A 100,000 butterflies and more! I recently saw a T.V. Nature Programme showing an amazing butterfly travel-log in which thousands of butterflies simultaneously left their birth-land to embark upon an incredible feat of migration; stopping off, en mass, for respite in beautiful Hawaii.
The programme highlight showed wave upon wave of these butterflies flying, fluttering and cascading about in huge, vibrant swirls; eventually settling like giant clusters of grapes to hang out together in the trees for shared, mutually energizing, warmth.
Their orange wing colours combined to blanket the trees; creating a collective of conical formations reminiscent of nature’s rich Autumnal colours and of leaves preparing to leave the trees.
The migration of summer into Autumn is all about movement and change – as expressed by the seasonal beauty of “mists and mellow fruitfulness”; of harvesting and shorter days.
Each of the 5 ‘Elements’ or ‘Phases’ reflects a season in the yearly cycle. They are dynamic health metaphors for the four levels of existence: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. Their dynamic interplay is fundamental to Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophy and states of Wellness.
Within TCM’s ‘5 Elements’ framework, late Summer’s transitional, seasonal, qualities correspond to the harmonies of nourishing ‘Earth’ and Autumn’s protective ‘Metal’ Energy.
For example, ‘Earth’ (Spleen/Stomach chi) has associations with nourishment, not only of our bodies but also our thoughtfulness i.e. our capacity for applied thinking and studying. Amongst other things, colour comes into the picture too: Earth: yellows & ochre’s. Matal: white, silver, grey.
Yellow is also the colour applied to the Solar Plexus Chakra. The Solar Plexus, it seems, is an enticing place for our emotions to sit! In reflexology terms it is aptly referred to as the “stress reservoir”. In our bodies, it’s a location where we can easily experience excited, anxious, nervous, expectant, flutterings, depending on the situation we have to face. In fact, many people say “I feel as if I’ve got butterflies in my stomach” and unconsciously place their hands over this area, as if to protect it, to ‘calm their nerves’.
I like to think that such sensations in our solar plexus is the body’s way of communicating with us, linking our thoughts and feelings together to aide performance whatever the context.
Of course, sometimes people find it hard to let go of persistent, repetitive thoughts, emotions or behavioural patterns which, over time, manifest as symptoms of diminished health and poor sense of perspective.
Breathe in Breath Out … and Release those butterflies! Autumn is a wonderful time of year, whereby the Indian Summer days kindly evolve into frosty mornings and piles of scattering leaves fall from the trees.
As with the tress releasing their leaves, the Metal Element (Lung and Large Intestine organ chi) acknowledges the importance of ‘Lung Energy: the breath of life, combined with the self-help mechanism of ‘Letting Go’ (mentally, physically, emotionally, even environmentally!).
On this basis, Autumn, is a good time of year, too, to clear and sort out personal ‘clutter’ (making way for some lovely new Christmas presents perhaps!)
Sorting the wheat from the chaff! With TCM 5 Elements, this time of year is about assimilating and retaining the best of Metal’s ‘Earth Mother’ gifts (this can relate to experience as well as health, the environment and to nourishing food) and discarding/unblocking what is unnecessary and unhelpful (stress inhibitors) to keep our minds and bodies free; the energy flowing.
In tandem, working the meridian network is also about un-blocking, reading your client’s subtle energy imbalances, re-energizing and going with the best directional ‘flow’ for them. Meridians themselves fall under influential spheres of harmonious balance via TCM’s 5 Elements and Yin, Yang theory. They work in a synergistic, mutually inclusive, partnership for positive health and wellbeing maintenance.
However, you don’t have to be acquainted with the meridians to find fun and value from The 5 Elements philosophy. Their ‘flavours’ of energy (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal) within the TCM 5 Element matrix relate to every aspect of life: everything is integrated, interdependent. Think of the butterfly’s life cycle. Think of our own life cycle. We are both part of nature’s natural rhythms. (Macro Micro).
Less is More! Understanding the diversities of TCM 5 Elements provides a treatment backdrop for fresh thinking regarding subtle energy diagnosis; helping your treatments to become more targeted and effective and – like the butterflies mentioned at the beginning of this piece – mutually energized through togetherness!
