reflexology TODAY

ARCBNews Journal

Winter 2017Volume 25

/ Winter 20172

President’s Message

Being a life-long resident of New York I’ve been privileged with access to some of the world’s best museums. As a young artist, I frequented the Metropolitan, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Frick Collection and galleries to numerous to mention.

When I read that the Metropolitan was exhibiting MichelAngelo’s drawings I immediately made a plan to visit as it is extremely rare to see so many drawings by his hand in one place.

The scope of work (about 400 drawings) was both staggering and exhilarating. To my surprise, non-flash photos were permitted throughout the exhibit.

My all time favorite drawing, which is on the front cover, was exhibited in all its splendor. It is the study for the Libyan Sibyl that graces the Sistine Ceiling. The red chalk drawing shows the most beautiful foot and great toe I’ve ever seen. I’ve admired this drawing as long as I can remember. Since becoming a reflexologist the delicate lines and exquisite shading that form the foot are all the more interesting and meaningful.

A bonus drawing that I had never seen until my museum visit is of a male forearm and hand. I wanted to include it on the cover since hand reflexology is also an important aspect of our work. I hope you enjoy seeing these masterworks as much as I do.

In this issue there is a report on the last Tri-Board meeting (page 12) that took place in November 2017. Now, some of you must be wondering, “What’s a Tri-Board?” Well, as the name suggests, it is comprised of the three national reflexology organizations (ARCB, RAA & NCRE). In recent years, the three boards have seen the need to work more consistently together, to support each other and to find new ways of working from each organization’s perspective to further the field and practitioners. The Tri-Board has been formally meeting every quarter since the summer of 2107, enhancing communication, exchanging ideas and strategizing ‘next moves’.

It is exciting to work with intelligent, dedicated practitioners and leaders of the field and to feel a sense of cohesion and camaraderie that I’ve not experienced in the years since moving to the national level. The voices and energies at these meetings and on the national boards are intrinsic to the direction of our field. However, there are unheard voices and vital energies out there that also have something to add to the dialogue. Are you one of those voices? Would you offer your energy to help guide the field? Stepping into a new role will expand what you know about yourself and broaden your experience as a reflexology practitioner.

Take a moment to contact any of the national reflexology organizations or your state reflexology association to see how you can help move reflexology forward.

Wishing you a Prosperous New Year,

Winter 2017 / 3

Reflexology Today

Reflexology Today is published bi-annually by the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) for nationally board certified reflexologists.

Permission to reproduce original articles is hereby granted by ARCB by giving credit. Please state: “This article is reprinted with the permission of ARCB.” Then follow the sentence with the volume, number and date of issue.

ARCB solicits the submission of original articles and photographs and will consider each for publication. ARCB retains the right to edit materials submitted. Correspondence regarding this newsletter should be sent via email to the Editor c/o ARCB.

The ideas expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent opinions or positions of ARCB, its Directors, or staff, but of the authors themselves.

Mission sTaTeMenT

The American Reflexology Certification Board’s main purpose is to protect the public and promote the advancement of the field through the recognition of competent reflexologists who practice on a professional basis and choose to be recognized as meeting basic national standards. The ARCB promotes reflexology and its certificants through a national referral service. It supports certificants through publication of a bi-annual newsletter and other business related materials. The ARCB works for the growth of the entire field by encouraging the ongoing development of reflexology associations and related professional organizations.

Reflexology Today represents educational health related information and news only. The material contained herein is intended for general information and should not be construed as medical advice or treatments. It does not constitute recommendations for self treatment nor is it intended to replace consultation with qualified medical care providers.

ARCB 2586 Knightsbridge Rd SE Grand Rapids, MI 49514 Phone: 303.933.6921 Fax: 303.904.0460 www.arcb.net info@arcb.net

Michael Rainone, Layout/GraphicsChristine Issel, Copy EditorAdrianne Fahey, Proofreader

Table of ConTenTs

boaRd of diReCToRs

Michael Rainone, President

Lucy Scarbrough, Vice President

Susan Mix, Secretary

Perry Dickenson, Treasurer

Sharon Vermeulen, Director

Julia Dollinger, Direcctor

David Henry, Direcctor

Sharon Vermeulen, Administrative Secretary

Phyllisann Maguire, Ph.D., Psychometrics Consultant

AMER

ICAN

REF

LEXOLOGY CERTIFICATIO

N BO

ARD

Inside ARCB page 4

Foot Care, Diabetes & Reflexology page 5

Reflexology In The News page 6

News from RAA page 8

Ten Reasons to Attend a Reflexology Conference page 9

News from NCRE page 10

Association News page 10

Legislative Update page 11

Tri-Board Meeting page 12

Testimonials & Recommendation froma Medical Doctor page 14

FYI: When is Organic Not Organic? page 15

National News: Wellness Caucus page 16

Reflexology in the Hospital Setting page 16

Athletic Shoes and Reflexology page 17

A Glimpse Into the Early Life of Eunice Inghamand the Beginning of Reflexology page 18

Research page 20

More Research References page 22

The 2017 ICR Conference page 23

Three USA ARCB Certificants Become ICR Directors page 24

New Certificants page 25

Wikipedia page 26

New Report Indicates More Doctors NowOpen to Integrative Medicine page 27

Strong Drug Warning About A Class of Antibiotic page 28

/ Winter 20174

Inside ARCBARCB Interns: Two ARCB certificants have recently been awarded an internship position, reports vice president Lucy Scarbrough. The internship program is a one year, non-paid position working directly with the board of directors. The intern will participate in each ARCB conference call and will add a new resource to the ARCB board of directors planning and discussions. In addition to exposing the intern to the internal processes of the ARCB, the intern will assist the ARCB directors with tasks such as writing journal articles, making contacts, wording policies and procedures, locating information, and conducting research. Interns will be granted, without an administrative fee, 12 CEs for their one year service.

Deana Scott of Aberdeen, Maryland, obtained her B.A. in IT and and Master Degree in Adult Education from Strayer University. Like many ARCB certificants reflexology is a mid-life career interest as she has worked as IT for Verizon for 21 years. Her initial reflexology training and school certification was with the Baltimore School of

Reflexology in 2012. In addition to combining the body-mind- spirit connection in her works she also adds her skills as a nail technician to enhance her services. “Reflexology is my passion. I provide a level of calming and relaxation that rebuilds the self that has been damaged by stress to the body as well as the soul,” reports Deana.

With a background in education, Ruth Ploski of Farmington Hills, Michigan, discovered reflexology in 2007 while researching the work of Dr. John Upledger and his craniosacral and myofascial release therapies. “My curiosity in applying these techniques to the feet, led me to reflexology and in turn my training with Branch Reflexology

Institute in Lansing which focuses on the mind-body connections and emotional release. Ploski, who also has been practicing since 2012, says, “I embrace a whole-body approach to healthcare.” Ruth went on to study maternity reflexology with Maurico Kruchik of Israel, Chi Reflexology with Moss Arnold of Australia and Sally Kay’s Lymph Drainage Protocol of the UK.

Deana and Ruth’s energy and enthusiasm were palatable during the interview process along with their shared desire to help shape the field. The ARCB Board of Directors is delighted to welcome these highly educated, professional practitioners to the Intern Program and looks forward to them bringing their wealth of life experience and viewpoints to ARCB.

BlogHave you checked out the Blog on the ARCB website? Simply go to www.arcb.net and click on Reflexology Digest to view the posts.

Free Teaching SuppliesIf you would like the 2018 Hand and/or Foot Testing Brochure as a handout for your course, please contact the ARCB office and let Sharon know how many you need and by what date you need them. Identifying the Professional Reflexologist and the 5 Elements of Reflexology are also available at no cost to instructors. Just ask! While you are talking to Sharon, let her know how we can better serve you and your students.

ReminderTeachers are not to use ARCB materials for curriculum development. All ARCB exam materials (including but not limited to the study guides, test booklets, answer sheets, and documentation forms) are protected by international copyright and to be used by a candidate as an aid in studying for the ARCB foot or hand certification exam. No materials are to be used as a teaching tool, as a course of instruction, or for curriculum development. This policy is to ensure the unbiased integrity and security of the psychometrically valid, independent national reflexology certification exams and the certification program that ARCB has spent thousands of dollars in developing. As Lucy Scarbrough reminds candidates regarding exam confidentiality, “It’s your exam—don’t give it away!”

Continuing EducationAre you up to date on your CE approval status? Please check with the office to make sure you are current and make sure your website reflects this. If your approval has lapsed, your students will not have the benefit of the CEs taken with you counting towards meeting their CE requirement. Contact Sharon at info@arcb.net if you want to check on your status.

Increase in Annual Fee in 2018Due to the importance of legislation and its increased activity and expenses, it has become necessary to increase the annual fee for 2018 by $10. The new annual fee is $65.00.

Winter 2017 /Winter 2016 / 5

Foot Care, Diabetes and Reflexology :: Christine Issel

The diabetic has many concerns to contend with. He or she can suffer from overall impaired sensitivity in the feet, both to pain and temperature, and a lack of reflex sensitivity with reflexology. The reflexologist, the person suffering with peripheral neuropathy, and the diabetic will need to take the extra precautions in the care of the feet as explained below.

The person with diabetes should wash feet daily in lukewarm water and be sure to avoid extreme water temperatures. Test the temperature with the hand, not the foot, to reduce the chances of scalding a foot with impaired sensation. After washing, the feet should be dried carefully, particularly the spaces between the toes.

Rough, dry, or scaly skin can be softened by using moisturizing lotion regularly. For best results, lotion should be applied after washing the feet. However, avoid applying lotion between the toes. Too much moisture there can cause bacterial or fungal growth. A reflexologist may wish to conclude a session by applying foot cream to the client’s feet.

The toenails should be kept trimmed, straight across and even. When trimming the nail, the diabetic, unable to feel sufficiently, must be careful not to trim them too short, causing bleeding.

It is critical that the reflexologist exam the feet thoroughly before starting work. He or she may be the only person to actually see the bottom of the diabetic client’s foot regularly. The practitioner should look for any evidence of redness, swelling, cuts, scratches, hot spots, or blisters. If any of these conditions are found or if there is an infection, ulcer or laceration, refer the client to her physician immediately.

