You are probably aware that the majority of our organs or body parts, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, which advocates the approach of the human as a whole (body, mind, environment), are interdependent of emotions and vice versa. For instance, the lungs are the seat of sadness, the liver of anger, the kidneys of fear ... and too much anger will affect the liver, etc ...

More recently, neurobiologists have established that emotions are a mix of several biochemical, neurological and socio-cultural factors and that they are the basis of our behavioral and physiological responses.

The work of Bruce Lipton shows that we influence our health through our environment, our thoughts and our emotions. 

When our cells are sick, our body is toxic, if our brain manages to think positively and if the environment is healthy, it allows cells to "heal themselves". Conversely, our condition is likely to deteriorate to the extent of the negativity in our thoughts and the toxicity of our emotions. Note that, on average, we have 60,000 thoughts a day and about 60% of them are negative.

Years ago, I learned that by stimulating reflex zones on the feet, we were connected to the recipient's subconscious mind. And that the subconscious generated habits, schemes which are responsible for what happened to us in this life, on all levels. And through reflexology, we participate in positively influencing emotions to our health benefit.

How is it possible? Mechanisms of self-healing are engaged from the moment that a rhythmic, slow, sustained and repetitive stimulation, called "reflex touch" or "reflexological touch" is applied. This touch consists of a series of stimuli interpreted by some 7,200 nerve endings on each foot and travels through the nervous system to the brain. Which will analyze and decrypt the information received to send nerve impulses to the cells of the deficient organs so that they can adapt and restore equilibrium.

Moreover, the quality of touch reflexology will allow the receiver to slow down the frequency of brain waves between 8 and 12 Hz. In an altered state of consciousness, close to a hypnotic state, the limbic area of the brain, mainly involved in our emotional responses, are activated and contribute to the sense of well-being. Therefore, the brain releases in our body chemicals correlated with positive emotions. When we are wired in Alpha brain waves, our state of consciousness is deep and allows the synchronization between our two cerebral hemispheres; the right being the one of creativity, the left more rational. We are fully aware and present, therefore the actor and creator of our well-being at all levels.

Therefore, when we stimulate the reflex zones, we participate in the harmonization of the autonomic nervous system and the secretion of the hormones of well-being. In that respect, we participate in the promotion of good overall health, like lovers who seem generally happier and healthier than others.

Hence the importance of changing our thoughts and beliefs in a world where we are subjected to almost constant stress that impoverishes our immune system and influences negatively our emotions.

In the light of these researches and findings, it is legitimate to think that foot reflexology, among other techniques, plunging us into a state of relaxation, allows us to free ourselves from stress and to generate positive and beneficial emotions, contributing to balance organs and systems in the human body. And conversely, when our body works at its best, it awakens positive emotions such as joy, hope, optimism, love, contentment, and gratitude ... 

Our feet inform us about the nature of our states of mind and our environment not only when we touch them but also by the assessment of certain markers, such as calluses. But this is another topic that I will discuss in a future article.

*Bruce Lipton is an eminent scientist, a geneticist at the origin of numerous researches on stem cells and teaching in the prestigious universities of Wisconsin and Stanford

**Juvenal, Satires X, 346-366 - Juvenal says that we must cease to implore vainly the Gods. Instead, we should require physical and mental health.

À fleur de peau

Vous n'êtes pas sans ignorer que la majorité de nos organes ou parties du corps, selon la médecine traditionnelle chinoise qui préconise l'approche de l'humain dans sa globalité (corps, esprit, environnement), sont interdépendants des émotions et vice-versa. Ainsi les poumons sont le siège de la tristesse, le foi de la colère, les reins de la peur… et un trop plein de colère aura une incidence au niveau du foi etc…

Plus récemment, les neurobiologistes ont établi que les émotions sont un mélange de plusieurs facteurs biochimiques, neurologiques, socio-culturels et qu'elles seraient à la base de nos réactions comportementales et physiologiques.