Re-Tune your treatments to TCM 5 Elements! If you would like to benefit from working with this dynamic and creative genre in your practice, please do contact me. Details about my two workshops are featured in the advertisement below.
Louise Exeter
© Above article and workshop Titles are Copyright Louise Exeter
Fine Tune for Good Vibrations!
A TCM 5 Elements Master-classLink ‘Hands in Chi’ the Meridian Way
Redefining Hand Reflexology WorkshopWellness Links ‘Hands in Chi’ Events
Working with TCM 5 Elements in Reflexology.Louise Exeter MAR, CNHC, AMT.
0208 882 7107
louise@reflexologyplus-london.co.uk
www.reflexologyplus-chilondon.co.uk
Here comes Summer! In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Philosophy summer is a Yang time associated particularly with joyful, exuberant Heart, Fire, Energy. Romance might also be in the air as Heart, Fire, Energy relates to heat, love and passion too! (A holiday romance perhaps?)
It’s a life-style thing! The approach of summer naturally conjures aspirations of hot sunny weather and out-door living; anticipated happy family holidays; BBQ’s in the garden, country-side walks beside tranquil rivers, pebbles on the beach, making footprints in the sand along a sea shore and so on … plus … the stress of holiday preparation, congested freeways and busy airports! The latter of course can make us ‘see red’ with frustration (a Fire energy colour)! Hopefully, it’s all worth it though and we’ll end up feeling restored and recharged.
Natural relationships! From a TCM 5 Elements perspective, the above scenic examples can be considered evocative, energetic, metaphors: referencing the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual highs and lows of our own personal energy (‘Chi’): the energy that drives us, affecting how we perform and interact with others at all levels, publically and privately.
Set me free! Happily, Summer invites us to expose our feet to the world; validating regular pedicures and a couple of new pairs of sandals at least! We want our feet to look pretty and cared for as we set them free.
The power of touch: To reflexologists, of course, feet and hands play key roles in reflecting states of wellness. We believe un-checked stress and tensions can manifest into energy inhibitors and health debilitators! Aside from that (as Jane Sheehan knows so well) we can access more information, just by observation!
As therapists, we use the combined strength and gentleness of our hands through the sensitivity of touch to identify and unblock the various knots and crystals we discover during treatments; to pare away the residues of stress, allowing feet, minds and bodies to feel ‘foot loose and fancy free! Oh Joy! (By the way, a Fire Element emotion!).
The Tides of Life. Wholistic health and energetic states could be likened to the ocean tides, never static, constantly ebbing and flowing. Fundamental to TCM Philosophy, in this context, is Yin Yang Harmony and Balance: similarly, we therapists appreciate it is important to balance giving and receiving actions (tempted to book a holiday?) Caring for TCM Fire Energy properties – not just during its summer season but all year round – can generate a healthy mobilization of personal energy resources and restore emotional balance so important for maintaining positive, healthy, living.
Fire Energy in the palm of your hand! Significantly, the Hands are very connected with the powerful Fire ‘Phase’ and its systems because the Heart, Small Intestines, Triple Burner and Pericardium meridians flow through them. Ensuring this particular energetic family interacts harmoniously with its other 5 Element ‘neighbours’ (Earth, Metal, Water, Wood) therefore avoids the effects of stress ‘burn out’ and erratic emotionalism .
“The more aware you become of the energies that your hands give and receive, the more powerfully the healing will flow in both directions” The heart pumps blood. Chi pumps energy! The heart Chakra sends and receives Loving energy. Our hands “feel, send and receive energy”. If you are interested in keeping this current of love flowing via different reflexology hand treatment locations and wider therapeutic horizons for your clients, please join me, Louise Exeter, at my ‘Hands in Chi’ Wellness Links Workshops. For further information please see contact details below.
[Quotations: Doreen Virtue Daily Guidance from your Angels]
Louise ExeterMAR, CNHC.