I once saw a regular client who had suddenly developed an open ulcer on the bottom of his foot and didn’t even feel it. He couldn’t feel any discomfort. I explained what I observed and encouraged him to see his physician right away. He took my advice. In turn his physician said because the infection was caught early and it could be treated quickly and successfully it saved him from losing his foot.

Encourage the client to check her feet once a day at home for any evidence of redness, swelling, cuts, scratches, hot spots, or an open sore. Remind her to check the bottom of her feet, using a mirror if necessary. Once again, if anything is found, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.

The feet should be kept warm and dry, changing socks at least once a day or more if the feet perspire a lot. Cotton or wool socks are best, selecting socks that fit—not too big or too small and tight. Also wearing mended socks or socks with seams or holes which may create pressure areas on the feet should be avoided. Women should not wear knee-high panty hose and regular panty hose as they tend to be tight, constricting circulation.

When feet feel cold at night, a comfortable pair of socks can be worn to bed. It is not a good idea to warm the feet with hot water soaks, hot water bottles, or heating pads, because the diabetes can cause numbness in the feet which could result in burning.

Selecting shoes with leather uppers rather than plastic or nylon is best. Leather allows the foot to breathe and perspire less. Shoes should be checked before putting them on for pebbles, sand, cracks and tears in the inner lining and in the insole, all of which can result in harmful wear, putting undue pressure on the feet. Remind the client to slowly get his feet used to a new pair of shoes. After wearing new shoes for an hour, he should check for signs of redness or blisters. Slowly, over several days, the time wearing new shoes can be lengthened.

Clients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy should avoid walking barefoot. Loss of sensation in the foot can increase the chance of serious injury from stepping on objects such as nails, glass, staples, or sewing pins and needles.

The reflexologist and client need to be aware of and practice these foot-care tips. When working on a diabetic, work gently as the client may have diminished pain sensitivity. Work for a shorter time so as not to overly stimulate the client. If possible, work more frequently to keep sugar levels more even. Remind your client most diabetics report after a session they find it helpful to monitor their sugar levels more closely than normal and to drink plenty of water to flush their system.

DiD You Know…One of the most frequently cited regrets at the end of life is not having the courage

to be true to one self but rather doing what others expected.

/ Winter 20176

Reflexology In The NewsAbstract: NaturalNews is a daily alternative web-based news site with a readership of over a million. NaturalNews covers a wide range of topics on health, food and nutrition, science and complementary and alternative medicine, fitness, the environment and so much more in its free daily newsletter. In the article, “How to Quickly Release Stress in Less Than Five Minutes,” reflexology is cited. In the second article from the NY Post, “How Meditation Can Help Your Career,” you’ ll learn how reflexology was used to combat a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder.

The field of reflexology couldn’t pay for this kind of endorsement. While we may not agree with what is written, at least it exposes readers to reflexology, and P.T. Barnum’s public relations phrase applies: “I don’t care what the newspapers say about me as long as they spell my name right.”

How to Quickly Release Stress in Less Than Five MinutesNaturalNews, Tuesday, March 14, 2017 By Amy Goodrich

Our lives certainly aren’t getting any less stressful, and more and more people are stepping away from health-damaging, addictive drugs like Xanax to calm their nerves, and are instead healing themselves through natural remedies.

Reflexology or “zone therapy” is a natural treatment that has successfully been used since ancient times to fight pain, relieve stress, and rebalance the inner self. What’s more, you don’t need fancy equipment or an hour of expensive therapy to get the job done; it only takes five minutes of your time, and can be practiced anytime and anywhere.

Since as far back as 4000 B.C., Chinese and Egyptian healers used foot and hand massage therapies to improve conditions of the body and mind. While the technique flourished in ancient Japan, it took until the early 1900s before the method was introduced in the US by an American doctor, William H. FitzGerald. He discovered that zone therapy not only relieved pain, but also relieved its underlying cause.

Reflexology or ‘zone therapy’ to balance your inner self

While there aren’t many scientific studies backing up this alternative way of healing, it has helped millions of people worldwide to cope with the stress modern life creates. Reflexologists attribute various illnesses to blocked forces of energy fields. Stimulating certain areas in the hands and feet allow vital energy to flow freely to initiate the healing process and balance the inner self.

Before therapy, a reflexologist will ask about your full medical history, since the aim is to find the root cause and treat the whole body rather than just soothing the symptoms. During a session, they may use massage oils, wooden sticks, rubber balls or other equipment to apply pressure to certain points on the hands or feet.

These one- to two-month treatment plans include reflexology sessions that take anywhere from half an hour to an hour. However, depending on the severity of your issues, it’s also possible to learn how to administer these pain and stress-relieving reflexology techniques yourself from the comfort of your home.

While this ancient method is a powerful, natural, holistic and non-invasive way to take stress away, The Hearty Soul recommends patience, as its effects may not kick in straight away; for some it might, but others will need more time to feel the benefits.

The 5-minute stress relieving zone therapy technique

As reported by The Hearty Soul, every finger is related to a particular attitude or feeling. The index fingers house feelings of fear. The middle fingers are connected with resentment and anger, while the ring fingers combat sadness or depression and encourage decisiveness. Finally, our pinky fingers are related to optimism and self-confidence, as well as reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

To rebalance your energy and fight feelings of stress, take hold of your thumb or pinky with the opposite hand. Wrap all your fingers, thumb included, around the thumb or pinky and hold for one to two minutes. When you feel a pulsing sensation in your hand, you know it is taking effect. Repeat the process for the other fingers.

Also, to calm your mind, push into the center of your palm with the thumb of the opposite hand. Apply pressure for at least one minute to find inner peace. While you need some pressure for reflexology or zone therapy to do its magic, it should never hurt. If you feel pain, it is important to apply less pressure or loosen your grip.

Regularly practicing these two simple stress-relieving techniques will help you to stay calm and balanced in life.

Winter 2017 / 7

Reflexology Provides Clarity of MindEdited from: How Meditation Can Help Your Career,By Vicki Salemi, August 14, 2017 New York Post

Five years ago, entrepreneur Ryan Lee was at the helm of four companies. At the same time, he began attending reflexology appointments to combat an autoimmune disorder diagnosis.

“My doctor said I’d need to take chemo drugs, but I went on a search for alternative methods,” he says.

Seeking to improve circulation and reduce stress, reflexology sessions encompassed shoulder and scalp massages and deep pressure point foot massages. An unexpected serendipitous bonus? Mental clarity at work.

Meditation sessions were added to Lee’s routine, and before long the father of four decided to simplify his life, selling, closing and consolidating his businesses. He currently owns and operates Freedym, an online media company.

“By focusing all my attention on one business, it’s now generating more income, giving me more free time and has greatly reduced my stress,” Lee explains.

The New Canaan, Connecticut, resident currently undergoes hourly reflexology sessions ten times a month and meditates every morning using the Headspace app. “My mind is clearer and I’m ready to start the day. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, reflexology is my reset button!”

They may seem harmless, but plastic straws are a major source of plastics pollution in the oceans. Do you really

need one with every beverage?

/ Winter 20178

The following is a list of the RAA directors, along with their positions and committee chair responsibilities:Debbie Hitt (OH) President, Membership CommitteeConnie Hubley (ME) Vice President, Conference CommitteeBernette Todd (IN) Treasurer and Delegate Assembly Liaison; Website and Technology CommitteeAdrianne Fahey (CO) Board Secretary, Education and Election CommitteesJan Benson (ND) Director, Ethics and Grievance and State Affiliation CommitteesIris Aharonovich (MD) Director, Legislative Committee*Cyndi Hill (NC) Director, Public Relations CommitteeKaren Ball (FL) Past President and advisorMia Earl (TN) Past President and LE&OD organizerdiane Wedge (MA/FL) Delegate Assembly Chair (an ex-officio member of the Board) is.

* Both Legislative Chairs of RAA and ARCB work very closely together on legislative issues across the nation.

The “JAZZED about the Art and Science of Reflexology” Conference It’s not too early to plan to attend the RAA 2018 conference. The conference will be held at the Allegro Hotel in downtown Chicago from April 27 through April 29, 2018.

The RAA board has chosen the following 2018 conference speakersStephenie Cooke YOU are the Art of ReflexologyJesus Manzanares, MD Chronic Pain and Its Treatment in Foot ReflexologySarah Pruesker Support for Reflexology, from the National Institutes of HealthSteven Rosenblatt, MD The Energetic Connections of Reflexology to the Acupuncture Meridian System: Its Use in Disease Prevention and Health MaintenanceSusan Raskin, RN Jazzing Up The Art & Science of Reflexology: Safe Use of Aromatherapy &Therapeutic Communication in Practice Peter Lund Frandsen & It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing - Dorthe Krogsgaard (Touchpoint) New Ways to Stimulate That Swing in Your ClientsWendie Trubow, MD The Art of Balancing the Five Aspects of Health

ARCB Approved CE Provider

News From RAA

Winter 2017 /Winter 2016 / 9

Attending a conference is a great opportunity to connect with people of like minds who share your passion for reflexology, and it’s a great opportunity to expand your knowledge. The next national conference will be held April 27-29, 2018 in Chicago. In addition to speakers and workshops, RAA will be hosting other activities such as a Leadership Education & Organizational Development (LE&OD) workshop and the Delegate Assembly meeting! You don’t have to be a RAA member to attend. Check out the RAA website at www.reflexology-usa.org for more information.

1. Rejuvenate yourself and your passion for reflexology.

2. Expand your horizons through new ideas and thoughts.

3. Continue your education with the leaders in the field.

4. Learn new techniques you can apply in your practice the next day.

5. Earn CE units.

6. Network with fellow practitioners.

7. Combine your education with travel.

8. Explore a new city and write it off as a possible business expense.

9. Visit vendors and purchase products.

10. Have FUN!

TEN REASONS TO ATTEND A REFLEXOLOGY CONFERENCE

Amazon recently announced its intention to acquire Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion. Just as Amazon changed the book industry by forcing the entire supply chain to cut costs, the organic food industry may

now face the same challenges, thereby ensuring the deterioration of organic food quality.

