Reflexology is a health-promoting massage therapy that anyone can practice; it is one of the easiest and least invasive complementary methods for treating specific ailments and promoting overall good health. By concentrating on the basics Reflexology for Beginners allows anyone to practice and enjoy reflexology quickly and easily.

Reflexology for Beginners Includes:

• Over forty illustrations of techniques and pressure points
• Step-by-step instructions for giving full treatments
• The fascinating history of reflexology
• Mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing
• Stories and case histories

Extract from the book

Introduction to Reflexology for Beginners

I have gained great benefit from reflexology both personally and professionally. It is a wonderful, versatile, simple, and effective healing therapy. Anyone can practice it and everyone can benefit from it. The wish to write this book and share what I know of reflexology with others arose from the benefits I gained and those I have seen others derive from receiving reflexology, treating themselves and treating others.

My first experience of reflexology as a therapy was when I was in my early twenties. I had heard of it before then, but as with most healthy people who do not have a direct interest in health or healing matters, I really had no idea of what was involved. Certainly if I had remained healthy I would not have made an effort to find out more about reflexology, discover its benefits, become a reflexologist, and eventually write this book. Before I decided to try reflexology I had been very ill for several years with M.E. or Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS). I spent most of my time lying down or being pushed around in a wheelchair. The medical profession had identified the condition and told me that it was the result of my body not being able to get over a previous bout of glandular fever but they were unable to offer any practical help.

Some of the most enjoyable, moving, and fulfilling reflexology treatments I have given have been at a hospice for cancer patients. If there was any doubt in my mind that reflexology was just a physical treatment without a spiritual aspect, then these were completely removed following these experiences. Many times I felt that the healing being received was on other subtle levels, from beyond the physical realm, especially on those patients without long to live. I also learned that the true meaning of healing is much more than just promoting good physical health. Simply letting go of your own worries, trusting in a positive outlook, directing your life toward benefiting others, and improving and understanding yourself is the path to inner peace and these qualities in turn are some of the basic ingredients of good health.

While I was training to become a reflexologist my teacher told me of a Buddhist meditation center in the English Lake District (Cumbria) called Manjushri Center (www.manjushri.org.uk). I went to visit with a friend in order to learn a little more about meditation and simply to have a weekend out of the city where I lived. This was the beginning of a fascinating journey in to the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, which is continuing today. Much of what I have gained from studying Buddha's teachings and practicing meditation has helped me to gain a clearer and deeper understanding of how we can use reflexology to cure and prevent illness. I have found the Buddhist explanations on the cause and cure of disease, the nature of the mind, and the path to true freedom and happiness to be flawless, practical and of great benefit to me as a reflexologist and simply as someone interested in being happy! I thought that much of what I learned from Buddhism would be of great relevance and interest to other reflexologists and to those learning about this ancient healing art for the first time so I have included some of this special advice in Reflexology for Beginners.

There is no doubt that reflexology is a powerful and effective healing technique. Reflexology can also be a very rewarding and fulfilling career, hobby, or pastime. It can easily become a lifelong interest and we can have much fun and gain great satisfaction in seeing the benefits we bring to friends, family, and other patients. I hope this book is interesting and helpful, and points you in the right direction if you are looking for one!

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Reviews

If you've ever had a foot massage or reflexology treat-ment, you're likely to already be a believer in the direct connection between feet and your internal systems. Just a few minutes of work on the soles of the feet can trigger a feeling of well-being throughout the entire body. The best news in Vennells' basic text is that anyone can learn reflexology and start to put it into practice almost immediately. There's no need to go afar for expensive treatments or therapies: your feet, and those of your family and friends, are in your own - well, hands!

This excellent manual summarizes the basic principles of reflexology with clear explanations. Techniques are effectively illustrated, using simple drawings and photographs to indicate hand and finger motions and specific locations on the feet that correspond to various inner organs. Case studies and essays about healing in general round out this book, but it's the encouragement to begin and the tools provid-ed for doing so that make this work so very valuable.

Napra Magazine December 01

There are few things that compare to a good foot massage - very few. Did you also know that with some instruction, not only will it feel great, but can also be used to increase your general health or ease specific ailments? In Reflexology for Beginners, author David Vermeils guides his readers on the path to making the most of the art of reflexology. As has been my experience with all of Llewellyn manuals, the instructions present complex material in a way that is accessible to all readers.

What exactly will you find in this manual? A definition of reflexology, what it is and is not. Where the reflexes are located, this is written and illustrated, the combination making it easier to commit to memory. Basic techniques that will help in using and practicing effective reflexology. Steps taken to begin treatment, including preparations, how to read the patients feet for clues as to their health, and the actual steps to warming up the feet. Instructions for the main treatment. In addition to these instructional chapters, the reader will also find sections with, advice, case studies, disease and the mind, meditations, and the future of reflexology. Even though this book could have stopped there, it did not. The reader also has four appendixes at their disposal; history of reflexology, meditation groups, books on Buddhism, and hypothyroidism.

At this point, you may be thinking, 'wow that is a lot to take in.' My response to you is, 'yes it is.' There is a wealth of knowledge in this guide. However, the author has crafted the guide in a way that the information is never daunting or jumbled. It doesn't read like a textbook. It reads more like an experienced friend sharing their knowledge with you as you sit sipping coffee. Not only can you learn a technique to quickly ease the tension in your feet, but also you might just improve your over all health. There is nothing to lose and your feet will thank you. Don't take my word for it, pick up your own copy of Reflexology for Beginners and see for yourself.

Diana Bennett, Independent Reviewer, November 01

Reading the first few pages of this book had me completely trusting whatever David was about to teach me. His philosophies of life and energy and being are so like mine that I knew I had chosen the right book to assist me in learning reflexology. I like that he doesn't claim that reflexology will heal all, like so many other books do in their first few pages, "Do this you'll be healed......try the healing powers of....". There isn't any salesmanship in his words, just the sense of truth, experience and honesty. Wow, what more could you ask for in a book that is designed to teach you something. This is a teacher I can respect from the start!

David tells us that we don't need to memorize all the reflexes and their locations before using these techniques on others. I think this is such wonderful advice. So many people think they have to know it all and be a pro before they can work on others.... David follows my thinking when he removes those pressures off of his readers/students.

There is an editing error on figure 2 - reflex 16 is called 14. I figured this out by looking on page 36-37. Also reflex 10 and 16 are missing.

In all, I have completely enjoyed learning reflexology from David. I have been drawn to learning this technique for years now and I'm so glad that I finally found the right teacher for me. I highly recommend this book to others, whether you
are new to reflexology, like I am, or a bit more advanced, the information in this book is also an excellent resource tool.

Independent Review October 01

Practiced in many hospitals, hospices, and heal-ing centers, reflexology is one of the most well-known and well-respected complementary therapies. In this new book, Vennells outlines the principles of reflexology, putting simple techniques back into the hands of those who have a heartfelt wish to help themselves and others. As readers learn the practices step by step, they will gradually increase their knowl-edge of anatomy and physiology, while devel-oping a more accurate awareness of the foot reflexes and how to treat them.

New Times Jan 02