificate back.
Reflexology needs doctors just like any other profession ... and
I intend to stand by the Institute in this pioneering effort.
"
Harvey Lampell, DPM
|
Since Harvey had reversed the Hiss procedure by
positioning the recipient face down on a table (rather than face
upward or forward in a chair), I had to later reverse the Lampell
procedure in order to work from the LaFuma Reflexology Chair (this
was done with the assistance of MIR Advisory Board Member, Dr.
Robert Timm, DPM, who himself was very adept at the Hiss Bone
Set Technique). Hence MIR's training video presents all moves
from the angle utilized by Hiss himself (the Whip Snap is the
only Hiss foot manipulation done face-down or away from the practitioner).
A major plea by Hiss throughout his writings is a call for the
recognition of the minor subluxations that escape x-ray detection,
but are nevertheless responsible for much suffering. His great
work proved that a negative x-ray finding does not necessarily
exclude the possibility of structural and hence functional changes
in feet. After over ten years of clinical practice and observation
MIR Research Clinic has coined a term for the correction of these
minor subluxations: foot joint micro alignment.
The term has been further extended to make it "reflexology's
own" by identifying the process or the mechanism for the
corrective action as: reflexology pressure technique.
Reflexologist Lampell stressed one very important point over
this issue of minor subluxations ... the ones that don't show
up on an x-ray: "There are instances when a sensitive
spot has nothing to do with a reflex, but is actually a foot joint
that needs correction. You can massage that reflex for months,
but the pain will not disappear until the minor subluxation is
corrected."
Zachary
gives Whip Snap micro alignment
ReflexoCure pressure-thrust to cuboid bone
during Nurses Week at Thornton Hospital.
This Hiss move requires a face-away position.
Now, if the pain disappears following micro alignment of the
joint ... which I have done many times ... it becomes obvious
that the sensitivity was not a reflex at all, but indeed the joint
itself. I have done these reflexology pressure-thrust techniques
many times when correcting the posture of the cuboid bone:
when it was rotated medially. This medial rotation puts pressure
on the lateral nerve and causes pain between the 3th and 4th metatarsal/phalangeal
joints. I have been able to relieve this pain (which is sometimes
mistaken for a Morton's neuroma) on many occasions with a specific
ReflexoCure pressure thrust technique which has been demonstrated
in above photo and on Video #3.
There is a law that has emerged from the work of Hiss which became
known as the Hiss Law: Comfort varies directly with function.
Hiss showed that only a careful consideration of function will
reveal the cause of foot pains, no matter how misleading the pathology
may appear at times. Since the human foot possesses a range of
functional activity far beyond ordinary needs, deformity and pathological
changes may be present to a considerable extent before the range
of necessary function is encroached upon. "No matter how
extensive the pathological background, or how hopeless the picture
may appear, we here at Hiss clinic accept the status quo of the
feet and make every effort to improve function. The results are
often surprising." (Hiss, page 21.)
Dr. Hiss
prepares to reset the transverse arch.
"Clinical judgment upon examination as to prognosis depends
upon determining just how much improvement can be made in function,
and not upon the expectation of complete correction of abnormal
structure. THE MINIMUM OF STRUCTURAL CHANGE NEEDED TO RESTORE
COMFORT IS ALL THAT IS NECESSARY. If one can thoroughly understand
the ramifications of this law, and then master the fundamentals
underlying good foot function, he will have a comprehensive knowledge
of the feet." (Note: Hiss would exhaust all methodologies
before resorting to surgery, but in some cases the scalpel was
the only choice.)
Plantar
Fascitis or Heal Spur: the cause and cure.
Inflammation
at point C is the end result of weight bearing forces and movement
medially upon the spring arch. This causes severe strain on the
plantar muscles A, and plantar fascia B (a strong band of fibrous
tissues). Inflammation of the muscle, fascia and periosteum at
the point of insertion in the heel causes painful inflammation.
A spur may form at point C (but is not the cause of the pain)
as the body endeavors to strengthen this spot by throwing out
fibrous connective tissue ... an attempt to splint a point of
great stress. "Manipulative treatments for the correction
of the eversion (pronation), as far as possible, and relieving
the tension on the plantar structure will end the distress."
( Hiss, page 351.)
Heel x-rays
of Hiss patient who had pain in only one of his heels.
Evidence that heel spurs don't cause pain if pointed
forward and in line with the plantar aponeurosis is show in a
patient x-ray above. "The picture in Figure 4 shows a
large heel spur that never caused the patient pain. Figure 5 is
a picture of his other heel that has been very painful for years.