/ Winter 201710

News From NCRE :: Christine Issel

Association News

National Council for Reflexology Educators (NCRE) is the only reflexology membership organization at www.Smile.Amazon.com where a .5% of everything you purchase on Amazon goes to the NCRE at no cost to you. All you have to do is register, and that’s FREE too! To register on the website, under select a charity choose the second box (i.e., or pick your own charitable organization:) and fill in the box by typing in National Council for Reflexology Educators. Do not use the acronym NCRE but spell out its name. For more about the NCRE, check them out at: https://www.reflexedu.org.

Kelly Urso, BA, NBCR (RI) has been appointed to the NCRE Board. Kelly believes our profession is a gift and a responsibility! She has been practicing reflexology since 2000 and is ARCB certified. Her mentors include: Teri Magnan, Bill Flocco, Val Voner, Dwight Byers, Touchpoint, Father Josef, and Nancy Bartlett. She feels that each teacher has strengthened her skills and abilities. Kelly has a private reflexology practice in Westerly, RI. She also helped start a non-volunteer program for reflexology at Kent Hospital where she worked on the women’s care, oncology, and rehabilitation units promoting reflexology to the public. She served four years on the Reflexology Association of Rhode Island (RARI) board with two years as president. She currently is a passionate reflexology educator in New England dedicated to protecting and guiding reflexology through education and legislation.

Florida: In 1943, Florida enacted a massage law. In order to practice reflexology in that state, one must be a licensed massage therapist. Karen Ball and Julia Dollinger have been exploring the possibility of reorganizing FAIR—Florida Association of Independent Reflexologists—as the first step in the possibility of challenging the law. They will speak directly with reflexology schools to find out if resurrecting FAIR would be fruitful. For more information, contact: Karen at karen@academyofancientreflexology.com or Julia at jfdollinger7@gmail.com.

New York: NYSRA became TRA. The New York State Reflexology Association (NYSRA) has effectively been dissolved. Vera Krijn, current NYSRA president, has reached out to reflexologists in New Jersey and Connecticut to join those in New York to form the Tri-State Reflexology Association. Time will tell if and how this decision could impact legislative efforts in New York. For more information, contact verakrijn@gmail.com.

Winter 2017 /Winter 2016 / 11

It is amazing that legislative activity never happens in isolation—it always seems at least two things are going on simultaneously and need to be addressed in record time!

TennesseeThe law to register reflexologists in Tennessee was enacted in 2001. Within the law, it stated that with ARCB certification reflexologists would be accepted for registration. Then in 2007, the law was changed, and ARCB certification was no longer accepted (although it still indicates that on its website Reflexology Registry - TN.Gov).

From the link, “The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the issuing of registrations to those who meet the requirements of the law and rules. Reflexologists may be licensed by either (1) education (successful completion of a course of study of not less than two hundred [200] hours in reflexology only courses; or (2) endorsement from another state.”

The underlined words are where the catch is. Requirements written in the law now state clearly that the education must be from a state-approved school in Tennessee or another state. The wording “(2) endorsement from another state” means licensed in one of the other states that license reflexologists.

Currently there is only one school in Tennessee approved by the Department of Education! ARCB wrote two letters to the Tennessee Reflexology Registry at the end of September, with no response forthcoming!

New YorkOur sponsoring senator over the years and champion for reflexology, Senator George Latimer, won the Westchester County executive race and will be working locally. At this time, it is not known how his win will affect our bills. His stepping down, however, may change the balance between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate.

On July 12th, Petra van Noort presented her MoveOn.org petition to exempt reflexology from the massage law with 800 names to her senator, Alcantara. A folder, along with brochures, was sent USPS overnight delivery to Petra to be included in the binder. Birgit Nagele and Rita de Cassia accompanied Petra to the Senator’s office. All three are ARCB certificants. Petra is offering anyone who is planning

Legislative Update :: Christine Issel

on visiting their representative that they are welcome to use her MoveOn.org petition. She can send a PDF to you or to any individual that emails her with that request. In turn, they would have to have it printed before approaching

their legislative representative. The petition itself is a little over 100 pages. It now has an impressive 1,111 signatures, with approximately 500 signatures being from people in New York State. There are signatures from 46 US states and 27 countries worldwide! Contact Petra at 917.528.0272 or pvn.nyc@gmail.com for more details.

MassachusettsSB 905 and 907 linking reflexology and other unlicensed bodyworkers

with human trafficking was heard by the Joint Judiciary Committee in July. After sitting for six hours on hard benches, Shannon Brisson (MAR president), Julia Dollinger and Christine Issel got to testify! A position paper on behalf of RAA by Iris Aharonovich was submitted as written testimony along with papers from MAR and ARCB. In mid-November, the bills, unchanged, were discharged to the Senate Rules Committee to be put on the Senate calendar for the required readings. As of this writing, no calendar date has been set for this end-run maneuver by the sponsor, Senator Montigy, to get his bill passed. A letter signed by Christine and Julia has been sent to the Rules Committee members as a last chance to defeat these poorly written bills.

NebraskaIn October, LB 588 exempting reflexology from the massage law was sent to the Department of Health and Human Services to go through a 407 review process by the Platte Institute as requested by the Health and Human Services Committee. ARCB assisted Sarah Curry and Nicole Fox of the Institute to fill out the application. The 407 process is a document answering questions that justify why a change in the law is necessary. The review process has many steps with several public hearings and can take over a year to complete.

NevadaThe Governor signed the reflexology-structural integrator bill into law on June 1st to go into effect October 2018. Currently, ARCB is working with Sandy Anderson, executive director of the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapists, on the rules and regulations needed to implement the law. A public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled in Carson City on December 13th.

Christine Issel, Julia Dollinger, MAR president Shannon Brisson and Kate Melville

.

/ Winter 201712

Tri-Board Meeting Report :: Christine Issel

Opal Knowles (RAA president 2004-2008) was the originator of the vision of members of the three national reflexology boards periodically gathering and sharing information to support the growth and development of the three organizations in tandem. The informal conference calls began in 2006 and were designated as Tri-Board meetings.

One item that came out of the Tri-Board calls was the creation and printing of the “Identifying the Legitimate Practice of Reflexology” brochure by RAA and ARCB in 2007. That brochure has since been very important in legislative work. Due to the dynamics between individuals on the boards, the Tri-Board ceased to meet for a number of years.

The three board presidents (Michael Rainone—ARCB; Brenda Makowsky—NCRE; and Mia Earl—RAA) met in Anchorage at the conference in 2016 over dinner on an invitation from ARCB. Karen Ball, following Mia as RAA president, revived the concept of a Tri-Board meeting with all board members being invited to participate versus just the presidents. A face-to-face meeting was held in April 2017. Through the work of David Henry, ARCB director, the goals, duties, and responsibilities of each board have been identified and solidified this year. Other matters facing the field and all the boards were discussed at the last conference call.

Appreciative Inquiry (AI)On the most recent call in November, Amanda Trosten-Bloom, from the Rocky Mountain Center for Positive Change, delivered a Power Point presentation about how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) could help the three organizations move forward together in developing a strategic plan through the use of a focus group. Without reading Amanda’s book, The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Positive Change with Diana Whitney it is hard to understand how AI could be so different from other management methods. After some discussion, the overriding consensus was that the Tri-Board’s first step is to further determine its focus and goals.

Human TraffickingDiscussion then turned to the issue of human trafficking and the field of reflexology’s responsibility toward this challenge. Human trafficking is partly our problem, because reflexology is being promoted in advertising by illegal business establishments. Though we would like to stick our heads in the sand and believe human trafficking is a law enforcement problem, the field of reflexology

has some level of responsibility to the issue from both an ethical and a professional protection point of view. Developing a proactive role is a way of safeguarding our profession. Some suggestions for action put forth involving each board could be:

NCRE could, in their curricula standards, require a course on human trafficking awareness and training.

RAA could create a committee to establish a database of its members, state association members, ARCB certificants, licensed reflexologists, and other professional practitioners, so law enforcement has only one database to check for legitimate practitioners.

ARCB could write to the boards of the five states with reflexology laws, requesting that the rules and regulations be written or amended to include language against human trafficking and holding business establishments responsible when offering reflexology services by making sure those that work for them are individually licensed.

All these proactive actions would aid law enforcement and make their job easier when enforcing laws regarding human trafficking.

Massage MagazineKaren Ball brought to the attention of the Tri-Board a reference made by a member of AOBTA (American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia) responding to an article on Asian Bodywork in the magazine’s website that referred to Asian bodywork therapy as massage. In challenging the inaccuracies of the article, the Asian bodywork practitioner referenced how the US Department of Education defines massage therapy and Asian bodywork separately.

In Our Mailbox column, the editor of Massage Magazine quoted the US Department of Education’s definition of Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage found in CIP Code 51.3501: “A program that prepares individuals to provide relief and improved health and well-being to clients through the application of manual techniques for manipulating skin, muscles, and connective tissues. Includes instruction in Western (Swedish) massage, sports massage, myotherapy/trigger point massage, myofascial release, deep tissue massage, cranio-sacral therapy, reflexology, massage safety and emergency management, client counseling, practice management, applicable regulations, and professional standards and ethics.”

continued on next page >

Winter 2017 / 13

The question brought before the Tri-Board was, is the inclusion of reflexology in this definition something the Tri-board would want to work to have corrected?

There is a separate CIP Code 51.3502 for Asian Bodywork Therapy, and the definition is: “A program that prepares individuals to provide relief and improved health and well-being based on Chinese medical principles through one or more of the traditional bodywork therapies of Asia. Includes instruction in acupressure, AMMA(r) Therapy, Chi Nei Tsang, Five Element Shiatsu, Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu, Japanese Shiatsu, Jin Shin Do(r) Bodymind Acupressure(tm), Macrobiotic Shiatsu, Anma Therapy, Thai massage, Tui na, Zen Shiatsu, Qigong, Okazaki(r) Restorative Massage, principles of Western and Chinese medicine, patient counseling and observation, practice management, applicable regulations, and professional standards and ethics.”

