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What is a tester session?

A full reflexology session lasts an hour and all the techniques are applied (e.g. all the neurological points, the maps and areas corresponding to all organs and systems in the body are worked on). In comparison, a reflexology tester session is a sample session of 15-20 minutes of therapy. Due to shorter time, the therapist will normally choose to do few basic steps of the therapy and focus either on points and areas for relaxation, and on minor symptoms their client may feel at that particular moment.

Why is it offered?

Many therapists will offer sample sessions to introduce a therapy when it is totally new to clients or promote one which is not well known but has great potential for improving health.

Who takes a tester session?

A tester session might be tried by people who never had a full session and are reluctant whether to go for a full hour or not. However, many people will regularly book tester sessions to the same yearly events as I have seen at the Vitality Show in London or schools and charity events.

Is a tester session still worthy considering the short time allocated? How does it feel?

As a therapist, I consider a full session is something one has to give it a try for the whole benefits to take place.

However, over the years I got to do more and more tester sessions and have asked people how it felt. The feedback was surprisingly very positive: they felt relaxed, once they laid down they wished it was longer, few were very responding during the treatment feeling tingling sensations in their bodies, and for the face reflexology surely everyone was happy for a quick uplift of the entire face.

Why an organisation/charity would want to offer tester session?

Charities and school health-beauty events have now more often therapists offering tester sessions mainly to raise money for a good cause or financially to support disadvantaged groups of people or schools. It works. As one of the organisers pointed to me, people really love to combine their shopping, looking through beautiful handmade crafts, organic cotton baby cloths, handmade cosmetics, with having a reflexology session; after all that rush they let themselves  fall into a comfy chair while their therapist will work on their feet for 20 minutes. This is simply resting, comfortable and makes them happy their little treat will support the local charity and school.

The last school event where four therapists were present offering foot reflexology and chair massages was very successful and to speak numbers, here it is the feedback from the organisers:

“We raised £2,000 for the school that night, with the combination of our shopping stalls, raffle, and of course the treatments!  The money will be going towards buying laptop computers for the children to use in class (which we have none of at all at the moment!) and to get the school set up with Wi-Fi technology.” Michelle Henley, Mathilda Marks-Kennedy School.

My conclusion

I used to consider tester sessions very limiting in regard to what that therapy can offer in its full length of time. However, it can be an advantage to exercise our theoretical and practical presentation skills and a great way for people to try from the multitudes of therapies and let themselves drawn towards what’s best for them.

A one to one tester session such as client – practitioner is great, however a tester session given and received at an event means multitudes of benefits:

• promoting the therapy at a faster pace which means efficient networking
• people may consider to integrate some of the therapies in their health plan
• people have loads of fun interacting with their friends while being treated
• people appreciate the variety of what an event has to offer and ways of supporting their charities, schools and different community projects

And not ultimately, our therapeutic work is used not only to treat one person at a time but by offering our skills we contribute the people, our communities and good causes. Looking forward to the next event!

Having found a link on one of my friend’s page about coconut oil and its benefits for people with Alzheimer disease, few hours later opened another similar source I thought this is a sign to send this information out into the Universe, as my lovely reflexology tutor would say!

I have been aware for some time of the benefits of coconut oil but these days seems to be a bloom of information about it and more health connections that I ever read.

• Here is an article on Alzheimer and dementia sufferers and how coconut oil could help, from helium.com.
• Coconut oil and reduction of type 2 diabetes symptoms from Garvan Institute, Australia’s greatest medical research institution and internationally recognised as a leader in gene-based medical research.
• Great information on thyroid conditions and how coconut oil can help, from Ronnie Ingley’s website and one of his article.
• And a wealth of information from The Coconut Research Center, operated by Bruce Fife, N.D

Few hours ago I was far from thinking that massage therapy would be considered spiritual by anyone else other than good qualified experienced therapists and/or healers.
Starting work in a comfy environment, some type of cocoon perfect for any therapist to develop to its full potential; the training was the best, the colleagues amazing and clients equally appreciative of our expertise. Surely, I had my butterfly time.

