Apr-Jun-06 Issue 12 pages.pub - Washington Reflexology Association

Washington Reflexology Association
Sole Inspiration
Reflexology Promotion, Celebration and Education
Volume 9, Issue 2
Spring 2006
A Message from your President . . .
Inside this issue:
Meeting Dates
and WRA Info
2
WRA Business
and Business Tip
3
Farewell to
Janice Stanke
4
Conscious
Reflexology, Part 3 5
Member Spotlight
6-7
Success Story
7
NEAT Feet and
Team NW News
8
WRA at WAOMA
and Outreach for
Reflexology
9
Conferences
and Symposiums
10
Classified Ads
11
Welcome New
Members! and
Member Reminder 12
Insert:
Upcoming Classes
and Workshops
Happy Spring! A year
has passed since I first offered
that greeting to the members of
WRA, friends of reflexology and
reflexologists across the country
who receive Sole Inspiration. As
life changes and I find myself
blessed to be able to give more reflexology
sessions, I have less time to muse over my
president’s message. So I’ll get right to the
point and try to pass along some useful information.
First, I have good news! Reflexology in
Washington has been deemed accepted
through the legislative process. There were no
complaints filed in the five-year period following
the exemption to the massage law. Our lobbyist, Terry Kohl, will continue to monitor new
bills that are proposed and keep us informed
about any that might impact our profession.
How often are you asked why reflexology is not “covered by insurance”? The following information is my interpretation of Terry’s
answer to this question.
In order for any type of care to be
covered by an insurance plan, the practitioner
must be licensed by the state. There are three
types of state recognition. The first, full State
Licensure, includes state regulations and a fee
for obtaining a license. This requires administrative expenses that could cost more than $1000
per reflexologist in Washington. The second,
State Certification, also involves administrative
costs and does not guarantee acceptance by
insurance companies. The third type, State Registration, requires a fee but the state does not
control scope of practice or educational requirements.
Administrating any of these options
would require paid positions and operating
costs that reflexologists in Washington would
Washington Reflexology Association
(425) 818-4785
have to finance. These are not responsibilities
that the WRA can assume. As an organization,
we set standards for professional members
regarding educational certification and encourage national certification. Our guidelines are
designed to promote excellence in reflexology
and protect the public.
Terry also mentioned Governor Gregoire’s Health Care Agenda (see the Legislative
Update on page three). The plan considers the
prediction that health care spending is expected
to double in the next 10 years. This will far
outpace the increase in wages and inflation.
What do these statistics mean to us as
reflexologists? We should be spreading the
word about reflexology as a way for people of
all ages to regain and maintain a healthy body,
mind and spirit. One way I’ve found to do that
is to trade a session with the editor of a local
newspaper for ad space in which to write a
short column about reflexology. I’ve also become active in the local Chamber of Commerce and proposed the building of a reflexology path here in Duvall. I encourage each of
you to think of creative ways to educate people
about reflexology’s affect on their health and
quality of life.
Finally, what would a president’s message be without a plea to each of you to actively participate in the WRA and stay informed
about reflexology? Thanks to Jeanie Blair, Tina
Bystrom and Wayne Nelson we are all connected through the website, the newsletter and
emails. Your input is vital to our organization.
Please keep in touch.
Cecelia McCorkle
President
washingtonreflexology.org
Page 2
Sole Inspiration
Tune In . . .
Meetings and Presentations
WRA meetings are held every other month, in
January, March, May, July, September and November.
We meet during the 2nd week of the month at varying
times and days of the week to accommodate the diverse schedules of our members.
Upcoming WRA Meeting Dates:
March 16, 2006, Thursday
Meetings are divided into two parts, Business and
General Membership. Both are open to all members,
though those less interested in the Business-side (i.e.,
treasury report, officer and committee tasks) may wish
to attend only the General Membership portion.
The typical schedule is as follows, though times
may change depending on the day of the week and the
venue:
WRA
P.O. Box 563
Duvall, WA 98019
(425) 818-4785
Washington Reflexology Association
General Meeting and Presentation by
Mary VonRanker
an Ear Reflexology Refresher
At Seattle Reflexology and Massage Center
419 Queen Anne Avenue North, Suite 202
Seattle, WA 98109
1:00-3:00 pm
Business and General Meeting
with a Presentation by
WRA officers are committed to remaining accessible to all members, and will endeavor to periodically
hold or attend meetings in the Northwest region (north
of Marysville) and in the Eastside region (east of the
mountains).
washingtonreflexology.org
7:00-9:00 pm
Hosted by Team Northwest
*Bring your brochures and business cards to share
and trade.