There is another CIP code that appears to be more appropriate for reflexology. CIP 51.3503 is titled Somatic Bodywork, and the definition is: “A program that prepares individuals to promote physical and emotional balance and well-being through the application of skilled touch principles and techniques. Includes instruction in therapeutic massage and other hands-on touch methods, anatomy and physiology, structural/functional integration and various holistic health systems (Rolfing/Structural Integration, colon hydrotherapy, Breema, Hellerwork, lymphatic drainage, Rosen Method, hydrotherapy, and others), client counseling, practice management, and applicable regulations and professional standards.” This seems a better code for reflexology to fall under.

It was agreed by the Tri-Board that each organization write a letter to object to the inclusion of reflexology in the definition of massage therapy/therapeutic massage and request that reflexology be placed in section CIP 51.3503. Adrianne Fahey (RAA) agreed to create a template letter and distribute it to the Tri-Board participants.

The next conference via ZOOM will be hosted by RAA and is scheduled for February 2018. If you have any comments regarding the above topics, please send them along to ARCB via an email to Sharon in the office at info@arcb.net. Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

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ARCB Approved CE Provider ARCB Approved CE Provider

Personality & Emoonal Analysis Thru’ the size & shape of the feet & toes

What My Feet Say About Me

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Dear Dr. Horvath:I want to thank you for providing the reflexology treatments following my recent back surgery. As you recall, I had severe spinal stenosis that required lumbar decompression and fusion of L4-L5 vertebrae.

You began reflexology treatments in the hospital on post-operative day two and continued three times a week for the next three weeks.

As you know, recovery from back surgery is often a long and drawn-out process that can require physical therapy and a lengthy time off work.

I was able to walk ¼ mile on post-operative day four, ½ mile on day five and a full mile a day thereafter. I was able to return to work part-time three weeks after surgery and full time on the fourth week. As a facial plastic surgeon, my job requires significant periods of standing and leaning over; I have been able to do this without difficulty.

I believe that the Reflexology treatments that you provided were instrumental in my rapid recovery and would recommend them to anyone.

Sincerely, Keith A. LaFerriere, MD, FACS Mercy St. John’s Hospital St. Louis, Missouri

Testimony 2I am blessed to work in a hospital that embraces holistic nursing theory and practice and the modalities we use in patient care. Patients are eager to provide feedback post-session and most request “reflexology only” after the experience. It has become our #1 requested holistic service. Patients share with me that they feel “grounded by having their feet touched, especially after being on so much bed rest.” The sacredness of the experience is not lost on me. Patients allow me into their space, to place my hands on their body, cleaning their feet and anointing them with oil. The connection helps to create a healing moment and builds a caring, safe relationship.

I joke with colleagues that I’m never invited to cocktail parties, because I put people to sleep! However, I

encourage you to never underestimate the power and energy of your words. As I work, I observe the patient: muscles soften, breathing slows down, eyes close and often they fall fast asleep (best medicine ever). I will always make therapeutic suggestions before working on someone. For example, “When you fall asleep, I will finish the session and lower the bed, which is your cue to go even deeper into a state of relaxation. I will leave quietly and see you tomorrow.”

I always give the person I work on the right to receive their session as they wish. Some choose to talk the entire time. This is great. Be an active listener. No suggestions or opinions, just allow them to be heard. It could be they are solving their own problems out loud or perhaps no one at home ever listens to them. Silence is golden.

Reflexology works miracles. I once worked on an MD who had undergone a colostomy, and he had been unable to pass a stool for many, many days. He was in a great deal of pain. Finally, someone on staff decided to call me, “since there was nothing else they could do for him.” Sadly, I hear that a lot!

Anyway, I went to him, provided breathing techniques, guided imagery and, of course, reflexology with lots of emphasis on the digestive reflexes. Both the patient and his wife fell asleep. So I finished the session, lowered the bed, and quietly left. Two days later I went to check up on him. He looked at me and said “YOU,” pointing his finger at me. Thankfully, he went on to tell me that 30 minutes after I left his room “the colostomy bag began to overflow.” This gentleman was convinced reflexology had worked a miracle indeed. I toyed with him and had a debate as to whether it was the reflexology or the relaxation response. Not that it mattered! Things were flowing accordingly, and he was very happy. To this day he tells everyone, “It was the reflexology that saved him from unbearable pain.”

You can’t get better PR than an MD’s endorsement. I do see patients obtaining relief from opioid-induced constipation on a regular basis. I tell them what reflexes I will target and why, and it works. And it does. And patients are amazed and grateful. Susan Raskin, RN, NY scraskin@gmail.com

Testimonials and Recommendation From a Medical Doctor Abstract: As we all know, nothing convinces people about the power of reflexology like personal experience. This is a letter to RAA professional member Jon Horvath, PhD (Springfield, MO), by a satisfied client from the medical community. Susan Raskin, a Board Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in Holistic Nursing and ARCB Certificant in foot and hand reflexology, follows up with a back-handed compliment from a physician.

Winter 2017 /Winter 2016 / 15

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The Dynamic Results of Hand Reflexology by Nancy Bartlett, RI happy_feet@cox.net

Abstract: Recently at the Reflexology Association of Rhode Island (RARI) quarterly meeting, I got a chance to plug hand reflexology by bringing up Kelly Urso’s story, which she then shared with the group. This brought forth another testimony from Julie Bailis.

Testimony 1 by Kelly UrsoAs reported by my client: “I have been going to my reflexologist for about three years, and I firmly believe that this particular modality contributes greatly to my overall well-being. Specifically, recently, I mentioned to her that I had been having severe pain in my right hand, and I was quite sure that it was carpal tunnel syndrome.

“She always works on my hands as well as other areas besides my feet in our sessions, but she said that she would pay extra attention to my right hand. Over the next several days, I realized that the pain and stiffness in my hand had all but disappeared.

“I would highly recommend reflexology to anyone with an open mind who is seeking a non-invasive alternative mind/body experience.”~~~Beverly Conti

Beverly reported her pain level of ten went to a three after the session three weeks later. With one more session the pain was zero. Note: I did refer Beverly to a physician, and I did clarify I could not treat her as I was not a doctor or even a physical therapist. Beverly still comes every three to four weeks, and it’s been months now with no return of her symptoms. Testimony 2 by Julie Bailis“I have a local chiropractor as a client. He has a standing session every week. He requests I only do his hands, so I do 25 minutes on each hand. He says he has “new hands” and that hand reflexology helps him be able to keep doing what he loves: his chiropractic work.”

If you would like to contribute a testimony for future editions, please send them to Sharon at info@arcb.net.

Organic food sales in the United States have reached a record $47 billion, accounting for five percent of total food sales. The basis of organic food production starts with improving the soil. The organic label on food indicates the food is grown in a nutrient rich soil. When the soil is improved, the quality of the food produced is more nutrient dense, and the method protects the environment. Hydroponics and aquaponics methods involve growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. For this reason, most hydroponically grown food is inferior to food grown in a healthy soil, where the fungi and microbes can optimize the plant in a way that is impossible to do in a hydroponic environment. Yet, on November 1st, the National Organic Standards Board rejected the proposal to ban hydroponics’ use of the organic label. Many organic pioneers feel the organic standards are being devalued by the acceptance of hydroponics. They are threatening to opt out of USDA organic certification and create an alternative add-on label.

FYI—WHEN IS ORGANIC NOT ORGANIC?

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National News: Wellness Caucus :: Linda Frank, WA

Fantastic news! There is an Integrative Health & Wellness Caucus in Congress.

I hope reflexologists will write their congressional members urging them to join and support this caucus, https://ihpc.rallycongress.net/ctas/advance-integrative-healthcare.

Here’s what I added to the letter to Congress already in the template at the link above:

“As a practitioner of one of the NIH-researched, funded and respected CAM (Complementary & Alternative Medicine) modalities, I am excited about the contribution my modality of reflexology as well as other CAMs can make toward more affordable and effective healthcare. Just yesterday I saw news that auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture)—which I and other reflexologists practice as “ear reflexology” using our fingers in lieu of needles—has been deemed one of the most effective means to reduce pain in ER situations, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29067138.”

Then I closed by introducing myself and offering to be a resource for them. “If you are interested to learn about reflexology as an augmentation to medical care, please visit my page for medical professionals, http://www.reflexologyforbetterhealth.com/for-medical-professionals.html.”

I am blessed to work in a hospital that embraces holistic nursing theory and practice and the modalities we use in patient care. Years before I began to work there as a nurse, the hospital hired me to train and certify four RNs in foot reflexology. Working in diverse units (labor and delivery, pediatrics, ambulatory surgery and the Cancer Center), all were able to apply their new reflexology knowledge into their direct care of their patients.

Flash forward four years and I now manage the Integrative Medicine Program at this hospital. What I know for sure is that reflexology is a perfect fit for this environment. It is very difficult to provide modalities to a patient’s head due to the furniture, tight space and IV poles placed at the head of the bed. The hands can also be an issue since IVs are often placed on the back of the hand or arm, and no nurse wants to dislodge an IV and put their patient through a re-stick.

The feet, however, are spot on, easy to access, and have lots of surface area to work on. Most patients have never received reflexology before meeting me, and I find most are curious and open to trying it. Reflexology at the hospital is never offered as a spa amenity. We inform patients that it is an adjunct to the traditional care they are receiving and extremely beneficial for management of pain, anxiety, nausea, or constipation. I always provide the energy theory behind reflexology as well as the relaxation response that it elicits.

Many of you may want to work in the hospital setting as a reflexologist. The rules and regulations vary from hospital to hospital. Without licensure, you are at a disadvantage unless you have a license to touch (at least in NY State). Liability is always a major concern for institutions, and reflexology insurance is usually not considered sufficient. I wrote the reflexology policy and procedure for my hospital. It does not cover use of non-licensed personnel, in part because non-staff members are not allowed to view or document on the patients’ charts. It would be like working blind without a diagnosis, contraindications, or precautions. Individual supervision would also be difficult, since I need to be with patients or teaching staff. Popular or not, I do not want the potential liability to fall on my nursing license, and it would as the supervisor/manager. This applies to both volunteer and paid work. Please don’t kill the messenger! I’m just giving you a behind-the-scenes view of how many hospitals work. You would need to inquire at the specific hospital you are interested in working at.

