(As told by Ellenmarie Joyce, RN, BSN, CIMI, Certified Reflexologist at FirstHealth of Andover)

"My journey to study reflexology was anything but a direct path.  While attending college, my nursing instructor for Maternal Child Health happened to mention as an afterthought  that “therapeutic touch” had been shown in studies to help premature infants development in growth particularly in weight gain.

I put that information in the back of my mind because I was interested in pursuing “therapeutic touch” at a later date. For now, all I could concentrate on was my nursing information and the intensity of my conventional medical training.  What I could not have imagined at the time was how this very small seed planted in my mind and heart would eventually lead me to follow a holistic nursing path. I was drawn toward pediatric nursing, but I found myself working in sub acute setting with Alzheimer’s  which led me to work on the adult medical surgical orthopedic and respiratory adult floor. I would eventually work with adults going through kidney dialysis.

Although I was heavily immersed in my conventional medical setting, the concept of alternative medicine was still on my mind as a seemingly reasonable healthcare system. I took advantage of an opportunity to attend a Nursing conference on Alternative career paths. During the conference,  three paths caught my attention: 1) Therapeutic Touch 2) massage including infant massage and 3) reflexology.  Realizing I needed to cross over to pediatrics, I applied for a position at Beverly Hospital in their level 2 Nursery working with premature and full-term infants. Now my small seed is beginning to sprout. I remembered the enthusiasm I felt about that class about therapeutic touch plus the heart-felt direction the conference was now leading me towards.  I began to admire the centered and peaceful manner of my two preceptors who supervised me at Beverley Hospital. They seemed to handle whatever crazy pace was thrown at them. I would soon learn their secret, and it would change my goals and the way I live my life forever.

In a causal conversation with my preceptors, I inquired about therapeutic touch. They were aware of it but no one at the time practiced it that they knew personally.  So, I decided to look into it, but had a hard time locating classes on it. The nursing On-Call magazine mention Reiki and from the description it sounded like therapeutic touch.  I could not believe my luck.  The gym, where I exercised, had on their demo schedule a nurse giving a free 20-minute discussion and treatment on Reiki. Of course I went to it. I will be honest in saying that the discussion lead me initially to feel more skeptical on the subject. I was trying to be open minded.. As part of the demo, I volunteered to receive Reiki.  She had me on the table for 10 minutes receiving a treatment ... we are talking the WOW factor. I could not believe how I felt during and after the treatment. Okay now I am hooked. I found a teacher in Arlington,  plus the class had CEU credits for nursing. Bonus!!

I went back to the unit very excited talking about my Reiki I class. Well, come to find out, both my preceptors were Reiki I and II practitioners. So that was their secret!  By now, I have been working day/night schedule at Beverly Hospital and then I left to go to St Elizabeth’s Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit  (NICU).  At St. Elizabeth’s I was on 12-hour nights straight. My body was having a very hard time adjusting to these hours.  When I worked in the adult floors I worked days; you get tired no matter what but working straight nights to me was like permanent jet lag. I never quite felt like myself .A friend recommended trying reflexology to help me with my crazy sleep pattern.  I was not sure exactly what reflexology entailed, but I trusted my friend’s guidance and found a practitioner in Wellesley. Again, the practitioner told me briefly what reflexology was, but my skeptical mind tried to speak out against what I was hearing. Reflexology is a healing art that  works the nervous system by using proper technique and intuition places with precise alternating pressure on the corresponding area of the foot. This therapeutic action aids the body to release stress and relax both body and mind through releasing natural pain reducers such as endorphins.  Luckily,  I listen to my inner guidance, plus I was so tired.  All I had to do was lie on a comfy massage table and only needed to take my shoe and socks off. I was sold.

 I explained to the practitioner that I was having a difficult time sleeping.  All I remember from that experience was complete bliss, and I fell asleep.  To be honest, I had never fallen asleep like that before. When the session was over, I felt great and I did sleep well that night.

My journey to reflexology was anything but a direct path, actually I like to think of it as more interwoven.  I perused Reiki Master/teacher, I found Reiki very helpful in handling stressful situation and  I also completed my training as an infant massage teacher.  Still, I found myself feeling like I was missing something.  The opportunity to study reflexology came to me in 2006. My path to reflexology, I can definitely attest, has been a series of  interwoven teachings.  Who knew, a nursing class on Maternal/Child health would lead from Therapeutic Touch for premature infants to a complete interest in combining holistic therapy with traditional non-invasive healing techniques.  I started off in a traditional nursing role but now the path is taking a new turn.  Following my inner guidance, trusting the teachers and opportunities show up on my path as I become more consciously aware that healing takes all forms and that reflexology happens to be on my path.

During the “learning phase” of my reflexology course, I realized very early on that I absolutely loved doing these sessions and could not wait till the next class.  Yes, of course I thoroughly enjoy receiving reflexology and discovered that giving a treatment is just as rewarding  I find that right before I give a treatment I become hyperaware of my conventional clinical training.   I want to give the person the best care and most appropriate treatment. Once I’m satisfied that my approach is in the best interest of the patient, I have to quiet my “conventional medical mind”.  Once I place my hands on the client’s feet, my hands and my inner guidance just kicks in.  I know they have  received the best treatment they needed at the moment.  Yes, acquiring the medical knowledge has been an important foundation to my training. Practitioners must continue to master their techniques, while providing inspired service. This allows for the healing to take place. My clients have experienced their best results when  practitioner and client egos are allowed  to go silent, while  allowing for the unconscious wisdom to guide the flow of  true healing.  Reflexology has helped me to reconnect to my body more in an intuitive way verse a medical way.  I retain my medical foundation and knowledge, while choosing to practice part of my medical care through integrative therapies.

There we several personal benefits I enjoyed from receiving reflexology during my training.  My plantar fascitis, migraine headaches, and premenstrual cramps all had lessened in severity for me.  I  notice once I stopped receiving reflexology these symptoms flared up again, although not with the same intensity.  I eventually returned to receiving care myself.   My perception is that reflexology could easily fit into part of the  healthcare habits of a family seeking a healthier and more balanced life.

Reflexology is such a simple and gratifying gift for both patient and practitioner. This gentle time-tested therapy has unique benefits for today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Please consider this an invitation to try reflexology and discover the benefits to your own body and mind.  I hope that I may be of service to you or your family should the need arise."