Reflexology and Self-Care

It can be very relaxing to have your hands and feet pampered, no matter what your age. We don’t really think about how hard our extremities work for us every day, and it is nice to give them some great attention in return. Having someone else care for your hands and feet can be a wonderful gift to yourself. Reflexology focuses on hands, feet and ears but can benefit the whole body.

Cheryl Boerger is a certified Ingham Method reflexologist who owns Sole Revival Reflexology in Mount Shasta. She says, “Reflexology is a growing field and is a non-invasive way to address many of the things that cause us pain and discomfort. It is safe for children and adults alike.”

Cheryl was inspired to study reflexology in great depth after she herself experienced deep relaxation as well as some amazing physical changes during sessions on her own body. She had a skin condition that plagued her for many years and never improved with topical prescriptions. “After a few sessions of reflexology it went away and never returned,” reports Cheryl. “I also had Plantar Fasciitis so bad that I could barely walk at times. It took several weeks of reflexology sessions, but it too cleared up and now there is no hiking trail too long.”

What is Reflexology?

The Reflexology Association of America (RAA) defines reflexology as “a protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger-walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a-point, applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands.”  The RAA goes on to say, “These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally. The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct, complementary practice within the holistic health field.”

How Does it Work?

In the 1890s, research scientist Dr. Henry Head proved that a neurological relationship exists between the skin and the internal organs. The whole nervous system adjusts to a stimulus when that stimulus is applied to any specific part of the body, as Nobel Prize winner Sir Charles Sherrington discovered. In Germany, Dr. Alfons Cornelius observed that pressure to certain spots triggered muscle contractions, changes in blood pressure, and variations in warmth and moisture in the body, and also directly affected the mental state of his patients. Reflexology is built on these concepts.

There have been more than 300 research studies conducted around the world since the 1980s validating the effectiveness of reflexology on a wide variety of conditions. In Denmark, reflexology has been incorporated into the employee health programs of several large corporations, saving each company thousands of dollars annually through the reduction of sick leave.

A Reflexologist’s Caring Touch

My own personal experience during a reflexology session with Cheryl was very relaxing. I experienced a kind of “reset” of my body’s energy and I was able to let go of significant muscle tension. Although Cheryl predominantly focused on my hands, feet and ears, I felt sensations throughout my entire body. I had an achy wrist resulting from too much time spent on my large smartphone, but that discomfort was greatly diminished after only one reflexology session. I look forward to more of Cheryl’s compassionate care.

Sheila Clyatt, a client of Cheryl’s, says, “Reflexology is soothing and comfortable – it provides a time for me to relax and unwind. To become a skilled practitioner of reflexology like Cheryl requires years of study, but she explains things to me so that I can partner with her to enjoy a healthier life. After a few sessions with Cheryl I have come to understand the map of the foot and generally what part of the body each area represents. If I have a health issue I now know where to touch my feet for relief until I can get in for an appointment. I like being an active participant in the upkeep of my own health and reflexology allows for that.”

“Cheryl’s deep knowledge about early childhood, braided with her skills as a reflexologist, makes her an excellent provider for these services – not just for adults but for children as well,” says Karen Pautz, executive director of First 5 Siskiyou.

And client Lance Jones reports, “The night after my session, I slept better than I had in a very long time.”

“Cheryl loves what she does and she loves everybody’s feet unconditionally,” says Ariel Libre, another client of Cheryl’s. “Your feet, with any of their imperfections or signs of a life well-lived, are fully accepted. Cheryl is a true professional with a very nurturing heart. I experienced a slice of heaven in my last session when Cheryl included attention to my ears – I felt like I was floating on air. On the surface, it may not appear that much is happening, but the truth is that every part of your body is being affected in a very uplifting way. Even after your treatment, the amazing effects continue in your body.”

The Ingham Method of Reflexology is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. To learn more about reflexology, read Better Health with Foot Reflexology by Dwight C. Byers and Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology by Eunice D. Ingham.

Cheryl Boerger can be contacted at (530)925-2289 or gardencheryl@usa.net.