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Reflexology: In the Hospital Setting :: Susan Raskin RN, NY

Winter 2017 /Winter 2016 / 17

Athletic Shoes and Reflexology :: Christine Issel, CA

Abstract: Working on the feet and relaxing the tissue is important, but as our clients step back into uncomfortable or poorly made shoes, our work can be undone. It may behoove us to look at our clients’ shoes and, when appropriate, advise them on their choice of footwear. While much has been written about shoes, the following article takes a unique look at how lacing athletic shoes makes a difference.

Along with the emerging growth of CAM healthcare and less invasive care, how do reflexologists empower clients to make the life changes that may be required to achieve the level of health they desire? The connection of reflexology to shoes is significant. One simple way to help clients is to look at the shoes they wear. The available footwear today ranges from high heels to minimalist coverings like flip flops that only protect your feet from the road.

Is there anyone today who doesn’t own at least one pair of athletic shoes? Often over-looked is how athletic shoes can be laced and tied to offer support for different foot types. For the foot with a normal arch, laces that are crossed like they generally come out of the box are fine. However, for other foot conditions, alternative lacing patterns may offer support and ease discomfort. For example, for a foot with a low arch, use the standard crisscross pattern, but modify it by skipping every other eyelet on each side. This will help pull on and support the arch by limiting the space inside the shoe. Here are five other ways to lace shoes to bring comfort and stability.

Heel Lock LacingHeel blisters caused from slippage will be lessened with this kind of lacing. The shoelaces are looped through the top two eyelets on each side twice before tightening and being tied. This allows for a snug fit that will prevent the foot from shifting its position inside the shoe. It is also helpful for those who wear orthotics to keep the orthotic in place and is good for the narrow foot.

Extra EyeletsFor those with narrow heels that easily slip out of the shoe, the shoe lacing the extra set of eyelets near the ankle helps the heel stay inside the shoe. Tie in the standard crossover fashion, then the extra eyelets and tighten.

Crossover Lacing for the High ArchFor those that have a higher arch, crossover lacing but skipping the eyelets over the arch may work best. Simply loosen the middle part of the lace to allow more room to extend the mid-foot and highest part of the foot.

Diagonal Lacing for Toe ComfortFree your toes by lifting the toe box. The shoelace is placed through the eyelet closest to the big toe, then crossed through the highest opposite eyelet. The other lace is placed through the remaining eyelets in the standard pattern. When the lace is tightened the part over the big toe is pulled away from the toe and toenail, easing pressure there. Also skipping lacing through the first toe eyelets over the toes is helpful to those with a wide forefoot, allowing more room across the toe box.

Horizontal Lacing for a High Arch or Wide FootAn alternative for a high mid-foot, do not crisscross the eyelets, but simply lace horizontally where more room is needed. Wide toes will feel better in this lacing pattern too. Likewise, skipping eyelets over a painful area on the dorsum of the foot will take the pressure off that area as well.

Source: The 6 best ways to lace your running shoes www.on-running.com 11/15/2017

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The word that sums up the life of Eunice Ingham is pioneer. Not only was she born to a pioneering family of homesteaders on the American frontier know as Dakota Territory on February 24, 1889, she herself was a trailblazer, a person who ventured into the unknown as an innovator and developer of a new therapy, which would ultimately be called reflexology and become known around the world.

Pioneering life was hard and lonely. Neighbors were isolated by great distances, and most of the time was spent working from dust to dawn in the harshest of weather. Temperatures could range from -58F in the winter to +120F in the summer. The Inghams lasted only a few years, and then the family moved to the city of Davenport, Iowa. Eventually the family joined a church called the Megiddo Mission. The church owned a steamboat upon which the church members lived. From October 24, 1901 to January 27, 1904, the Megiddo traveled up and down the length of the Mississippi River. The Mission had its own school to satisfy state requirements for the children. Eunice had church schooling up to 8th grade that, at the turn of the 20th century, was quite a good education for a young woman. In her early teen years, Eunice sold Bibles along the waterfront when the boat docked.

In 1904, the congregation settled in Rochester, New York, where the headquarters are even today. Once settled, Eunice traveled extensively during her late teen years and early twenties from 1906 to1914. Missionary trips took her along the East Coast of the United States. She was often gone for three to four months out of the year with returns to Rochester between trips.

Life on the road supported Eunice’s independent streak, bolstered her self-confidence, and would serve her well in the future. In every city, the first things missionaries had to do was find a place to stay, a place to eat their meals, and a store where any extra food and personal items could be purchased.

As a deaconess, Mission activities were Eunice’s higher education and laid the foundation for her life’s work. Eunice learned the importance of taking information directly to the public and the power of print advertising. It encouraged

her streak of independence and determination not to be a traditional woman bound by home and family. She had no fear of traveling alone or meeting strangers. She learned accounting and record keeping, thrift, and paying cash for most things. Although Eunice was living on Mission property, she learned the economic importance of owning real estate.

Throughout the years, Eunice was an extremely private person, not even confiding in her family. She had one very close friend to whom she could speak openly and share her dreams. As an adult, Eunice was about 5’2”, stocky and a large-breasted woman, but she wasn’t really heavy—she had relatively slim legs and ankles. She had brown eyes and long, medium brown hair that she wore braided and pinned up. Eunice made it a point to always dress well and in a professional manner. She was diligent, serious, and hard working. Eunice could be outspoken and direct. It is possible that her high energy and focus may have intimidated some people.

Eunice’s dreams were kept apart from her day-to-day practical concerns while she struggled between her sense of ideals and her more down-to-earth ambitions. She preferred to skirt personal sensitive and vulnerable areas of her life and concentrate instead on her career. By keeping her true self hidden, Eunice appeared never to be ruled by her emotions. People perceived her to be cool, capable, and competent, which she was. Eunice had a great intensity of purpose. She was fearless in action. She knew how to get what she wanted and was determined to have her way. On rare occurrences, she expressed anger and frustration and let her temper vent.

Eunice had an inner sense of warmth and goodness and had the ability to express this with people with whom she was comfortable. Still, at times her temper would flair if they did not take her, and her work, seriously. Often she was able to ignore this slight in strangers, but never with those whom she allowed to become close to her.

A Glimpse Into the Early Life of Eunice Ingham and the Beginning of Reflexology :: Christine Issel

Abstract: History is filled with strong females who have had the fortunate combination of intelligence, drive, curiosity, vision, and charisma to succeed in the world. Eunice Ingham is one of them. She and reflexology occupy a unique place in the natural health movement.

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Winter 2017 / 19

Eunice was very sensitive to the people around her. She frequently received clairvoyant impressions regarding them but hesitated to share those thoughts. She had learned early that if she was open and shared what she received clairvoyantly, people were apt to feel uncomfortable and to attack her, because they often felt she was getting too personal. This knowledge may have caused Eunice to have ups and downs emotionally, however, she had clarity of insight in knowing she was here to do something; she just did not know specifically what that was. Despite losing sight of it in daily living, or when her religion butted heads with her intuition, she learned to listen and trust her spiritual inklings. She always “knew” she could do things with her hands others could not, as her fingers were highly sensitive.

Though it may have been in response to an inner calling, it is not clear what prompted Eunice to leave her home in Rochester and travel to Washington D.C. for a nine-month course of study in 1919. At the age of 31, on June 14, 1920, she earned a diploma from The National University of Therapeutics as a Doctor of Psychotherapy. It is interesting to note that Joe Shelby Riley, M.D. as president of the university, signed her diploma. On the same day, from the Washington School of Massage and Physiotherapy, also located in Washington D.C., Eunice earned a Doctor of Physiological Therapeutics. Dr. Gilbert P. Brown was president of the school. Both gentlemen later proved to be influential in her early work with reflexology.

For Eunice, as a single woman, it was important she find a livelihood that did not deny her feelings. With massage and other manual therapies, and later reflexology, she could let her emotions flow through her hands. The concept of zone therapy came to Eunice through the original work of Dr. William FitzGerald. Dr. FitzGerald lectured in Riley’s school from 1913 to around 1920, though Eunice does not claim to have studied with him.

As Eunice worked to establish her massage practice during the 1920s, she worked in the rental department of a real estate office managing rental properties and collecting rents. In 1928, at age 39, Eunice was back studying in Washington D.C., and graduated on May 28, 1928, from Columbia Institute of Physiotherapy with a diploma in Physiotherapy, or physical therapy as it is known today. Her diploma was, once again, signed by Dr. Riley. In 1932, Eunice was working both in the real estate field and with her medical training.

Two or three days per week, Eunice gave massage and zone therapy treatments in an office in Lakeville, New York, south of Rochester, in a cabin she had bought. Every Wednesday, as her business cards indicate, she saw clients in Oswego, New York. During this time, she collected case histories and started gaining the reputation of helping people with their health. She had a passion for inquiry, questioning and searching, and finding just the one piece of information that pulled everything together in her theories and her hands-on work. She was getting fantastic results in improving the health of her clients. Aside from her business cards, her advertising was strictly through word of mouth and based on the results of written testimonials.

Beginning in 1922, Eunice made annual winter trips from the cold and snow in Rochester to the warmth and sun in Florida. In order to support herself while in Florida in the 1930s, Eunice worked as a physical therapist in the office of her mentor, Dr. Riley, for two years. Dr. Riley wrote the first of his 12 books on zone therapy in 1924. She was encouraged by Dr. Riley to focus her work on the feet. He also urged her to write her first book, Stories the Feet Can Tell. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Reflexology changes lives, and it doesn’t matter whether you are the practitioner or the client, the teacher or the student. We are all indebted to Eunice Ingham and her work of bringing forth reflexology. Without her bold spirit and determination, we would not have the work we love, nor would we have the opportunity to meet wonderful clients and other reflexologists from around the globe who have added greatly to our professional, personal, and spiritual growth. For all these blessings, we can be grateful to Eunice Ingham: a woman of integrity and a diligent worker who had the courage to follow her passion. Hers was a life well lived. She serves as a wonderful example for all of us to follow our dreams no matter where our life path takes us.

