The Barefoot Dragonfly

10/03/2023

When was your last session, friend? Head over to the link in bio or https://thebarefootdragonfly.com to schedule your next appointment. 👣

09/12/2023

👣 Foot Reflexology 👣 unlocked for these two students this past weekend. 🔓

It's such an honor and a joy to be mentoring the next generation of reflexologists. 🥰

08/25/2023

👣 Did you know I've been board certified through the American Reflexology Certification Board since 2006?

Two years after graduating from reflexology school I realized it was important to me to join my peers and sit for this written and practical exam. I filed my case studies, sat for the 300 question written exam, and demonstrated my hands-on skills to the proctor. 💪

Reflexology is recognized by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) with grant funded research showing reflexology can support even the most fragile patients.

07/25/2023

Congratulations to nurse-aromatherapist Marian Reven on her latest research on patients experiencing substance use disorder using aromatherapy to turn the dial down on stress! 🥳

Aromatherapy eases stress in people undergoing treatment for substance use disorder which, in turn, could enhance their chances of a successful recovery, according to West Virginia University research. The study, which is ongoing, incorporates the use of essential oils as an integrative therapy that...

07/16/2023

Catsistants Charlie and Simon helped Intermediate Reflexology course students with their practicum lessons this weekend. 😺 Simon oversaw technique demonstration and return demonstration. Charlie helped demonstrate how to operate the zero gravity recliners. 😆

In this practicum we added to the foundations course with techniques specific to the integumentary, musculoskeletal, and neuroendocrine systems. 👣

07/05/2023

Six spaces left in the Foundations in Reflexology course starting August 14th! What questions do you have about studying reflexology with me? Let me know in the comments!

06/23/2023

This is what happens when the Plant Ladies go to Colorado, learn new formulating techniques, then get together to play in the studio when we're both back in town! 🥰

We made Double Extracted Fiery Oxymel first. grew some amazing garlic and onions for this batch. I contributed sage, Tulsi, and elderflower from my garden.

Then we tried our hand at a Summery Elixir with honey extracted aronia berries and some delicious tinctures. We'll dose ourselves for a week and then make it available to clients and friends. 😋

05/30/2023

Appointment opportunities this week before I leave for training in the mountains:
Wednesday at 12pm noon
Friday at 12pm noon

05/23/2023

Friendly reminder to check in on hydration and make a plan to keep track of water intake (I use the Water Drink Reminder app) and gently ease yourself into outdoor time. ☀️

If you're taking over-the-counter or prescription medications check and see if they can make you more sensitive to UV exposure and/or dehydration and heat intolerance.

Drugs that can make you more sensitive to sun exposure (read: you're more prone to burning quicker) include:
💊 Antibiotics like Cipro and Doxycycline
💊 Antihistamines like Zyrtec, Benadryl, and Claritin
💊 Cholesterol meds like Lipitor, Zocor, and Mevacor
💊 NSAIDs like Advil, Aleve, and Celebrex
💊 Hormone replacement therapy and hormone birth control

Drugs that can make you more sensitive to the heat (read: heat intolerance around 85F and above):
💊 Combo antihistamine + decongestants like Allerx-D and Dallergy
💊 Beta-Blockers like Toprol XL, Corgard, and Zebeta
💊 Diuretics like Lasix, Diamox, and Oretic
💊 Psychotropics like SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs

A few herbs I love in summer teas to encourage hydration and help keep the body cool include:
🥤 Hibiscus or Roselle for Agua de Jamaica
🥤 Texas Pink Primrose
🥤 Marshmallow Root
🥤 Oatstraw
🥤 Rose
🥤 Elderflower
🥤 Peach Leaf

As always, before working with a new botanical check with your practitioner for drug and condition interactions. If you need a seasonal tea blend I'm here to help with a full apothecary at the ready.

05/20/2023

Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) does not share the Mint family with it's cousins the Mediterranean oreganos but instead is in the Verbena family.

This creates a unique chemistry of Thymol, Carvacrol, p-Cymene, and 1,8-Cineole that feels familiarly "oregano-ish" but other lesser aromatics round it out for a slightly lemony, licoricey/anisey, floral herb.

Today, I've trimmed the plant out of the walkway and am taking advantage of this bountiful harvest to dry in the herb dryer. I use Mexican Oregano in the kitchen in Tex-Mex, New Mexican, and Mexican dishes.

The chemistry 🔬 of Mexican Oregano suggests it would be ideal in the diet to support the immune system's surveillance for abnormal cell division (precancerous cells), as well as the digestive system's maintenance of a healthy microbiome which is especially useful in our climate where foodborne illness is a common issue. 🤢

Have you tried Mexican Oregano? It loves growing in this hot climate and the pink-purple blossoms are popular with the pollinators! 🐝🦋🐜

05/06/2023

Herb Day was a delight! I asked Rosemary if I could have a fangirl moment and get a picture with her and her response was, "I'd like to get a photo with you and be a fangirl too!" 😍

I enjoyed a stroll through the teaching gardens. Loved hearing about the inclusive gardening project the interns have been working on!

