Google Website Translator Gadget_________ ATTENTION "Αγγλικά" is ENGLISH !!!!!

Δευτέρα 30 Δεκεμβρίου 2013

Top 10 for Reflexology in 2013


1. Reflexology reduces feelings of pain - Reflexology may be as effective as painkillers, according to a small study carried out by the University of Portsmouth.

2. Activity in the primary somatosensory cortex induced by reflexological stimulation is
unaffected by pseudo-information: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

3. Noninvasive Characterisation of Foot Reflexology Areas by Swept Source-Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Low Back Pain

4. In  May during the AGM in Athens the attending representatives of RiEN where informed that the Reflexologist Pirjo Södermann from Sweden past away.
At that AGM a (initial) European definition of Reflexology was put down. The closest agreement was
“Reflexology deals with the principle that there are reflex areas on the feet which correspond to different parts of the body and is a method that affects these reflex areas to attain wellbeing”


5.Certification Now Required for Non-Licensed Reflexologists in Washington State
The senate bill here: http://www.abmp.com/downloads/2013_0624_WA_6103final.pdf
Status of the Reflexology Law
The new law took effect July 1, 2013. It clarifies reflexology’s scope of practice in line with national standards and requires that all certified reflexologists meet educational criteria, including an approved school program and an exam. The WA State Department of Health (DOH)  established specific training and education standards in conjuction with the implementation of the new law. While the WRA’s interest is to promote the highest standards of training and practice, and to represent reflexology as a unique modality, the DOH is charged with ensuring that the public is protected. The law also empowers the Department of Health to access businesses and with the support of law enforcement, work to eliminate human trafficking and other illicit practices.

http://www.washingtonreflexology.org/home/legislation/
There is also a definition of Reflexology included, what do you think?
"Reflexology" means a health care service that is limited to applying alternating pressure with thumb and finger techniques to reflexive areas of the lower one-third of the extremities, feet, hands, and outer ears based on reflex maps. Reflexology does not include the diagnosis of or treatment for specific diseases, or joint.
Page 3 Section 3(10)


6. Court Overturns Ban On Reflexology Services - in Uganda

7. Alternative Treatments Could See Wide Acceptance Thanks to Obamacare

8. ICR 14TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
2013 Inductees at the 14th ICR Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa:
William 'Bill' Flocco (USA) Christine Issel (USA)  

9. Two **NEW** historical Reflexology findings here (Egyptian) and here (Greek).

10. Feet First: Reflexology Featured at World Massage Conference
A Reflexology panel from around the world attended this virtual conference.  

Τρίτη 17 Δεκεμβρίου 2013

Επανακυκλοφορεί η "Εναρμόνιση", το περιοδικό του Σωματείου Ελλήνων Ρεφλεξολόγων

Αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι,
 
Με μεγάλη χαρά μοιραζόμαστε μαζί σας το καινούργιο τεύχος του περιοδικού μας!
Τώρα πια η Εναρμόνιση θα κυκλοφορεί σε ηλεκτρονική μορφή και αυτό σημαίνει ότι η διάδοσή της είναι απεριόριστη, κάτι που δεν γινόταν με το έντυπο τεύχος. Ο καθένας μας είναι συνυπεύθυνος σε αυτό και μπορεί να συμβάλλει με το δικό του τρόπο. Σας παρακαλούμε, να μοιραστείτε, από αύριο, την ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση που ακολουθεί με όσες επαφές σας επιθυμείτε. Έτσι, θα βοηθήσετε την ομάδα του περιοδικού, το σωματείο, τη Ρεφλεξολογία.
 
 

Ευχαριστούμε και καλές γιορτές!

Πέμπτη 12 Δεκεμβρίου 2013

ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ ΣΕΡ - ΕΘΕΛΟΝΤΙΚΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ

ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ - ΕΘΕΛΟΝΤΙΚΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ
 
Αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι,
 
Στα πλαίσια της συνεχιζόμενης συνεργασίας του Σωματείου Ελλήνων Ρεφλεξολόγων με τον Σύλλογο Γονέων και Κηδεμόνων Παιδιών με Νεοπλασματικές Παθήσεις Η ΠΙΣΤΗ και το Ογκολογικό Νοσοκομείο Μαριάννα Β. Βαρδινογιάννη του Νοσοκομείο Παίδων Αγ. Σοφία, έχουμε ανάγκη από δυο εθελοντές.
 
