Last summer I participated in the Women's Outdoor Weekend at Gordon's Park on Manitoulin Island. My friends (and neighbours), the Gordons, own and operate Gordon's Park (hence the name) and each year they put on a fabulous weekend for women to learn, bond, relax, and enjoy themselves and their friends. It's just a very fun weekend for busy women who need to get some R&R.

On the line-up were: nature crafts, outdoor cooking, hiking, moonlight hikes, swimming, campfires, singing, yoga, pillates, and many other activities. The one I enjoyed the most was the reflexology. I swear...I have never felt so goooooood and so relaxed in all my life. Any ailment or pain I was afflicted with just melted away. I didn't tell the reflexologist that I had a few health problems at the time and was experiencing knee pains because I didn't want it to be that placebo effect or self-fulfilling prophecy...but she knew! She just knew that I was experiencing the pain from a messed up, mashed up, poorly treated knee!! She knew that I am asthmatic. She knew that I had been experiencing terrible headaches. Amazing. Of course, for her to properly assess me, she'd have to see me a few times and do consultations, but I thought it was pretty neat that the human body could be so telling if you knew what to look for. The same goes for the idea of iridology, but that's a whole new blog entry all together!!

Oh, I passed on the raindrop massage therapy, but my friends Heidi and Ivy say I should not have passed it up! Darn! Maybe next year.

Anyway, here's some info on reflexology that I thought was very interesting. Personally, I'd rather go the natural router before getting medical prescriptions. I'd sooner sniff lavender or citrus oils than take a Tylenol or Aspirin. No offense to either company that makes those pills, but I really would rather not take any sort of meds if I can avoid it.


Facts About Reflexology
WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY ?
Reflexology is a science which deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way, a type of preventative maintenance. Reflexology is a serious advance in the health field and should not be confused with massage.
IS REFLEXOLOGY NEW ?
The idea behind Reflexology is not new - in fact, it was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham, the pioneer of this field. Her first book on the subject was published in 1938. And since 1942, Reflexology workshops have been conducted year round.
WHAT IS THE INGHAM METHOD™ ?
It is the combined work of the late Eunice Ingham and her nephew Dwight C. Byers, the world's leading authority on Foot Reflexology. Mr. Byers, director of the International Institute of Reflexology®, and/or his hand picked instructors conduct on-going workshops on a worldwide scale to both laymen and professionals.
WHAT DOES REFLEXOLOGY DO ?
The Ingham Method® of Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology improves nerve and blood supply, and helps nature to normalize.
WHAT SPECIAL EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED ?
Only the hands are used, making it a safe, simple, yet effective method without the use of gadgets. Let your fingers do the walking.
CAN REFLEXOLOGY MAKE A CONDITION WORSE ?
No, it will not make any condition more acute. Reflexology helps to normalize body functions. A Reflexology session relaxes the stress that can affect your health. It is a safe effective way to Better Health.

DISCLAIMER:
The International Institute of Reflexology® wishes to make it perfectly clear that it does not purport to teach medical practice in any form; or is the Ingham Method® of Reflexology intended to replace conventional medical treatment.
Reflexology is a unique modality in the health field. Its purpose is not to treat or diagnose for any specific medical disorder, but to promote better health and well being in the same way as an exercise or diet program. Its practice should not be compared to massage or any other kind of manipulative procedure.