This special session for feet starts with soothing music and the application of Aromatherapy using the purest Young Living essential oils while you recline on my comfy massage table. A complete Reflexology session is then done on each foot with focus on relaxation and all the Reflex points for the glands and organs. Massage around the ankles, on the Achilles tendon and on the top of the foot feels wonderful! Each session ends with 5-10 minutes of Reiki (energy work) and techniques to balance your chi.

You remain fully-clothed except for your feet. Please wear very comfortable loose clothes (t-shirt and shorts or sweatpants). 

Reflexology Therapy for Hands
1/2 Hour - $40         1 Hour - $75
Wonderful for computer users, writers, musicians, factory workers, people who do repetitive tasks, have writer's cramp, etc...  Do you experience hand cramps, musicians or writers cramp? Reflexology is a special treat for your hard-working hands!  Each session starts with soothing music and the application of the purest wonderfully scented Aromatherapy massage oil. Your hands are then treated to the soothing warmth of gently heated rice packs. This helps relieve stiffness, increase circulation to the wrists, and fingers and helps relax tight,  tense and stressed hand and finger muscles.

A complete Reflexology session is then done on each hand with focus on muscle relaxation, all the Reflex points, all glands and organs. I also do special massage on all the fingers and the wrist to increase circulation.  The session ends with 5-10 minutes of Reiki (energy work) and techniques to balance your chi.

Sessions are 35 minutes or 65 minutes. You remain fully-clothed. Please wear very comfortable pants with a short sleeved t-shirt. This session is done on a massage table. Your hands work hard - pamper them!
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Most people hold stress somewhere in their body. One of the goals of Reflexology is to relieve stress and tension that may interfere with circulation and the natural flow of the body's energy.

Medical science now recognizes that stress is a leading factor in many diseases and that stress contributes to and aggravates many existing conditions - irritable bowel (IBS), stomach problems, indigestion, headaches, fibromyalgia, back pain, chronic fatigue, arthritis, and dozens of others. Research has also shown that deep relaxation contributes to wellness and a stronger immune system. Reflexology and other holistic therapies are powerful ways to manage stress, achieve deep relaxation, balance the body systems, maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent illness.

Click to see an interactive Reflexology Foot Chart!  

Hot Stone Reflexology
A unique combination of Reflexology Therapy with Hot Stone Therapy and Therapeutic Essential Oils. Totally wonderful, blissful! Each session is customized to your needs. You may choose to have a Hot Stone Reflexology session on your feet or hands or both. Or combine it with Hot Stone Massage for Legs & Feet, Hands, Wrists, and Arms.

In these sessions, I integrate the root teachings of therapeutic reflexology, massage, thermal therapy (hot/cold), acupressure, aromatherapy, Trager therapy, anatomy, holistic healing, energy work and a reverent spiritual practice. Each session is always customized to your needs and comfort level. The pressure can be as deep or light as feels good to you. It is never painful, but sometimes 'hurts so good'.

Who Can Benefit From Reflexology
Anyone who has stress in their life.

People who are on their feet all day

People who work with their hands

Anyone who wants to relax and feel great!

How Reflexology Can Help You Feel Better
Did you know there are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot?
The body may become imbalanced as a result of illness, stress, injury or disease. Reflexology can help the body return to balance, by restoring energy pathways, increased circulation to assist healing. 
Blood circulation carries oxygen and nutrients through the body, and removes toxins and waste products.  Improved
circulation will allow the body to receive more oxygen and nutrients, and also eliminate the waste products more effectively.

In addition, Reflexology is beneficial for women's health concerns. It helps balance the hormonal system and is especially effective for relieving symptoms of PMS, tension headache, fluid retention, constipation, and other female complaints.

What to Expect
In a Reflexology Therapy Session

Before the Session
At the first session, you will be asked to fill out a brief information form which will assist me in the general assessment of your general health, your stress level, and any pain.

What Do I Wear?
For all reflexology-only sessions, you should dress in very comfortable clothes, preferably a t-shirt and elastic-waist comfy shorts or sweatpants. You should remove any jewelry that might interfere with a massage in that area. Your session will take place in a comfortable atmosphere and on a cushioned massage table or on a comfortable reclining chair, with pillows and a blanket if needed. You should expect a peaceful, relaxing experience.

For Hot Stone Massage Therapy you will disrobe completely or according to your level of comfort, just as in any therapeutic massage. Your privacy will be maintained at all times as you will always be draped with a full sheet and only the part being massaged will be uncovered.

Reflexology for the Feet is done on bare feet, and includes a massage of your ankle area, and all the reflex points on the feet and ankles. It may also include work on the lower legs to relieve tension and pain around or in the calf or shins. Massage on your feet with warm fragrant stones is very effective for balancing the body, feels wonderful and is fantastic for increasing circulation. Everyone just LOVES Hot Stone Reflexology Massage!

