The scope and limitations of treatment. An interview with Ann Lett - and "A distinction between Reflex Therapy and reflexology"

Ann Lett was born in Johannesburg South Africa and trained as a nurse in1953, and subsequently as a midwife in London. In1977 she was treated with reflex
zone therapy following a road traffic accident, and subsequently pursued a career in reflex zone therapy by undertaking training with many European practitioners.In1979 she trained with Hanne Marquardt in Germany, and in1981was asked to develop the British School of Reflex Zone Therapy at the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases in London. Shortly after this, she and Ms.Marquardt established schools of reflex zone therapy in Israel and Barcelona.

Her book Reflex ZoneTherapy for Health Professionals, published in 2000 by Churchill
Livingstone (ISBN 0 443 060150), is the culmination of 23 years of expertise in reflex zone
therapy, and 47 years of nursing experience. She is presently Principle, British School --Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet, Wembley Park,UK.
In this interview, Ann discusses the scope and limitations of reflexology and how she sees this profession developing in the future. 

Q. Anne, we are keen to explore your views of the scope and limitations of reflexology with particular reference to diagnosis.

A. The statement that reflexology can be used to make a diagnosis is untrue and not to be
found in any published text. Since reflexologists claim to treat their clients holistically, rather than treating a named disease or syndrome, it is surprising to hear claims of being able to make a specific
diagnosis.
Q. In your view, what can reflexology not do?
A. Let me take you through some of the published literature on reflexology. In 1917
Zone Therapy was published by Fitzgerald and Bowers (Fitzgerald & Bowers 1917).
Fitzgerald argued that ‘pressure applied upon the zones corresponding to the location of the injury will tend to relieve pain and if pressure is applied for long enough it can produce an analgesia or insensibility to pain’. But they noted that this is of course not an infallible or inevitable result.
Marquardt’s book Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet in 1983 (Marquardt 1983) was a major contribution to the subject. She claimed that abnormal reflex zones should not be interpreted as indicating disease, nor provide a basis for making an ‘interesting diagnosis’. Diagnosis is the prerogative of the doctor. When a doctor is familiar with this method he will certainly take into account diagnostic indications arising from abnormal zones on the feet and may use these to assist in drawing up a differential diagnosis. However, she argued that there was often a great temptation to lay too much emphasis on the
abnormal reflex zone found, particularly when the patient asks what this or that painful area signifies. I agree with Marquardt when she says that a good practitioner, whose sole interest is the patient’s progress, will only allude to the possibility of malfunction of organs or systems in that zone, and not declare the presence of specific disease. The therapist will not therefore ‘create
anxiety or a neurotic response in a patient who has a hypochondriacal tendency’.

In my latest book, Reflex Zone Therapy for Health Professionals (Lett 2000) I again emphasize that it is important to remember that assessment is not a diagnostic tool except in the hands of someone who has been trained to make a diagnosis. I emphasize that ‘it must be reiterated that a medical diagnosis cannot be made on the feet, except by a doctor’ (Lett 2000, p. 75). This, I feel, is very important.

The following report  was published back in 2014, imagine if this distinction ever went through and there association flourished and prospered. Reflexology in the UK might not have been the same.

Report on a membership audit of the Association of Chartered
Physiotherapists in Reflex Therapy (ACPIRT)

A distinction between Reflex Therapy and reflexology was proposed at the inception of ACPIRT. It was suggested that as an allied medical professional, upon whom there is an obligation of diagnosis and outcome measurement, a physiotherapist practices Reflex Therapy rather than reflexology. Yet, the audit showed that ACPIRT members do not universally support this distinction and many refer to themselves as physiotherapists practicing reflexology. Findings from the audit suggest that a distinction may, indeed, be valid and findings are presented in Table 1.

TWO NEW DATES for the Orthopedic Reflexology 3 day training in Athens 2025!

I am very pleased to announce the next two dates for training in Athens. 

 

This training over the years has gained popularity and the satisfaction rate of the participants    has always been high to very high. 

This 3 day training is offered in the English language to international students. It is a great opportunity to combine a vacation in Greece with one of the most popular and successful
reflexology trainings offered at the moment.

Besides the training, and only for those who wish, in the afternoon, an added valuable benefit is the small sightseeing tours in Athens and late dinners, just as the locals do. In general we will spend time together so as you get the most out of your trip to Greece.  

(Admission fees to museums and meals are at the participant’s expense.)  

The course will be held between 9:30am – 16:30pm so this will give you more than enough time for sightseeing in downtown Athens or to enjoy the Athens Riviera which is very close to the venue. During our 3 day course I will be your host and you will have my full attention  so as to accommodate your stay and make sure you get the most from your visit to Athens.

