RiEN Colleague's Voice "Vera Krijn interviews Anthony Porter"

I know both of them personally and I have also been generously benefited in so many ways by both of them. 

All I can say is that they are fabulous, beautiful,
shining examples of a Reflexologist and of sanguine temperament, always on the move and eternally youthful. 

It was a wonderful read, it reminded me of stories Tony has told me, but there where also stories I did not know.

Tony was my first international teacher and reading the interview made me aware of how much Orthopedic Reflexology was influenced by his teachings to me, which are in line with the original teachings of Eunice Ingham. "Nothing is new" as Tony says in this interview.

Following are some snippets I enjoyed. 

You can read the interview here  or go to the RiEN webpage with their collection of documents and previous interviews here.

In addition, focus on disturbed reflexes produces a therapeutic effective treatment like an acupuncturist who only inserts needles into the requisite points, not to every point. No matter how much knowledge or qualifications a reflexology practitioner may have, it is of little value without having good technique combined with sensory perception.

 

I used to work in a hospital giving 20-minute treatments to 18-20 patients a day. This established that all you need to do is just work on the disturbed

reflex. These people had daily treatments, the best approach for and effective treatment.

 

I am sure that the Piezoelectric response plays a very large part in the actions of reflexology. Let me emphasize that whenever I read about this and that technique as if it is a new discovery, nothing is new, everything is ‘out there’ and is already known. 

“Nothing is invented, for it is written in nature first. Originality consists of returning to the origin” 

- Antoni Gaudy -

"The Roots of Reflexology" Fascia, Osteopathy and Chapman's reflexes By Christine Issel

Our main source of Reflexology history has been handed down to us by Christine Issel in her book Reflexology: Art, Science & History, initially published in 1990. The second edition was published in 2014.

In 2003 her article "The roots of reflexology" was published in the June/July issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine.

Following are some interesting snippets regarding fascia, osteopathy and Chapman's reflexes.

Osteopathy 

From a historical perspective, reflexology is more akin to osteopathy in both theory and technique than massage. Osteopathy was developed by Andrew Taylor Still in 1874. No doubt Eunice Ingham was introduced to these concepts, if not through her own interests and research, then during her work at the clinic of the Osteopathic Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., and her association with osteopath Joe Shelby Riley in the mid-’30s. She was also a guest lecturer in the 1950s at the American School of Osteopathy. Ingham refers to osteopathic and chiropractic concepts and research in Stories the Feet Have Told. Under a section titled “Osteopathic Concept” Ingham writes, “A spinal lesion means an abnormal pull on muscle tissue. If we can release the excessive tension by contacting a specific reflex in the feet, we are helping to bring about a correction of that spinal lesion.” In this statement Ingham combines two concepts fundamental to osteopathy and reflexology — lesions and reflexes.
  

Chapman's reflexes

At the same time, palpation was thought to create a reflex action of some type. Like Chapman, Ingham uses the word reflex to describe a sensitive area while also using it to describe the physiological process produced by a reflex action. Explaining the results she obtained, Ingham writes, “Try this simple method of producing a reflex action (by manipulation) through the nerve endings on the
soles of the feet.”7 Here she is indicating a reflex action. Then, like Chapman, she produced charts that illustrated where points could be palpated to reach various organs and called them reflexes, too.

The 2nd edition of Chapman’s Reflexes contains a foreword that suggests when studying reflex work, the student: 1) learn each reflex by location rather than by sense of touch; 2) learn reflexes by groups (systems) one at a time; and 3) learn to include the endocrine gland along with the nerve and blood supply concerned in the disturbance.9

All three of these points were adopted for reflexology by Ingham. The layout design is also very similar in Ingham’s and Chapman’s books. Each chapter covers a pathology and points to work are indicated.

An interesting point to consider in Chapman’s work is that nowhere are the feet or hands involved as sites to be worked. However, we do know that sensory neurons are plentiful in the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Joe Shelby Riley may have reached this same conclusion and adapted Chapman’s concept, which he knew about through his own osteopathic training, to the feet and hands while coupling reflexes with Fitzgerald’s work with zones. Riley’s charts are the oldest that map the various “reflex” points on the feet. Riley’s work was further refined, expanded and popularized by Ingham who worked as his assistant for several months during two successive winters in Florida prior to the publication of her first book.

Fascia

With Chapman’s concepts in mind, the palpation to the receptors on the feet may support much of the same principles. First, sensitivity in the soft tissue of the foot, [e.g., pain upon palpatory pressure] may affect the body as the fascia forms lesions and adversely affects biomechanical movement. 

To read the full article, here .

Presenting at the 20th ICR conference in Athens

Very excited that the next ICR conference will be held in my hometown Athens on the 26th and 27th of September 2025. The program is lined up with exciting and informative speakers some of whom will be providing workshops as well.

MAKING REFLEXOLOGY MAINSTREAM – THE GREEK MODEL

“What has been done and, and how?” … and, “My favorite area on the foot”

In 1992 fate had it that I work as a driver for a general physician who practiced Reflexology in his private practice. Fortunately, soon after, I became his apprentice. In the year 2000 I started working on my own and was faced with the challenges of creating a Reflexology clientele in a society where CAM and especially Reflexology where just introduced. Very soon I understood that my professional evolution and progress went hand in hand with that of Reflexology.