Συγκεκριμένα:
 
-Ζητείται εθελοντής για το Κέντρο Ειδικών Θεραπειών, ένα Σάββατο το μήνα, ώρες: 11.00-15.00
 
-Ζητείται εθελοντής για το Τμήμα Αιματολογικής Ογκολογίας, ένα Σάββατο το μήνα, ώρες: 17.00-20.00
 
Προϋποθέσεις:
-Οι εθελοντές θα παρέχουν τις υπηρεσίες τους στους φροντιστές υγείας (γονείς, συγγενείς) και στο νοσηλευτικό προσωπικό. Θα εργάζονται υπό την εποπτεία του νοσηλευτικού προσωπικού της κάθε κλινικής.
-Οι εθελοντές θα πρέπει να διαθέτουν κρεβάτι ή ειδική πολυθρόνα που να μπορούν να μεταφέρουν στο νοσοκομείο για τις συνεδρίες.
-Θα υπάρξει εκ μέρους των εθελοντών τουλάχιστον 6μηνη δέσμευση.
-Θα παρέχεται αποκλειστικά και μόνο Ρεφλεξολογία.
-Οι εθελοντές θα πρέπει να επιδείξουν σταθερότητα και τυπικότητα στη συνεργασία, να σέβονται το χώρο και τους εργαζόμενους στις κλινικές και να λειτουργούν σύμφωνα με τον Κώδικα Δεοντολογίας του Σωματείου.
-Επίσης πρέπει να είναι τακτικά μέλη του ΣΕΡ, ει δυνατόν με εμπειρία σε νοσοκομειακό περιβάλλον.
 
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε με την κ. Λεάνα Κωττάκη, υπεύθυνη της Ομάδας Εθελοντισμού του Σ.Ε.Ρ., στο lkottaki@yahoo.gr
 
Ευχαριστούμε,
Το Δ.Σ.
 
 

Κυριακή 8 Δεκεμβρίου 2013

Ινομυαλγία και Ρεφλεξολογία

Η σημερινή ανάρτηση ξεκίνησε καθώς αναζητούσα πληροφορίες σχετικά με μία συγκεκριμένη έρευνα.

Jenný Gunnarsdóttir
Effects of reflexology on fibromyalgia symptoms: A multiple case study 
Επιπρόσθετες πληρορίες έλαβα για την έρευνα από το Association of Reflexologists

"Four particiapants benefitted from reflexology while of the remaining two, one had short term relief of symptoms while the other one had no effect. The four that benefitted got worse over the first 6-8 treaments and then felt much better. You need to manage your clients expectations. Most of the benefits both in wellbeing and pain reduction occurred during the 6th to 8th weeks of treatment indicating that a prolonged period of treatment needs to take place before benefits are apparent. Before embarking on a series of reflexology treatments it is worthmaking your client aware that the pain may become worse before it becomes better."

Abstract ΄

Purpose

To explore the effects of reflexology on pain and other symptoms in women with fibromyalgia syndrome [FM].

Methods

Multiple case study method as developed by Stake was used to investigate the effects of reflexology on six cases of women with FM which were given ten sessions of weekly reflexology. Data were collected with observation, interviews and diary and then analyzed within cases and across cases.

Results

Reflexology affected the symptom of pain in multiple areas such as head, neck and arms. Pain started to isolate and decrease.

Conclusion

Reflexology may be helpful to decrease fibromyalgia symptoms. Qualitative research methods and individually tailored interventions are important when researching complementary and alternative therapies.

Αναζητώντας περισσότερα, ανακάλυψα την προσέγγιση/αξιολόγηση του Dr. Groshell ο οποίος ισχυρίζεται ότι η αιτία της ινομυαλγίας κρύβεται στην λάθος εμβιομηχανική (στάση και λειτουργία) του ποδιού. Για να το διαπιστώσει εφαρμόζει ένα τεστ το οποίο ονομάζει Free Flow Energy Test το οποίο ισχυρίζεται είναι βάσιμο μέσο αξιολόγησης για το εάν τα συμπτώματα είναι αποτέλεσμα κακής εμβιομηχανικής στάσης και λειτουργίας του ποδιού. 

   


Σε θετική απάντηση στο τεστ ακολουθεί "μίκρο" χειρισμός του ποδιού ο οποίος αποκαθιστά την κακή εμβιομηχανική κα ακολούθως, τα συμπτώματα της ινομυαλγίας.
Λέτε αυτός να είναι ο λόγος που η προηγουμένη έρευνα έδειξε χρήσιμη την ρεφλεξολογία?  

Βέβαια αξίζει να αναφέρουμε ότι οι Ισλανδοί ερευνητές κατέληξαν "Οι νοσηλεύτριες και οι επαγγελματίες υγειάς οφείλουν να γνωρίζουν για την επίδραση της θεραπευτικής κρίσης όταν προσφέρουν ρεφλεξολογία σε ασθενείς. Τα πράγματα θα χειροτερέψουν πριν καλυτερέψουν!"    