To find out how her story ends, read, Eunice Ingham, A Biography: Her Life and Legacy of Reflexology.

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Research

Method: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial in 60 patients (30 experimental and 30 control patients) who had chemotherapy-induced Grade II-IV peripheral neuropathy complaints from July 2013 to November 2015. Data were collected using the patient identification form, European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (EORTC-CIPN-20) form, and BPI (used for related chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms).

Results: The majority of the patients were being treated for gastrointestinal or breast cancer and were primarily receiving Eloxatine- or taxane-based treatment. It was found that reflexology applications did not lead to differences in either group in terms of peripheral neuropathy severity and incidence (p > 0.05) and only led to improvement in sensory functions in the experimental group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: It was determined that reflexology is not an effective method in the management of patients’ activity levels, walking etc. and motor; autonomic functions related CIPN, but reflexology is effective method in the management of patients’ sensory functions related CIPN.

Reflexology in the management of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Authors: Seda Kurt, Gulbeyaz Can - European Journal of Oncology Nursing Volume 32, February 2018, Pages 12-19

Abstract: The current experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of reflexology on the management of symptoms and functions of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients. Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can limete patient’s quality of life functions. Reflexology increases the level of the quality of life functions related CIPN. Reflexology can be recommended to the patients.

(Edited from an oral presentation by Dawn Frambes, RN of Michigan State University College of Nursing in East Lansing at Oncology Nursing Society’s Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado and reported by Joyce Pagan)

Abstract: Trends in caregiver involvement in home-based patient care are introducing new avenues for symptom management and improved health-related quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. Due to multiple adverse symptoms experienced by women with advanced breast cancer from both their disease and its treatment, reflexology techniques that improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for these patients was applied by caregivers. The results introduce a new evidence-based avenue for symptom management in the home setting, conclude the researchers.

Method: For the study, patient-caregiver dyads (N = 248) were randomized to reflexology or attention control. The caregivers in the reflexology group were trained in a 30-minute protocol. They administered the technique weekly for 4 weeks. Symptoms were assessed weekly via telephone in both groups.

At weeks 5 and 11, post-intervention assessments were conducted in the reflexology group with the MD Anderson

Symptom Inventory (symptom severity and interference with daily activities), the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (functioning), Quality of Life Index (general health perception), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (social support), and the Quality of Relationship Tool (quality of patient-caregiver relationship). The process of change in symptoms was examined by using linear mixed effects models to relate symptom severity and interference at weeks 1 to 4, 5, and 11 to the study group while controlling for baseline values.

Results: Change in symptoms was noted from week 2. A significant reduction was seen in symptom severity (mean difference –4.34, SE = 1.85, P =.02) and interference (mean difference –3.69, SE = 1.39, P <.01) in the reflexology group compared with the attention control group. Symptom interference was lower for patients who had stronger quality of relationship with their caregivers (coefficient = 2.46, SE = 1.07, P =.02); however, the effect of the intervention on symptoms was not diminished in controlling for this factor.

Home-based Symptom Management with Caregiver Involvement Improves Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in Advanced Breast Cancer

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Conclusion: Attention or social interaction does not appear to influence the effects of reflexology. Due to trends in caregiver involvement, research on symptom management in the home setting should include home-based caregivers. These results introduce a new evidence-based avenue for symptom management in the home setting, conclude the researchers.

Reference:1. Wyatt G, Sikorski A, Tesnjak I, Frambes D, Holmstrom A, Luo Z. Caregiver involvement in advanced breast cancer symptom management. Oral presentation at: Oncology Nursing Society 42nd Annual Congress; May 4-7, 2017; Denver, CO.

Authors: Connie Kern, NBCR, IMRT serene.health.reflexology@gmail.com, Amy McCoart, RN, BSN, Thomas Beltran, MA, Michael Bartoszek, MD

Abstract: Chronic pain is a major cause of disability across the military but is most common in the soldier deployed for combat.1 The Final Report from the Army Surgeon General’s Pain Management Task Force recommended the use of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM), but specifically stated the lack of evidence supporting its use.2

More than two-thirds of Americans with chronic pain are now using complementary and alternative therapies. This study sought to determine the feasibility of incorporating the use of reflexology for US Army Soldiers with chronic pain within an interdisciplinary pain clinic. This prospective, nonrandomized, observational study demonstrated pain reduction with a high degree of tolerability when reflexology was added to treatments offered in a military multidisciplinary pain management clinic. These data support expansion of reflexology services in a military multidisciplinary pain management clinic and support further academic expansion on the role of reflexology in the management of chronic pain.

Methods: The Interdisciplinary Pain Management Center (IPMC) at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina is a fully integrated clinic offering comprehensive pain management. Patients with chronic pain opting for reflexology as part of their treatment plan received 25 minutes of bilateral therapy in addition to standard pain management therapies which could include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, exercise therapy, physical therapy, interventional pain procedures and prescription medications. Alternating pressure was applied to the individual patient’s reflex points corresponding to their pain sites and other points based on a reflexologist’s assessment of the patient’s pain complaint.

Following a single treatment session, patients were then asked to complete a voluntary survey reporting their gender, age, pre-treatment pain score utilizing the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS).3 The survey

also included the classification of pain (musculoskeletal, nerve, or both), immediate post-treatment pain scores, satisfaction and self-assessment of treatment benefit on both feet (unless contraindicated) in addition to their standard of care pain management therapies which could include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, exercise therapy, physical therapy, interventional pain procedures and prescription medications. A total of 311 participants completed the survey.

Summary statistics are reported as median and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables. Categorical variables are reported as percentages. Patients’ change in pain was computed using self-reported assessments of pre- and post-treatment pain. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess the relationship between categorical variables and age, pre-treatment pain, post-treatment pain, as well as change in pain. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between post-treatment pain reduction, age, and pain type. All statistical tests were performed using a P < 0.05 level of significance. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS v23 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA).

Results: Among the 311 participants, 295 indicated their gender, 67.5% (N=199) reported being male and 32.5% (N=96) reported their gender as female. The median age of the participants was 36 years (IQR 28-44). Females were significantly older than males, with a median age of 42 years (IQR 30-46) compared to a median age of 35 years (IRQ 38-43) for males, P<0.01. Gender differences were observed in self-reported pain prior to treatment but not in post-treatment pain (P=0.13). For pre-treatment pain, females reported less pain than males, P=0.02.

Females reported a median pre-treatment pain of 5 (IQR 3.5-6.5) while males reported a median pre-treatment pain of 6 (IQR 3.5-7.5). There were no differences by gender in the efficacy of the treatment, P=0.78. Post-treatment, both males and females reported a decrease on the pain scale.

The Benefits of Reflexology for the Chronic Pain Patient in a Military Pain Clinic

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/ Winter 201722

More Research References :: Iris Aharonovich, RAA Director

NIH recognition:The National Institutes of Health recognized Reflexology as one of the therapeutic methods in the NIH departments as well as on their website.Some research information on reflexology:• Reflexology reduces feeling of pain – UoP (University of Portsmouth) http://uopnews.port.ac.uk/2013/04/09/reflexology-reduces-feelings-of-pain/

• Reflexology reduces acute pain in infants PubMed NIH https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26220257

• Reflexology recognized particularly in reducing pain – UM (University of Minnesota) https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/what-does-research-say-about-reflexology

• Reflexology at Dana-Farber http://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2016/07/how-can-reflexology-help-cancer-patients/

• Reflexology at Michigan University, funds by the NCI (National Cancer Institute) http://nursing.msu.edu/News%20and%20Events/Latest%20News/ http://research.msu.edu/reflexology-shows-promise-for-treating-cancer-symptoms/

• PTSD: https://www.massagemag.com/reflexology-offers-hope-for-ptsd-and-other-conditions-32567/

• Diabetes: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26822889

• Sleep and Insomnia - http://www.reflexologyresearch.net/ReflexologySleepResearch.shtml

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) http://www.reflexologyresearch.net/ReflexologyIrritableBowelsResearch.shtml

• MRI Validate Reflexology http://www.healingbalance.org/1/post/2014/10/scientists-use-mri-to-validate-reflexology.html

Research continued from page 21

For males, the self-reported median post-treatment pain score was 3 (IQR 1.5-4.5) and the median post-treatment pain score for females was 3 (IQR 2-4). This represents a 43% (IQR 25%-60%) reduction in pain for males and a 41% (IQR 30%-60%) reduction in pain for females. No differences were observed in self-reported pain type (musculoskeletal, nerve, or both) based on gender, P=0.55. Overall, 53 patients (19.9%) reported musculoskeletal pain, 26 (9.7%) reported nerve pain, and 188 (70.4%) reported experiencing both musculoskeletal and nerve pain. Post-treatment change in pain was not related to age (P=0.45) or type of pain (P=0.30). When asked about perceived benefit, 96.4% (n=296) of patients reported that the treatment helped with their pain; 0.3% (N=1) reported that the treatment did not help; and 2.9% (N=9) of patients reported “Not sure.” Similar responses were observed when asked about repeating the treatment. Ninety-nine percent of patients (N=302) reported that

they would be interested in further treatment while 1% (N=4) responded that they were not sure. Conclusion: Reflexology, when used as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan, has been shown to have high patient tolerability with pain reduction. Further studies are warranted.

References:1. Cohen SP, Nguyen C, Kapoor SG, Anderson-Barnes VC, Foster L, Shields C, McLean B, Wichman T, Plunkett A. Back Pain During War An Analysis of Factors Affecting Outcome. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(20):1916–1923. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2009.380. 2. http://armymedicine.mil/Documents/Pain-Management-Task-Force.pdf (accessed 21 Sept 2017).3. Buckenmaier III, C. C., Galloway, K. T., Polomano, R. C., McDuffie, M., Kwon, N., & Gallagher, R. M. (2013). Preliminary validation of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) in a military population. Pain Medicine, 14(1), 110-123. .

