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eflexology is more than just another foot massage. It`s a natural healing

therapy; an ancient art that is used to balance the flow of energy throughout

the entire body.

It uses the idea that there are reflexes in the hands, feet, and ears that correspond to every
organ, gland, and part of the body. By applying pressure and using the appropriate
techniques on these corresponding reflexes, reflexology enhances relaxation, reduces
stress, and increases circulation. It can be used to treat the hands, feet and ears; however,
reflexology is most commonly done on the feet.

The interesting thing about reflexology is that your reflexologist can tell a lot about your

health and daily routines just by simply looking at your feet. You see your feet are

merely “reflections of your body parts (Barbra & Kunz).” Their reflexes are in a logical

order that closely resemble the anatomy of your body. By looking at their color, texture,
level of discomfort, and level of swelling, your reflexologist can tell you if you have

kidney problems, asthma, shoulder tension, asthma and so much more!

After accessing your feet the reflexologist will continue with the treatment. As

they work on the reflexes in your feet, you may feel mild to severe pain; this is normal!

The reflexologist then continues to work on these painful areas until the pain dissipates or

disappears. When pain is felt from hitting a particular reflex then a message is sent to the

brain to release endorphins into the painful area of the body to help it heal itself.

Research has found that “reflexology impacts disease, improves quality of life,

and influences the workings of the body (Barbra & Kunz, 2005).” It’s a therapy that

everyone should know more about so that they can help themselves or loved ones when

they’re in any form of sickness or discomfort.

R eflexology can affect almost every part of your body. When you stimulate a nerve

ending in the foot a corresponding organ or gland can also be stimulated. Some

nerve endings are believed to be blocked by crystal deposits. By breaking these deposits

the nerve ending opens and connects with its corresponding organ.
 Depending on the person and the severity of their condition, it can either affect the

person immediately or after several treatments. Reflexology, like massage therapy, is a

holistic therapy in which you must believe in the method for it to work more effectively.

The benefits of reflexology include relief of constipation, menstrual cramps, migraines,

stress, sleep patterns, back pain, arthritis, MS, chronic fatigue, infertility, hormonal

imbalances, digestive disorders, sport injuries, strokes and more.

Reflexology also helps release endorphins into the body which is a

natural pain killer. Reflexology can also improve the functionality of

the kidneys, intestines, skin and circulation. Any age group can

benefit from the treatments, especially the sick and elderly. There is

not an overwhelming amount of risks when it comes to reflexology; especially when

you’re being treated but an experienced reflexologist. However, if the reflexologist is

inexperienced or uneducated then they could work on the reflexes too hard or too long

causing an adverse reaction. If you go to get a treatment, then look for their certification

of reflexology.

To become a reflexologist there are some courses you will need as pre-requisites, those

are generally sciences like chemistry and biology. Start looking for reflexology programs
in your area, there is a list of programs and colleges in Ontario below. To become a

reflexologist in Ontario you must be registered under the OCR (Ontario Colleges of

Reflexology). If you aren’t then you are not qualified to be a reflexologist. Here is a list

of colleges that meet OCR’s minimum standards.

Reglexology Colleges In Ontario

Academy of Deep Muscle Therapy - Aylmer, Ontario

Academy of Natural Therapies (J. Paris) - Nepean, Ontario

Alzner School of Reflexology and Deep Muscle Therapy Inc. - London, Ontario

Canadian Council of Professional Certification - Toronto, Ontario

Canadian College of Holistic Health - Richmond Hill, Ontario

Canadian College of Natural Healing - Ottawa, Ontario

D'Arcy Lane Institute - London, Ontario

Davey School of Natural Healing - Peterborough, Ontario

Dunlop Wellness & Rehabilitation - Richmond Hill, Ontario

Fairbrass School of Complementary Therapies - Gloucester, Ontario

Health Secrets - Thornhill, Ontario

Holt School of Natural Healing - Bolton, Ontario

International Academy of Natural Health Sciences - Ottawa, Ontario

Limestone School of Natural Healing - Kingston, Ontario

Packard School of Nutrition - Sudbury, Ontario

Reflexology Registration Council of Ontario - Palgrave, Ontario

Touchpoint, Canadian Institute of Reflexology and Kinesthetics - B.C.

Wholistic Learning Centre - Kemble, Ontario

Wholistic Therapies School - Palgrave, Ontario

 – You don’t need to be registered just under the OCR. There are many different
associations that you become a member of. One of the most popular associations
is RAC. The Reflexology Association of Canada. This is the association that I
am registered under. One you become a member of the association you need to
keep paying a membership fee each year. You can also buy client insurance from
them too.
– You need any prerequisites to take massage therapy, however it’s much easier if
you do have a background in the human body and how it works.
– The training is usually part time, one night a week. You need a certain about of
hours in class, a certain amount of hours of at home study, and then after you
complete the course you do a written exam then you need to complete case studies
on your own. Some teachers only make you do 30, while others make you do 60
(like me). After you complete your case studies (free treatments that you do on
friends and family), then you have to meet up with a different teacher and do a
practical exam. Then you receive your certification and become a reflexologist.
– You can also take private lessons from teachers out of their own homes. This
makes it more practical for some people and the hours are most flexible. This
way you can also complete the class a lot quicker.

Approved teachers in Ontario

1. Robert Campbell-Foot-London, St. Thomas

2. Danielle conto-Foot/Hand/Ear-Napanee

3. Mora File-Foot-Belleville, Napanee, Kingston, Prince Edward County, Kaladar, Stirling - will travel north

4. Carol Gagnon-Foot-Collingwood, Stayner, Dundalk, Rosemont, Beeton, Alliston, Shelburne, Orangeville, Fergus, Wasaga Beach, Brampton, Barrie,
Newmarket, North Bay, Tottenham

5. Danielle Gault-Foot/Hand/Ear-Oakville, Burlington, Niagara Region, will travel

6. Alana Hewitt-Foot/Hand/Ear-Barrie, Orillia, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Bradford, Newmarket, Bracebridge

7. Ettalie Inglis-Foot/Hand-Ottawa & Valley, Almonte, Carleton Place, Carp, Smiths Falls, Arnprior, Renfrew, Packenham, Perth

8. Dora Joseph-Foot/Hand-Ottawa, Almonte

9. Buryl Keene-Foot-Newcastle Oshawa, Uxbridge

10. Ila Mathers-Foot/Hand/Ear-Exeter

11. Frances Merion-Foot/Hand/Ear-St. Catharines

12. Anne-Catherine Morrison-Foot-Brampton, Milton, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Orangeville

13. Diana O'Reilly-foot/ear-Toronto, Etobicoke

14. Mary-Kay Perris-Foot-Toronto, GTA - will travel

15. Deborah Powell-Foot/Ear-Orangeville, Toronto, Brampton, Caledon, Erin, Shelburne, Guelph

16. Claudia Smith-Foot/Hand/Ear-Peterborough

17. Ida Mae Woodburn-Foot-Georgetown, Erin, Acton, Orangeville, Brampton, Missisauga

18. Marie McClelland-Leger - Foot -Kawathra Lake District, Whitby, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Port Perry.

19. Lori Kells - Foot - London