 

Τετάρτη 4 Δεκεμβρίου 2013

Παρουσίαση της Ορθοπεδικής Ρεφλεξολογίας στο ΣΕΡ

A "disturbed" reflex point has been evaluated/chosen by me (shoulder reflex in this case) and Grigoris will change it with his music having “tuned in” with the recipient. According to the recipient and the other evaluating Reflexologists, it did change to the better!
I have done this before with Grigoris and was certain of the result, that is why I am at ease, just guiding and enjoying the proced...
ure.

Music therapy was utilized in ancient Greece from Homer’s time!
“The sons of Autolycus busied themselves with the carcass of the boar, and bound Ulysses wound; then, after saying ‘a chant/spell’ to stop the bleeding, they went home as fast as they could.”

The Odyssey (Homer) Book XIX

Ο Όμηρος μας λέει στην ραψωδία "τ" της Οδύσσειας στίχοι 456-7 : “την πληγή του αμώμου ισοθέου Οδυσσέως έδεσαν επισταμένως, και με επωδές το μελανόν αίμα σταμάτησαν”.

Σάββατο 30 Νοεμβρίου 2013

Reflexology and dentistry

Reflexology and dentistry seem to get along, here is another example from around the world.
The last two paragraphs say it all.

http://www.drjerry.co.il/en/sectionsm/Dental-Anxiety/Reflexology/


'Complementary and Alternative Medicine - current status and potential in European Healthcare

DEFINETELY A MUST READ!

A pdf of the special report produced for the conference 'Complementary and Alternative Medicine - current status and potential in European Healthcare'

http://www.homeopathy-ecch.org/images/stories/pdf/eu%20cam%20booklet.pdf

From:
11 October 2012
Landmark conference on CAM takes place in the European Parliament


On 9 October 2012 an all day conference entitled ' Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Innovation and Added Value for European Healthcare ' took place in the European Parliament Buildings in the heart of Brussels. Sponsored by three progressive MEPs, Oena Antonescu, Sirpa Pietikäinen and Alojz Peterle the conference speakers presented a very clear rationale for why CAM should become more integrated into EU member state healthcare systems in the near future. ECCH, together with other participants in the stakeholder group EUROCAM, played an active role in preparing, funding and running this conference.
http://www.homeopathy-ecch.eu/

Τετάρτη 20 Νοεμβρίου 2013

Integrated medicine on the UK Parliament TV

Integrated medicine on the UK Parliament TV.
What are doctors and politicians saying about CAM?
Listen carefully!!!
A lot is said about CAM research.
There are possibilities from what is said by the GP, especially on placing the patient at... the center!

“Evidence on Reflexology is non existent” 14:36:03

On the bottom click, I agree and watch!
http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Embed/GeneralEmbed.aspx?meeting=14059

Edmonton doctor trying to take alternative medicine mainstream

“If everything starts with a patient as the centre of your primary interest, then their interests, their values, their questions are the things that need to matter to you most as their health care provider,” says Dr. Sunita Vohra, a pediatrician and professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta, speaking to Michael Enright this week on The Sunday Edition.

She says studies indicate that 70 per cent of Canadians use complementary therapies, and a significant percentage of them mix traditional and non-traditional remedies without knowing what impact one will have on another.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/edmonton-doctor-trying-to-take-alternative-medicine-mainstream-1.2427859

 

Σάββατο 16 Νοεμβρίου 2013

ΣΕΡ - Διαδραστικό Δεκεμβρίου

ΠΡΟΣΚΛΗΣΗ
 
Αγαπητά μέλη,
 
Το Σ.Ε.Ρ. την Κυριακή 1η Δεκεμβρίου 2013 θα πραγματοποιήσει ομιλία με φιλοξενούμενο το μέλος του Σ.Ε.Ρ. κ. Σπύρο Δημητράκουλα με θέμα : «Παρουσίαση και εφαρμογή της Ορθοπεδικής Ρεφλεξολογίας στην οικονομική – κοινωνική κρίση που διανύουμε».
Έναρξη 7 μ.μ. στα γραφεία του Σ.Ε.Ρ. Σπαθάρη 2 & Χρυσοπόλεως, Πολύγωνο.
 
Δωρεάν δικαίωμα παρακολούθησης έχουν τα τακτικά και δόκιμα μέλη με επίδειξη της κάρτας μέλους (2013) του ΣΕΡ.
Μετά τιμής
Το Δ.Σ. του Σ.Ε.Ρ.
 
ΣΩΜΑΤΕΙΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ ΡΕΦΛΕΞΟΛΟΓΩΝ : Σπαθάρη 2, Πολύγωνο, τ.κ. 114 76, Αθήνα
Τηλ.: 210-6424818, fax :210-6451532
 


Παρασκευή 15 Νοεμβρίου 2013

RiEN Newsletter - November 2013

Letter from the Chair
Dear Representatives, members and friends of the Reflexology in Europe Network (RiEN)

CONFERENCE UPDATE
As the RiEN approaches it's 20th birthday, arrangements are being made to celebrate it on the beautiful island Madeira a week after the famous Madeira Flower Festival in May 9-11 2014.
We were detighted with all the abstracts that were sent to us for consideration for the Conference.  All abstracts that were sent in before the closing date were evaluated by the board. Through a voting process the board decided on the ten speakers, and now with confidence we invite you to our 8th RiEN conference “The Brain”, challenging new concepts will be presented. 

There is a fantastic mixture of  Reflexology research, and introductions to new approaches of the manual application of our work during the offered workshops.

On behalf of the RiEN board and our host, the school member Centro de Reflexologia da Madeira, we would really like to be able to say say to you in May "Bem-vindo à Madeira (Welcome to Madeira)".

CONFERENCE DETAILS - PLEASE PASS ON TO YOUR MEMBERS
Accompanying this newsletter you will find information on our upcoming conference, please feel free to pass this on to your members. They are ALL eligible to a discount.


THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAIR
Announcing and inviting fellow colleagues to conferences is definitely fun and cheerful! Especially compared to the daily demanding attention and work required by your five RiEN board members, two  research representatives(Tracey Smith and Leila Eriksen), our representative in EFCAM (Heinrike Bergmans) and hopefully a newly appointed web master.

As Chair of the RiEN, I would like to thank the mentioned people for working and devoting their precious time (voluntarily and for free). Only now do I truly begin to realize what it takes to have RiEN up and running!

During the last six months the board has been evaluating our status and beyond any doubt we will all assemble at our AGM in Madeira (8th-9th May) with new proposals of which your opinions and vote (association members) will be requested.  Beyond any doubt, in terms of Reflexology on a European level, we are faced with facts and situations. These facts and situations of course are not to be recorded in a newsletter, but we the board can be reached by e-mail or skype to update and be updated. Together in Madeira we will look these in the eye, question them, and/or embrace them.
RiEN’s fundamental purpose was to serve as a network to exchange ideas and experiences. Unfortunately this has not been achieved to its full potential, especially considering the technological advancements we have today compared to those that existed 21 years ago.

In an attempt to resolve this, each and every representative (association member) will be requested to speak for 10minutes at our AGM – no PowerPoint presentations! Every representative will inform the rest of us, of his association’s achievements, their difficulties and how they overcame them, their future projects and the difficulties they have not resolved. We will simulate a Self-help group* if not become one, after all we are therapists! You could even call it a “Reflexology think- tank”; just imagine the potential through the shared experience.

WEBSITE UPDATE
We would like to apologize for still not having our web page 100% updated and functional. Unfortunately the handing over process has not proceeded as it should have. With a little house cleaning from our side we reassure you that things will be running more smoothly soon.

ROLES OF THE RIEN REPRESENTATIVES
For years now we have speculated on the roles of the board and the constitution. Guess what? We are sending you, to pass on to the board of your association,
“Suggestions on the qualities & the function of a RiEN representative during the AGM, and during the time until the next RiEN AGM.”
There is a lot that the representatives have to offer and we are going to examine the benefits of these.

Pirjo project
Also you will find directions for the proceedings regarding the Pirjo project (Simplified educational module for the blind). We begin with compiling a RiEN reflexology manual with all European countries contributing. We do hope you motivate your members to assemble and contribute.

Other thoughts
It seems that in some European circles, to our surprise, Reflexology does not exist.  Because of this and other reasons, we would like you to send us a list of as many as possible examples (accurate information) of Reflexologists working inside a “medical setting” (Hospital, plain clinic, hospice etc.) either voluntarily or paid.

Finally attached to this newsletter you will find a document titled “Reflexology Research to date”. From our RiEN representative at EFCAM we received a request on behalf of DG Sanco enquiring on Reflexology Research. Of course the first person the board asked to fulfill this request was Tracey Smith UK. We thank her for her time and hard work. You (RiEN members) may all use this document but always crediting it to Tracey Smith.

Our facebook page seems to have gathered quite an audience. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Reflexology-in-Europe-Network/606151556063434  Please contribute with articles from your members, news or any progress in your country related to Reflexology.  Just e-mail it to us and we will communicate it with all our means. Please take notice that we have also created a European Reflexology Day facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/EuropeanReflexologyDay

Please inform your members about their existence and encourage them to participate-contribute, “likes” are also welcome.

On behalf of the RiEN board,

Spiros Dimitrakoulas


 * Self-help groups, also known as mutual help, mutual aid, or support groups, are groups of people who provide mutual support for each other. In a self-help group, the members share a common problem, often a common disease or addiction. Their mutual goal is to help each other to deal with, if possible to heal or to recover from, this problem.