This patient entered our Clinic on crutches but was relieved when
strain was removed from the plantar muscles with specific and
selective bone-setting. There is evidence in Figure 5 of periosteal
inflammation, but no well formed spur. Painful heels are only
symptoms of arch strain, in most cases, whether a spur is present
or not. The presence of a forward projecting spur is ignored completely
in our Clinic treatments. If joint tension can be released and
muscle strain relieved, which is done in 75% of our cases, the
pain in the heels is stopped. The point: Comfort depends
upon good function." (Hiss, page 25 & 354.)
Dr. Riley's
Ultra Massager signals brain with direct current of injury.
In return the brain releases the direct current of regeneration
into
the body ... the bulls eye is the feet.
DRUMmer
Full
Spectrum Reflexologists who employ Dr. Riley's Ultra (Reflexology)
Massager have had a high degree of success relieving the inflammation
at the insertion point on the (os calcus) calcaneous (heel), but
those that incorporate micro alignment reflexology pressure techniques
(in conjunction with the DRUMmer) are having even better results.
Bear in mind, however, that heel pain can also be caused by sciatica
which has nothing to do with with a functional foot disorder,
but rather the impingement of the sciatic nerve (historically,
sciatica has responded well to traditional reflexology techniques).
Percus-O-Matic
Jackhammer worked miracles for ten years.
|
Lampell
required 18 treatments over a six week period in order to correct
eversion (pronation) or relieve the discomfort of extreme conditions
of Halux Valgus in a recipient. The challenge after making the
correction was getting it to hold position or stay in place. However,
I have experienced one-treatment-corrections to a variety of functional
foot disorders over the last 10 years that held strongly in position
after the initial treatment. This was due to employment of both
the DRUMmer (or Jackhammer) and radiant light energy. Proper preparation
of the musculoskeletal foot before delivery of dynamic foot joint
micro alignment reflexology pressure technique procedure ... with
the DRUMmer, Photoluminescent Reflex Beamer III-3b and/or the
MIR Emitter ... saves time and gives a nearly painless treatment.
An hour treatment may consist of 10 minutes of DRUMmer, 30 to
45 minutes of radiant light energy and 5 minutes of Micro alignment
Reflexology Pressure Technique (Hiss would spend a maximum of
3 minutes).
End result
of unnecessary and/or bad surgical technique.
Hiss Book
The picture above shows the end result of too much surgery.
"This case was operated six times previous to entering our
Clinic. The first operation was followed in six months by increased
pain in the heel. After each successive operation, the pain recurred
and the patient sought a different surgeon each time. After the
sixth operation, this man could hardly walk at all. Good surgical
results are possible, with expert technique that causes the minimum
of trauma to the periosteum; but a surgeon should never make the
incision on the sole of the foot." (Hiss, page 354.)
Bill Rhenquist was a close associate of Harvey Lampell. Bill
assisted when Harvey taught Foot Joint Alignment at the 1993 ICR
meeting in Melbourne. Bill later taught a seminar at MIR after
breaking away from Lampell. He had developed a slightly different
approach which he named "Foot Loosening" because of
his concern that the medical fraternity might think reflexologist
were infringing on their territory or indulging in the practice
of medicine. (This concern was set aside by a dissertation by
MIR Advisory Board Member, Alfred Bird Bear Obes, MD, who clarified
that all disciplines have a measure of overlap.)
Bill Rhenquist
move talus into position
on the calcaneous or heel bone during
class held at MIR
Lampell,
Rhenquist and myself all adhere to the firm directive of Hiss
when preparing to set a bone: "In describing technique, 'specific'
means all the word implies. In all specific adjustments, the operator
must have a definite purpose in mind. He must know just which
bone he wants to set; just the direction in which he want to move
the bone and he must have a definite reason for moving this bone.
In the specific setting of any displaced bone, the operator must
know the plane of the joint and the direction of motion in the
normal joint, in order that his forces might be applied in the
proper direction without locking the joint. In applying specific
technique, you must concentrate on the particular bone you wish
to set, and not practice a technique that is composed of a lot
of careless motions at various angles." (Hiss, page 341.)
Rheinquist
Foot Loosening Graduation Class at MIR.
Bill's first class held at the Institute had a MIR
Student in attendance named Adrian Fahey (she is ARCB secretary)
as well as some members of the Associated Reflexologists of Colorado.
The Class was a great success for those who attended ... many
of whom are still practicing Bill's modified Lampell technique
to this very day.
Bill prepares
to correct the backward
displacement of the upper end of the
fibula to help correct eversion of foot.
What I suggest for those MIR Students that seem
to be overwhelmed with the many thrusts and angles and pressures
involved in this new reflexology procedure: simply continue
to watch the video and keep practicing the routine (lightly
going through the pressures with gentle thrusts) with every
willing reflexology recipient. Hiss was convinced that he did
not attain real skill with any of his foot procedures until after
he had used a specific technique at least 10,000 times. Lampell
set the number at 1000 times, so don't be discouraged. You will
eventually begin to get the feel of this emerging reflexology
procedure, even though at first you may not think you are doing
the movements exactly as described or demonstrated.
