What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient and natural healing process that dates back at least 5,000 years to Egyptian and Oriental cultures. Some call it a kin to Acupuncture because specific points and target areas guide practitioners of both techniques. However, Acupuncture incorporates the use of fine needles applied to the entire body, whereas Reflexology does not use needles and concentrates on the feet. Reflexology can also be performed on the hands and ears.
What is the Laura Norman Method of ReflexologySM?
The Laura Norman Method of ReflexologySM (http://www.lauranorman.com) is working with more than the feet and the reflex points that correspond to each organ, gland and part of the body. It is working with the whole person-physically, mentally,emotionally and spiritually. The science of Reflexology considers the feet to be mini-maps of the human body, with each organ, gland, and part of the body linked to a corresponding reflex area or point in the foot. By targeting a certain area or point, Reflexology speeds relief to the corresponding part of the body.
A Reflexologist can work on different parts of the feet to facilitate healing for individual conditions, however, it is desirable to work on all areas to put the entire body into balance. Some examples of how Reflexology assists in healing, or simply alleviating specific pain or discomfort, are as follows:
Condition: Menstrual cramps
Area(s) of the foot a Reflexologist would concentrate on:
Ankle
Top of the Foot
Inner Heel
Corresponding area in the body to these points in the foot: Reproductive Organs
Condition: Back, Shoulder & Neck Tension
Area(s) of the foot a Reflexologist would concentrate on: Inside Edge of Foot
Corresponding area in the body to these points in the foot: Spine
Condition: Digestive Problems
Area(s) of the foot a Reflexologist would concentrate on: Center of Arch
Corresponding area in the body to these points in the foot: Large and Small
Intestines
By helping the body self-regulate and balance itself, Reflexology has a unique capacity to relieve stress buildup.
Beyond the specific results that have been reported—relief from migraines, constipation, colds/flu symptoms, back/neck pain, digestive problems—Reflexology creates an overall calm that seems to envelop the body, allowing the body and mind to decompress and release energy flow. As a result, the body experiences greater stamina and energy, enhanced productivity and creativity, and emotional equilibrium. Clients with chronic problems such as allergies, chemical dependencies, and weight management issues also report significant improvement.
Is Reflexology a medical treatment?
No. Reflexology is not a medical treatment, nor is it a foot massage. Rather, Reflexology is a distinct system of natural healing. It is both a science that requires study, sound technique and practiced skills, and an art that must be approached with dedication and patience.
Does Reflexology hurt?
It is rare that a client reports pain during a Reflexology session. Twenty-six bones, 56 ligaments, 38 muscles, and 7,000 nerves make up each foot, therefore there is a lot of territory stimulated during a session. The sensations experienced during a Reflexology session are felt in the feet, not in the corresponding organs, glands or body parts. However, it is common for a client to feel sore in various parts of his/her body 1-2 days after a session. The reason for the soreness is because toxins are released from the feet during a session and
often it takes the body’s own elimination system some time to flush them from the body. Laura Norman and her Associates are all Board and State Certified Reflexologists and do whatever is necessary to make sure their clients are comfortable throughout a session. An open dialogue between client and therapist is encouraged so that the client gets the most out of his/her session.
Who uses Reflexology today?
Reflexology is easy to learn and yet so powerful. It has grown so popular in recent years that surgeons and other medical doctors, chiropractors, podiatrists, dentist, nurses, midwives, physical therapists, occupational therapists and massage therapists use it as a complimentary modality. To illustrate how it can be used in conjunction with medical practices, imagine the following scenario:
A pregnant woman has gone into labor. Although some of the pain she experiences can be treated with modern pharmaceuticals, she still suffers from pain and discomfort in her lower back and neck. In order to help relieve her neck/back pain, Reflexology is performed on her feet, specifically to the inside
edges—a very non-invasive treatment to an internal problem. There are no needles and nothing needs to be exposed other than her feet. In just on hour, she feels a renewed sense of calm and her neck/back pain has subsided, allowing her to focus on the miracle of childbirth!
In addition, many interested lay people choose to learn Reflexology to help reduce stress in their everyday lives, or in the lives of friends and family members.
Is Reflexology safe?
Reflexology safe to practice on persons of all ages, including children and seniors, and regular sessions have been known to assist in various chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, addictions, terminally ill, and obesity.
How can I learn more about Reflexology?
For more information on Reflexology, please visit our web site at http://www.lauranorman.com - Information on Reflexology Classes and Training Programs, or Private Reflexology Sessions, can also be found at http://www.lauranorman.com or call 1.800.FEET.FIRST. You can purchase a copy of Laura Norman’s best-selling book, Feet First: A Guide to Foot Reflexology (Simon & Schuster) and Laura’s instructional DVD at our web site, at our Centers in New York City, Delray Beach, Florida and at All That Matters in Wakefield, Rhode Island, and at bookstores nationwide.