Sole Inspiration is a quarterly
publication for, about and by
Washington Reflexology Association members. For more
information or to become a
member of the WRA, please
contact us:
Business Meeting (all are welcome)
May 20, 2006, Saturday
Business: 5:30 to 6:45 pm
Break: 6:45 to 7:00 pm
Guest Speaker: 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Q & A, TLC & Networking*: 8:00 to 9:00 pm
Copies of WRA Meeting Minutes may be obtained by
contacting our president, Cecelia McCorkle at
(425) 818-4785 or [email protected].
5:30-6:45 pm
Footworx
At the Skagit Valley Food Co-op
202 South 1st Street, Room 309, Mount Vernon
Located in downtown Skagit Valley, the co-op can
be seen from I-5 and is easy to get to. Parking is in the lot
behind the store or on the surrounding streets.
July, 2006 TBA
We’d love to hear from you, Members!
If you would like to contribute an article, announcement, comment, interview, review,
photo, cartoon and/or the odd tidbit, please
send your submission to our Editor:
Tina Bystrom
20311 79th Ave. N.E.
Kenmore, WA 98028
[email protected]
206-910-4888
Submission Deadlines: The 1st day of
March, June, September and December.
Standard article length: approx. 250 words;
Features approx. 450 words.
(425) 818-4785
WRA Board of Directors:
President:
Cecelia McCorkle
[email protected]
Vice President:
Mary Von Ranker
[email protected]
Secretary:
Lisa McGregor
[email protected]
Treasurer:
Lisa Dowling
[email protected]
washingtonreflexology.org
Volume 9, Issue 2
Page 3
Treasurer’s Report
Lisa Doweling, WRA Treasurer
The WRA received two very generous donations at the January meeting. Kathy Boulanger donated $250
and Mary VonRanker matched her donation! This money goes into the Kathy Schmidt Memorial Fund, which will be
available for reflexology class/workshop scholarships.
The details of scholarship distribution will be discussed at the March meeting. These donations bring our total
scholarship fund to $1,120 to date.
The general WRA bank account has a balance of $4,492.86.
Legislative Update
The current Legislative session wrapped up on Thursday, March 9th.
One bill outstanding was just amended to take out all benefit/services from the small
employer plans, meaning insurers could offer MDs and no one else. It hasn’t passed yet,
but I’ll let you know what happens.
Meanwhile, I suggest you read Governor Gregoire’s Health Care Agenda. To obtain
a copy, email Cecelia at [email protected] and she will forward it to you.
Terry Kohl, WRA Lobbyist
[Be sure to read the Message from your President on page one for more Legislation information—Ed.]
Business Tip: Indoor Reflexology Pathway
Here’s a Tip
suitable for
your business,
your home, or
perhaps both.
She says the pea gravel forms around the foot creating
complete pressure around all areas, allowing the path
walker to analyze their own body [via reflex points] when
they find tender spots.
Mary Ellen had the opportunity to walk on this type of
path while in Japan many years ago and found it very rewarding, which lead her to re-create this version in her own
home.
As you can see in
the
photos,
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Rutter has created a simple and effective
has
added
a
stone
indoor Reflexology Pathway in her living room.
water fountain and
Starting with two under-the-bed plastic containers
bamboo to create a
measuring approximately four feet long, two feet wide and beautiful ambiance
five inches deep, Mary Ellen cut off one end of each conaround her pathway.
tainer and joined them together to create one long box
with a slight curve in the middle.
Covering it entirely with fabric that looks like rock,
she filled the box with pea gravel and then added small eggsized river rocks to one end for additional texture and
stimulation.
Washington Reflexology Association
We welcome any and all ideas to enhance business
success and inform the public about reflexology.
Please submit your ideas to Tina Bystrom at
206-910-4888 or [email protected].
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org
Page 4
Sole Inspiration
A Loving Farewell to Janice Stanke
Janice Lee (Messmore) Stanke, 55, went to
eternal rest on Tuesday, December 20, 2005.
Janice was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, to E.J. and
Lenore Messmore.
She attended schools in Sandpoint, and graduated in 1968 from Sandpoint High School.
She worked for two years at Jensen-Byrd in
Spokane, attended Spokane Community College,
and then had a 28-year career with State Farm Insurance companies, having worked in the Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane claims offices.
Janice enjoyed two tours to Romania on short-term missions. She
was a certified reflexologist through International Institute of Reflexology.