Foot
Joint Micro alignment Kit
MIR's youngest
student studies Video #3
with foot bone model in hand.
Note Hiss Book on table.
Order Kit
Then ... when it is convenient for you to come to
Denver ... I will be able to help you to improve your technique
of foot joint micro alignment reflexology pressure technique ...
some students catch on in as little as ten minutes. Between now
and then you must apply yourself diligently. I suggest you buy
a foot bone model and start sleeping with it ... holding it loosely
in your hand (smile) at night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DR.
MICHAEL J. BERLIN
Podiatrist - Foot Specialist
2210 South Federal Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80219
February 1, 1994
Mountain Medical Affiliates
1385 South Colorado Blvd.
Suite #620
Denver, CO 80222
Attention: Executive Director, Barbara Brett
Re: Zachary K. Brinkerhoff, D.R.
Dear Ms. Brett:
As a current MMP physician I am providing this
"letter of medical back-up" for the purpose of informing
you of my intent to co-admit in accordance with current MMP
Policy in behalf of Zachary K. Brinkerhoff, D.R. should one
of his patients require inpatient admission.
I have personally known and have referred my
patients to Dr. Brinkerhoff, a foot reflexologist, for over
six years. His advanced foot reflex massage techniques and therapeutic
measures have been very beneficial to my patients.
I recommend him to MMA for the performance
of medical massages in Reflexology and the Hiss Technique
of foot joint mobilization. He will be a very valuable asset
in this specialized area.
Yours truly
Michael J. Berlin, D.P.M.
js
Michael
Berlin holds Percus-O-Matic prototype
as he poses with his office staff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New
Reflexology Treatment Protocol
When I awoke on 5/07/05 my first thought was about
the Hiss Law: Comfort varies directly with Function.
As I lay in a state of contemplation upon my bed I began to apply
the Hiss Law to the general practice of ReflexoCure aka reflexology.
I determined that if a ReflexoCurist aka reflexologist would understand
the dysfunction's of the human body as Hiss dealt with the functional
disorders of the feet, our ReflexoCure aka reflexology treatments
might be performed in a new light. Point of consideration:
If a recipient doesn't want to work toward a cure of his disease
by mutual participation or if the malady is of a permanent nature
(not within the body's self-healing mechanism), then we can more
realistically work to accomplish sufficient change in bodily function
so as to alleviate pain, restore comfort and instill a sense of
well-being.
Yes, sometimes we do experience one-treatment cures
or have problems resolved after a year of regular professional
treatments and daily self-help, but most often it is the when-I-think-of-it
recipient who will emerge from ReflexoCure treatment more able
to breathe with ease, but can't run the mile; more able to move
his shoulder without pain, although he can't lift 100 pounds;
or is more likely to walk three miles, but can't run for one block.
He will have comfort returned for a season and will either come
back for another treatment, perform self-help or maybe both (there
are some who will conclude ReflexoCure or reflexology doesn't
really work when symptoms return or would rather stay sick in
order to reap the benefits bestowed on them by society.)
So, we need to clarify the limits within which ReflexoCure
or reflexology functions to the recipient and then determine the
level of participation the recipient is willing to contribute.
We can't force the inquirer to obey our recommendations and we
must learn to deliver a treatment that meets their request. A
reflexology practitioner or ReflexoCurist must learn to be content
with whatever measure of comfort can be restored under the restrictions
laid out by the recipient or by the recipients conditions. If
your recipient is not yet desperate or not the adventurous type
... stick to Hiss' Law.
Life
only demands from you
the strength you possess.
Only one feat is possible---
Not to have run away.
Dag Hammarskjold
VI. The plethora of possible reflexology
side effects listed in the Full Disclosure seems rather extreme.
Are we required to have recipients read this document?
(to top of page)
Full
Disclosure Statement in the Log
Book shown below:
I understand
that MY student/graduate/freelance/teacher practitioner does not
administer allopathic medicine and I will not construe anything
said or diagrams alluded to as a medical diagnosis, treatment
or prescription for disease of any kind.
I accept
that the dynamics of full spectrum reflex stimulation (including
use of experimental devices)
could produce unanticipated results such as development of blood
clots, breakage of spurs, unsuspected kidney and/or gall stone
discharge; breakage of bones; bruising of tissues; or expansion
of foot size. I have no reason to believe that I am likely to
experience these reactions, but should they occur I will not hold
my practitioner liable since he/she will be working within the
framework of my tolerance according to my directives. I hereby
agree to be an active participant in the treatment.