Les travaux de Bruce Lipton* montrent que nous influençons notre santé au travers de notre environnement, de nos pensées et de nos émotions. Lorsque nos cellules sont malades, que notre corps est toxique, si notre cerveau parvient à penser de façon positive et si l'environnement est sain, cela permet aux cellules de "s'auto-guérir". À contrario, notre condition a de fortes chances de se détériorer à la mesure de la négativité de nos pensées et de la toxicité de nos émotions. À noter que nous avons en moyenne 60 000 pensées par jour et qu'environ 60% d'entre elles sont négatives.

Il y a des années, j'ai appris qu'en stimulant les zones réflexes au niveau des pieds, nous étions connectés au subconscient du receveur. Et que le subconscient générait des habitudes, des schémas à l'origine de ce qui nous arrive dans cette vie, sur tous les plans.

Et que par le biais de la réflexologie plantaire nous participions à influencer positivement les émotions au bénéfice de notre santé.

Comment est-ce possible? Les mécanismes d'auto-guérison sont engagés à partir du moment où une stimulation rythmée, lente, soutenue et répétitive, appelée "toucher réflexe" ou "toucher réflexologique" est appliqué. Ce toucher consiste en une série de stimuli interprétés par les quelques 7 200 terminaisons nerveuses sur chaque pied et voyage par le biais du système nerveux jusqu'au cerveau. Lequel va analyser et décrypter les informations reçues pour renvoyer des impulsions nerveuses aux cellules des organes déficients afin qu'ils puissent s'adapter et rétablir un équilibre.

D'autre part, la qualité du toucher réflexologique va permettre au receveur de ralentir la fréquence de ses ondes cérébrales entre 8 et 12 Hz. Dans un état de conscience modifié, proche d'un état hypnotique, les zones limbiques du cerveau, impliquées en partie dans les émotions, sont activées et contribuent au sentiment de bien-être. Alors, le cerveau libère dans notre corps des substances chimiques en corrélation avec des émotions positives.

Lorsque nous sommes connectés en ondes Alpha, notre état de conscience est profond et permet ainsi la synchronisation entre nos deux hémisphères cérébraux ; le droit étant celui de la créativité, le gauche plus rationnel. Nous sommes alors pleinement conscient et présent, donc acteur et créateur de notre bien-être à tous les niveaux.

Dès lors, lorsque nous stimulons les zones réflexes, nous participons à l'harmonisation du système nerveux autonome et à la sécrétion des hormones du bien-être. Ainsi nous participons à la promotion d'un bon état de santé global, à l'instar des amoureux qui semblent généralement plus heureux et en pleine forme que les autres.

D'où l'importance de modifier nos pensées et nos croyances dans un monde où nous sommes soumis à un stress quasi permanent qui ne fait qu'appauvrir notre système immunitaire et influencer de façon négative nos émotions.

À la lumière de ces recherches et constatations, il est donc légitime de penser que la réflexologie plantaire, entre autres techniques, en nous plongeant dans un état de relaxation, nous permet de nous libérer du stress et de générer des émotions positives et bénéfiques, contribuant ainsi au bon fonctionnement et à l'harmonisation entre les systèmes du corps. Et réciproquement, lorsque notre corps fonctionne de façon optimale alors des émotions positives sont générées comme la joie, l'espoir, l'optimisme, l'amour, la satisfaction et la gratitude ... Mens sana in corpore sano : Un esprit sain dans un corps sain.**

Nos pieds nous informent sur la nature de nos états d'âmes et de notre environnement non seulement lorsque nous les touchons mais aussi par l'observation de certains marqueurs, tels que des callosités. Ceci est un tout autre sujet que j'aborderai dans un article ultérieurement.

* Bruce Lipton est un éminent scientifique, généticien à l'origine de nombreux travaux sur les cellules souches et enseignant dans les prestigieuses Universités de Wisconsin et de Stanford.

**Juvénal, Satires X, 346-366, trad. Henri Clouard - Juvénal dit qu’il faut cesser d’implorer vainement les dieux, mais requérir de leur part la santé physique et mentale.