She enjoyed singing and has sung in several church choirs in Spokane. More recently, she was a member of the choir of The Crown of
Thorns.
Janice is survived by her husband, John; mother, Lenore Messmore;
a sister, Shirley; a brother, Delar.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union Gospel
Mission or Ogden Hall of Spokane.
Bungalow on the river.
Geese a'flight overhead
Moose slip-sliding in the mud—
Down to the creekbed.
Lazy river rolling by,
Busy creek babbling out it’s cry.
Quiet stillness for miles around—
Peace, tranquility without a sound.
Rest and newness for mind and soul—
Reminds us again that God is in control.
Janice Lee Stanke
June 4, 2005
Selections from Janice’s obituary in the Sandpoint, Idaho newspaper.
Janice Stanke Memorial Lending Library
As many of you know, we lost a treasure when Janice Stanke lost her courageous battle with an aggressive brain
tumor in December.
In addition to many warm memories, and a lonely husband, Janice left behind a small collection of reflexology
texts and reference books, and a set of training videos. Her husband John has generously donated these materials to
NEAT Feet. He asked me to find someone who might need or want them, and I had such a hard time trying to figure
out who might most benefit, that I decided to suggest a lending library for the benefit of all.
We discussed this at our last NEAT Feet meeting, and it was agreed that we will establish the lending library,
with primarily use for the North East Area Team.
Janice worked tirelessly to help bring the WRA to the east side of the state, and she was always a strong supporter of reflexology. She was proud to be a certified reflexologist and a member of the WRA, particularly NEAT
Feet. We believe this is a way to honor her commitment and dedication.
I am in the process of cataloguing her contributions, and for the moment the books and tapes
are housed at my office at 1411 West Mansfield Avenue in Spokane. Anyone who would like to
add to our library with a donation of books or other materials, please contact me at 509-953-4228.
I have a small amount of library experience, so I am willing to take on the responsibility of maintaining the library, at least for the time being.
I’d like to thank John Stanke for his generosity, and to extend our condolences to him for his loss. Janice will be
sorely missed.
Submitted by Carolyn Fielder
Washington Reflexology Association
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org
Volume 9, Issue 2
Page 5
Conscious Reflexology
Part 3 of 5 – Remaining Client Conscious
Today I’d like to put you into the
mind of your client. Imagine you are a
new client walking into your reflexology office. What is the first impression:
relaxing, cluttered, friendly, sterile,
calm? Personally, I want my area to be
a sanctuary from stress. How does it
smell: clean and fresh; like the garlic in
your lunch; like flowers or candles? We
need to be conscious of odors that may
bother people. Many people have
chemical sensitivities and are actually
allergic to flowers or certain aromas
such as lilacs, eucalyptus, perfumes or
strong-smelling candles.
Let’s move further into the office.
Are the chairs comfortable? Are they
big enough for large clients or too high
for shorter clients? How about your
reflexology table? Is it comfortable? An
egg-crate foam pad on your table can
add comfort and keeps the table from
being too cool. Because I am tall, my
table has to be fairly high, so I have a
sturdy step stool to assist my clients. I
also have some larger clients, so I have
arm extensions on the sides of my table and an extension I can put in the
end for taller clients.
Submitted by Julie McGehe
Working down at the heel and then
arbitrarily “jumping” up to the toe can
be startling. Try to transition smoothly
from one move to the next with fluid,
graceful movements. I want to keep my
It is during the session that we
clients in their “relaxation zone
need to be the most client conscious. If
heaven.” They have so many stresses in
you do reflexology on the ears, where
their lives this may be their only opporis your breath going? Is it blowing the
client’s hair or in their face? And what tunity to have quiet stress-free time.
Some of you may be thinking that
does your breath smell like: minty-fresh
or that lunch-time garlic? If your client’s these are obvious or picky suggestions,
but think back to some of the reflexoleyes water when you talk to them, it
ogy sessions, massages or facials you
may be the garlic!
have received. Did you just want to
While we’re on the subject of talkunwind and have quiet time yet ended
ing, do you talk through your whole
up in a cluttered place that smelled too
session? Worse yet, do you talk about
strongly, with someone talking about
yourself? Sessions should be calm and
themselves and bumping the table while
relaxing for the client. Chit-chat is fine
you were trying to relax? I have, and I
during their foot soak, but after that try
think we owe it to our clients, who are
to speak only if asked a direct question.
paying good money, to give them what
Mentally log points to discuss with
they want, especially when they want
them after the session is finished,
peace, quiet and stress relief.
unless they are awake and want to
client and give them quiet time. There
are other good, stimulating ways to do
reflexology, to which the following may
or may not apply.
know what you find right away. Yes, I
know there are the chatty clients that
talk throughout the whole session—let
them, we may be their only outlet. But
remember most of them do not want
your advice; they just want to be heard.