I accept
that there may be some physiological and/or psychological responses
which are sometimes related to the body's self-healing process
such as: nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, muscle soreness, fever,
profuse sweating, chills, confusion or depression.
I further
understand that alleviation of pain is not always synonymous with
'recovery' and I will therefore refrain from any excessive activity
that might cause further injury to myself.
I also
acknowledge that physical death could occur at any time apart
from my own anticipation or expectation, and so might also happen
during or following treatment. Hence I give notice to all my family
members that I hold my practitioner entirely blameless in such
an event.
I also
affirm that I am not aware of (nor have been diagnosed as having)
any condition that might create life threatening responses by
the application of stimulus to the reflex zones of my feet, hands,
ears or other specifically identified energy points on the body.
My signature placed in this REFLEXOLOGIST LOG BOOK declares that
I have read and understand this Disclosure Statement and I do
submit myself to this and subsequent treatments of my own free
will. END.
Tomorrow we shall meet,
Death and I---
And he shall thrust his sword
Into one who is wide awake.
But in the meantime
how grievous the memory
of hours frittered away.
Dag Hammarskjold
Just a week ago an MIR Freelance Reflexology practitioner (with
several thousand hours of experience) called to tell me about
a possible side-effect sustained by a regular client. She was
deeply concerned for the recovery of her recipient and further
troubled that she had chosen to operate without the recommended
reflexology practitioner insurance coverage. Her recipient (with
a history of a previous blood clot) had ended up in the hospital
with the symptoms of another blood clot.
The blood
clot (in the illustration above) that has interrupted the
blood supply to the brain can also create the same problem in
any other organ or gland or specialized cell group found within
the human frame.
My first question: "Did your recipient of treatment both
read and sign MIR's Full Disclosure Document?" I was surprised
when she said that she had never used the Full Disclosure Statement,
but had chosen to do avocational reflexology on a donation basis
as a ministry. "I was trusting God to keep my recipients
safe from any of those negative aftereffects."
I had also practiced avocational reflexology on a donation basis
from 1967 till 1990. I also had trusted my Heavenly Father for
protection of myself and my recipients during those many years.
I would verbally prepare my recipients for possible aftereffects
... and I had a few mishaps along the way. However, I didn't obtain
professional liability/malpractice insurance coverage until I
opened Afoot Connection Reflexology Center here in Lakewood, Colorado.
When we finally decide to take that position as a professional
reflexology practitioner ... professional insurance coverage is
a must. Remember, that insurance is legally required if you work
as an independent contractor in a public facility or at an event
or within the framework of another person's business.
Inquiries or Complaints
Valerie Briggs (303) 894-2960
|
When Dr. Clement T. Wittman, DN passed responsibility
for the Modern Institute of Reflexology over to me in 1989 ...
I was almost overwhelmed. But the State of Colorado, Division
of Private Occupational Schools forced me into a legal mold of
legislative law ... part of which required that MIR provide a
Student Blanket Insurance Policy. At first I resisted the effort
of DPOS, but my submission to legal conformity made the Modern
Institute of Reflexology the first State Approved and Regulated
Occupational/Vocational Reflexology School in the USA.
The origins of MIR's Disclosure Statement began
with the MIR Advisory Board Members. Dr. Michael Berlin, DPM advised
me to keep it on the totally positive vein: "Zachary, don't
mention anything negative. Simply mention that side-effects may
occur." However, Dr. William Cottrell, MD (Orthopedic Surgeon)
came in very strong at the other extreme: "Zachary, I have
never been sued for a hip or knee replacement that went bad. Why?
Because I have always painted the picture with the gloomiest possible
outcome. So, when the result is better than my Disclosure? Patients
are more understanding and accepting ... even though it may not
be a perfect result. My recommendation? Make your Full Disclosure
as negative as you possibly can ... give fair warning to your
recipients and you will lower the probability of a lawsuit."
I had a Naturopathic Doctor drop out of the Home
Study Course because of the above Disclosure Statement. He said
that he didn't want to suggest anything negative to his patients,
but desired to keep every thing positive. Other students have
rewritten the Disclosure to fit their own belief system rather
than dropping out; and some avoided using any Disclosure altogether.
MIR Student Kathleen Hamm Jones sent me some changes that she
made on her disclosure that she believed were necessary to make
the "death statement" more palatable. We have incorporated
her and others ideas. The original Full Disclosure Statement continues
to evolve ... so send us your suggestions.