And of course I came home with a trunk of herbs for the apothecary garden. 🌱

I'm still getting my energy back from my Covid infection last month so I only did the morning visit. It sure was nice saying hello and hugging botanical friends! 🥰

04/04/2023

🥰

Love having you in the zero gravity recliner for some serious TLC!

Testimonials and referrals are the greatest compliment you can give a small business. 🙏

04/03/2023

We went strawberry picking in Marble Falls yesterday and had such a fun time filling our boxes. 🍓

Strawberries are good heart medicine 🫀 - rich in antioxidants they can ease high blood pressure, reduce inflammation, turn down oxidative stress, and can reduce high cholesterol.

I'm going to make a Strawberry Hawthorne Cordial to add to sparkling water as the heat starts creeping in. The Summer season starts so early here in Texas we can use all the Fire Yang energy support we can get, amiright?! 🔥

03/31/2023

Oh no, not my houseplants crying because I forgot to water them! 😱

>>The noises were particularly obvious for plants that were stressed by a lack of water or recent cutting. If the sounds are pitched down and sped up, “it is a bit like popcorn — very short clicks,” Hadany says. “It is not singing.”

Microphones capture ultrasonic crackles from plants that are water-deprived or injured

03/20/2023

Happy Spring Equinox! Mother Nature is throwing such a party with this year's flowers 😍

Yesterday we rode bikes at Brushy Creek Park and the bluebonnets were out en force. Don't worry, I took my quercitin, nettles, and yerba mansa so I didn't wake up looking like a 🍅 this morning. 😆🤧

What's your strategy for enjoying the outdoors during the friend? 👃

03/17/2023

About 105,000 Central Texas women suffer from migraine headaches. 🥺

I've seen clients use Reflexology to decrease the frequency and intensity of their migraine headaches over my nineteen years of practice. 🧠

One of my favorite maps to work on for migraineurs are the HANDS! The hands have a larger reflex area dedicated to points for the head and neck than we see on the feet and ear maps.

Head over to my website to read a bit more about how I work with migraine headaches in my practice: https://www.thebarefootdragonfly.com/suffering-from-migraines-consider-hand-reflexology/

And to my colleagues, I'll be offering a continuing education webinar on this topic in May if you'd like a refresher on migraine anatomy and technique tips! https://www.thebarefootdragonfly.com/event/reflexology-for-migraine-headaches-webinar/

03/11/2023

🙌

North Texans should get ready for some vibrant blooms as spring begins.

03/10/2023

Did you know modern reflexology got it's start in the operating room? Ear nose and throat surgeon William FitzGerald used controlled pressure on the hands and feet during surgeries.

I wanted to share a few images of this 1915 issue of "Everybody's Magazine" with you all so you could get a sense of how pain control pressure techniques were being used a hundred years ago!

Reflexology really shines with pain management - be it acute or chronic! If you're struggling with pain and haven't seen a professional reflexologist consider this your invitation to give it a try.

Here in Texas you can find qualified reflexologists through the Texas Reflexology Association. Nationally I'd suggest searching the online directories of the American Reflexology Certification Board and the Reflexology Association of America. You're looking for someone with at least 110 hours of classroom training in a reflexology program. 👣

03/10/2023

{Flashback Friday} to that time I was in Mother Earth Living magazine talking about how not to poison yourself with essential oils in your glass of water. 😎

03/08/2023

Today's the last day to register for the Spring 2023 Foundations in Reflexology.

We meet over Zoom on Thursday mornings to explore:
🦶 Reflexology's 5,000 year history
🦶 Structure and function of the feet and lower legs
🦶 Reflex locations for every organ, gland, and body part on the feet
🦶 Sanitation and hygiene practices that protect practitioner and client
🦶 How to write session notes for case studies
🦶 Who Reflexology is for, cautions, and contraindications

Then on April 27-29 we have three days of practicum here in the Austin studio to explore:
🦶 Reflexology-specific techniques: thumb and finger walking, rotating on a point
🦶 Taking a health history
🦶 Gait and footwear analysis
🦶 Practicing a 30 minute foot reflexology routine

03/05/2023

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." - John Burroughs

Today's sunshine-infused hike amongst the wildflowers at McKinney Falls was just the reset my soles were craving. 👣

02/26/2023

Congratulations to Pam who passed her final exam yesterday! 🎉 She's wrapping up her case studies in her community in Las Cruces, New Mexico where she'll be practicing as a professional Reflexologist.

Pam wanted to go into the healing arts after decades in the corporate environmental sector, helping to make the world a better place to live. The Reflexology Program was a good fit for her to study part-time, and she traveled in to Austin for her practicum lessons. Her friends, neighbors, and colleagues have greatly benefitted from her training as case studies reporting improved sleep, less pain, better mobility, and a safe space to find a pocket of rest in their busy week.

It's been a pleasure having you with us in the classroom, Pam! 👣

👣

02/25/2023

Practicum Day Two explored Traditional Ayurvedic medicine and it's applications in a reflexology session.

We started by giving ourselves an herbal foot soak, then trying out some self-care padabhyanga using marma points on the feet.