Let me begin this section by stating
When doing your reflexology foot
that I do a relaxing reflexology session.
routine, be conscious not to accidenMost of my clients fall asleep or at least
tally bump the table or your client’s
go to “zone heaven.” My goal is to refeet. In going from one move to the
lieve as much stress as possible for my
next, be aware of the choreography.
Remember: In the quiet places we find
our soul.
Congratulations
Kathleen M. Crews
and
Cheryl Lieberman
On your ARCB Certification!
Washington Reflexology Association
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org
Page 6
Sole Inspiration
Member Spotlight on Kandi Burke
Interview by Tina Bystrom
Kandi Burke has been a reflexologist for
over thirty years. Her love for this therapeutic touch is obvious from the first moment.
Kandi’s bright eyes and open manner simultaneously invite
questions and ask them, and it strikes me that this is a person
who is always learning from others and who is always willing
to teach.
worked on my own feet. Soon everyone—family, friends, acquaintances,
friends of friends—began to ask,
“Would you check my feet?” It became
a second full-time job [at the time Kandi
was doing “energy work” as a full-time
employee of Seattle City Light].
A charter member of the WRA, Kandi is a Seattle native,
a “single gal,” and the proud auntie of a 23 year-old nephew.
I realized that reflexology fed the
soul. I researched the State requireKandi Burke
ments to do this work. They told me I
had to become a licensed massage practitioner, and I thought
“No! I don’t want to touch naked bodies!” I did it, kicking and
screaming, because all I really wanted to do was reflexology. I
had to be driven home after my first practicum because the
power of touch was so intense, I came a bit unglued.
Sole Inspiration: How long have you practiced reflexology?
Kandi Burke: For over 30 years.
SI: You were a Charter Member of the WRA . . . have you
held an office?
KB: Yes! I’ve served as Vice President and Secretary, multiple
times. In the early days, the officers did “everything.” We
funded the organization, learned law, learned to develop and
write mission and vision statements, created policies and
forms.
SI: How did you first become interested in reflexology?
Where and when did you learn how to do it?
KB: There were several experiences that led me to reflexology. I was born with a clubbed foot. My mom was told by the
doctor that they could do surgery or she could massage my
foot to straighten it. There were no guarantees for either
choice. For financial reasons my mom chose massage, and my
foot straightened.
When I was about 20, I fell and injured my back. The
doctors said it was “bruised muscles,” and being young and
on my own I didn’t seek a second opinion. I was in a car
wreck after that, and again they said it was bruised muscles. I
got the flu about five years after my fall, and it settled in the
places I injured. I learned that my sore back was actually a
crushed lumbar disc. I began to have episodes of sciatic pain,
and began chiropractic care. Several years went by and I
found myself in a pain episode so severe I could hardly walk.
During this time I went to get my toenails clipped because I couldn’t reach my own feet. The guy started doing
work on my feet prior to the pedicure and my pain began to
shift. I asked him what he was doing and he said “reflexology.”
I had to know more: this was the first time that the pain cycle
had been interrupted in years, and my brain fog began clear. I
asked where he had learned it; he said “books.” I asked which
ones; he named Better Health with Reflexology by Dwight Byers
and Stories the Feet Have Told by Eunice Ingham.
I realized the power of reflexology at that moment and
knew I needed it in my life. I read the books, and began telling
everyone around me about what was happening to me as I
I graduated from massage school [the Brian Utting School
of Massage] in 1987, and I began my reflexology practice. My
first formal reflexology class was in 1995 with Dwight Byers.
It was that experience, with Dwight talking about certifying
reflexologists, which was impetus for starting the WRA. The
State of Washington did not recognize any certification program.
SI: Do you practice other modalities as well?
KB: Massage (a select few get full body work), flower remedies, some aromatherapy. I also talk about nutrition and seasonal living. Each season influences the body, spirit, nutrition,
fluid, rest, and how you use your words.
I believe we need to treat patients/clients from our personal “ness” as well as with our professional knowledge.
When we are holding their feet, we are holding all that they
are, so it is important to be all that we are.
SI: Who are your primary clients today, and why?