However, later on starting work on my own, different attitudes were met varying from the most very rude ones, simply because massage skills were considered to have been met by anyone (equals anyone can be a masseuse), to what I call waxing reactions which translates to being offered a waxing session price. I am not a good negotiator. I’m actually quite blunt: one cannot negotiate before knowing the service offered. And having rather high standards of training and work, I well know the value of the treatments and can’t sell them cheap.

Going back to the spiritual realm, I was surprised to be at this pampering event where we were told about souls. What souls have to do with a massage techniques event? It turned about to be explained that our bodies contain our souls and consequently the way we care and take care of our bodies affects directly our souls. Nourishing food, awareness of breathing, exercise, and positive attitude completed with good friends and good family relationships are the basic needs of our bodies on this Earth. Surely, our soul will be touched and the next step is to fulfill another aspect of our being here, that of spiritual beings.
A beautiful comparison was made for when we pray our feet stand together and that’s to represent we are fully, for that moment, in the spiritual world, as angels are.

The first ever professional massage I had, transported me right out of this world! I left the place after an hour and I did not feel the ground; it was not walking; it was like stepping on clouds. Not to mention the big dumb grin on my face. It was the most wonderful experience I ever had. Not only because it sorted out my spine, tense muscles, poor circulation, sluggish digestion (wasn’t that bad but I mean it can really sort you out ) but most importantly because of the power of changing the way one feels. And I mean feels about everything: about one self, about the world. It was like I was put together, body and soul were finally a whole, and oh dear, didn’t I think the world is a beautiful place? Surely, I did think it’s a pink one and flowers are waiting for me home… well, they didn’t but how it made me feel, is what I focus on here.

Many thanks to Kesher and Lisa Moore for bringing back the best feeling about massage therapy and our souls in this world.

Most people know already the dangers of sweeteners, GM foods and food enhancers in our diet. However, I decided to make a short presentation of the most available to us, and bring some awareness on few important issues: if these foods are not having a visible and direct harming effect on our health, the story is totally different when they are used on a daily basis, and more goes for people suffering with a chronic disease which in my opinion can only aggravate the symptoms, and reduce the good effects of other complementary treatments or even the orthodox one.

Sweeteners, GM foods and food enhancers in our diet
SWEETNERS: Reducing or totally giving up sweetners is hard simply because they cause addiction and once cravings chick in, one knows there is need for serious detox. For saving years of frustration and poor health, I would suggest having a nutritionist supervision or join a local health retreat clinic which will provide a good clean up of body and mind, dealing as well with the emotional downfalls some people may experience.
People will opt for sweeteners in an attempt to avoid sugar. The really bad news are that on a long term, not only that aspartame is addictive and does not help keep weight in balance, but it stores fat in the body. Having recently read an article on Suzanne Somers’s bolg on aspartame I found important information here, and people suffering from MS, systemic lupus and diabetes may want to have a look.
More about aspartame from the leading world authority in the field of health, Dr Mercola: Diet foods
Aspartame is used in diet drinks, slimming products and products for diabetes.

FOOD ENHANCERS like monosodium glutamate (MSG) have been controversial for many years. I was pleading with a passion for making known the negative effects on the body. Most of the time I was reading articles and learning different other names for all these additives while checking frantically the food labels. Well, till I did not need to check for ingredients anymore: I went to a local food store and got shocked at the 100 and 500g bags of 100% pure MSG which was sold on its own!! (pictures attached)
I managed to take pictures and also was told people use it instead of salt for cooking!
Last year I was thrilled to find a restaurant which had a note on their front door saying they don’t use MSG in their cooking! (picture also attached) so there are some good news too.