AGM AND CONFERENCE 2014
We will be sending out details of the conference and hotel to all representatives, if you do not receive this and would like the details to be sent to you please email
Anneke and Esther - admin.rien@googlemail.com
 

We have negotiated a very good rate with the hotel - Hotel Pestana Casino Park, to book your room please contact:
Elisabete Castro
Email: elisabete.castro@madeiraviagens.pt
Tel: 00351 939480533 or 00351 291105513 ou 00351 291 241133


Pirjo project
Upon completion our ambition is that the Pirjo project will serve as a simplified educational module for the blind across Europe and the world. Reflexology training for the visually impaired is very challenging for everyone involved, you can get an idea from this article http://www.worldwidehealth.com/health-article-How-a-blind-person-studies-complementary-courses.html

I personally have been following this subject quite a few years and gathering information wherever possible. Thanks to modern technology many difficulties having to do with the theory of Reflexology and Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology can be overcome, even though studying theory in Braille format will always be the first choice of the visually impaired. Another difficulty has to do with the Reflexology maps we use. For most of us “having a look” is quite convenient but as you can imagine for the visually impaired this does not work. I do believe that this obstacle can be overcome, and I am testing this theory currently in Greece.

For this project to move forward we need a Reflexology map. Which one should we use since there is not one globally accepted map. For this reason, and others, we ask for every association member’s contribution in compiling a RiEN reflexology manual, with all European countries contributing. Our ambition is NOT to create an accepted by all Reflexology map, rather to produce a result (RiEN reflexology manual) from a joint effort inside RiEN. A result that anyone can reference too and assist in the training of the visually impaired.

Think of it as RiEN inviting everyone to dinner. Everyone will bring to the table a plate, a contribution, their local specialty. No one can make the other try the dish by force, but no one can request another’s plate to leave the table.

Of course this would also be a first step towards “a common map” which has been a topic of discussion at our AGM’s without anything ever moving towards that direction.
This would also serve as a reason for your members to assemble and work together and finally work together with other European Reflexologists and actually having a result to take pride of. 
We do hope you motivate your members to assemble and contribute.

Please send them back or bring them with you printed or in electronic form, the latest at our AGM in Madeira, May 8th-11th.
Chair of RiEN
Spiros Dimitrakoulas – Head of the Pirjo project

Directions
Invite your members to assemble on a designated date by your board; this could be done in conjunction with another event. Have your members (and NOT the board members, NOT the representative and NOT the teachers) fill in the requested system on the limb (hands-feet), consult the table below to find your associations system and on which limb. It is advisable to add the guidelines (waist, diaphragm etc.) also to the charts we are sending you.

Print enough for everyone.

Some board members we have confronted have stated that they have one common map they use inside their association. We believe that you are in for a surprise, give the opportunity to your members to express themselves.

Try to draw in the systems as nicely as possible but do not concern yourselves to much as we will have a graphics designer do this. Would you happen to have a member in your association that would be willing to take this task upon him/herself?

Once done, take a group photo of the members that have assembled in order to remember the occasion.

We then request you send back to us the following:
·         The requested filled in chart
·         The group photo of your members who assembled
·         Your associations logo
·         Information you wish to be published inside the manual having to do with your association (200-300 words)

The final 2 page product of your association’s contribution will look something like this (general layout)


PLEASE BRING YOUR INFORMATION TO THE AGM

 
Country Organisation                                                                                       
System/limb                                               
BeVo Beroepsvereniging voor Voetreflexologen Skeletal system foot (spine, upper limbs.thorax, head, teeth)
NVBR Nationaal Verbond der Belgische Reflexologen vzw Muscular system foot (dorsal surface of foot)
CER Centre d'Etude de Reflexologie Asbl    Nervous system foot (the 5 senses)
TKZ Traditional Chinese Reflexology Foreningen Important acupuncture points on the feet
FDZ Forenede Danske Zoneterapeuter    Muscular system foot (plantar surface of foot, characteristic examples)
ZCT Zoneconnection Terapeutforening                Skeletal system foot (spine, lower limbs, waist, pelvis)
AFR Association Francaise de Reflexologie                              Nervous system foot
Centre de Recherche, d'Etude et d'Enseignement des Reflexologies Respiratory foot
FFPER Federation Francophone des Praticiens et Enseignants de la Reflexologie Urinary feet
FFR Federation Francaise des Reflexologues Digestive system feet – mouth to duodenum
ERVE Federation ERVE France Circulatory feet