Winter 2017 /Winter 2016 / 23

The International Council of Reflexologists (ICR) was established in 1990 in Toronto by a group of reflexologists determined to establish reflexology as a self-regulating profession. This group resolved to combine their efforts globally to ensure public safety and to promote the study and exchange of the knowledge and art of reflexology within the profession.

Conference in TaiwanThe 16th International Council of Reflexology conference was held in Taitung, Taiwan October 19-22. The conference theme was: Discover the Path to Health & Wellness with Reflexology.

ICR conferences always feature speakers from around the world. This conference included lots of opportunity for hands-on work. Demonstrations were videoed and displayed on two huge screens so all could easily see and follow along. Perhaps the most emotionally stirring presentation was by Lorraine Senior (UK). Lorraine has over 20 years’ experience as a teacher and reflexologist working with young adults with disabilities, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and their complex needs. In her lecture and video, she shared how she works with children of special needs. The title of her lecture was: Reflexology Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

There were two presentations regarding the international work of Father Josef and his colleagues in Africa and Taiwan. Sophie Lin (Taiwan), Secretary-General of Father Josef ’s Method of Reflexology (FJM), opened the conference. Ers Eisenring (Switzerland), assisted by Magi Seitz, led the hands-on workshop. FJM reflexologists from both countries offered

complimentary sessions to participants in the evening. Sister Genie Natividad, originally from the Philippines and now serving at the Maryknoll Center for retired and elderly nuns in Maryknoll, New York, was the final speaker of the conference. She spoke of her missionary work for the Maryknoll Sisters in teaching the FJM to women’s groups affected with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, East Africa. In addition to promoting health, reflexology also gave the women a source of income.

Other speakers included Hagar Basis (UK), “The Role of Reflexology for Women’s Health”; Carol Faguy (Canada), “Introduction to the Work of Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer,” a German physician who discovered the connection between shock to the psyche and the onset of disease. Sue Ricks (UK) spoke of “Reflexology, Emotions, Energy and Messages of the Body”*; Lone Sorensen (Denmark) introduced “Temprana Reflex Therapy”; Mitsuru Orita (Japan) lectured and demonstrated “Activating Reflex Zones Using Onyx Stones”*; Leila Eriksen (Denmark) brought us “Reflexology Research Seen From a Helicopter Perspective”; and Rachel McKen St. Pierre and Carol Faguy (Canada) showed their documentary “Integrative Health Care – Reflexology,” composed of interviews with Canadian doctors and health professionals using reflexology in a variety of clinical settings. The video includes an interview with 94-year-old Dorothy Marshall, who studied with Eunice Ingham and is the founding president of the Reflexology Association of Canada. * These speakers presented hands-on workshops.

Included in the conference activities was a two-hour chartered bus ride along the seaside to Father Josef’s parish. At the welcoming reception, attended by the Governor (Mayor) of Taitung and the bishop of Father Josef’s diocese, participants were invited to join with Father Josef’s students in their native dress, singing and dancing to indigenous music. There was a no-host gala dinner at the Sheraton Hotel where attendees and guests were encouraged to dress in clothes that represented their country.

Awards were presented. Birgit Nagele (US) received the Humanitarian Award; Abbigail Langstone-Wring (UK) theResearch Award; Leila Eriksen of Denmark the Ollie Bailey Service Award; Sophie Lin of Taiwan the Eunice Ingham Award; and Hagar Basis (UK) the Education Award. Dr. Martine Faure-Alderson (UK) was inducted into the ICR Hall of Fame for her lifetime of international work and research on behalf of reflexology. Her award was accepted by Isabelle Moinon (France).

The 2017 ICR Conference

l-r Ewa Kozakiewicz (NY), Jay Khatau (IL), Carol Dawn (CA), Sister Genie Natividad (NY), Birgit Nagele (NY, ICR Director) Mary Reimann (Alaska, ICR V.P.), Christine Issel (CA), Janet Stetser (AZ). Photo by Janos Cala (Serbia)

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Earlier this year, three ARCB certificants from the USA became ICR board of directors.

Mary Reimann (ICR Vice President) has lived in Alaska for over 30 years. After being a hairdresser since 1976, she first trained to be a Certified Educator of Infant Massage and worked with the moms at the Methadone Clinic in Anchorage to help babies with withdrawals as well as help parents bond with their babies. She then went on to become a Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist, which she felt was where she was meant to be. Mary has also studied Jin Shin Do Acupressure and is certified in Polarity Energy, Healing Touch - Level 3, and Healing Touch for Animals - Level 2. She loves learning new information and is currently president of the Alaska Reflexology Association that hosted the 2016 RAA conference. Mary also served on the RAA board of directors and was the delegate assembly coordinator.

Paula S. Stone (ICR Director) is a reflexologist, educator, and published author. She wrote the textbook, Therapeutic Reflexology: A Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Competence, its anatomically accurate reflexology charts, DVD, and teaching ancillaries. Paula has been a guest speaker and trainer at conferences, colleges, wellness, and health-care meetings. Her published articles have appeared in professional magazines, newsletters, and websites in the United States, Great Britain, Japan, and elsewhere. Her leadership positions have included board of directors for the Reflexology Association of America, president of the Reflexology Association of Missouri, member of the RAA delegate assembly, and numerous committees. She

helped develop educational and professional standards for reflexology in the U.S. Paula’s professional and academic credentials include a Masters of Arts and Bachelor of Science in education, and US certification/licensure in reflexology, massage therapy, and aromatherapy.

Birgit Nagele (ICR Director) is ARCB nationally board certified and based in New York. Birgit’s journey with reflexology began in 2005 when she signed up for a course without ever having experienced a session. Her initial goal was to help herself, but she immediately recognized the need to share reflexology with others as a way to empower them. To that end, she has worked and continues to work with clients in a variety of ways: privately, in the corporate setting, in the under served communities, with hospice patients, harm reduction (drugs, etc.) programs, and disaster relief. Beginning in October 2015, during three visits to her native Austria, she has supported people who have been displaced, including children as well as volunteers. A fourth trip is planned for next year for which she has been awarded a grant! 2017 has been a rewarding year for her professionally as she received the ICR Humanitarian Award for her work. Birgit invites everyone to join ICR, Facebook, and reflexology associations on the state and national levels so they can be in touch with the global community.

Rounding out the board are Gina Stewart (President) and Carol Faguy (Treasurer), both from Canada, Directors Arve Fahlvik, (Norway) and Dr. Cyril Antony (Sri Lanka). Liza Thomas (South Africa) acts as membership secretary and magazine editor.

Three USA ARCB Certificants Become ICR Directors

Participants of the 2107 ICR Conference in Taitung, Taiwan October 19-22

Winter 2017 / 25

AR

CB W

ELCOMES OUR NEWEST CERTIFICANTS

FOOT CERTIFICATION

Julia BailisHamden, CT

Shelley BearAlbia, IA

Sherry CarlsonBode, IA

Denise ClaggettBurns, TN

Traci DavisWest Branch, IA

Teresa EvansHillsboro, Ohio

Alisha HammChester, NH

Barbara Heavey-HobsonWesterly, RI

Michele MelnickWilmette, IL

Gretchen MokraniKirkland, WA

Gwendolyn MusickChariton, IA

Diana SariskyPeoria, AZ

Linda ShallowEverett, WA

Lori R SklarskiPortsmouth, RI

Emily SniderNarberth, PA

Cheryl SpeenMesa, AZ

Sharon TrullSouth Berwick, ME

Caroline VerdiNarrowsburg, NY

Bridget YoungLowell, AR

/ Winter 201726

AD RATES FOR REFLEXOLOGY TODAY

Full page - $1501/2 page - $751/4 page - $40

Business card - $20

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Wikipedia :: Christine Issel

Abstract: “Wikipedia has scant info on reflexology and it’s really AWFUL, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology wrote Linda Frank, NBCR (WA). “Also, there’s nothing about reflexology regulation in the US. Know anyone who might want to submit better info—especially to correct what they say about reflexology for medical conditions? The answer to Linda’s question may surprise you.

Wikipedia is advertised as a free encyclopedia, where information is added and edited by the public. Anyone can add to or edit any given Wikipedia page. However, the reality can’t be more different. Many pages have been co-opted and are controlled by anonymous Wikipedia editors on behalf of special interests who forbid and reverse edits that go against their agenda. Take the subjects of reflexology and CAM therapies as examples where information is deleted or skewed. Wikipedia is anti alternative therapies. An entry can be changed, but then someone can in a few moments change it to something else; and no references need to be given. An entry can be just someone’s opinion.

Investigative journalist, Sharyl Attkisson, Emmy award winner and Capitol Hill correspondent for CBS and author of The Smear: How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think, and How You Vote published this summer makes the following points about how Wikipedia and the media really operate. Attkisson claims:

• The Wikipedia page for a drug is monitored and controlled by a special-interest editor hired by the drug company.• Facebook and Twitter pages speaking highly of the drug are run by individuals on the payroll of the drug company. • Google search engine results have been optimized, ensuring you’ll find all those positive sources while burying contradicting information. • The nonprofit organization you stumbled across online that recommends the drug was secretly founded and funded by the drug company.• The positive study you found while searching online was also financed by the drug company. • A study comparing medical conditions described on Wikipedia with published research found that Wikipedia contradicted the medical literature an astounding 90 percent of the time.”

Attkisson also notes, “Even the smallest factual inaccuracies are impossible to correct on these agenda-driven pages. As just one example, in 2012, author Philip Roth tried to correct a factual error about the inspiration behind one of his book characters cited on a Wikipedia page. His correction was repeatedly reversed and, ultimately, he was told he was not considered a credible source!”

In short, Wikipedia or the Internet is NOT the place for accurate and reliable medical information, or for any information for that matter. Beware of ‘Patient’s Rights Groups’ working on behalf of drug makers. Just be aware, and consider the source!