As for GENETICALLY MODIFIED foods all I knew was that they are really bad for us and the blame should be put on the agriculture system and their herbicides, insecticides etc. As a rule of thumb I decided to avoid corn and soya as they are known to be the top two GM plants.
For a more detail and scientific explanation of GM foods please, visit Dr Tim O’Shea article: Genetically modified foods

100g MSG

500mg MSG

no MSG

“Clothing at work” may sound futile subject amongst numerous other important issues when it comes to beauty/health industry.

However, not once I had to grind my teeth and swallow my words of disapprovement while I saw different uniforms that companies have “designed” for their therapists. Not once have I given a chance to be asked if I’m comfortable in those clothing.

It all started rather well, with a comfy t-shirt and trousers and then, as I changed jobs, I got to wear: a baggy t-shirt which I would always forget to knot at the back so that I can move freely, a uniform in which I looked like I’m ready to go fishing as the trousers were 3rd length of a leg and a large cotton top very similar with an open parachute. The last experience knocked me really hard and I did not handle it anymore. I had to wear black  tunic (that still required the awkward procedure of pulling it into trousers/skirt), was given literally a black little rucksack that brought back memories, of primary school in the 80’s, of a similar bag but this time with a Snow White on it. I used to hate it.
Anyway, I went along with the job feeling rather as a four years old ready to start school considering all the requests; not to count that I am not an employee but a self-employed person, which in theory gives a human being the right of more freedom than the rigid world of an employee.
Well, 10 minutes was needed and I had full freedom to look for another job. Why? I ought to wear trousers instead of skirt. Why? Reason: some unwritten rules. Why? Just because “professional clothing” in some people’s mind resembles with trousers even when we talk about a woman at work.
A woman imposing to another woman to wear trousers at work just because in a “modern and free world” that is considered norm and there is no space for negotiating your own job, which is dependable of bodily integrity in this case. Now, I literally felt I am in a “man’s world”.
I am a therapist, which by definition implies a large spectrum of skills but mostly requires listening skills and a natural willingness to help people.
With the amount and variety of techniques, with all the training in which I’m told what to voice out of my head and heart to people, with the imposing clothing which restrict me in moving and feeling comfortable in order to give a proper treatment, with the imprisonment of how to treat, how to breathe, what to think and transmit to people over a treatment I wonder, I only wonder where is the little me? Where is the therapist in all these? Where is that human being who is giving the treatment, who wakes up in the morning to GIVE to people, to offer her attention, time and expertise? Does freedom of our human expression totally dissipate when we take upon a job? Does creativity matters at all?

I was given five minutes to think if I change my mind and put trousers instead of skirt. Does anyone know a better word for “ridiculous”?
I mean I don’t need even a minute to know I won’t change my life for a job. If a company has some sort of principles by which it function, even more an individual who joins a group will come with her own values and principles. Surely, to a certain degree I totally agree with rules and clothing requirements, however imposing such strict rules can only over stress people unnecessarily.

Overall, I feel I left a communist society and I very much immersed into another one, only more subtle. To have no choice and freedom of being at work is like I’m signing my papers towards a robot like mind and body to perform what I’m told, do and wear what I’m requested. They don’t need me thinking, feeling, and voicing my opinions, bringing my contribution for an improved company or work performance. They already know best.

It will always be an authority up there (unless we are the brilliant ones to be there) and employees rely on authority. But as individual, I am responsible of evaluating my authority. By nature, we humans have free will and the capacity to think. As individual, I have my little purpose when I get a job and want to achieve my goal amongst others expected, by which means is the way I’m pursuing my happiness. Imposing iron rules makes a company an unhealthy place to be and work. I stay at work more than 80% of my life time; consequently my work is my way of being. To have someone mold every detail of my work is equally resulting in molding my being after those rules, principles or values of the company. I think this is important. My work is important and I love it and the same goes for my life.

Mesothelioma Resource Online

• What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer found in the mesothelium, a protective thin lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. There are two main types of mesothelioma – pleural which affects the lungs and peritoneal which involves the tissue that covers the abdominal area.

The widely medical accepted cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

• What is asbestos? www.asbestos.com

Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals. It is known for its resistance to heat, electrical resistance and was used for industrial purposes such as insulating material for electricity and sound, boilers, steam pipes, and is used in the walls and ceilings.

Asbestos was widely used from 1950 to 1970. It took a long time until it was identified as a cancer danger before it was finally banned in several countries. The health problems arise when the material becomes old and crumbly, and the fibers are released into the air, and people breathe it.

• Who is affected?

Building workers
Plumbers
Gas fitters
Carpenters
Electricians
Painters and decorators
Asbestos manufacturing workers
Ship yard workers
People who are indirectly exposed to asbestos

• Symptoms/diagnosis/treatment

Mesothelioma most relevant information on prognosis, treatment, life expectancy and more
http://www.asbestos.com/
Help, answers, resources http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/
Paul Kraus, survivor of mesothelioma http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/
Doris Rapp, M.D, leader in the fields of Environmental Medicine and allergies http://dorisrappmd.com/

• Asbestos removal contractors, UK

http://www.cwoodandson.co.uk/

• Mesothelioma legal advice, UK

http://www.fentons.co.uk/industrial-disease-claims/mesothelioma/

• Future solutions around the world

One solution is creating an environment as close to the nature as possible. That is a whole new science and is called Bau Biology and Ecology or Building biology

http://hbelc.org/
http://www.buildingbiology.com.au/
http://www.erikorganic.com/green/the-25-principles-of-baubiologie/

• Why the heck you found this information on a reflexology blog?

According to mesothelioma symptoms website, “Manual healing and physical touch… may be helpful for adults fighting serious disease…  According to Integrative Cancer Therapies, a recent study of 230 cancer patients showed that massage and other therapeutic touch with standard care was more effective at reducing pain, mood disturbance, and fatigue than standard care and doctor’s presence alone.”
Source:  http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/manual-healing

At asbestos.com massage, reflexology and other therapies are cited into the alternative mesothelioma treatments.

Plus, the reason I was researching today about mesothelioma is that most complementary therapists are likely to think holistically, by which I mean think of all possible reasons of an illness or health problem. Apart from emotional issues, looking at nutrition and exercise, past traumas etc, more and more these days, we need to think of our environment and ways we can improve the quality of our surroundings.

Complementary therapists are there to help people be aware of all aspects of their life, and pinpoint at the ones that may need correcting.

Facial massage research

by Tomoko Hatayama, Shingo Kitamura, Chihiro Tamura, Mayumi Nagano and Koichiro Ohnuki. Biomedical Research 2008) 29 (6): 317-320.

The study published as “The facial massage reduced anxiety and negative mood status, and increased sympathetic nervous activity,” involved 32 healthy Japanese women, ranging in age from 20 to 40.

They had the same 45 minutes facial massage; this included massaging the face with a cream, then the following they used a steam treatment after which the face was massaged a second time with a lotion to moisturize the skin.

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Facial reflexology is a therapeutic method in which stimulation of the reflex points and zones on the face is utilised in order to alleviate health conditions of the body. By touching the face in this manner for almost an hour, the neuro-biological system and the central nervous system are activated and consequently the entire body with its all systems are in total relaxation for better reparation.

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I will deepen into the mysteries of the metamorphic technique in two weeks time and I am so thrilled about it. I will come back with articles, experiences from the workshop and let you know all I have learned.
In case you are very inpatient check Gaston Saint-Pierre’ website, the one who has founded the Metamorphic Association and worked with the discoverer of the technique, Robert St. John.
www.gastonsaintpierre.org.uk

Keep yourselves in peace and love.
Iuliana

As reflexologists are we “protected” and “separated” when we offer a treatment?
My opinion is that we are all one but we can not pick up other’s people energies unless we are not using awareness during the sessions. In the following article I bring my arguments for this.

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