Dip. Ref. ECRA; Dip. Chi-Reflexology (Distinction); Dip. Facial Reflexology Sorensensistem
Reflexology Plus Hands in Chi with TCM 5 Elements Wellness Links Workshops.E: louise@reflexologyplus-london.co.uk www.reflexologyplus-chilondon.co.uk
PS Enjoy the summer! Reach out and touch the 5 Elements – with hands as well as feet … Don’t forget the Red nail-varnish!
Footprints in the sand copyright Microsoft Clipart
Shared Wisdom: Looking to the past to bring healing to the present.
Doyen: This animated word ‘refers to any senior member of a group, particularly one whose knowledge or abilities exceeds that of other members’ (Wikipedia). It conjures images of wise ‘Masters’ and their students across many cultural fields of philosophy and practice.
Actions speak louder than words!
The opportunity to directly receive knowledge from a highly regarded ‘other’ (from any ‘walk of life’) can be enriching. Looking to their maturity and wisdom (achieved from personal experience) in a shared dialogue invites new ‘reflections’ of discovery and discernment; ushering in creativity and growth for the recipient as a consequence.
The Benefit of Hindsight!
Experience can, for some, emanate from on a pioneering attitude, combined with courage and determination, to put ideas into practice where others have been slow or fearful to tread. Such people pave the way, thereby creating further stepping stones for those who follow in the future.
The Founding Mother
Such qualities had to be called upon by a pioneering spirit and internationally respected woman called Eunice Ingham (1889 – 1974). Eunice’s work was expressed through her passion to help people as much as possible via the techniques and processes of reflexology: she laid the foundations upon which the diversity andevolution of reflexology continues.
Eunice is considered the ‘Mother’ of modern-day reflexology: her books Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology and Stories the Feet Have Told ThruReflexology are very much part of the curriculum for reflexologists. They also make a good read for non-therapists interested in the power of the body and good health maintenance.
A shared reflexology inheritance:
After her death in 1974 Dwight Byers – Eunice’s nephew who had worked closely with her and who is equally dedicated to setting the bar for reflexology – took up the mantle and established the International Institute of Reflexology through which the ‘Ingham Method’ of reflexology has become a world wide standard today.
Reflexology: a natural “science of health and wellbeing”
(Dwight Byers: Better Health with Foot Reflexology)
Reflexologists consider feet and hands doorways to better health and wellbeing! We also believe the feet record and reflect things about a person (emotional as well as physical). We look for and recognise various ‘reflections’ of health and body mapping principles expressed within the feet and hands during treatment sessions.
The power of touch.
Often taken for granted, hands and feet are amazing structures; wonderfully engineered, strong and flexible yet capable of great sensitivity. Hands are, of course, ‘tools of the trade’ to reflexologists.
Put your finger on it!
Our fingers contain some of the ‘densest areas of nerve endings on the body’ (Wikipedia). As therapists we use our fingers to walk, analogously, ‘all over the body’ and its systems; accessed primarily via the feet!
“Work Smarter not harder”
This was the enticing motto for the Institute of Reflexology Master Class, with Dwight Byers and his nephew James, which I attended – during which our fingers pivoted and pressed, ascended and descended, rocked and rolled around the geometry of foot holding techniques.
This photo shows Dwight working on my feet! (Lucky me!)
For numerous reasons, it is nourishingly helpful for a reflexologist to receive as well as give treatments. From a technique perspective too, it is a good thing, from time to time, to ‘get back to basics’; to revisit and refresh methodology in order to evolve.
Being on the receiving end of Dwight’s vast, accumulated, reflexology knowledge was educational and fun and it was great to think that much emanated from Eunice’s pioneering work and Dwight’s own ‘Continuing Story© ’ of foot reflexology.
“Each one of us sails along a different course, much like a ship upon the sea. Ultimately, it’s not about where you land at the end of the voyage it’s about the interactions among the people involved along the way.”
(Doreen Virtue: DailyGuidance from your Angels) I believe this truism is oh so relevant to the field of reflexology because in this working environment each treatment is a unique therapeutic ‘conversation’ between client and therapist.