DRV Deutscher Reflexologen Verein   Digestive system feet – duodenum to anus
VER Verband Europäischer Reflexologen, Deutsche Sektion  Lymphatic system feet
HAR Hellenic Association of Reflexologists Endocrine system feet
SSOVÍ Samband svæða- og viðbragðsfræðinga á Íslandi  Reproductive system feet
IRI Irish Reflexologists Institute Ltd                   Immune System feet
FIRP Federazione Italiana Riflessologia del Piede Skeletal system hand (spine, upper limbs thorax, head, teeth)
FNRL Federation Nationale des Reflexologues Luxembourgeois Muscular system hand characteristic examples (dorsal  surface of hand)
LVNG Landelijke Vereniging Natuurlijke Geneeswijzen   Skeletal system hand (spine, lower …………                                                                                                     limbs, waist, pelvis)
VNRT Vereniging van Nederlandse Reflexzone Therapeuten Nervous system hand (the 5 senses)
NNH Norske Naturterapeuters Hovedorganisasjon Muscular system hand (plantar  surface of hand, characteristic examples)
PIR Polski Instytut Reflexologii    Skeletal system foot (spine, lower limbs, waist, pelvis)
BA Belosana-Anicor d.o.o.      Nervous system hand
























DCRS Drustvo Club of Reflexotherapists of Slovenia                    Respiratory hand
CCI Chamber of Small Business and Trade, section of reflexologists Urinary hand
Edireflex-Estudi i difusio de les Reflexologies Digestive system hand– mouth to duodenum
SFRF Svenska Fotzonterapi-Reflexologi Forbundet Circulatory hand
KY Kroppsterapeuternas Yrkesforbund Important acupuncture points on the hands
APTN Association des Praticiens en Therapeutiques Naturelles Endocrine system hand
SVFM Schweizerischer Verband fur Fussreflexzonen-Massage Reproductive system hand
AoR Association of Reflexologists                        Lymphatic/immune system hand
 
We do know that many CAM therapists, Reflexologists included have chosen to NOT be members of (in some cases one of two or more) their countries associatons. Some of the reasons for this we also know. We the board of RiEN do NOT at all agre...e with this. We strongly encourage you, especially if you are practising Reflexology in whatever form, to support your countries association not only by membership but also by contributing in the many tasks that an association has to deal with.

By the way, if you are a member of an associaion that is a member of RiEN, ...DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTATIVE IS?

We think you should!

Give us an answer....., please.
 

Τετάρτη 6 Νοεμβρίου 2013

Who thinks of the bone as being an endocrine organ?



“Who thinks of the bone as being an endocrine organ? You think of the adrenal gland, you think of the pituitary, you don’t think of bone.”
In 2011, he showed that bones play a crucial role in male reproduction: mice that did not produce osteocalcin had abnormally low levels of testosterone and were sterile. Mice that produced high levels, on the other hand, had more testosterone and bred more frequently.

Read the article here








Photograph: Marcel van den Bergh/Hollandse Hoogte/Redux

Maternal and Offspring Pools of Osteocalcin Influence Brain Development and Functions

http://www.cell.com/abstract/S0092-8674(13)01073-8


  • Highlights
  • Osteocalcin signals in the brain and favors postnatal neurogenesis
  • Osteocalcin prevents anxiety and depression and favors memory
  • Maternal osteocalcin crosses the placenta and favors fetal brain development
  • Maternal osteocalcin influences spatial learning and memory in adult offspring
  • Summary

    The powerful regulation of bone mass exerted by the brain suggests the existence of bone-derived signals modulating this regulation or other functions of the brain. We show here that the osteoblast-derived hormone osteocalcin crosses the blood-brain barrier, binds to neurons of the brainstem, midbrain, and hippocampus, enhances the synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters, inhibits GABA synthesis, prevents anxiety and depression, and favors learning and memory independently of its metabolic functions. In addition to these postnatal functions, maternal osteocalcin crosses the placenta during pregnancy and prevents neuronal apoptosis before embryos synthesize this hormone. As a result, the severity of the neuroanatomical defects and learning and memory deficits of Osteocalcin/ mice is determined by the maternal genotype, and delivering osteocalcin to pregnant Osteocalcin/ mothers rescues these abnormalities in their Osteocalcin/ progeny. This study reveals that the skeleton via osteocalcin influences cognition and





     

    Τρίτη 5 Νοεμβρίου 2013

    Ever wonder what is going on around the globe having to do with Reflexology? Reserve your spot it is FREE!



    Feet First: Reflexology Featured at World Massage Conference
    http://worldmassageconference.com/feetfirst


    Spiros Dimitrakoulas - Chair of Reflexology in Europe Network (RiEN) is
    being featured at the World Massage Conference, a unique “virtual” conference and the largest event in the history of massage with over 15,000 registrants from around the world.