Included in the price, and only for the trainings in Athens, are the following extras 

- The Pythagorean cup, or the “Cup of greed", this is a wonderful souvenir of Greece and will prove helpful for your training in pain education.

- and the OR training video!

The normal price for purchase is 100 euro.

For persons who have already completed the OR training, and wish to attend again, a 50% discount applies.

Coffee, tea, fresh fruits will be offered at the breaks and are included in the course fee.      One evening dinner at a local traditional Greek taverna is on me!

Spring training Friday 11^th- Sunday 13^th of April 2025

Investment: 430€

Early bird booking by 15/01/2025 offer price 350€

Deposit: 100€ (non refundable in the case of cancellation, but,                          you will receive the OR training video - sample here) 

Indian summer training Sunday September 28^th-Tuesday 30^th  2025 

This training is scheduled the next day after the ICR conference in Athens which will be held
from on the 26^th and 27^th. I have chosen this date to accommodate those possibly interested in OR training and will be attending the conference. And because it will be World Reflexology Week, an extra discount (50 euro) on the early bird fee is added.

Investment: 430€

Early bird booking by 01/01/2025 World Reflexology Week offer price 300€

Deposit: 100€ (non refundable, in the case of cancellation, but, you will receive the OR training video - sample here) 

 

For enquiries or to book your place please contact: spirosreflex@gmail.com

Or +30 6936163040 Viber or WhatsApp

See you in Athens!

ORTHOPEDIC REFLEXOLOGY

In the Orthopedic Reflexology approach, we learn in detail the anatomy of the lower limb. This means the bones of the foot, the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the foot, the arteries, veins and lymph vessels, the peripheral nerves of the feet, the ligaments and tendons.

We do this because, as Reflexologists, we apply various manual techniques to the feet in order to affect the reflexes there. Our techniques are not only superficial skin deep but can go deeper much deeper, right to the bone. A better understanding of the anatomical structures where our reflexes are embedded will enlighten us on choosing and applying correctly the most efficient techniques and finally doing an even better job.

Different manual techniques have different results, and up to date research is informing us of exactly that. Hippocrates in the 5^th century BC seems to have been ahead of his time. This is because he wrote back then a specific paragraph describing the variety in manual techniques based on the amount of pressure applied and the duration of the application. Importantly he also wrote down for us the effect each application has on the tissues. And it is a definitive fact, that today’s research findings, agree with his from back then.

In Orthopedic Reflexology training, we learn and understand this paragraph, and we utilize it through our techniques on the intrinsic muscles and other structures in the feet, where the reflexes are embedded, where they exist.

In order for nature to heal everything must be in moderation which is best.

By utilizing the experience one has obtained in discriminating the reflex areas or the condition

of the foot’s tissues and then applying the correct technique, the proper amount of pressure for the appropriate amount of time, to achieve the “medium” as taught by Hippocrates in order for nature to heal. Orthopedic Reflexology practitioners use the present condition of the tissues of the feet as a guide to proceed in applying our techniques.  Anatomical charts to understand the reflexes, Dr. Fitzgerald’s zones, the Chinese meridians and fascial continuities, as well as to effectively work on the feet.

In Orthopedic Reflexology we also learn how to alleviate, complementary to standard care, a number of foot issues such as hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis and hammer toes, which in turn reflexively affect and help treat disorders found in other parts of the body.

Hippocrates describes in detail four main “veins” that are considered the forefather of the Chinese meridians. These veins or meridians have striking similarities with the modern therapeutic concept of myofascial chains which are continuous lines of connective tissue that run through the body. The Hippocratic veins will be outlined theoretically in detail and compared to Tom Myers myofascial chains and the Chinese meridians and approached practically until the knee and elbow respectively.

During this 3 day course attention is also given to understanding modern concepts of pain and the “science” behind Reflexology and utilizing this knowledge in our every day work. The history and origin of reflexology is also reviewed.

Please note – Orthopedic reflexology is open to all who wish to have a better understanding of the lower limb and Reflexology, and not only to Reflexologists. Upon completion of the course everyone will be able integrate the techniques learnt immediately into their practice.

In short…

– if you ever wanted to specialize in the lower limbs (anatomy physiology),
– if you ever wondered why what you already do with Reflexology is helpful,
– if you ever wonder why you are NOT helping,
– if you ever wanted to be introduced to the sphere of Greek medicine

Then this course is for you!

