As we're winding down the astrological year in Pisces (the new astrological year starts on March 20th with Aries) let's talk about the 12th Season.
Modern western astrology is based on the equinoxes and solstices aka the angle of the earth in relation to the sun. Every year starts with the spring equinox in March. The 4 seasons are broken down into 12 seasons which we know as the 12 signs of the zodiac.
The zodiac signs all come with their very specific energies and manifest on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. On the physical they are mapped onto the body from the head to the toes, with the first sign of the Zodiac (Aries) at the top (the head) and the last sign (Pisces) at the bottom (the feet).
"Take one step at the time, one foot after the other, and TRUST that you are going where you're meant to go, even if you don't know yet where that will be"
- Angela Hendry
There is something very mystical about the last sign of the zodiac. Pisces is that undistinguishable connection to something bigger. It's the invisible connection between us, the electric and magnetic connection to the earth and beyond. Some of us feel that connection and some of us don't. It's the most spiritual sign of the zodiac.
And yet - it's connected to the feet. A part of our body that we take for granted. A part of our body we use every day and don't think too much about. But are the feet “just” the feet?
We know that walking barefoot influences our mood and mental health. In Reflexology the feet are used like a map to treat other parts of our body and health. So, we could say that our entire body and our health are reflected in the feet.
I was curious and wanted to find out more about Reflexology and of course experience it firsthand.
So, I scheduled an appointment with the amazing reflexologist Nancy Nelson. If you are local in the DFW Texas area, she's the person to go to! My experience with her was just incredible. She's very knowledgeable, super professional, and very nurturing.
photo credit: Nancy Nelson (the pretty feet are mine ☺️)
During the treatment, I was able to relax deeply. Do you know the feeling when you get a massage and you're totally relaxed? Like that but much much deeper. When she massaged certain spots on my feet, I felt it through my entire body. She would massage a part of my foot and I would feel it somewhere else in my body. It was incredible. Even though some spots felt a little tender, I was relaxed throughout the entire session.
After the session, I felt deeply calm. Usually, that relaxation goes away after 2 hours when I'm relaxed after a massage. But this one didn't. Something in my body had shifted or lifted. I also felt a change in my digestion. I could feel the effect physically, mentally and emotionally.
Wow, this was something bigger. The feet are not just feet. They are connected and reflect our entire body.
After this transformative experience, I wanted to know more.
So, without further ado, let me introduce to you Nancy Nelson - a passionate reflexologist, yoga teacher, mom, and much more.
photo credit: Nancy Nelson
In my interview with Nancy, she answered my questions, bringing an abundance of information about reflexology and the significant role of the feet. Feet are NOT "just" feet.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is an alternative therapy that involves using various pressure techniques to
stimulate the “reflexes” of the feet, hands, and ears. It is based on Zone Therapy, developed by William Fitzgerald, which indicates the body is split into 10 primary zones. These zones are represented in the extremities and it is thought that when healing pressure is applied to the zones in reflexology, the corresponding areas of the body are activated.
How does Reflexology work?
In more detail, much of the reason that Zone Therapy has proven successful is because of its influence on the nervous system. The areas of the body receiving reflexology contain thousands of nerve endings which relate to the rest of the body so with pressure, each nerve pathway is activated to help bring an overall deep relaxation to the nervous system. This deep relaxation encourages our rest and digest response, which is our healing mode. When we are in deep and true relaxation, we can realign mind/body/spirit.
photo credit: Nancy Nelson
Is there a connection between the Meridians and Reflexology?
Yes, meridian therapy is one of the founding Eastern practices of modern reflexology
techniques. Many ancient cultures found that some variation of foot stimulation lead to better wellbeing. Documentation shows that ancient Egyptians and Ayurvedic doctors were known to use foot massage as a means to healthcare thousands of years ago. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was also among those early cultures to discover this and put it into practice.
The lower body meridians (Stomach, Spleen, Kidney, Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder and Liver) begin or end in the feet and are thereby stimulated through reflexology. The upper body meridians (Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, Triple Burner, Lung and Large Intestine) begin or end in the hands so these can be stimulated through hand reflexology. There are specific techniques for the meridians themselves also, like the “meridian toe hold” which brings the meridians back into balance. This technique often reveals which lower body meridians are out of balance. Join me for a session to experience this first”hand” (pun intended)!
What health conditions can Reflexology help with?
The options are endless, here. In her book “Stories the Feet Can Tell Through Reflexology | Stories the Feet Have Told Through Reflexology” Eunice Ingham details many case studies that show reflexology having a very impressive impact on a wide range of ailments and conditions from glaucoma, digestive issues, heart conditions and more. Most of my clients report feeling increased daytime energy, less anxiety, better stress management, consistent deep sleep at night, relief from constipation and improved circulation. Whatever you might be experiencing, there is relief is available to you through reflexology! Of course, lifestyle comes into play too.
We will talk after your session about complimentary practices and recommendations to really bring about the success of your consistent reflexology treatment.
What people expect during a Reflexology treatment?
Every practitioner is different, but in my sessions you can expect me to get to know you a bit so I can better personalize your session. You will fill out a health history intake form to help me understand what you’re experiencing in your body and mind physically and emotionally. Any chronic or acute conditions will be taken into account into how I plan for your session and track your progress from one appointment to the next. During the treatment itself, you will be reclined into a zero gravity chair in a serene low-light space to calming music, under the gentle pressure of a soft weighted blanket. I will use hot towels, a foot mask and a sequence of movements that will work all the body systems through the nerve endings of the feet, hands and/or ears. I can also add in hot stones, epsom foot soaks and additional “rebound” time where you can relax into the chair after your session a bit longer for an additional fee.
How and where can people find you?
You can book an appointment through my online schedule here: https://momence.com/Nancy-
Nelson/appointment-reservation/1219?boardId=1216
You can contact me directly here:
972-824-3370
reflexology@nancynelsonyoga.com
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