Too many people stay away from the benefits of a good foot reflexology session because of a deeply ingrained cliché:

- A foot reflexology session hurts too much, no thank you!

Sometimes a session can indeed be painful.

Please be reassured! The pain is temporary and goes away quickly as soon as the reflexologist's stimulation of the reflex zone or reflex point ends.

A reflexologist is not there to inflict harm on anyone, quite the contrary!

A professional and experienced reflexologist will adapt his pressure according to the tolerance threshold of an individual. There is a wide variation in the individual reaction to pain dependent on the personal pain threshold.

By definition, even though pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience, it is an information enabling consciousness to experience the body's state to cope with it.

The pain can be considered as a warning signal. It is a sign that a zone is congested.

Once the area has been identified, it is not necessary to prolong this discomfort.
If the pain decreases, simply perform a rhythmic stimulation - pressure, relaxation, pressure, relaxation ... until it disappears.
If the pain is constant, it is sufficient to maintain the pressure to see how it will evolve.
If it increases it is better to work on the surrounding zones in order not to block the affected zone.
In any case, the healing process only occurs when we are in a state of relaxation. It is from this moment that the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged and that the hormones of well-being are secreted - dopamine, endorphin, serotonin - thus inhibiting the production of cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
From this point on, the magic of foot reflexology happens and the experience of the session becomes a soothing and relaxing experience both physically and emotionally.

However, if the pain persists, despite all the reflexologist's attention, it is appropriate to do deep breathing exercises. This relaxation technique will induce the secretion of endorphins, pain inhibitors, mainly produced by the hypothalamus. The reflexologist can also apply some soothing and enveloping lymphatic manipulations to "reassure" the body.
Thus the pain will be lessened, the stress reduced, providing a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

If the sensation of pain varies from one individual to another, the messages it delivers is just as random. Therefore the reflexologist must remain vigilant in such a way that he does not unnecessarily alarm the client. The reflexologist cannot conclude the nature of the disturbance, that is to say, he can not establish a diagnosis as an allopathic doctor would.

For example, the pain felt after a slight pressure, for a few seconds, may indicate simple congestion at the level of the stimulated area. In this case, it may indicate that the related system is responding as it should and is proof of the effectiveness of the treatment.

Sometimes, unbearable pain on a specific reflex zone, such as the ovaries, can indicate dysfunction and may require special attention.

Some reflex zones and points are naturally sensitive, depending on the individual. For example, the pituitary gland is hypersensitive to any stimulation and the adrenal glands are hyperactive. This may cause some crispation. In the case of acute diseases, such as gastritis, otitis ... the corresponding reflex zones are painful, as in the case of some chronic diseases such as bronchitis or constipation.

The sensitivity of some reflex zones will highlight an emotional state rather than a physical one. Thus, if the reflex zone of the body and tail of the pancreas is sensitive it is very likely to indicate a sense of frustration. Once identified and awareness raised then the pain will fade away.

Stress and overwork can generate painful reflex zones; for example, the nervous system can be affected during an exam period. Sometimes, a reflex zone that is sensitive during a session and not the next one, can indicate over-fatigue due to an external factor such as a sensitive cervical reflex zone from long hours of computer work.

In most cases, the experience of pain, if properly taken into account by the reflexologist, can be changed from an unpleasant situation to a rather pleasant experience. It is referred to, by some as "exquisite pain" ... and indicates that the energy flow is restored.

It is recommended to stimulate sensitive reflex zones up to five times before stimulating the next zone, and then eventually returning to it.

On the other hand, the absence of pain does not necessarily mean that everything is fine! It does not mean either that the treatment is not effective. The foot can act as a barrier and protect the individual from any unpleasant or aching sensations. Generally, after the second or third session, the sensations are likely to surface, as if the feet opened up, allowing the activation of some self-healing functions of the body.

In summary, the reflexologist must adjust his pressure so that the feeling of pain becomes bearable and the experience pleasant. This is the precondition for the body to be able to tap into its self-healing resources to support and enhance the recovery process and allow physical and mental relaxation.