The majority of the course is focused on the practical applications of the Orthopedic Reflexology techniques. There are many structures in our feet and each one requires a unique technique.

Orthopedic Reflexology 3 Day Course

• Hippocrates and Galens guide on the effects of “rubbing” Anatripsis
• Anatomy of the foot
  
• Hippocrates 4 pairs of Veins (meridians)
• Muscle chains/ Zones/ Chinese meridians/ Nerve pathways
• Orthopedic Reflexology Maps
• Hippocrates Holistic approach
• The ‘science’ behind reflexology
• Effective techniques for local foot problems such as hallux valgus and hammer toes
• Explain Pain-understanding the modern concepts
• Referenced Reflexology History – Why is this important for the outcome of your treatment and for our future as a profession?

This link leads to search for accomodation near the venue. The location is pinned yellow 

https://www.airbnb.gr/s/Pandrosou-31--%CE%A0%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%B1%CE%B9%CF%8C-%CE%A6%CE%AC%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%81%CE%BF--%CE%95%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AC%CE%B4%CE%B1/homes?tab_id=home_tab&refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&monthly_start_date=2024-12-01&monthly_length=3&monthly_end_date=2025-03-01&price_filter_input_type=0&channel=EXPLORE&query=Pandrosou%2031%2C%20%CE%A0%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%B1%CE%B9%CF%8C%20%CE%A6%CE%AC%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%81%CE%BF&date_picker_type=calendar&checkin=2025-04-10&checkout=2025-04-14&source=structured_search_input_header&search_type=user_map_move&price_filter_num_nights=4&zoom_level=16.712863264897518&place_id=ChIJ42YkvzC8oRQRgIoo3hMd_88&search_mode=regular_search&ne_lat=37.933641515372464&ne_lng=23.712861259842754&sw_lat=37.92941823596214&sw_lng=23.696509977501364&zoom=16.712863264897518&search_by_map=true

 TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT:

The Athens International Airport (ATH) is officially named “El. Venizelos” and known as AIA. It is located 33km/20.5 miles from the Athens City Center.

Follow transfer Options from Athens Airport to Athens City Center and back to the airport again.

 (the pricing information below is a guideline only, and maybe subject to change)

Depending on your budget there are several options available:

Athens Airport to City Center by Taxi

The most convenient, and the most expensive option. The yellow taxis can be found at the official taxi rank outside Exit 3 of the Arrivals level. It is a flat fee of 40€/42€ during the daytime (05:00 am – 00:00 am) and 55€/58€ during the nighttime. The trip to Athens city center takes 35-40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Athens Airport to City Center by Metro/Train

The Athens Airport Subway is a five minute walk from the terminal and is located on the Departures level. It is connected to the main terminal via an elevated passageway. There are also elevators leading to the connecting bridge, that can be challenging if travelling with luggage. Follow the “Train” signs to get to the subway. Tickets can be purchased at the station’s ticket office or from automatic vendors. Cost is 9€/10$ for a one-way ticket (4.50€/5.22$ for students and elders) and 16€/18.56$ for a return ticket. 

The train trip to Syntagma Square is about 40 minutes from Metro Line 3, departing every 36 minutes between 06:10 am to 11:34 pm. If you will be using public transportation during your visit to Athens it is recommended that you purchase Tourist Tickets and ATH.ENA cards.

Athens Airport to City Center by Bus

The most affordable option is the Athens Airport bus. At a cost of 5.50€/6.38$ (2.70€/3.13$ if under 18 or over 65), the Bus X95 will take you to Syntagma Square in downtown Athens in about 60 minutes, depending on traffic. During peak hours, this trip could take more than 90 minutes. Buses run every 40 minutes. Tickets are available from the airport ticket offices or on board, and the bus stop is located at the Arrivals level, between Exits 4 and 5. Tourist tickets and ATH.ENA cards can also be used offering lower fares for multiple public transport journeys. 

If you wish to hire a private driver at the same price as the yellow cab I can offer a suggestion.

Is it a reflex area or a reflected area?

The Reflexology Association of California is hosting a webinar by Moss Arnold and Sharon Windle of Chi Medics™

Their topic is I believe a very important one for various different reasons:
Reflexes (Reflection) or Points (Reflexion)?

This is what they write on the registration page
“Reflex points”: Are they points or are they reflexes?

There is increasing mystification in Reflexology by mingling of reflexes and points (physical and energy). Are they reflexes or points? Chi Medics does not mix Reflexes and energy points. We keep them separate and clear. When we are discussing Chi Medics Clinical Reflexology reflexes, we use the term “reflection” and when we discuss energy points we use “reflexion” and so it is clear what we are dealing with and they do not become blurred.