The Full Spectrum Reflexology Method presented in
the Home Study Course allows a person to develop his own personalized
style of reflexology from a vast array of techniques. One may
choose to use only his hands for reflex activation, while another
may pick and choose various instruments from time to time as he
gains experience and expands his practice. Again, every student
is required to compose his own Reflexology Creed during the learning
process; which reveals his philosophy of practice. Likewise, a
graduate may eventually develop his own Full Disclosure Document,
if he feels it is important (as I have stressed) to have one.
A graduate who designs their own Full Disclosure Statement will
probably develop one that more perfectly fits their personal philosophy
... much like the Creed.
Historical Injury Case in Point: In 2004
I was served with papers to appear in court for injury sustained
by a recipient injured under treatment at Afoot Connection Reflexology
Center. As the owner I had to accept responsibility. My error:
I had allowed the offending practitioner to work without a valid
insurance policy. So, I called the Lawyer and told him to bill
me for all medical expenses, work loss, lawyers fees, pain and
suffering. I wanted the injured person to be fully compensated.
No court appearance. No lawyers fees. All moneys would go to the
injured party. Counsel had advised me: "Come to terms with
your accuser promptly ... before he surrenders you to the judge
... " (Matthew 5:25)
How much did this claim total? I paid $10,000 and
the uninsured practitioner agreed with me to assume some responsibility
and pay the balance of $5,000. Now, how much would an insurance
policy have cost per year? $99.00. $170.00. $250.00. $650.00.
You can take your pick ... depending on the coverage you think
you need. It is also important to remember that the practitioner
is morally responsible for costs to his recipients for any injury
or malpractice regardless of a Full Disclosure Document. Think.
Would you rather pay a little each year ... or a lump sum if trouble
arises?
However, for the recipient who may not relish surprises
... a Full Disclosure Statement will be important. It has also
been valuable to me as a reflexology practitioner over the years.
Once I was giving a regular client her fifth treatment when calamity
struck. While working with her claw toes I pulled one of
them beyond it's range of anatomical integrity. She had
warned me of a sharp pain, but I disregarded her warning and gave
it just one more firm pull. A fracture occurred.
100
milliwatt Laser to styloid process
of the fifth metatarsal aka the bladder meridian source
point.
|
"Well, I can't really complain about you fracturing
the digit in that toe of my osteoporotic feet," said my recipient
after x-ray by a podiatrist showed a hairline fracture. "You
warned me in that Full Disclosure that a bone could be broken.
So I guess there is nothing I can do about it; except come to
you for the free treatments offered to all clients who sustain
injury by your hand. You say laser treatment will heal this break
in two weeks? Amazing."
It has always been my personal policy to give a
full refund to dissatisfied recipients or free treatments to those
who may have suffered a side-effect, aftereffect or sustained
an injury ... such as the lady's broken toe sited above. Lasers
have always been my treatment of choice for healing of broken
foot bones (I've only caused one such break in 38 years). When
injury or setbacks do occur ... the challenge for the reflexology
practitioner is to convince his recipient to accept treatment
... many symptoms of which are sometimes necessary steps to regaining
the health they are seeking.
Never
look down
to test the ground
before taking your next step:
only he who keeps his eye
fixed on the far horizon
will find his right road.
dag hammarskjold, 1930
VII. What does ear coning or candling
have to do with reflexology? Does it really remove ear wax? Does
it really have health benefits?
(to top of page)
Many Holistic Healthcare Practitioners are today practicing what
is called in the industry: Ear Coning or Candling. Many Reflexologists
have take up the practice. As a Professional Reflexocure/Reflexology
Practitioner concerned about this issue, I wish to address the
controversy and misunderstanding that surrounds the removal of
cerumen (earwax) from the ear canal utilizing what are called:
Ear Cones or Candles (illustrated in cartoon above). Note:
Cerumen is the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external
ear -- called also earwax.
Here are some typical statements from a manufacturer of ear Cones/Candles
which we will attempt to address in our answer to your question:
- "Most people are aware of some crackling and popping
as the candle is burned and the earwax is being pulled out."
- "Most people think that all they have in their ears is
earwax. However, most difficulties are due to substances other
than wax. If you have a history of prescription drugs and/or
poor diet, you will have large amounts of a powdery substance
emerge. If you're a farmer, what comes out of your ears may
wiggle (worms), for a plasterer, old plaster dust and so on.
What comes out of your ears is determined by your external and
internal environment."
- "We prefer to make rose cones. The rose oil becomes a
part of the smoke that goes into the sinus and nasal cavities
and soothes them. The human body has the potential of vibrating
at 200,000 cycles per second. The average persons frequency
is about 20,000 cycles or one tenth of what is possible. Since
ear coning elevates the electromagnetic frequency of the body,
we prefer to use the highest possible grade of cone ingredients.
The higher your frequency, the easier it is to function and
create."