" 

Dans ce monde, quand une douleur disparaît, et une joie renaît. Toutes s'équilibrent.

- Albert Camus

L'adage selon lequel « on n'a rien sans peine » ne s'applique pas à la réflexologie plantaire.

Un grand nombre de personnes se tiennent éloignées des bienfaits d'une bonne séance de réflexologie plantaire en raison d'un cliché qui a la dent dure : 

- Une séance de réflexologie, ça fait trop mal, non merci !

Il est vrai que parfois une séance peut s'avérer douloureuse.

Rassurez-vous ! Cette douleur n'est que passagère, elle ne dure que le temps de la stimulation de la zone réflexe ou du point réflexe par le réflexologue.

Un réflexologue n'est pas là pour vous infliger une séance de torture, bien au contraire !

Un réflexologue professionnel et expérimenté adaptera sa pression en fonction du seuil de tolérance de chaque individu. Chacun d'entre nous ayant une perception différente de la douleur. 

Par définition, même si la douleur est une expérience sensorielle et émotionnelle désagréable, elle est une information permettant la prise de conscience de l'état de son corps pour pouvoir y répondre.

La douleur peut être considérée comme un signal d'alarme. Elle est le signe qu'une zone est congestionnée. 

Lorsque la zone a été identifiée, il n'est pas nécessaire de prolonger cet inconfort.

Si la douleur diminue, il suffit d'effectuer une stimulation rythmique - pression, détente, pression, détente… jusqu'à ce qu'elle disparaissent.

Si la douleur est constante, il suffit de maintenir la pression pour voir comment elle va évoluer. Si elle augmente il est préférable de travailler les zones alentours pour ne pas bloquer la zone concernée.

Dans tous les cas, le processus de guérison n'intervient que lorsque nous sommes en état de relaxation. C'est à partir de ce moment-là que le système parasympathique est engagé et que les hormones du bien-être sont sécrétées - dopamine, endorphine, sérotonine -, inhibant ainsi la production de cortisol, hormone du stress produite par les glandes surrénales.

Dès lors, la magie de la réflexologie plantaire agit et l' expérience de la séance se transforme en une expérience apaisante et relaxante tant au niveau physique qu'émotionnel.

Si toutefois la douleur persistait, malgré toute l'attention du réflexologue, il est tout à fait indiqué de faire des exercices de respiration profonde. Cette technique de relaxation va induire la sécrétion d'endorphines, inhibitrices de la douleur, principalement produites par l'hypothalamus. Le réflexologue pourra également appliquer quelques manipulations lymphatiques, calmantes et enveloppantes afin de "rassurer" l'organisme.

Ainsi la douleur sera atténuée, le stress réduit et une sensation de bien-être et de relaxation s'emparera de vous.

Si la douleur varie d'un individu à un autre, les messages qu'elle délivre est tout aussi aléatoire. La plus grande prudence est donc recommandée de la part du réflexologue, qui en aucune manière ne doit inutilement vous inquiéter. Le réflexologue ne peut tirer de conclusion sur la nature de la perturbation, c'est-à-dire qu'il ne peut établir de diagnostic comme un médecin allopathique le ferait.

Par exemple, une douleur ressentie suite à une légère pression, pendant quelques secondes, peut indiquer une simple congestion au niveau de la zone stimulée. Dans ce cas elle peut indiquer que le système en question répond comme il le devrait et signifier l'efficacité du traitement.

Parfois, une douleur insoutenable au niveau d'une zone réflexe en particulier, telle que les ovaires, peut fortement indiquer un dysfonctionnement et requérir une attention particulière.

Au demeurant, certaines zones réflexes, certains points sont naturellement sensibles, quelque soit l'individu. Ainsi la glande pituitaire est hypersensible à la moindre stimulation. Les glandes surrénales sont hyperactives et par conséquent font grimacer. Dans le cas de maladies aiguës, telles que la gastrite, l'otite… les zones réflexes correspondantes sont douloureuses, comme dans le cas de certaines pathologies chroniques telles que la bronchite ou la constipation.