Historically, Eunice Ingham in her teachings handed down to us "reflexes". After the second world war Hanne Marquardt trained with Ingham while visiting the US. Marquardt noticed that Ingham's reflex areas did not comply with human anatomy.

Upon returning to Germany she had decided to advance on this topic and thus created her own charts placing the reflexes more accurately having to do with our human anatomy. Based on similarities of form she noticed on the feet she also changed the horizontal lines, for example the shoulder line and waist lines.

Very charecteristic examples of the differences between a reflex area and a reflection area are, the heart reflex, the liver reflex, the uterus and urinary bladder.


Thus Ingham gave us a chart with reflexes that do not follow an accurate micro reflection of the body on the feet, and Marquardt gave us her charts that reflect analogically the body on the feet.

What do you think? Have you studied those different approaches regarding reflexology maps?

As a side note, especially for those who have trained in Orthopedic Reflexology, Moss and Sharon propose that the front of the body is on the plantar surface of the feet and that the back of the body is projected on the front. This is totally against classic Reflexology reasoning, it is the opposite as most Reflexologists have been trained. Yet, in Chi Medic and a yin/yang approach this stands, it is ortho (correct). Having to do with the myofascial meridians, the theory of continuous bands of fascial tissue spanning across and throughout the body. What Moss suggests is again correct, because the foot has deep and immediate connections with "the deep front line", so it is again orthό.  

For those interested in my courses,

I will be in France teaching on the 19th in the Carcasonne area. 

In November I will be again in Poland. The class there is presented in english and translated consecutive interpreting. Warsaw is a safe and beautiful city. I find it also financially very economic. Maybe you would like to train in Warsaw?

This July 2025 I will be again in London

Hope to see you somewhere! 

Want more to read?

Overlapping of reflex zones in the original charts of Eunice Ingham

The Queen with the grandmother hands...

The Queen with the grandmother hands...

Her lady-in-waiting came and said that Her Majesty was coming down the corridor! The door opened and in she walked. After the introductions, we had a little chat and Her Majesty talked to each of my students in turn, which I thought was lovely as it made it a special event for each person.

Then I asked if she would like a reflexology hand massage. Her Majesty agreed and we sat down. I had no idea the importance of my next comments, but I asked if she would mind taking off her white gloves. She did - and all the cameras began to flash!

Whilst massaging her hands, we spoke about reflexology and our respective WIs: Sandringham WI for her. People constantly ask me what she was like, and I can distinctly remember that to me her hands were the hands of a grandmother, with carefully manicured nails, but nothing over the top. Her Majesty stayed over her allocated time with us, and her lady-in-waiting came back three times to hurry her on. I take all of that as a compliment. She also took the aromatherapy oil that I had made for her.

What I had not realised was that apparently The Queen never normally took her gloves off and that day she had shaken 200-300 hands.

https://www.thewi.org.uk/home/remembering-queen-elizabeth-ii/our-members-remember-queen-elizabeth-ii?fbclid=IwY2xjawFGcOtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdA97jchdbjcZA98hejqD_KVA9EqfFyq4ZS9lxq4lUs8hoB_E0o8FibaVA_aem_1f2QM5ioUcVgZMOJVzhrvQ

https://www.diomedia.com/stock-photo-hm-queen-elizabeth-ii-pictured-at-mount-farm-community-education-centre-in-the-village-of-berinsfield-oxfordshire-seen-receiving-a-demonstration-from-the-aromatherapy-tutor-claire-brown-co-image17512194.html

 

Σεμινάριο Sports Massage

 

 

Εκπαίδευση στην Αθλητική Μάλαξη Sports Massage
To επόμενο ΣΚ 14-15 Σεπτεμβρίου θα πραγματοποιηθεί το 1ο επίπεδο.

Απευθυνόμενος συγκεκριμένα στους γονείς παιδιών αθλητών θα ήθελα να σας προτείνω να έρθετε και εσείς στο 1ο επίπεδο.
Τόσα χρόνια στα γήπεδα τόση αγωνία στα πρόσωπα των γονέων δεν έχω δει ξανά. Θέλετε το καλύτερο για τα παιδιά αθλητές σας και θέλετε να τους το προσφέρετε.

Οι κόρες μου δεν παίζουν στον Ολυμπιακό, ούτε στην ΑΕΚ, ούτε στον ΠΑΟΚ ούτε και στην Εθνική ομάδα. Όμως όπως φροντίζω τους αθλητές των προηγούμενων ομάδων έτσι ακριβώς προετοιμάζω και τις κόρες μου όπως βλέπετε στην φωτογραφία.