Nationally Certified Reflexologist, Licensed Massage Therapist, Esthetician and Life Coach Laura Norman, BS, MS, is a Nationally Certified Reflexologist, a Licensed Massage Therapist, Esthetician (skincare specialist) and Life Coach in New York and Florida. Laura discovered the powerful effects of Reflexology in the early 1970s through her work with multiply handicapped and emotionally disturbed children at the Maimonides Institute in New York. Reflexology reduced the children’s stress levels and increased their attention spans. Improvements in their physical functioning and learning abilities soon followed.
For over thirty-five years Laura has pursued her mission of making the science of Reflexology understood, appreciated and available worldwide. Laura has a large list of accomplishments including a national best selling book Feet First:
A Guide to Foot Reflexology (Fireside, Simon & Schuster) that has sold nearly a half million copies worldwide and has been translated into several foreign languages for international distribution. In addition, she has sat on the Board of Directors of the Reflexology Association of America and routinely lectures and teaches at venues such as universities, hospitals, corporations, the Learning Annex, Health Expos, Parents without Partners, and Rehabilitation Counselors for Drug and Alcohol Abuse, cruise ships and spas. In addition to being published by Simon & Schuster, Laura has served as a consultant, author and spokesperson for several other publishers including Reader’s Digest, Time-Life Books, Elsevier Publishing and Rodale Press, as well as major foot-care/shoe companies like Dr. Scholl’s, Odor Eaters, Nike, Hush Puppies, Candie’s Shoes, consumer product companies such as Johnson and Johnson, Aveeno, Life Fitness, Calgon/Coty, Vaseline Intensive Care and several major department store chains.
Laura Norman works with more than the feet, hands and ears. Laura is also a Life Coach who works holistically with each person – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Laura combines her method of Reflexology with many modalities, including affirmative thinking/speaking, visualization/ imagery, color therapy, music therapy and aromatherapy, to inspire clients to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Ms. Norman has “touched the soles” of many celebrities including Barbara DeAngelis, Phil Donahue, Bruce Jenner, Robert Klein, Liza Minelli, Regis Philbin, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Hilary Swank, Nell Carter, Howard Stern and Robin Quivers. As the authoritative voice of Reflexology, Laura has advanced the practice of this healing and soothing modality internationally. She appears regularly on national television programs such as “Good Morning America” (ABC), “Live with Regis and Kelly” (ABC), “Good Day New York”(FOX), “Today Show” (NBC), and “Extra” (NBC). Her radio interviews include “The Howard Stern Show,” “The Joan Hamburg Show,” and “The Gary Null Show.” Newspapers have also featured her work, including The New York Times, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, The New York Newsday, The New York Observer, The Chicago Tribune, and The London Times.
In addition, Laura is frequently featured in major magazines such as Travel and Leisure, Family Circle, SELF, Town & Country, GQ, Prevention, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Time Out New York, New York Magazine and The New Yorker. Laura is the Founder and President of Laura Norman Enterprises, Inc. and the Laura Norman ReflexologySM Training Centers. Laura’s certified instructors teach the Laura
Norman ReflexologySM Certification Training Program, which integrates spiritual and
scientific precepts into the traditional model, thus enhancing the results achieved. Now considered the most comprehensive training program of its kind, Laura has brought her program to the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy, the NYU Division of Nursing, The New Center College for Holistic Health Education and Research, The New York College of Podiatric Medicine, The St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Sloan Kettering, The New York Open Center, the Esalen Institute and the acclaimed Atelier Estetique, in addition to her Training Centers in New York City, Wakefield, Rhode Island and Delray Beach, Florida. Laura’s training program has been offered in 22 U.S. cities, and students come from around the world to study her unique Method. She now also offers a Home Study course and teleclasses. Laura is full of ideas for the future. Her upcoming projects include writing three new books and implementing a program for seniors. She is also developing a hospital/hospice training program to help family members assist in the treatment of their loved ones. Laura continues to use the art and science of Reflexology to facilitate wellness on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
In addition to teaching and practicing Reflexology, Laura is a life coach in the Law of Attraction. She combines her coaching with her reflexology sessions, and leads seminars in the Law of Attraction with her partner and soul-mate, Michael Blocker. Laura facilitates Women’s Circles featuring various women experts who empower women to enhance their lives. Laura is a member of the Women’s Wellness Society, and was the first to be appointed to the Society’s Advisory Board. In 2006 Laura was the keynote speaker at the Women’s Wellness Society’s Annual Retreat attended by local chapter members from around the country, and in 2007 is a sponsor and speaker for the New York Chapter.