Focusing on the Task
Once you have set up a space within which to work, you'll then need to prepare an interview format. Reflexology is about touching, and it is imperative to be familiar with the health history of the person you will be working on. You must also receive permission from the receiver before you begin the session.
It is good practice to discuss briefly what is to be expected during and after the treatment. Before you begin working on a new receiver, carefully go over the details of the following list.
Create the receiver's history sheet.
Create a release form.
Explain what reflexology is.
Explain what will transpire.
Discuss the outcome.
Give suitable homework.
Reschedule if appropriate.
The receiver's history should include questions regarding current health, any allergies, old injuries, and any medications. Find out what the medications are treating, as this will help you to understand what conditions are present. Ask about current stressors and how the person is feeling at the moment.
The Release Form
A release form should plainly state that you do not practice medicine, you do not prescribe or change medications, and you do not diagnose. This simple form indicates permission given to perform reflexology. Take a look at the sample release form. This includes the basic information you will need to include on your own release form.
While the release file explains what reflexology is not, make sure you give a brief definition of what reflexology is. Explain how reflexology reduces stress, releases toxins, and helps with circulation. A discussion of stress and disease is helpful and educational.
Letterhead of Your Practice
To the Clients of Such-and-Such Institute of Reflexology
For your information:
I am not a doctor or medical practitioner.
I do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
I am qualified to provide a professional reflexology session for the purpose of stress reduction and the promotion of relaxation. Further, reflexology works with the body to encourage a sustained balance and harmony. Reflexology helps to improve circulation throughout the body.
I will provide the reflexology session using specific thumb and finger pressure applied to reflex points and areas on the feet, hands, and ears.
You need to know that:
Reflexology is not a substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis, or any other medical care.
It is your responsibility to stay current in your medical care and report any changes in your health to your medical practitioner.
I,
_______________
SIGNATURE OF CLIENT/DATE
_______________
SIGNATURE OF PRACTITIONER/DATE
Stress and Disease
It is important for a receiver to understand what stress is and what it does. Give the recipient a brief description of stress. Stress is the way people respond to change. The response is registered physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. If a person can adapt to change, he is able to flow with the stress. If a person finds change unbearable, he creates resistance. It is this resistance that encourages the growth of congestion and blockage in the body systems.
Point out that stress is essential to life. Explain that stress itself is not what causes the upset to our balance and harmony. Rather, it is the reactions to stress that will produce physical upsets. If you react in a negative, combative, hostile, or withdrawn manner, you are allowing the stressors to dig in. This digging-in forms an environment conducive to the growth of disease, whether that disharmony is physical or emotional.
Reflexology is an effective tool in dealing with the way people deal with stress. Introducing a positive reaction to stress empowers the recipient. Talk about what to expect during a session, letting the person know he will actually relax and begin to release stress almost immediately.
At the Finish
Once the treatment is finished, it is important to reassess and evaluate what transpired, letting the receiver know what to expect. Ask how the person feels at the end of the session, and give a reminder to drink water, which will allow the release of toxins to continue. Explain how he or she will remain relaxed and will have a peaceful and uneventful sleep later that evening. Point out that the calming effects will last for a few days.
Essential
Most reflexologists recommend a series of treatments, usually performed weekly over a period of six to eight weeks. At the end of that time, the receiver and the practitioner re-evaluate the receiver's needs. Generally the recipient contracts to a regular schedule of once a month for maintenance.
At the close of the session, it is helpful to remind the receiver to practice proper breathing. Explain the difference between chest and abdominal breathing. Demonstrate with diaphragmatic breathing, letting the belly out with the inhalation and contracting the abdominal muscles when exhaling. Another piece of homework is to suggest listening to meditative music for ten minutes a day. Keep a handful of tapes available for lending or giving.
Often rescheduling is essential to continue what has begun. One session is an introduction. However, the benefits unfold with future sessions. Encourage the receiver to come back on a regular basis over a period of time; this will provide the most benefit. Of course, whenever a person can come is always appropriate.