Θα ηρεμήσετε και εσείς...

Οδηγός μας για την εξάσκηση των τεχνικών μας θα είναι, όπως σε κάθε είδος μάλαξης, η παράγραφος 17 από το βιβλίο του Ιπποκράτη “Περί Ιατρείου” αλλά και οδηγίες που μας δίνει ο αρχαίος ιατρός Γαληνός στο βιβλίο του Υγιεινών.

14 – 15 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024
Εισηγητής: Σπύρος Δημητράκουλας
Πληροφορίες & εγγραφές:
☎️ 2109837344 - 2109825025
📧 info@nhs.gr

https://www.nhs.gr/course/sport-massage-therapy/

Σεμινάριο Βασικές Αρχές Ρεφλεξολογίας

Ένα διήμερο σεμινάριο γεμάτο γνώση για όλους και όσους θέλουν να μάθουν την
Ρεφλεξολογία είτε για αυτοβελτίωση είτε για να την προσθέσουν στις υπάρχουσες δεξιότητες τους!

Το προτείνω επίσης, και στους συναδέλφους που δεν διδάχτηκαν τις αρχές της Eunice Ingham δημιουργού της μεθόδου.

21-22 Σεπτεμβρίου θα πραγματοποιηθεί το σεμινάριο

------- Βασικές Αρχές Ρεφλεξολογίας --------

Βασικές Αρχές της Ρεφλεξολογίας κατά Ingham (ιδρύτριας της μεθόδου)

21 & 22 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024

https://www.nhs.gr/course/reflexologia-vasikes-arxes/

Ένα διήμερο σεμινάριο που απευθύνεται κυριολεκτικά σε όλους: Φροντιστές Υγείας, Γονείς, Νοσοκόμες, Φυσιοθεραπευτές, Ιατρούς όλων των ειδικοτήτων, Massage therapist, Δια χειρών θεραπευτές, Αθλητές, προπονητές, γυμναστές

Όσοι ενδιαφέρονται για ήπιες μεθόδους του εναλλακτικού και συμπληρωματικού χώρου.

Δεν προϋποθέτει την γνώση ή την προηγούμενη παρακολούθηση μαθημάτων ανατομίας, φυσιολογίας ή οποιασδήποτε άλλης μεθόδου. Δεν κάνουμε ιατρική, κάνουμε Ρεφλεξολογία.

Με απλό και κατανοητό τρόπο στις δύο ημέρες θα παρουσιαστούν:

Λίγα και καλά για την ιστορία της ιδρύτριας της μεθόδου Γιουνίς Ίνγκαμ.

Ο προτεινόμενος μηχανισμός δράσης κατά την Ίνγκαμ όπως διαβάζουμε στα βιβλία της.

Θα δούμε την βασική τεχνική της εναλλασσόμενης πίεσης.

Θα χαρτογραφήσουμε μαζί στα πέλματα τις ανακλαστικές ζώνες κατά Ίνγκαμ. Μάλιστα με έναν τρόπο ώστε να μην το ξεχάσετε ποτέ

Τι είναι τα αντανακλαστικά, και λακωνικά θα πούμε για τον πόνο και το νευρικό σύστημα. Χρήσιμα πράγματα για όλους.

Ένα πρωτόκολλο Ρεφλεξολογίας συμπληρωματικής αντιμετώπισης του άγχους.

Η διάσημη και απλή τεχνική “Μεταμορφωτική”

Η Ρεφλεξολογία είναι μία απλή, ακίνδυνη και φυσική μέθοδος ευεξίας με ιδιαίτερο και χαρακτηριστικό στοιχείο την επαφή, το άγγιγμα στα πόδια. Θα κατανοήσουμε τις βασικές αρχές της και θα εξασκηθούμε.

Εισηγητής: Σπύρος Δημητράκουλας

Ο εκπαιδευτικός οργανισμός 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 λειτουργεί με άδεια από το 𝚼𝛑𝛐𝛖𝛒𝛄𝛆ί𝛐 𝚷𝛂𝛊𝛅𝛆ί𝛂ς – 𝚬𝚶𝚷𝚷𝚬𝚷 ως 𝚱έ𝛎𝛕𝛒𝛐 𝛅𝛊𝛂 𝚩ί𝛐𝛖 𝚳ά𝛉𝛈𝛔𝛈ς 𝛆𝛑𝛊𝛑έ𝛅𝛐𝛖 𝟐

Πληροφορίες & εγγραφές:

2109837344 - 2109825025

info@nhs