Full Reflexology Sessions for the Feet can include:
* Soothing Aromatherapy if you choose.
* Gentle Therapeutic  Massage on Your Feet And Ankles With
* Concentration and Emphasis On Particular Reflex Points.
* Emphasis On Relaxation Techniques
* Therapeutic Hot Stone Reflexology Massage
* Reiki Energy Work

Reflexology & Massage for the Hands is a concentrated massage of the hands, wrists and forearms, including all the reflex points on the hands and wrists. Massage on your arms and hands with warm fragrant stones is very effective for pain relief, balancing the body, feels wonderful and is fantastic for increasing circulation. Everyone just LOVES Hot Stone Reflexology Massage on the hands & arms!

Full Reflexology Sessions for the Hands can include:
* Soothing Aromatherapy
* Gentle Therapeutic  Massage of your hands, arms, wrists & fingers With Concentration and Emphasis On Particular Reflex Points.
* Emphasis On Relaxation Techniques
* Reiki Energy Work
* Reflexology Sessions For Hands --  Helps Relieve Stiffness, Pain & Tight  Muscles – Great For Computer Users, Musicians, Factory Workers, anyone who uses their hands a lot, has arthritis, etc…

After Your Session
Reflexology and Massage are completely holistic and natural process to restore balance and relieve tension and stress in the body. This will increase circulation to all the cells, organs & tissues in the body. This will also activate your lymph and kidney systems to cleanse and remove toxins from the body. There are no side effects but, as in all bodywork, sometimes these systems will become more active during the next few days while the body is cleansing. This is perfectly natural.

Drink Lots of Water
Remember your body is cleansing and balancing so WATER is important!  Please drink at least 16 oz. (2 full cups) of pure water in the next 24 hours. The more water the better, since toxins are being eliminated.

You also may experience more energy than usual the next day. If you are more tired, get extra sleep.  Some people experience sinus drainage the day after a session. This is perfectly normal and means your body is cleansing.

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Information and Articles
by Mary Axelrod, NCMT, CMT, Certified Reflexologist:

Stretches for the Legs and Feet
Stretching is very important to maintain flexibility of the legs, feet and ankles, and help increase circulation. Here are some specific leg & foot stretches you can do for relief.

* Do these stretches daily to strengthen muscles, relieve pain, increase circulation and help your legs and feet feel better.

* Stretching can help relieve leg cramps, which are often aggravated by tight muscles.

* It's better to stretch a warm muscle than a cold one. Before you stretch use a hot rice pack or heating pad, or stretch after you've used the hot tub, bath or hot shower. 

* Stretch your legs and feet after walking, exercise or working out while the muscles are warm. This can help prevent post-exercise soreness. 

* Always stretch very slowly so you don't pull or injure a muscle. Be sure to stop at your limit, before you feel pain. Stretch only to your level of stretch& flexibility - not to the level of pain.

* As you continue to stretch daily, you'll find that your range of motion will increase and the muscles will begin to release.

Calf Stretch – helps leg muscles that affect the feet.
1. Stand 1-2 feet facing the wall &  lean forward on the wall with your arms.
2. Move your affected foot about 12 - 24 inches behind you. Make sure your knees are not locked.
3. Keep your heel on the floor and your back straight. When your foot is in the right position you’ll feel the stretch in your calf & ankles.
4. Hold for 20 seconds, repeat 2-3 times a day.

Step Stretch  - important for the calf & foot muscles

1.   Stand backwards on the edge of a step. Hold the wall or railing for balance.

2.   Slowly lower one heel at a time off the step. Then do both heels. You should feel the stretch in your calf muscles.

3.   Hold for 20 seconds, repeat  2-3 times a day.
 

Golf  Ball Stretch – important for the feet
1.   Sit in a chair.

2.   Place your foot on a hard round golf ball or round object such as a rolling pin, tennis ball, rubber ball, or similar item.

3.   Press your foot into the ball and roll it all around under your foot.

4.   Roll back & forth & around for 30-60 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times a day.
 

Towel Stretch – important for the ankles & feet

1. Sit in a chair

2. Place a towel or strap, belt, etc.. under your toes at the ball of foot

3. Gently pull & slowly stretch the entire foot with toes pointing up toward your head.

4. Hold for 20 seconds, repeat  2-3 times a day.
 

Ankle Twirl - helps increase strength & flexibility

1. You can do this while watching TV, and even in the recliner!

2. Slowly rotate and gently twirl your ankles, first to the right and then to the left.

3. 'Draw the alphabet' or count to ten with your big toe. Do both feet. 