What Else Can You Do?1. Quit using Wikipedia as a reference source.2. Don’t use Google or Chrome search engines. Two alternatives are: DuckDuckGo.com and GoodGopher.com. 3. A key component of many of Google devices/services is collecting your personal usage data, the tracking of every webpage you’ve ever visited, and every single thought you’ve ever written on a Google-enabled device, along with geo tracking tracing your every move. You may wish to avoid all Google products, including Gmail, whenever possible.

Winter 2017 / 27

New Report Indicates More Doctors Now Open To Integrative Medicine :: Russel Davis, NaturalNews, September 21, 2017

A survey carried out by the consultancy firm Pure Branding revealed that an increasing number of doctors have started incorporating integrative medicine into their practice, which in turn may prove beneficial to the supplements industry.

The survey, called Integrative Physicians Market Landscape, examined more than 1,000 integrative doctors from 49 states. Data were obtained from various health organizations and media partners such as the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine, American College for Advancement in Medicine, and the Academy of Integrative Pain Management as well as the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, the Functional Forum, and Today’s Practitioner.

The results showed that 55 percent of all medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy surveyed have adopted an integrative philosophy post-schooling. The poll also showed that younger doctors make faster transitions to integrative medicine. The researchers said they expect this shift to continue.

The poll also revealed that 84 percent of respondents used nutritional protocols and dietary supplements to improve their patients’ health. The researchers also found that 83 percent of integrative medicine practitioners consider a patient’s spiritual life as a critical factor in healthcare.

Furthermore, the report showed that integrative medicine practitioners spend at least twice as much time with patients compared with traditional physicians. The poll also found that 67 percent of doctors reported that their quality of life was as much better or slightly better since they started practicing integrative medicine.

“I think what is happening now is there is a sea change in the number of integrative physicians that is now reaching critical mass. For example, if you look at this year’s JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) there is an article showing the physicians need to pay more attention to nutrition. I would say this is a growing trend,” Dr. Leonard Wineski, professor of medicine at various universities, said in a Nutra Ingredients USA article.

Americans Also Show Growing Support for Integrative MedicineData from the National Health Statistics Reports also showed that Americans exhibit an increasing preference to

integrative medicine practices such as acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic care, and natural supplements.

According to the report, Americans paid as much as $14.7 billion out of pocket on visits to complementary practitioners — such as chiropractors, yoga instructors, acupuncturists or massage therapists — and about $12.8 billion on natural product supplements in 2012 alone. The researchers also found that about $2.7 billion was spent on books, CDs, videos, and other self-help materials associated with complementary health. The report also indicated that healthcare spending on integrative medicine was significantly larger among adults compared with children. As per the report, American adults spent a total of $28 billion on integrative healthcare, compared with only $1.9 billion in children. People belonging in the lower-income bracket were also observed to spend a large proportion of money on integrative medicine.

“Substantial numbers of Americans spent billions of dollars out of pocket on these approaches — an indication that users believe enough in the value of these approaches to pay for them…That’s telling us that even people with low incomes are willing to spend a substantial amount on these products and interventions,” said study co-author Richard Nahin.

“Integrative medicine is not going to have the same funding as pharmaceuticals do, but because of the consumer demand and increased interest from academia and our national government in integrative medicine and health, there has been an increase in research. And increasingly, there’s more research validating the value of these approaches…Sometimes [patients] don’t want to talk with their primary care medical doctor about it, because they might feel self-conscious…It’s absolutely critical that patients have those conversations and tell their doctors about the different types of care they’re receiving, and demand that there is coordination,” said Stephanie Romanoff, Communications Director for the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine.

Sources include:NutraIngredients-USA.comHealth.USNews.com

/ Winter 201728

Abstract: My cousin had a reaction (1st paragraph) and wrote me. I’m also including other material. Be careful and pass along this information against the use of the strong antibiotic Cipro. Cipro, Levaquin, Avalox, and nearly every generic ending in “quin”, oxacin, or ox that are all part of a large family of antibiotics called Fluoroquinolones and can literally ruin your health forever.

Nancy’s cousin begins by sharing her experience: A few weeks ago, I felt like I was starting with a UTI. It wasn’t very bad, and I was sucking down holistic stuff, but it was Friday, and I didn’t want to chance getting worse on the weekend, so I went to see the family doctor. He put me on Cipro for ten days and said if your legs bother you, call me. After the second pill, the tendons in my right arm hurt from the elbow to fingertips.

I had avoided reading the side effects, because I knew it would make me paranoid, and Mark didn’t think there could be a connection between my arm and the pills, but after the second pill, I read them and immediately took myself off of it.

I called the doctor’s office on Monday, and his wife, also a nurse, said she would write in the file that I was allergic to it. I would not call it an allergy but a reaction. Yesterday this article hit Facebook. I am really upset that the doctor took this course of action when Cipro is a “last resort” antibiotic. Once again I have gone to the doctors and regretted it. Imagine the people this has done permanent damage to.

Next Nancy’s cousin sent a Facebook post she found. (The following is edited from the Facebook post by Amy Moser.)

Hi there, we need to talk. I have almost written this post at least 20 times and got too overwhelmed and abandoned it. Well here goes…

The antibiotics you took or are taking for your sinus infection, UTI, skin infection, laser eye surgery…etc…may have already damaged you. Cipro, Levaquin, Avalox, nearly every generic ending in “quin,” “oxacin,” “ox,” are all part of a large family of antibiotics called “Fluoroquinolones.” The FDA finally updated their warning on these antibiotics as of July 2016. They cite “multiple system damage that may be irreversible. Permanent you guys. Take a gander real quick if you are reading this with an eyebrow raised. Trust me, I wish I had

been given the opportunity to soak up this information before it was too late.

In 2010, I took Cipro for a UTI, and it changed my life forever. A round of antibiotics literally changed the path I was walking into a path that I couldn’t even crawl on. Multiple spontaneous tendon and ligament ruptures, spinal degeneration, and arthritis that is widespread. We are talking multiple joint dislocations and surgeries to most of my large joints and spine. Twenty surgeries in the last seven years if you wanna count. I said T W E N T Y.

This class of antibiotics was supposed to be only used as a last resort antibiotic, if all other options had failed. They never were supposed to be given for common infections. They damage the body so seriously, because they actually damage the DNA mitochondrial repair cells. Those are the cells that are supposed to heal any damage to the body. In this case, it damages the cells that are supposed to repair damaged cells and tissue. So…you can only heal tissue to the integrity it was when it fell apart. Fantastic. You now have tissue paper tendons and ligaments. You are a human piñata at a party and life is whacking you left and right. Do you know what it feels like to hear and feel your shoulder pull apart like taffy, or your Achilles tendon pop and tear apart like an old rubber band? It gets even better. Flouroquinolones cross the blood brain barrier. This can result in psychiatric events, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I was incredibly fortunate not to have the psychiatric side of this.

Here is another sickening truth…the damage is cumulative. The more exposures you have to these antibiotics, the more damage is done to your body. Not just for some people, ALL people. A hundred percent of people who take a Fluoroquinolone antibiotic show changes in blood flow to the tendon, cartilage, and ligament in their bodies. Each person has a different breaking point, depending on their own unique DNA. Some people fall apart or die after one pill. I fell apart after my fourth round of Fluoroquinolone antibiotics in my life, and some people are on their 25th round and are still oblivious to what is happening inside them until they break. It might not even be a physical one. It may be a psychotic one. By then, it’s too late. The damage is done.

Strong Drug Warning About a Class of Antibiotic :: Nancy Bartlett

continued on next page >

Winter 2017 / 29

This was my nightmare. It gets worse. There is no cure. No treatment. No relief. No specialist even. I am writing this in hopes that you will educate yourself and your families. Don’t take that antibiotic in ignorance one more time. Don’t take your chances. Don’t be afraid to demand an alternative. There are alternatives if you demand them. I’ve refused these medications on multiple occasions and so has my mom who is allergic to penicillins and cephalosporins and sulfa. There are other options if you demand them. If you don’t have Anthrax poisoning, or pseudomonas bacteria, my family doctor will tell you, they can figure something else out.

Here are two trustworthy Fluoroquinolone warning links. (Please don’t believe what Wikipedia writes about these drugs, but do your own research by simply putting the drug name in your search engine—ci.) This is the FDA’s warning for Fluoroquinolone antibiotics:

1. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA updates warnings for oral and injectable fluoroquinolone antibiotics due to disabling side effects (May 12, 2016). http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm511530.htm

2. This is the New England Journal of Medicine’s article on “Achilles Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture Due to Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics.” In this article, over 40 references are cited in 1992. In the letter to the editor, Kent Huston, M.D. writes: “Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been associated with Achilles tendinitis and rupture in reports from Europe and New Zealand. As of 1992 more than 40 cases had been reported in France. This unusual side effect has not been widely recognized in the United States and is not mentioned in the Physicians’ Desk Reference. Physicians should be aware of this potential complication.” www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199409153311116

Amy Moser’s post continues: Over the last seven years, I’ve been to three rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons and spine surgeons, physical therapists, physical medicine and rehab specialists and three different primary care doctors. There is no treatment but to try to put back together what breaks. I have seen multiple docs from Mayo Clinic, and they are in the same boat as the others. They don’t know how to reverse it. They can’t.

I contacted a doctor from Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, his name was Jay Smith, and he had been part of a research study of the effects of Fluoroquinolones on the musculoskeletal system in the athletic population. He actually wrote me back when I asked him for a consult and told him I would even fly there for an appointment if he thought he could help me. He said that he didn’t know how to treat it. They know the science behind the damage that Fluoroquinolones cause, but the science is not there yet in how to reverse it. I will tell you this. I reached an incredibly low and dark place when he responded with this.

I did write a book about this; it’s called “The Magnificent Story of a Lame Author.” I have had countless blessings through this and the credit for the improvement is God’s. This was five years ago. I am hiking mountains regularly now. My body still has many problems, but my progress has been a miracle, and all my surgeons and doctors will tell you the same.

We have to get this information out there. Spread it to everyone you know. Print the FDA warning and show it to your friends and family and even your doctors. Sometimes the warnings slip through the cracks and they don’t know. You could save their lives.

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