- "If a person has a great deal of embedded wax buildup,
I suggest they go to an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist
to have it removed. Ear coning will remove the wax; however
the process can be quite slow and therefore costly, if done
by a professional. Regular maintenance of the ears through monthly
coning will maintain healthy ears." END.
Many years ago I was forced by my conscience to conduct a test
to show if an ear cone/candle can actually remove the sometimes
annoying buildup of cerumen (earwax). This decision occurred when
I was pressed by a first-time client who came seeking my ear-candling
services in 1987 (I had retired earlier from my short-lived ear-candling
practice).
I must confess that it was my Mother who originally involved
me in ear-candling. She took me to her personal ear-candler who
operated a high profile ear-candling clinic in Estes Park, CO.
The ear-candlier was distinguished with a Ph.D. in Education.
Even my little brother Thomas was convinced after a treatment
from her hand. To this very day he believes that she removed earwax
from his ears through an ear cone/candle: "I can hear better
now, brother, since she removed the earwax from my ears. Come,
you need to have this done to you too." (The truth is
that she scraped out his earwax with a miniature long-handled
scoop as she intermittently removed the burning candle to inspect
the ear with her otoscope: "It coming up, the wax is coming
up," she would exclaim as she wielded her scoop and drew
up a little more earwax.) The outcome of my earwax
test was destined to drive a wedge into my genetic family
... all of whom I love deeply.
Now, let's return to a first-time ear-candling client. I told
her that I had quit the business because I had reached the conclusion
that the ear-cone/candles didn't actually remove earwax or fungus
from the ear, but could actually put candle wax into the ear.
I explained my observation: that the reverse may occur as the
hot gases that enter the ear canal from the combustion of the
candle begin to cool and condense in the ear canal. These hot
gases can actually precipitate the wax molecules into small globules
that will then stick to the wall of the ear canal. I told her
I made these observations with a $350.00 medical otoscope which
I had purchased as part of my original 'ear-candliers' practice
after training by the Ph.D.
No earwax was removed.
|
My first-timer didn't seem convinced that I knew what I was talking
about, so I related the incident that I had had with my first
client Tony Sedar. Tony's ears were so impacted with earwax that
I couldn't see his tympanic membrane (ear drum) through my new
otoscope in either ear. After burning four cone/candles in an
attempt to remove the earwax from ear #1 ... my last inspection
of the earwax-mass showed that it hadn't changed in its configuration
... not even one iota (those four candles produced enough earwax
to plug eight ears).
Needless to say ... the first-time client under discussion didn't
believe my negative experience. So I said to her, "Well,
let the two of us conduct an experiment so we can settle this
matter. I will place this professionally made ear-candle in a
fold on this hand towel. We will light the ear-candle and see
if it draws any earwax from the towel. Now, if we do draw
earwax from the towel ... we will have to seriously consider
that the earwax we think we are drawing from the ear is
coming from the same source as the earwax we drew from
the hand towel."
My client agreed to go along with my earwax-test idea,
so I proceeded to light the candle and let it burn halfway
down. After I extinguished the flame I took the scissors in hand
and asked, "Are we both ready for the moment of truth (I
had never done this towel-test before)? If we find earwax
drawn from the towel or, conversely, no earwax drawn from
the towel ... what might we conclude?"
I proceeded to cut the candle open ... as we ear-candliers
are prone to do. Inside this test-candle (which was burned with
the ear-end pressed into the fold of a hand towel) was a blob
of earwax drawn ... from the towel? Enough earwax
was present to actually plug up an ear if it was in turn packed
into the ear canal.
Now, how strong is a person's belief in "whatever"
he has come to believe? Is it strong enough to deny evidence to
the contrary? My potential client who had come to me for earwax
removal blurted out: "I don't care what I have seen in that
test-candle. I still believe they have removed earwax from
my ear canal and I want you to candle both of my ears.
That is why I came today."
I told her that I hadn't seen any evidence (thus far in my life)
that a flaming ear-candle could remove earwax or fungus
from any recipient's ear, but that I did believe there was a therapeutic
effect from the hot gases flowing into the ear canal. I explained
that thermal activation of ear canal reflexes (discovered by
Dr. William Fitzgerald, MD,
founder of Zone Therapy here in the USA) was very healing
to the whole body. I told her the thermal effect helped explain
some of the health benefits from the procedure ... earwax
aside. For those candles containing essential oils, the oils will
become the byproduct of combustion and will pass their medicinal
effect via the vapors as they penetrate the Eustachian tube and
pass through (osmosis) the tempanic membrane into the inner ear.
I willingly admitted to the power of the placebo-effect (created
by belief in the mind of the recipient). I explained to my
first-timer that the placebo-effect is a legitimate process that
produces healing. This placebo may occur when the recipient sees
what appears to be earwax in the spent ear-candle ... earwax
they are free to imagine was removed from their own ear
canal. That belief may trigger the brain to release the direct
current of regeneration into the body which will produce a degree
of healing. And that can be a good thing.