4. Move your feet together like a 'windshield washer' movement.

5. Flex your toes toward your nose and then toward the floor. Hold for 20 seconds then repeat.

Suffers from Peripheral Neuropathy.....
"I have peripheral neuropathy of the legs and feet which causes numbness in the legs and burning with alternating cold sensations in my feet. Although I am on medication, the blood flow to my legs and feet is not satisfactory. The hot stone massage and reflexology I get from from Mary definitely helps to warm up and increase the blood flow to my legs and feet. Even though my condition is incurable, Mary's hot stones for massage with reflexology gives me some relief from pain and poor blood flow. It creates a sense of general well-being which is welcome relief."
--- David H., retired

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When You Should NOT Have A Reflexology Session:

These are some conditions that will prevent you from having a Reflexology and Massage session:

* Right after surgery. When you are ready to be released, please consult your doctor or medical practitioner for a written approval for Reflexology during your convalescence,

*  Currently case of athlete’s foot -  will prevent you from a Reflexology Therapy session on your feet until it is completely clear and no longer contagious,

 *  Unstable blood pressure

 *  Severe swelling (edema) of the body or feet

 *  Contagious or serious illness

Cautions
The following conditions require caution, and you will need a written release from your doctor or primary care provider before beginning Reflexology or Hot Stone Massage.

*  If you are under medical care for a chronic medical condition

* After injury
(Note: if you have an injury to the hands/arms, Reflexology can still be done on the feet. If the surgery or injury was to the feet, Reflexology can be very effective if done on the hands. If you are under any medical care for a severe or moderate injury, you will need a written release from your primary medical professional.
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Pregnancy
Can Pregnant Women Receive Reflexology & Hot Stone Massage?

Reflexology on the feet can be wonderful during pregnancy, especially to assist with circulation and to help reduce swelling to the feet and ankles.

Hot (or Cool) Stone Massage may also be beneficial relieve stress, tension, promote relaxation and make you feel better.

If you are pregnant you will need to bring a written ok from your doctor, OB/GYN, health care professional or certified midwife before I begin any type of Reflexology or Stone Massage session. Massage or Reflexology can be done anytime after the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

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Reflexology In the News....

Pope John Paul II used Foot Reflexology
'On November 26, 2003, on the recommendation of the Taiwan ambassador to the Vatican, Reverend Josef Eugster, who is originally from Switzerland but who has lived in Taiwan for decades, made his first visit into the bedroom of Pope John Paul II....at the time what I was concerned about the most is that the pope for many years had been afflicted with diabetes as well as Parkinson's disease....Reverend Eugster added that on that day, he spent about 20 or 30 minutes massaging the various pressure points on the soles of the pope's feet. One by one, he explained to the pope in German about how the sensations from this or that pressure point indicated various problems, including problems associated with his vocal chords, spine and knees....   Click here for full story
 

Reflexology and Nursing: Studies, Articles & Uses
For information on the use of reflexology in hospitals, clinics and medical settings for pain management, post surgical care, anxiety, blood pressure, and reducing vomiting/nausea after chemotherapy. http://www.reflexology-research.com/nurse.html


Reflexology and Pain in Cancer
“Thirty-six oncology inpatients participated in this third pilot study investigating the effects of foot Reflexology in which equianalgesic dosing was calculated. Foot Reflexology was found to have a positive immediate effect for patients with metastatic cancer who report pain, although there was no statistically significant effect at 3 hours after intervention or at 24 hours after intervention. Further study is suggested for foot reflexology delivered by family in the homes for management of cancer pain.” (Stephenson N, Dalton JA, Carlson J, “The effect of foot reflexology on pain in patients with metastatic cancer,” Appl Nurs Res. 2003 Nov;16(4):284-6 PMID: 14608562)


Scientific Evidence of Reflexology's Effectiveness
World wide studies and their results on conditions ranging from digestive problems to kidney and blood glucose levels with diabetes. http://www.reflexology-research.com/scientific_evidence.html

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Reflexology & Peripheral Neuropathy - by Mary Axelrod, NCMT, & Certified Reflexologist

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition of the nerves, which can affect the arms, hands, legs or feet. There are many causes including illnesses, diabetes, nutritional deficiency, and chemotherapy. Neuropathy can also be caused by trauma or  injury to the nerves, including repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Neuropathy often causes weakness, numbness, and tingling, burning or abnormal sensations in the affected area. Your doctor can diagnose neuropathy and the cause and prescribe medication and/or various therapies. Although it cannot “cure” the condition, reflexology & massage can provide some relief, (pdf file) click for more....

About Plantar Fasciatis- by Mary Axelrod, NCMT, & Certified Reflexologist

If you have been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciatis ---  Reflexology and Hot Stone Massage can help!

Plantar Fasciatis is an inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of your foot. It may affect one or both feet. It is a common cause of heel pain or pain in the arch. The pain is usually worse when you  get out of bed or get up from sitting.

Plantar Fasciatis can affect runners, athletes, teachers, retail & restaurant employees, factory & construction workers & anyone who is constantly on their feet.

Plantar Fasciatis can be due to muscle tension and imbalance in the muscles of the foot or the calf, (pdf file)  click here for more.... 


For extensive information about the causes, symptoms and lots of helpful information for relief of Plantar Fasciatis do a search on Google.

Note: Reflexology and massage are not a substitute for standard medical care. Please see your doctor for any medical condition.