KB: Women. Women make the time to receive and be
tended for their health and well–being because they live such
big lives, with how they tend their family, or the work they’re
doing in a job or in the community. The secondary client is
someone with foot symptoms, i.e. plantar fasciitis, neuroma,
neuralgia.
SI: How many hours do you practice reflexology each month?
Do you have another job as well?
KB: I have supported myself one hundred per cent with reflexology since 1987. I see six people a day, four-and-a-half
days a week. I always schedule ninety minutes because I never
know when I’ll come across something that needs more
work. So, that’s about 24-30 hours a week.
(Continued on next page)
Washington Reflexology Association
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org
Volume 9, Issue 2
Page 7
54. He did, made comfortable in his Transition with reflexology.
(Continued from previous page)
SI: How long do you think you will practice; will you ever
retire?
SI: If you could share only one or two pieces of sage wisdom
for a new reflexologist, what would it be?
KB: This is a forever thing. It is irresistible to touch when it
can be so influential so fast. Touch travels and has its own
language, which is why it’s so influential no matter what “it”
is called. Names create a certain understanding about the
body, but it’s all taking place through touch in a very specific
way.
KB: Let go of your brain and move into the Divine wisdom
of shared touch. Shared touch is whatever comes back to
you from the client as you reflex them. Remember, the brain
is here anyway [indicating finger tips], but here it is Divine
and doesn’t have the limitations of this [indicating the head].
SI: What are your hobbies and interests outside of reflexology?
SI: Is there anything else you would like to share?
KB: Oh man! Anything that will lead me to a fun, full engagement of living. So, it’s all about dance, which means all manner of music (concerts, theater, and so on). Also, reading, for
pleasure and therapy; and I’ve discovered gardening in the
past couple of years. Right now, having people come over to
cook at my house is “pleasure stuff.”
KB: Remember the foundation it gives you. Stop being scared
of the business of reflexology, or what others think, and focus
on the understanding that no matter what or where, you
have just added grace to the planet and the world community. By helping people relax and come to the consciousness
of the moment, you provide a launching pad for LIFE. Stay
excited.
SI: Would you share one of your success stories?
KB: There are so many! [Kandi had two great stories, one of
which is featured below]. Rick came in with an asbestos tumor in his right lung. He walked hunched over from the deformity it created, and was great pain. Although he didn’t tell
me he wanted to die, I knew it the moment I touched him.
Yikes! What was I going to do? Well, just touch and tend the
feet.
Rick called the next day to report that all his stomach
nausea was gone. He was delighted because he had a great
love of food. In thanks, he took me to lunch at his favorite
restaurant. When he died six months later, I learned he had
told his wife when they married he would die at the age of
Kandi continues to be a valued and involved member of
the WRA. Her experience of more than thirty years at the
feet of so many has become a deep source of wisdom and
heart, and I have learned first hand that Kandi is a generous
mentor who is more than happy to share her expertise and
encouragement with reflexologists, new and old.
Thank you, Kandi!
If you know a WRA member whose story and experiences inspire
you, why not ask them for an interview? Interview them yourself or
submit their name to the editor and someone on the newsletter
committee will happily do so.
Let go of your brain and move into
the Divine wisdom of shared touch.
Success Story:
Full Circle for Kandi Burke
Given Kandi Burke’s history of a clubbed foot as
a baby [see Member Spotlight, above], this
Success Story is especially poignant.
A woman recently called me, a U.S. diplomat to Venezuela, whose baby girl was born prematurely—she was in
the hospital for two months with a feeding tube going into
a vein in her ankle. The foot became clubbed as a result.
When we met, the baby had been out of the hospital
for four weeks. The mother had to decide whether or not
Washington Reflexology Association
to allow the doctors to operate. I asked her the same
questions I imagine my own mother asked when she had to
make a similar decision about me: what would the operation do for the baby, and what was the guarantee for the
results? She didn’t know the answer to these questions.
I had the mom hold the baby in her lap and did three
passes on her Achilles and ankle area, and the foot straightened right up!
Do you have a Success Story? Please consider writing it up
for submission, or call our editor to relay the story verbally:
Tina at [email protected] or 206-910-4888.
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org
Page 8
Sole Inspiration
NEAT Feet January 2006 Meeting
Submitted by Liz Pizelo
January 18, 2006, 7:00 PM at Berg’s Shoe Store. for each of the different classes, as well as handouts for reFacilitator: Carolyn Fielder. Secretary: Liz Pizelo. flexology association resources and neutral accrediting agencies. We still need seven more people to sign up for the
Attendees: Carolyn Fielder, Nancy Larsen, Patty
Hand Reflexology class to be taught by Kristi Gabriel on
Russel, Carol Vellmer, Elma Bordwell, Rebecca Cannon, Liz
February 25-26. The registrations have to be in by February
Pizelo, Marge Pashley, Bob Berg (guest speaker).