Stories the Feet Continue to Tell ©
Reflexology is a therapy which continues to explore, evolve and innovate. My thanks to Dwight and James for a lovely day!
Louise Exeter
Article: Copyright Louise Exeter May 2014
Photos: Taken at the International Institute of Reflexology Master Class,
London 2014. Hands on Feet Picture: Microsoft Clip Art.
The arrival of a New Year traditionally prompts personal reflection on the ups and downs of the previous one – often culminating with an attitude of enthusiastically ‘wiping the slate clean’ in order to start afresh or setting new personal goals that might have been on the back burner for a while. All topped up, of course, with an avalanche of ‘New Year, New You’ diet and fitness advice from a spectrum of well-meaning media sources . . . Ah the seasonal cycles of life!
Our current season of Winter relates (in Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophy) to the element of Water and to kidney and urinary bladder energies. Within the Cycle of the ‘5 Phases’, each ‘Element’ has an ascribed set of organs, emotions and characteristics which holistically interact with each other. Amongst these, for example, fear and phobias relate to possible Water Qi imbalance.
For me, in 2013 I conquered my phobia of heights (I still can’t quite believe it!) by taking a spontaneous ride on the London Eye with my family! Something thousands of people do all the time without a flinch – but not me.
Despite my innate longing to the contrary, I had, for years, rigidly (Wood element QI imbalance!) refused to even attempt such a daunting experience: I was too scared of heights to embrace the motivational slogan “Feel the fear and do it anyway”. (Book of same title by Susan Jeffers)
As I calmly looked down from the summit of the London Eye to the people and boats on the river below, I felt a surge of elation as it dawned on me I’d overcome my fear. It was a wonderful, liberating, experience to visually and emotionally breath in the expansive horizon without knocking knees, a pounding head and heart and a shortness of breath!
I know that personal reflection can open up a mixed bag of emotional perspectives e.g. joy (Fire element energy) or sadness (Metal element energy) and a lot in between too. The ‘elements of life’ and holistic harmonies of the ‘5 Phases’ are with us every day: “The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, The Pilgrim Spirit).
I’d like to close by thanking Jane for the diversity of tips shared and articles and features contained in Pampering Times 2013 series – which have, over time, genuinely helped, informed and inspired – in fact, directly encouraged me – towards putting my ‘Hands in Chi’ Wellness Links reflexology Workshops on to the 2014 training calendar – with the thought…if they can do it, I can do it! : I hope my workshops might encourage you too, to expand your own personal reflexology comfort zone and client/therapist therapeutic treatment journey during 2014.
Louise Exeter January 2014
The following article by Louise appeared in Jane Sheehan’s Pampering Times September 2013 issue
If the shoe fits!
Recently I was travelling on a fairly crowded train. I was bundled in my seat – without a table so my papers and pens were placed precariously on my lap – my intention was to use this journey time on admin catch-up.
My carriage viewing range was somewhat restricted – in the main blocked by the backs of seats directly in front of me. However, I did have the relief of a window and a limited diagonal side view to distract me from my work!
As one does on packed tubes and trains, I found myself occasionally people watching. They came and went and some shared their mobile phone conversations with fellow travellers in the carriage! After such distractions I eventually settled down to concentrate on my paperwork.
A few stops before my final destination, I happened to look up and noticed an attractive young woman chatting away to people opposite her.
After a while she herself settled down to read a newspaper. Although my gaze focussed on her face my brain was busy at work mulling over the contents of my documents.
For some reason my stare absent-mindedly flowed down to her feet – which kicked my brain back to sudden reality! What very strange feet, I thought. Curious! They don’t look like they fit her face!
I double checked: emerging from beneath the newspaper on her lap her legs were crossed and rocked gently with the motion of the train. She was wearing flip flops so her toes were completely exposed inviting me to discreetly ponder them further!
She had long slender feet – rather the ‘Princess’ type (as featured in Jane’s book Let’s Read Our Feet) although on consideration they were a bit on the large size and somewhat knobbly for a princess! She was a tall girl though, so ok and princesses can’t all be perfect!