La sensibilité de certaines zones mettra en lumière un état émotionnel plutôt que physique. Ainsi la zone réflexe de la queue du pancréas si elle est sensible indiquera une frustration. Une fois que celle-ci aura été exprimée alors la douleur disparaitra.

Le surmenage peut créer des zones reflexes douloureuses comme par exemple le système nerveux en période d'examen. Et parfois une zone réflexe sensible lors d'une séance mais pas à la suivante peut indiquer une simple sur-fatigue en raison d'un facteur extérieur comme par exemple la zone réflexe des cervicales suite à des heures passées penché sur un ordinateur.

Dans la plupart des cas, l'expérience de douleur, si elle est correctement envisagée par le réflexologue, peut se transformer en une expérience assez plaisante. Certains la qualifieront “d'exquise”…  et indiquer que le flux d’énergie est restauré.

Quoi qu'il en soit, il est recommandé de stimuler les zones reflexes sensibles au maximum cinq fois d'affiler avant de stimuler la zone suivante, pour ensuite y revenir, le cas échéant.

En revanche, l'absence de sensation douloureuse ne signifie pas nécessairement que tout va très bien ! Elle ne signifie pas non plus que le traitement n’est pas efficace. Le pied peut agir comme une barrière et protéger l'individu de tout ressenti, de toute sensation désagréable. Généralement, au bout de la deuxième ou de la troisième séance, vous commencerez à ressentir des sensations, un peu comme si vos pieds s’ouvraient, autorisant l’activation de certaines fonctions auto-réparatrices de l’organisme.

En resumé, il est évident que le réflexologue doit adapter sa pression de manière à ce que la sensation de douleur, s'il en ait, soit supportable et l'expérience agréable. C'est la condition sine qua non pour le corps ait la possibilité de puiser dans ses ressources d'auto-guérison pour soutenir et améliorer le processus de récupération et permettre la relaxation physique et mentale.

Dating back at least 6 000 years, to the time of the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia, stones, crystals, and gems have been assigned various properties and people used to adorn themselves with crystals to ward off illness and negative energy.

Bronzite, for example, is believed to eases stress, warms the extremities, helps with digestion, Jade when placed near the heart chakra encourages unconditional Love and helps with bladder and kidney problems and Clear Crystal Quartz provides mental clarity and is the most versatile healing stone among all crystals... The visible spectrum colors, from Red through Violet, are associated with the seven chakras on the body. Generally Red makes active, Blue calms and Green balances.

The spectrum of crystals applications and actions on human overall health is interacting with the goals of reflexology work. Therefore it is quite natural that these two holistic approach pair into one so-called Gemstones Reflexology.

Gemstones Reflexology is using the energetic qualities of a particular crystal in a reflexology session using either the rounded or pointed end of the wand to soothe, relax, harmonize or energize a particular part of a person's body as well as its energetic field.

Stimulating reflex zones and massaging with crystal wands has several immediate advantages.

A significant one is that using a Crystal wand will alleviate some of the stress and strain we put on our thumbs and fingers.

Unlike the wooden stick used in Thai reflexology, the energetic qualities of the crystals wands will amplify the work of the reflexologist, before, during and after a session.

And ultimately, the crystalline energy of the crystals will allow you to tailor reflexology effectively to the specific needs and sensibility of your clients. 

I propose a two-day course implementing some foot reflexology techniques paired with the use of crystals wands. Do not hesitate to contact me to join the next training.

and you will get even greater benefits!

Although Reflexology is very effective in reducing stress, by itself, by putting the client into a state of “parasympathetic” mode of the nervous system - known as the state of relaxation - it can be complementary and beneficial to add an Aromatherapy touch to a Reflexology treatment. By doing so you will increase the body’s ability to re-balance its self-healing potential even more.

It is obvious that reflexes do NOT allow to transport any substance, essential oil from a specific point or zone of the foot to its corresponding organ or body part!