11th or the class will be cancelled.
The minutes of the previous meeting were prepared and
We discussed the nursing association ‘Pride in Nursing’
read by Liz Pizelo.
conference that is to be held at the Fort Mukagowa, Friday,
th
Janice Stanke’s memorial service was held on December May 5 . This is an annual event, attended by approximately
250
nurses.
We have been invited to do reflexology from
28, 2005. Carolyn has the slide show from her services for
8:00
a.m.
to
4:00 p.m. After a vote, it was decided that we
those who would like to view it on her laptop after the
would
charge
$15.00 for fifteen minutes. The nursing assomeeting.
ciation will have to pre-book appointments, and they would
Excerpts from the WRA Vision Meeting notes we read,
need to have completed our sign-in sheet before receiving
as provided by Cecelia McCorkle.
their reflexology session.
Reminder that the deadline for newsletter submissions is
Our guest speaker was Bob Berg, Podiatrist. He graMarch first. Submissions must be made to Tina Bystrom at
ciously allowed us to have our meeting at his store. He [email protected].
plained to us what he does. He also explained how orthotics
can help different ailments of the feet. We had a question
Carolyn asked everyone to get their WRA data forms
sent in ASAP. We discussed the benefits of WRA member- and answer period. He was able to help Elma and Nancy
ship. Anyone who is an active WRA member will be listed in with specific problems by fitting their shoes, and customizing
their orthotics.
the association directory. Those who are certified or meet
requirements as a ‘professional’ may be listed on the referral
John Stanke had donated some of Janice’s reflexology
page of the WRA website.
books and videos to Carolyn. It was agreed that they will be
The T-shirts came in from Information for People. Four- donated to NEAT Feet as a lending library, and may be
teen people ordered them, and they were $9.66 each. Caro- loaned out within our local area.
lyn has researched some local stores about ordering more
Door prizes were given away. Refreshments were proshirts with our NEAT Feet logo.
vided. Meeting adjourned at 8:50.
Carolyn typed up a list of all the upcoming Continuing
Next Meeting: 7:00 PM, May 17, 2006; location to be
Education Opportunities for 2006. Handouts are available
announced.
Team Northwest Winter 2006 Meeting
th
Team northwest met on January 28 ,
2006 from 11:00am to 4:00pm to plan
out our year. There were five team
members present: Ann Novak, Sharon
Dodge, Elizabeth O’Berry, Karen Peck
and Diana Nestor. We meet at Diana’s
home on Camano Island and after a tour of Diana’s new
work space settled down to business.
Submitted by Diana Nestor, LMP
passes the responsibility around and gives everyone a
chance to be team leader.
After business was concluded we shared a salad luncheon and did exchanges. It felt great and was much needed
by all. During the exchange time we listened to Chris
Stormer’s Language of the Feet on tape, we visited, laughed
and half-way decided to call ourselves the Red Shoes, after
the Red Hat ladies who just want to have fun.
It was discussed and we decided to meet four times a
year, with two additional events. The events would include
Our next meeting will be a WRA group meeting
the Highland Games in Mt. Vernon in July and the World
at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op in Mt. Vernon on
Reflexology Awareness Week in September. The team
May 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm; hosted by Karen
meetings will be in Jan/Feb, May, August and November. The team member hosting the meeting will be respon- Peck.
sible for taking notes and writing the article for the newsletWe hope to see you there.
ter and coming up with the program for the meeting. This
Washington Reflexology Association
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org
Volume 9, Issue 2
Page 9
WRA at the Oriental Medicine
Health, Education & Arts Fair
On Saturday, March 4th, five members, including our Vice
President, Mary VonRanker, Lembi Kongas, Susan Pereira, Eleana Friedman and Tina Bystrom, represented the WRA at the
Washington Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association’s
health fair at Bastyr University in Kenmore.
WRA had two long tables appointed with lacy and colorful
cloths on which we displayed information about reflexology, the
WRA and the individual practitioners. Eleana was our host,
greeting visitors, coordinating sign-ups and answering general
questions, while Mary, Lembi, Susan and Tina provided mini foot
and hand sessions and further information about reflexology.