    The complete list of list of the panelists:
    Dwight C. Byers (USA)
    Mary Jardine (Canada)
    Spiros Dimitrakoulas (RiEN/Europe)
    Tracey Smith (UK)
    Heather Edwards (Australia)

    This year as part of the programming, the World Massage Conference takes a look at Reflexology around the world and is featuring representatives of some of the leading Reflexology associations. Join this exceptional panel of Reflexology experts to learn about the birth of modern reflexology, to gain insights on how Reflexology is practiced around the world and to find out about the latest trends and happenings in various countries.
    This special pre-conference presentation will be broadcast on Tuesday, November 12th and is FREE to everyone. To find the time in your city and reserve your spot go to:
    http://worldmassageconference.com/feetfirst


    Visit RiEN at the virtual tradeshow; navigate with the arrow to the left to find us.
    http://worldmassageconference.com/tradeshow/index.htm

    Κυριακή 3 Νοεμβρίου 2013

    Ρεφλεξολογία στο Ευρωπαϊκό πρόγραμμα Δια Βίου Μάθησης Grundtvig

    Ρεφλεξολογία στο Ευρωπαϊκό πρόγραμμα Δια Βίου Μάθησης Grundtvig το οποίο υλοποιήθηκε από την Οργάνωση 50+Ελλάς Active Body + Active Mind = Healthy Senior

    Η εθελοντική ομάδα της 50+Ελλάς που πραγματοποιεί το ευρωπαϊκό πρόγραμμα Grundtvig με τίτλο “Active Body + Active Mind = Healthy Senior”, υποδέχθηκε τις εθελοντικές ομάδες  των εταιρικών χωρών που συμμετέχουν στο πρόγραμμα στις 20 Οκτωβρίου 2013. Οι χώρες που υλοποιούν το αντίστοιχο πρόγραμμα είναι η Φινλανδία, η Πορτογαλία, η Σλοβακία, η Τσεχία και η Τουρκία.
     
    Την 1η ημέρα ήταν αφιερωμένη στη συμπληρωματική φυσική αγωγή ρεφλεξολογία. Οι φιλοξενούμενοι και οι Έλληνες εθελοντές ενημερώθηκαν για την ιστορία των ολιστικών θεραπειών, για τα οφέλη της ρεφλεξολογίας από την πρόεδρο του Σωματείου Ελλήνων Ρεφλεξολόγων κα Ευγενία Δούλβαρη και είχαν την ευκαιρία να βιώσουν το άγγιγμα στα πέλματα αλλά και να μάθουν τεχνικές αυτό-θεραπείας από την ρεφλεξολόγο Γεωργία Μιχαλοπούλου.
     
    Η τελευταία δήλωσε "Αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, θα ήθελα να σας ενημερώσω ότι η συνάντηση με εταίρους από 5 ευρωπαϊκές χώρες στα πλαίσια του προγράμματος Active Body + Active Mind = Healthy Senior, πρόγραμμα Δια Βίου Μάθησης που συντονίζω για την Ελλάδα, έληξε με μεγάλη επιτυχία. Η πρώτη μέρα ήταν αφιερωμένη στη ρεφλεξολογία και η αξιολόγηση που έγινε ήταν VERY GOOD X 3, Ευχαριστούμε την Πρόεδρο του ΣΕΡ κα Ευγενία Δούλβαρη για την ευγενική της παρουσία και συμβολή στο πρόγραμμα. Όλοι οι φίλοι εταίροι αναζητούν πλέον τους ρεφλεξολόγους στις πατρίδες τους. Άντε και εις ανώτερα να προβάλουμε τις δράσεις του ΣΕΡ σε όλη την Ευρώπη και να δώσουμε ως Έλληνες για μια ακόμη φορά τα φώτα μας.
    Καλή μέρα σε όλους!"
     



     
     
     
     
     

    Παρασκευή 1 Νοεμβρίου 2013

    The new Chair of the International Council of Reflexologists ICR

    We would like to congratulate Eduardo Luis upon his newly appointed position as President of the International Council of Reflexologists ICR.

    Eduardo and his FANTASTIC TEAM are also the hosts of the upcoming conference in Madeira "The Br
    ain" this May!
    The registrations forms are already being distributed, if you would like them sent to you with the conference and workshop program you may request for it
     
     
    by e-mail here reflexfunchal@gmail.com

    Parabens Eduardo!
    Você está comprando bebidas na festa disco conferência? (Spiros)

    Σάββατο 26 Οκτωβρίου 2013

    I now know for sure who to offer Reflexology too!

    Many times I have read of examples where Reflexogists would offer sessions to politicians (New York and EU parliament, here and here) in order to inform them and possibly motivate them to proceed in actually taking action to regulate/legislate reflexology and integrate it into the exisiting health systems.

    Yesterday I read this, Cypriot nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards alternative medicine 
    I would like from you to focus on the results paragraph from the abstract!