Nevertheless, I believe that Essential Oils act faster and more efficiently when applied accurately on the feet.

One of the benefits of foot reflexology is to increase blood circulation. The sole of the foot is one of the most vascularized regions in the human body which allows essential oils to be absorbed more quickly passing through layers of skin, into the capillaries and into the bloodstream, releasing their benefits into the body.

There are many other factors that affect the absorption of essential oils molecules. One noticeable is that the soles of the feet are, with the palms of the hands, the only part of the body devoid of sebaceous glands, thus making them a conducive place to the absorption of the essential oils.

In a two day MasterClass, I propose you to get familiar with the use of essential oils, the topical application of specific synergies in addition to reflexology protocols, in order to amplify, support the stimulation of the reflex zones as well as their action on the concerned ailments.

The concept of Taksu is hard to describe and define. It involves the energy of the visible world and the blessings of the invisible.

Often it is mistaken with the Sakti, which is more of a kind of supernatural energy often attributed to healers.

The Taksu can be described as ‘talent’ that comes with lifelong training coupled with the gift that comes from the higher place.

To acquire the Taksu you have to master the physical and material aspects of your art - Bayu, learn its mental and moral aspects - Sabba, and understand its spiritual and magical aspect.

The presence of Taksu can be a teacher whose words inspire, a farmer whose products taste better because of the love he puts in growing them, a doctor whose diagnoses are accurate, an artist whose artworks reflect purity, truth, and beauty…

On one hand the Taksu comes from the mysterious, the extraordinary, and on the other hand is related to attracting the attention of others by our excellence to achieve, to complete things.

Taksu is not only a quality attributed to human beings, professionals, artists but also inhabit the land.

Commonly you hear that it is necessary to preserve the Taksu of the island of Bali.

The Taksu of the island of Bali, its magical attractive power is now decreasing due to its modernization resulting in physical changes, losing its sacred places; the mental weakening of some of the local people, shifting into an individual lifestyle instead of a communal way of life; and the erosion of the Balinese spiritual life, even so spiritually Balinese remain very strong, there is a growing tendency to turn the rituals into a show to please “tourists”, while others are scarifying their human values to earn with minimal efforts.

All of this will eventually lead to kill the magical power of Bali, of its inhabitant… 

My goal is to witness the Taksu through the feet of the women and men who have trampled this land since their birth, so that their history will live and endure the magical power of Bali.

Taksu is the life and soul of Bali and cannot be accomplished without unity.

After days browsing online, I decided that Nathalie’s courses would be the best ones among the several you can find in Ubud.

I took three courses with Nathalie:

- Thai reflexology – A very complex, though easy-to-learn craft. Nathalie really helps you to understand and master the techniques. In this two-day course, Nathalie makes you practice a lot, and she’s always there to give you very useful advice.

- Balinese massage – This four-day course is very popular at Nathalie’s school. I had the pleasure to take it with three “classmates”, all of them from different countries, cultures, perspectives, and expectations, and Nathalie proved to be an excellent coach as well. As a former teacher and school coordinator, I was very pleased to witness Nathalie as she made everyone confident and focused, and at the same time, relaxed and pleased.

- Pendulum dowsing – This course took only two mornings, but Nathalie managed to teach so many things, not only about the subject but also about life, that I labeled this “the best course I’ve had in my life”. She taught me and another student how to use the pendulum for many purposes, but above all, she taught us that the pendulum Is just an extension of our mind/consciousness, and that was the beginning of her “life lessons” – my favorite one is her view about karma!

Nathalie provides a comprehensive coursebook for all courses, and she uses props that really help you learn/understand concepts, techniques, and secrets.

However, what really stands out in Nathalie’s courses is her character: Nathalie is almost the opposite of what we expect from a “guru”: she’s radiant, funny, witty, and very innovative. She gives students room to express their opinions, and she respects every student’s background and preferences. I really learned a lot about life and happiness with her, and I must say that money wouldn’t buy half of what she taught me during the 10 days I spent with her.

-Makoto Yamamoto