WRA member Elizabeth Marazita, coordinator for the
WAOMA event, gave guided tours of the reflexology pathway
next to the Bastyr herb garden, and WRA President Cecelia
McCorkle stopped by to offer her thanks and encouragement.
Have You Read a
Reflexology (or Related)
Book Lately?
We’d love to know what you thought about it...how
about writing up a book review for the next issue of
Sole Inspiration?
Please send your Book Review to
Tina Bystrom via email:
[email protected]
or regular post:
20311 79th Avenue Northeast,
Kenmore, WA 98028
Our next deadline is June 1, 2006
We had back-to-back clients, and more sign-ups than we
had time or space for, beginning at 2:00 and running 30 minutes
past the 5:00 end time, on three La Fuma chairs and a lastminute hand reflexology station. Sessions lasted 15-20 minutes
each.
Mary put a lot of thought and effort into providing the
practitioners with everything we needed, from sanitizing supplies, to clocks, to water, and to making sure our display would
be prominent, informative and beautiful; and there was a dedicated and upbeat collaborative effort on the part of all volunteers which culminated in a truly fun, joyful and successful day.
Submitted by Tina Bystrom
Outreach for Reflexology
Submitted by Lembi Kongas
In August, 2005, I participated as a reflexologist in the
Many people knew of the benefits of massage, so there
booth run by the Associated Bodywork and Massage Profes- was a line up waiting at the massage chair, but there were
sionals at the annual meeting and exhibition of the National fewer people brave enough to try something new: foot reflexology. Yet once they saw the satisfied recipients, more
Conference of State Legislators.
folks gladly lined up.
The three-day long conference was held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle. The
event was large, busy and exciting, with legislators from
every state present, and a myriad of groups vying for their
attention, including the ABMP, chiropractors and other various medical professions, insurance firms, bottled water
companies, and more. I saw an opportunity to educate legislators and ABMP about reflexology.
I was told by ABMP that there was no room in the
booth for the Lafuma chair (it is large), so I suggested I do
hand reflexology. However, when I arrived there were already two people waiting and I was able to quickly improvise a set-up using two chairs, a cushion and a camping
stool, and offer short foot reflexology sessions after all.
Washington Reflexology Association
I worked on state legislators from all across the nation:
Maine, Wisconsin, Florida, the Dakotas, North Carolina,
and more. (One woman was able to relax so much that she
fell asleep sitting up during the session!)
All in all, I found the event to be successful and fascinating. Ninety-nine percent of the people had not previously
known about reflexology, and I was gratified to be able to
educate the legislators about it, as it may reflect positively
for all of us in the future. I was also happy to be able to expand the ABMP’s view of their membership, first hand, beyond massage practitioners. And, I had my parking and
lunch covered for me!
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org
Sole Inspiration
Page 10
Reflexology Conferences and Symposiums
Reflexology Association of America Conference 2006:
“Touching the Past—Creating the Future”
May 5-7, 2006 in Tucson, AZ
Speaker Lineup: Moss Arnold, Chris Stormer, Linda Chollar, Bill Flocco, Sharon Stathis, KC Miller, and more!
Conference Fee: $200.00 post-marked by April 1, 2006, $225.00 thereafter; $250.00 non-RAA members
Room rate $79.00 at the Double Tree Hotel
For more Information and Registration
call (740) 657-1695 or click on
www.reflexology-usa.org
Two Excellent Post-Conference Workshops
on May 8 & 9
Chi-Reflexology with Moss Arnold
and
The Next Step with Chris Stormer
China Reflexology Symposium 2006
A Reflexology Symposium will be held on
Line A: Great Wall, Ming Tomb
October 18-20, 2006 in Beijing, China. The
Line B: Tian-An-Men Square, Imperial
main topic will be Helping Children with
Palace, Temple of Heaven
Cerebral Palsy and Scoliosis with Reflexology.
Line C: Summer Palace, Fragrant Hill
Reflexologists from abroad are welcome
to join the Symposium. There will be simultaneous translation and English version
of Manuscript.
Venue: Auditorium of the China Academy
of Social Sciences, Jian-Guo-Men-Nei
Street (Chang An Boulevard), Beijing.
Cost for each line: $50.00 (lunch included)
Registration: Please mail the attached
Registration Form no later than August 31,
2006 to the Secretariat of the Symposium:
Ms.Zhang Hongjing, General Secretary
P.0.Box 2002
Registration Fee: $300.00 (includes
Beijing 100026, China
three lunches, a reception dinner, the Symposium Manuscript, visits to Chinese medi- Fax: 0086-10-65068309,85963667
cal institutions and health-care centers).