    Results

    Over 1/3 of our sample nurses reported that they had turned to some form of alternative treatment at some point in their lives in order to deal with a certain medical situation. Most of these nurses who reported some knowledge on specific alternative treatment methods, (75.9%) also reported using such methods within their clinical practice. The nurses who had received some form of alternative treatment reported using them more often in their clinical practice, in comparison to those who had never received such treatment (Mann–Whitney U = 1137, p = 0.006). The more frequently nurses used alternative treatment in their clinical practice, the more interested they got in expanding their knowledge on the subject (Pearson's r = 0.250, p = 0.006).

    On top of that, I remembered the story of how Gwen Wyatt MSU College of Nursing was motivated to request a $3.1million grant from the National Institute of Health NIH for the project titled, “Reflexology: An Intervention for Advanced Breast Cancer.” which in the end had positive results for reflexology.



     
    MSU Photography Services: Research &emdash; gwen_wyatt_03_ks


    http://photos.msu.edu/p477107766/e5b3e35fc

    Unfortunately, for some reason Barbara Brower has "taken down" the story from her web page. Fortunately Reflexologist Karen Ball had blogged the story, here.

    "It’s also the story of how the largest federally funded grant for reflexology was awarded.
    In the early years of 2000, Dr. Gwen Wyatt, of the University of Michigan’s School of Nursing, suffered a severe break in one of her legs. She underwent months of western care that produced little results. Her next, and last, resort was a surgical procedure that was to implant screws and pins in her thigh bone.
    Lucky for Dr. Wyatt, she met Barbara Brower, an experienced and confident reflexologist, who made her a promise she couldn’t refuse. Barbara proposed weekly reflexology sessions for four weeks, with a money-back guarantee if Dr. Wyatt did not see significant improvement in her condition.
    Dr. Wyatt hobbled in on crutches; one leg and foot enveloped in a cast, and Barbara set to work. She worked the hand and arm on the casted side and the foot and lower leg on the other. And as they say, the rest is history.
    Dr. Wyatt’s improvement was so marked, she chose to continue her reflexology sessions until full recovery was reached, and cancel the scheduled surgery. Dr. Wyatt’s interest in reflexology was so peaked that she wrote a grant application with the National Institutes of Health that resulted in this landmark study."

    My Discussion
     
    Those of us who are part of an "association board" or working groups for the promotion and legislation of Reflexology should be questioning right now,
    "How much have we accomplished by knocking on these peoples (politicians) doors  ?".
    "How much of the already done research was put forward by the initial actions of these reflexology boards?".

    The answer to these questions is possibly "little to NONE!". 

    (My) Bottom line is that "association boards" and working groups should possibly be directing their energy and resources towards informing patient groups, nurses and doctors. From the latter it seems that the GP's our are best choice!

    A speculation!

    Let us imagine this....

    A doctor has been informed about Dr. Wyatt's, positive for Reflexology, research. A female patient with breast cancer confronts him/her, just because Wyatt's research produced positive results and he knows about it, does this imply that the doctor will actually recommend Reflexology compared to other modalities (surgery, chemo, drugs etc.)? No! It does not!

    On the other hand, lets imagine the doctor does recommend Reflexology, does this now imply that the female patient will actually follow the doctors recommendation? Maybe yes, maybe no.

    It follows, that in the case that the doctor did not recommend Reflexology, but that the female patient knows about this modality and the existing research, that it is possible that she will choose to utilize Reflexology.
                                   
    The final decision is still up to the patient is it not?    
     
    P.S.
     
    Politicians request from us positive research findings, and then they request proven cost effectiveness. Something that has not been mentioned/requested yet but will follow (possibly in an attempt to delay/postpone things even more) is safety. For those interested you might be like to read the discussion following, from Wyatt's research below.  

    Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes: A Reflexology Trial With Patients With Advanced-Stage Breast Cancer

     

    In a systematic review of reflexology among patients with breast cancer, concluded that none of the studies reviewed had assessed or reported on safety and that those data must be noted in future studies. The current study was the first to have a data and safety monitoring committee, which quarterly reviewed the data for adverse events and incorporated a mechanism for reporting adverse events through a standardized session form. Among a vulnerable sample of women with advanced-stage breast cancer, no adverse events were reported. In addition, rates of reflexology and LFM session completion were high, which adds to the study’s feasibility and credibility; therefore, either can be used with confidence in future studies and practice, with consideration of routine precautions such as open sores and painful foot neuropathy.
    Most of the efficacy findings of the current study were supported by prior literature, but depressive symptoms and anxiety were exceptions. Unlike other reflexology studies that reported improvements in emotional functioning and symptoms (; ; ; ), the current study’s findings did not support those prior results.