| Flirtingly glimpsed from beneath a long skirt or | | | | Reflexology is the physical act of systematic |
| peeking from the end of harem pants, the feet | | | | manual stimulation through variable pressure of |
| of a dancer - though not the obvious focus - play | | | | the reflexes located in the hands and feet. |
| an important part. | | | | Concrete evidence of the practice of reflexology |
| Our feet are a complex collection of 26 bones | | | | in ancient times is shown in a wall painting |
| and 33 joints in a network of 126 muscles, | | | | depicting the practice of hand and foot |
| ligaments, and nerves. On average we spend four | | | | reflexology in the tomb of Ankhmahor (highest |
| hours a day on our feet and take between 8,000 | | | | official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, dating from |
| and 10,000 steps. Compared to the rest of our | | | | about 2330 B.C. (before common era) |
| body, our feet are very small and every step | | | | Before this discovery, it was believed that |
| puts about 50% more than our body weight on | | | | reflexology had ancient origins and was thought to |
| them. In an average day our feet support a | | | | have developed alongside the ancient Chinese |
| combined force equal to several hundred tons. In | | | | practices of acupuncture. Similarly, North American |
| addition to supporting our bodies, our feet act as | | | | Indian medicine men are believed to manipulate |
| shock absorbers and move us forward, helping to | | | | and stimulate the feet as a part of their healing |
| balance and adjust our body on uneven surfaces. | | | | practice. |
| Taking these facts into consideration we should | | | | Modern Reflexology was popularized by Eunice |
| not be surprised that our feet are vulnerable to | | | | Ingham, a physical therapist, who brought |
| injuries. Some factors that can increase the risk | | | | Reflexology to the American public and the |
| of injury are:o Inexperience - beginners can be | | | | non-medical community, as well as Naturopaths, |
| vulnerable to injury because they don't have the | | | | Chiropodists, Osteopaths, Massage Therapists and |
| skills to meet the physical demands of their | | | | Physiotherapists until her death in 1974. |
| chosen dance style. Follow the instructions of your | | | | What can you expect from a Reflexology |
| teacher.o Poor fitness - weak muscles are more | | | | treatment? |
| likely to tear when challenged or stretched. | | | | Reflexology is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy. |
| Gradually increased progressions will improve your | | | | Your practitioner will take a medical history before |
| fitness and muscle strength.o Poor technique - for | | | | treatment. You will never be asked to disrobe but |
| example, bringing your foot down to the floor | | | | will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. |
| with more force than necessary can injure soft | | | | While seated in a comfortable chair you will |
| tissue and bone.o Poor posture - weak muscles in | | | | receive a therapeutic foot soak with an |
| the back and abdomen increase the risk of injury | | | | aromatherapy component if you like. The |
| to all areas of the body including the spine and | | | | practitioner will begin with relaxation techniques |
| legs.o Fatigue - a tired dancer tends to lose form. | | | | followed by applying firm but gentle pressure to |
| Falls and injuries caused by sloppy technique are | | | | each of the reflex points in the hands and feet. |
| more likely.o Hazardous environment: worn or | | | | Many clients find this to be deeply relaxing and |
| ripped carpet, hard floor, uneven floor, spilled | | | | take a short nap during treatment which will last |
| liquids, or objects close to the dance area.o Over | | | | approximately 45 minutes. After treatment it is |
| work - dancing too long or too often can lead to | | | | advised that you drink plenty of fresh water to |
| a wide range of overuse injuries, particularly to | | | | help flush toxins from your body and that you |
| the tendons and bones. Shin splints and stress | | | | eat lightly for the rest of the day. |
| fractures in the feet are common dance-related | | | | Through Reflexology we can care for our feet |
| overuse injuries.o Failure to rest an injury - | | | | and entire body, bringing it into balance and |
| returning to dance before an existing injury has | | | | promoting good health. Providing more than pain |
| healed can aggravate the condition. For example, | | | | relief, Reflexology has been shown to enhance |
| injured knee ligaments may tear. | | | | your body's ability to heal more quickly, and help |
| Some of the most common injuries are:o Sprains | | | | increase stamina, providing more energy and less |
| and strains - muscles and ligaments can be | | | | injury. |
| overstretched or twisted. The knee and ankle are | | | | The staff at Inner Rhythms Healing Arts is |
| especially vulnerable.o Stress fractures - dance | | | | committed to healing and preventing injury. We |
| moves that require force and repetition, such as | | | | are highly trained, certified, licensed (where |
| dancing on concrete or any very hard surface, | | | | applicable), and insured. |
| may cause small breaks in the bones of the foot | | | | We have extensive stage and theatre |
| and ankle.o Tendonitis - painful inflammation of a | | | | performance experience, knowing first-hand the |
| tendon (connective tissue that anchors muscle to | | | | problems and injuries that can arise from working |
| bone).o Blisters - poorly fitting shoes that rub can | | | | 'on stage'. |
| cause blisters on the feet and toes.o Toenail | | | | We are happy to come to your office or studio |
| injuries - poorly fitting shoes that crowd the toes | | | | for Reflexology and can arrange to be available |
| may lead to bruising of the toenails or ingrown | | | | for rehearsals or performance events. |
| toenails.o Impact injuries - such as bruises, caused | | | | Because pain is unpredictable, our therapists can |
| by falling over, bumping into another dancer or | | | | usually see you at our clinic the day you call. We |
| tripping over props. | | | | accept all major credit/debit cards, and look |
| What is Reflexology? | | | | forward to working with you. |