Mobile: 13701184520
Accommodation: Participants may reE-mail: [email protected]
serve hotel rooms through a tourist
Registration can be made through e-mail
agency or through the Secretariat of the
Symposium. We can seek special discount or fax. All payments can be made at the
Registration Desk after your arrival.
for foreign participants in a nearby hotel
(standard two-bed room per night:
Presentation: Full text of your presenta$100.00, which can be shared with another tion should be sent to us no later than
participant).
August 31, 2006.
Sightseeing Program: You may take
part in the following lines organized by a
China Reflexology Association
tourist agency after the Symposium:
Washington Reflexology Association
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org
Volume 9, Issue 2
Page 11
PSYCHIC TOOLS 101:
YOU ALREADY ARE PSYCHIC
IT’S TIME TO DEVELOP AND USE IT
This class will cover:
* Beginning to “read” the energy of people, places and things
* Grounding your space to keep it safe while you are opening up psychically
* Moving energy blocks in your body and clearing pain
* Being aware of and separating from energies that may be influencing you
* Discovering your very own spiritual information (one size does NOT fit all)
Dates: 6 Saturdays, April 15 – May 20, 2006; 10 am – Noon
Cost: $195.00
Location: Queen Anne in Seattle
Taught by: Madeline Hartman, MSW, Charter Member of WRA
Madeline has over 25 years experience of teaching and doing Intuitive Readings and Healings.
“Madeline is the most grounded, down-to-earth psychic I’ve ever met.”
-- Val M.
Contact: 206206-285285-5064 or [email protected]
www.psychicschool.com/gradmadeline.htm
WRA CLASSIFIED ADS
Business Opportunities
Products
Volunteer Opportunities
POSSIBLE REFLEXOLOGY POSITION Available at Starbucks Java Gym.
Contact Alicia Graham at 206-318-4201, or
[email protected], or at Starbucks
Headquarters, 2401 Utah Avenue South,
Seattle, WA 98134.
FOR SALE: WRA LOGO SHIRTS,
BLANKETS, mugs, bags, decals and sundry fun things. Contact Julie McGehe at
(425) 221-2224 or [email protected].
LOOKING FOR PROFESSIONAL
GUEST Speakers for these topics: Business Development & Skills, Complimentary
Modalities, Reflexology, and Health & Healing. If you know of the perfect Speaker,
please leave a message with the info on the
WRA "hotline" at (425) 818-4785.
Services
YOUR AD HERE . . .
Space For Rent
YOUR AD HERE . . .
ADVERTISE in
SOLE INSPIRATION
Member (M) and
Non-Member (NM) Rates
Business card (2” x 3.5”)
M = $12.50
NM = $25
Quarter page (3.5” x 4.5”)
M = $17.50
NM = $35
Half page (4.5” x 6.5”)
M = $30
NM = $60
Special Offer: Pre-pay for ads in 3 issues
and receive the 4th free.
Washington Reflexology Association
Submit Ad with Payment to:
WRA/Sole Inspiration
PO Box 563
Duvall, WA 98019
Or email Ad to:
[email protected]
and remit Payment to above address.
Checks or MOs accepted.
(425) 818-4785
PROMO ORGANIZER WANTED.
Are you a people-person who’d love to
sell cool, fun stuff as a way to raise money
for the WRA? If so, the WRA is looking for
YOU to join the team. If you are interested, please leave a message for Cecelia
on the WRA "hotline" at (425) 818-4785.
CLASSIFIED AD
PLACEMENT
Cost: $.25 per word for members;
$.50 per word for non-members.
20 word minimum.
Each word is one word, including
articles and prepositions (phone
numbers and websites are also
counted as one word).
washingtonreflexology.org
We’re on the web!
.washingtonreflexology.org
Phone: (425) 818-4785
[email protected]
PO Box 563
Duvall, WA 98019
WASHINGTON
REFLEXOLOGY
ASSOCIATION
Welcome
New WRA
Members!
Marjorie Pashley
Associate Member
Colbert, WA
Susan Pereira
Professional Member
Everett, WA
Eleana Friedman
Associate Member
Issaquah, WA
Reminder for Professional Members:
Check your listing on the WRA Online Referral Network
Is all the information correct and up-to-date, including the
required credential abbreviations? To make sure visit our website
and click on “Referral Net.”
Additions, updates and corrections should be submitted via
e-mail to Cecelia McCorkle at [email protected].
Washington Reflexology Association
(425) 818-4785
washingtonreflexology.org