I noticed, too, that there were fairly even spaces between each of her slim toes; the toes themselves appearing ‘squeezed’ in places and particularly knobbly at the joints. Incongruous! Her feet puzzled me and I started to reflect what Jane Sheehan might have to say about them.
Fascinating as this was, the announcement came over loud and clear that my station was next. Quick. Pack up everything. As I stood up to gather my belongings together I spied a man – his head slumped low on the attractive female passenger whom I was observing. Oh! Before, I stood up he’d been completely hidden from view. Now I discovered that it was his knees, not hers, emerging from under the newspaper and – you guessed it – it wasn’t her feet that had captivated my attention, but his! Hooray! Now the feet looked like they actually belonged to the right owner! “If the shoe fits” came to mind as I got off the train and I couldn’t help but see the funny side of this little scene.
Louise Exeter MAR CNHC
Reflexology Plus TCM 5 Elements
Chi-Reflexology Facial Reflexology Sorensensistem
Louise offers ‘Hands In Chi’ Wellness Links workshops on TCM 5 Elements and related matters.
As Autumn (Metal energy) falls into Winter (Water energy) the trees let go of their colourful leaves, making way for elements of the next season to emerge; allowing its colder, deeper, characteristics to meander in, with chilly winds amongst the russets, coppers and purples of the grounded leaves.
Metal energy (relating to the lungs & large intestines) brings into focus the need to let go of stuck thoughts and feelings; making now a good time to clear out personal clutter (mental, physical, emotional and environmental).
Water energy (kidney/bladder) contributes to this process by helping us cleanse our thoughts, feelings and physical body.
During this transitional period – before winter becomes too established and we hunker down for the rest of the season – I like to associate encroaching water energy characteristics as a prompt to reflect upon our personal requirements; to divert us away from the negatives in our lives and surroundings and to redirect the flow towards the positives. We can then be content to snuggle up by the fire and find a place for all those Christmas goodies and presents that need a new home … somewhere!
Working to replenish, restore, rebalance; Louise’s treatments are informed by Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophy (TCM) and the harmonies of the 5 Elements.
Louise offers Reflexology Plus TCM 5 Elements Workshops Classes and Mentoring as well as ‘Hands in Chi’ Wellness Links hand reflexology workshops for therapists.
Celebrating birth from a reflexology perspective.
Pregnancy SOS! I was contacted via Keats Complementary Health Practice in Enfield last Wednesday by a potential client saying they’d heard reflexology can assist with different stages of pregnancy – including birth inducement – could I help? (She was nearly a week overdue). Naturally, I was keen to offer my support with the proviso that I could not guarantee a definitive outcome – babies can be very strong minded, even when in the womb! However, despite this realism, a range of gentle benefits for both mother-to-be and little one could be offered through the treatment process anyway.
Body Perspectives. When I look at the contours of the feet, hands and face, I visualise the body, its structure, organs and systems: the range of these ‘reflections’ provides an extensive treatment landscape. Mix & Match: Working with 3 different treatment disciplines enables me to mix techniques and protocols and to ‘cherry pick’ from a larger treatment repertoire in order to match each client’s unique requirements
Head first, easy does it! Facial Reflexology Sorensensistem offers a special labour inducing protocol with which I commenced each of my treatments. This was followed with very specific Chi-Reflexology meridian and acupressure ’manoeuvres’ integrated with selective ‘top ups’ from standard reflexology on hands and feet. I had suggested x 3 treatments close together; the first was on Wednesday, the second Thursday night & No. 3 to be agreed. …
Ladies in Waiting: This was the first time that I had included Facial Reflexology Sorensensistem so specifically and in combination with the ‘5 Elements’ acupressure approach of Chi-Reflexology. I had pulled out all the stops, done everything I could…I was full of anticipation…but…it had all gone quiet.
Celebration time: Hip, hip hooray! I was so happy to receive news that contractions started for my client the same night as her second treatment with me and – during the following day – she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy,
It was a lovely experience treating a client at this stage and I felt so happy for her and her family. Phew! All this excitement and relief has prompted me to give birth to my very first blog. Hello world from baby and me!
Louise Exeter MAR CNHC
23.07.13