[Personal Note: I believe that a pathogenic accumulation of
earwax (like my first client Tony suffered) can be totally
removed by a spoken word of faith. Rabbi Yeshua (Jesus) explained
the element, function and basis of this faith clearly, "Truly
I say to you, Whoever should say to this mountain, 'Be moved and
fall into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart, but believe
that what he says will be done, it will be done to him. Therefore
I say to you, Anything you pray for and ask, believe that you
will receive it, and it will be done for you. And when you stand
up to pray, forgive whatever you have against any man, so that
your Father in heaven will forgive you your trespasses. But if
you will not forgive, even your Father in heaven will not forgive
you your trespasses." Mark 11:23, translated from the
Peshitta text.]
End
view of burning ear candle.
|
"I don't care what you say this test of yours proves ...
I want you to give me an ear-candle job today because I
know it removes earwax from my ears," she said in
defiance of my plea to face the earwax reality. I explained
that I would be playing the role of a quack if I did the ear-candling
... knowing that she believed it was removing earwax. But,
at her insistence I proceeded to perform the requested ear-candling.
Afterward she was happy. She was content. She was fulfilled.
She opened her purse to pay for the treatment and asked me how
much she owed. "I can't take your money. If I did I would
be receiving money for something that didn't occur, and that would
make me a quack. So, just keep your money. This one is on the
house. No charge. Glad to oblige."
She left that day strongly convinced that I had removed earwax
from her ears. I would have charged her for the ear-candling
treatment if she had conceded that the purpose of treatment was
the thermal reflexology effect (my ear-cones had no essential
oils embedded in the cones), but she clung to her belief that
I had removed earwax in spite of otoscope evidence to the
contrary. Therefore, I couldn't charge her for the treatment.
Photoluminescent Reflex Beamer
I-1 radiates auricular and ear canal.
|
Here at MIR Clinic everyone utilizes the thermal reflexocure
effect in both the ear canal and the inner ear using radiant energy
infrared lamps (sometimes I rub essential oil on the auricular).
The middle and far infrared rays penetrate human tissue up to
three inches in depth. These lamps will also simultaneously stimulate
all 120 reflex points in the auricular (outer ear) and can be
done with less trouble than a flaming ear-candle. The lamp won't
set fire to your hair or drip hot wax into your sensitive ear
canal.
However, if I were to practice ear-candling for the thermal
reflexocure/reflexology effect, I would not open the candle to
examine for earwax or fungus. Opening the spent candle
is leading people to believe (without a word being said on my
part) that what they see in the burned candle has come out of
their ear. That would be dishonest.
As a Lay Minister of Foot Reflexology I don't want
to lead people into a realm of belief that is based on a deception.
The Bible calls it a "lying wonder". People do "wonder"
when they see the earwax and other ash debris, and they
might be led (by what you show them) to believe in a lie.
However, the Apostle Paul wrote: "Let us not do evil that
good may come." A reflexocurist has no need of a placebo
based on a "lying wonder". We can get a 60% placebo
based on a legitimate involvement of the client's mind in following
the reflexocure process. Add to that what reflexocure actually
does and you get an effective-rating of 95%. Official Chinese
reflexology studies showing 95% effectiveness have been included
in the MIR Home Study.
If you want to speak a word of faith for earwax
removal, it will actually disappear from the ear canal
(fall into the sea) if you successfully believed. The earwax
won't end up in the ear-candle. The only way to know what
has actually occurred to the earwax is to make an otoscopic
examination of the ear canal both before and after either the
ear-candling or your prayer of faith in order to make sure
there either is or isn't earwax or other debris at the time. How
can you remove earwax and fungus that wasn't there to begin with?
(Candling pictures are for illustration
only and
are not actual recipients mentioned in report.)
Truth
wears no mask,
bows at no human shrine,
seeks neither place nor applause;
She asks only a hearing.
--- Redfield.
VIII. Is a ReflexoCurist (ReflexoCurist)
the same as a Reflexologist?
(to top of page)
The word ReflexoCure (ReflexoCure) or ReflexoCurist (ReflexoCurist)
was initially conceived in 1994 through my study of the words
Manicure and Pedicure. At the time MIR Advisory Board Member Dr.
Richard Long was adamant against the use of the word "cure"
for fear of the FDA and/or the FTC and/or the AMA disapproval.
I argued that the word "cure" came from the Latin Curare:
to take care of. Although Dr. Long had been calling for a
new word to describe what a reflex therapist does, he didn't like
the idea of being a Pedicure Reflexologist. So I put my inspiration
on the shelf for future consideration.