During my presentation I wish to share with you my experiences on the following activities many of my Greek colleagues and I pursued to make Reflexology mainstream. I was fortunate to coordinate the following examples of Reflexology integration and blessed that many of my colleagues believed and supported them.

- 10 years supporting with Reflexology the athletes of the Athens Authentic Marathon. The biggest sport event of the year for Greece. 

- Integrating Reflexology into the Pain Relief and palliative Care Unit – of the University hospital Aretaieio 

- Reflexology for the parents, the caregivers at the Children’s Oncology Unit Marianna Vardinogianni ELPIDA

- Teaching in a kindergarten setting a peer-to-peer reflexology and massage as
part of an anti bullying program

- Training prisoners in Reflexology. A pilot program at the Tyrinth Agricultural Prison as part of a Educational and vocational training

- Reflexology in the world of High performance sports and the National Mens Handball team of Greece

- Reflexology at the office as part of Corporate Wellness Programs

Finally, I will take you on a journey in foot anatomy, Greek mythology, and 

Reflexology.

There is a bone in the human foot named navicular which means boat, because it resembles a boat. We will begin from this bone a journey to visit a nearby area on the foot that I have noticed many Reflexologists already work on constantly and naturally. It is also my favorite area on the foot, and I think this area is very special and stands out.  This area has been called by anatomists “zone of confusion” or “The Bermuda triangle of the foot” and I want to show you why and how not to get lost.

Regarding the Athens ICR conference, visit the following link.

https://icr-reflexology.org/2025-conferences/

For those interested I have scheduled a 3 day Orthopedic Reflexology training in
the english language. Either attending the ICR conference or not, if you are interested in attending this training in September or even earlier in April visit this link: https://spiros-reflexologia.blogspot.com/2024/11/two-new-dates-for-orthopedic.html

History of Reflexology - Roots in North America "True or False?"

I find it surprising how few people study the history of Reflexology, even more surprising then the small number of Reflexologists that read research. I believe that there is a lot to be learned from our history and that is why Reflexology history is included in Orthopedic Reflexology trainings. 

And if we are ever to evolve towards a science status we will need an accurate history. 

For decades of reading up on anything Reflexology related, one of the most interesting pieces of historic information that I came across, but has no reference to support it, is about the origins of Reflexology in North America and the native indians.

More or less the story goes something like this...

"Like other traditional cultures around the world, many of the First Nation Tribes of Canada and the United States Native American tribes have applied pressure to the feet as a means of healing. The Bear Clan of the Cherokee Nation believes that the feet connect us with the earth, and by this connection the spirit is linked with the universe. To some tribes, footwork is a healing art, used as part of sacred ceremony to heal beyond the physical body."

Or, "Our feet are our contact with the earth and the energies that flow through it..." - Jenny Wallace, Cherokee Tribe

On a recent training this year in London I got into talking about this subject with
my colleagues Linda Frank, Hagar Basis and Amy Kreyden. Amy mentioned what you read above, but when I asked her for a source or a reference she was unable to do so, as we all are regarding this piece of information. I am not saying that it is not true, I am just saying it cannot be verified, at least yet.

But just recently I came across an interview in the Journal of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute titled Structure, Function, Integration. During this interview to Jeffrey Kinnunnen, author and therapist Jeffrey Burch spoke about the history of manual therapy and drawing everything back to Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine, physician, and surgeon (1828–1917). Follows the abstract of the interview.

JB. Taking us back to Andrew Taylor Still—his father was a medical doctor, and although Still was born in Virginia, his father soon took a job in Kansas Territory. This job was with a precursor organization of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, providing healthcare to Native Americans on a reservation.

This led to a couple of significant developments. Still would accompany his father on house calls, meaning his medical education began before he even started elementary school. Additionally, he learned the language of the Native American people and studied with their traditional healers. Late in his life, Still said that the core of what he was doing in osteopathy came from what he had learned from the Native Americans.



JK: And that would be the Shawnee tradition?



JB: Shawnee, yes.



JK: That is fascinating because I noticed you describe Still as the discoverer of osteopathic medicine, as opposed to its founder. That makes a lot of sense in this context.



JB: That was Still’s language. He described himself as the discoverer. Yes, the implication is that he didn’t create it—



JK: It had always been there.

I cannot but wonder if their is any association between the work of Andrew Still, Dr. Fitzgerald, Eunice Ingham, Dr. Mahlon Locke and others, the timeline allows for such wonders. Maybe one day we will find out. 

Regarding the Cherokee, there are seven clans and the Bear Clan is a subdivision of the Anisahoni, or Blue Holly Clan. Historically, this clan produced many people who were able to grow and prepare herbs for food and medicinal purposes. The medicine was made from a blue plant which is where the clan gained its name.

For those interested, there are scheduled two trainings in Athens for 2025 in April and September, information here https://spiros-reflexologia.blogspot.com/2024/11/two-new-dates-for-orthopedic.html

London (Reflexology Academy) is scheduled for the beginning of July, information here

https://www.reflexologyacademylondon.com/courses/cpd-advanced/orthopedic-reflexology-course

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.