What we hit was HISTORY
what we missed is a MYSTERY
Have you found yourself in an unfamiliar learning environment questioning your destiny, doubting the commitment to yourself the first place?
That’s how I felt when I started formal Reflexology Studies. My doubt was connected to fear. This fear emerged as I held the new textbook on Anatomy. Uncertainty set in as I cautiously flipped the pages ahead through to the section on the digestive system. I felt a rush of nausea and unease as I saw a startling reproduction of a cadaver’s Sigmoid Colon.
Then the little voice in my head murmured the words; “Oh what have I done now”?
I have trouble looking at graphic photographs of internal organs. So I began to question the affect I could possibly have on these organs. What responsibility came with being a Reflexologist? The course curriculum belonging to Reflexology appeared to be centered around these unseen protected factories and processors that are part of our autonomic system. I immediately began to judge myself, and started to question my own logic.
Curiosity and intuition had brought me this far and I felt these trusted motivators had abandoned me at the “altar of fear.” All I could see was the looming uncertainty that lay ahead. Mentally, I began to “pack it in” as I realized the massive portion of this course was going to be about concepts I found disturbing. Fortunately, Jean-Louis Dube, my observant and progressive teacher, quickly lifted me out of this negativity before I became a victim of my own invention. The new anatomy book I was given contained hand drawn diagrams of the human organs and systems. My teacher kept a close eye on my progress and I never looked back. In the end, I managed to keep my lunch down every day, and surprised myself when I graduated with honours in 2001.
The irony of my learning experience is what frightened me most and challenged me most, those organs, became the catalyst that formed the most important contribution in my professional life.
Reflexology Anatomy ™ focuses on and measures results by engaging the non-autonomic systems of the Human body – “no organs please!”
As RA developed I had to re-think how I was to explain this new functional reflexology system to my peers and the public.
As much as I wanted to demystify my own struggles with Westernized Reflexology and the many ways it can be perceived, I had to adopt the same commitment to unravel the same myths that were perceived by my clients. For the last 15 years I have paid particular attention to the way clients react to Reflexology. I enjoy listening to the client’s ideas of what this modality means to them, and their reactions during a treatment. When I ask the question: “What comes into your mind when you think of Reflexology? Often the response is “Oh….. its all about the organs”, as they draw one hand over their midsection to dramatize the conviction behind their statement. There was one person who described my work as belonging to warlocks, sorceresses and medical “magic men”. There are so many historical and social elements that shroud the ancient mechanics of Reflexology all over the world. The Egyptians utilized reflexology for healing and for medical diagnosis. This is the 21st century; the claims that history has made about reflexology is still cloaked in mystery. Reflexology Anatomy™ prudently demonstrates the potential within it and the benefits it provides.
Often in life when we do not understand things we protect ourselves by strapping on negative armor rather than refocusing our way of thinking.
Fear of the unknown can incapacitate any one of us. Often when doubt turns into apprehension then negativity gains control and we miss opportunities.
As I continue to teach and lecture on the subject of Reflexology Anatomy ™, I do not want anyone, student, peer or client to miss out on the effectiveness and fascination attached to this new modality. If I am given the opportunity to demonstrate its hidden treasures and at the same time dismiss a person’s fears of the unknown, then I have achieved success. This month I have been invited as a guest lecturer at Concordia University to speak about RA. I plan to address the audience with zeal as I describe the approach and pain relief systems that form Reflexology Anatomy ™. Perhaps this story has given you fodder for thought. Trusting your intuition and nurturing your curiosity allows you to meet with opportunity and discovery. I know that I did “hit” some history, but I will never stop enjoying and uncovering the mysteries.
Written by: Douglas
Alexander Coburn
AIIC, RA cert., B.Sc.Pod
Edited by: Phyllis Mary Bell
I dedicate this to my professor, Mr. Jean-Louis Dube
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