Ten years later (5-24-2005) while wheeling up the pathway along
a nearby creek, I was again smitten with a refreshed inspiration
to go with the word Cure/Curist: as in Pedicurist or Manicurist.
However, this time I tied the word Cure/Curist into a newly created
word: ReflexoCure/ReflexoCure. Just like the old-time Pedicurist
cared for the feet, a practitioner of Reflexology aka ReflexoCure
cares for the reflexes in the feet with an end result that has
historically been shown to be therapeutic. Hence a ReflexoCurist/ReflexoCurist
would best describe a person who is doing the work. A Reflexologist
is one who is studying the reflex zone or meridian points. Therefore
the word ReflexoCure/ReflexoCure (verb) describes what a ReflexoCurist/ReflexoCurist
(noun) is doing.
So, the Modern Institute of Reflexology has clearly defined and
put forth for the profession a new word that best describes what
a practitioner of Reflexology or a ReflexoCurist is and does:
A ReflexoCurist/ReflexoCurist I am, and ReflexoCure/ReflexoCure
I perform. When I study the reflexes I am then a Reflexologist.
The study of the reflexes is correctly called Reflexology. So,
enjoy these new terms by which you can identify what you are (ReflexoCurist)
and what you do (ReflexoCure).
I am excited with this expanded term for what many in the world
call Reflexology. I humbly give this more definitive term to the
Reflexology or ReflexoCure profession.
The
man who is unwilling
to accept the axiom
that he who chooses one path
is denied the others ---
must try to persuade himself
that the logical thing to do
is to remain at the crossroads.
But do not blame the man
who does take a path ---
nor commend him, either.
dag hammarskjold, 1951
IX. Does Fr. Joseph Eugster of Taiwan
endorse the MIR Home Study Program?
(to top of page)
Let me start my answer by saying that the Institute endorses
the Catholic Priest Fr. Josef Eugster and his technique. His technique
includes the applications of heavy lanolin cream to both feet,
reflex pressure with index knuckle of both hands and thumbs, a
penetrating wooden probe and believing prayer for the guidance
of both the practitioner in treatment and the recipient.
Fr. Josef
demonstrates his wooden probe.
Dr. Carter Probe
An inquiry from a prospective Chinese recipient may go like this:
"Have you been trained by Fr. Josef?" (their belief
in you as a ReflexoCurist will hinge on your answer). Recently
I received such a call and I was able to say "yes" to
the Chinese lady who called for help (she came for a treatment
that same day). Fr. Josef's training was a condition of her coming
to the Clinic because he is well known for the healthcare revolution
he fomented in Taiwan with his technique of Foot Reflex Massage.
Zachary
works reflexes on Josef's ear reflex points.
|
I don't believe that Fr. Josef endorses any school, but he has
a training program that qualifies a person to teach his method.
Although I have attended one of his seminars, I have not been
trained by him as a teacher in his technique. However, he recognizes
MIR's techniques as viable as well as pleasant. His opportunity
to experience the dynamic of the Full Spectrum Reflexology Method
occurred at his seminar in Alna, Maine, aboard the Transcontinental
Classroom. He accepted an invitation to have lunch, so I demonstrated
both the Oscillator, DRUMmer, and the Percus-O-Matic "jackhammer"
before we ate. During our lunch together (he still believes the
acorn squash I served him was papaya) he made a statement which
showed his confidence in MIR's program: "Zachary,
if I ever have any handicap persons come to me for training here
in the USA, I am going to send them to you."
Later that afternoon I took Dr. Riley's Ultra Massager aka DRUMmer
into the meeting where he applied it for spinal concussion in
the mode of Dr. Riley's 1924 Zone Therapy practice. He found spinal
concussion of interest, but his focus is the feet ... so his enthusiasm
was directed to the impact of the jackhammer upon the K1. His
big smile (when I treated him before lunch) told the story as
the jackhammer furiously pounded (6,000 impacts/minute) the plantar
aspect of his feet.
X. How important are the hand reflexes?
(to top of page)
The first thought the average citizen might have about reflexology?
It has something to do with the feet. But the hand reflexes can
be equally important, especially when worked in tandem with feet
or in conjunction with the ear points. Some practitioners will
work the left foot simultaneously with the left hand just like
others will work both feet together. In Korea the emphasis is
placed on the hands.
Copyright
1979 by Steve Saran, Boulder, CO
Steve Saran's hand reflex chart is shown above as a supplement
to other reflex maps with which you may already be familiar. MIR
used this chart for five years as one of several contained in
the Home Study Package. However, Dr. Saran's parents took over
exclusive distribution following his death and the Institute lost
its source of supply.
Korean
Hand Reflex Therapy