From there we setup the table to exchange work with a kansa vatki bowl and a kansa wand which are used to balance the energies of the three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha.

Our final technique exploration was on the reflex points representing the seven energy wheels, known as chakras. Pam suggested we play The Wong Janice's beautiful Chakra album featuring the cello. We're all sure to sleep good tonight. 😌

Tomorrow we're reviewing some technique work for the ear and hand maps - smoothing out some of the Foot Hand Ear routine - and then Pam will sit for her final written and practical exam. ✍️

It's been an honor having these students here this practicum. 🥰

02/23/2023

In Level Three we explore the energetics of Traditional Chinese medicine and how they may apply to a reflexology treatment. Today we've mapped out the meridians that begin or end in the hands and feet and we're exploring tools like moxa, press seeds, a tuning fork, and cupping on the reflex maps.

02/16/2023

Has it been a little while since your last session? Bring your feet in for a tune up, friend!

http://thebarefootdragonfly.com/make-appointment

02/07/2023

Did you know our 300 hour reflexology program is the most comprehensive training offered in the state of Texas?

Graduates are prepared for a fulfilling career as a Reflexologist using a client-centered approach to helping folks in their communities find rest and healing.

Our next program starts March 9th and is accepting applications for level one: Foundations in Reflexology. Our first practicum is April 27th-29th here in the Austin studio.

Details at www.thebarefootdragonfly.com/learning-center/reflexology

02/04/2023

Thanks for your patience with me in response times. 🙏 We got power back this morning after 60+ hours without but it comes and goes along with internet.

Be gentle with yourself in the coming days. We've had catastrophic tree loss and our collective trauma from February 2021 got a bit reactivated. Needless to say it's been a WEEK.

My evening foot rub tonight has a drop of Texas Juniper and two drops of Tangerine. Feeling grateful for the trees that held up through bitter freezes, scorching heat, and this last summer's drought. 🌳🍁

02/01/2023

Reflexology chose me nineteen years ago, I thought "this is what I want to be when I grow up!"

March 6th is the start of our next Foundations in Reflexology course. Over the course of six lectures, we'll explore:
🦶 Origins and Theories of Reflexology
🦶 Reflexology for Every Body, Cautions, and Contraindications
🦶 Structure and Function of the Foot and Lower Leg
🦶 Anatomical Locations of Reflexes
🦶 Sanitation and Hygiene in the Reflexology Practice
🦶 Introduction to Session Documentation

Our practicum will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 27th-29th here at the Austin, Texas studio where we'll cover:
🦶 30 Minute Foot Reflexology Routine
🦶 Gait and Footwear Analysis
🦶 Taking a Health History

If you've ever wanted to have your health at your fingertips, this is it! No experience necessary, folks looking for a refresher course are also welcome. 🥰

Registration is open to eight (8) participants. Details at link in bio or www.thebarefootdragonfly.com.

01/30/2023

No doubt houseplants have health benefits in our homes. But we cannot exclusively rely on them to remove off-gassing chemicals from the sofa, electronics, flooring, and the bioaerosols we produce as indoor occupants.

Find a tried-and-true HEPA air cleaner that is rated to clean the size of room you have on the lowest fan setting so it can continuously run in the background gobbling up formaldehyde, body odor, fungal spores, bacteria, and virus particles. Let your houseplants serve as a source of beauty, our inherent need to connect with nature every day, and they'll also help remove small components of polluted air. 🌱👃

Need some assistance finding the right size HEPA air cleaner for your space? Check out Dr Pieter Peach's database: https://cleanairstars.com/filters/

01/30/2023

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. - Khalil Gibran

First barefoot hike of 2023 this morning. Felt good to be in nature's foot gym - climbing rocks, balancing on logs, squishing through mud, and crossing the creek.

With hundreds of thousands of specialized nerve endings our feet need time away from the usual grind. Standing on hard concrete, and being squished into maximalist footwear is not their idea of a good time. 🥺 Try adding some small river rocks to your next foot soak and see how curious your toes get!

See you in the studio, friends. 👣

01/19/2023

Breaking the seal on a new bottle of your favorite essential oil is a whole mood, amiright?! What aromatic is with you today?

"Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived." - Helen Keller

Image: The New Perfume by John William Goddard, 1861-1922

01/17/2023

It's my first week back in the studio so I made matcha treats to celebrate with clients!

Matcha, or powdered green tea, was everywhere we went in Japan. From darling green tea cafes, confectioners, bakeries, even the corner market had matcha dusted almonds and instant latte mixes. 😋

Green tea has antioxidants, like polyphenols and catechins, which can support the body through:
🟢 Reducing inflammation
🟢 Protecting against cellular damage
🟢 Boosting metabolism
🟢 Prevent cardiovascular disease

Recent research has looked at the inhibitory action of green tea's catechin EGCG on Covid and may be worth exploring in the long covid and long EBV groups. I'll write more on that in my next newsletter. ✍️

So these are fun little treats: Chocolate Chip Matcha Cookies and Vegan Matcha Energy Balls. I might try sunflower seeds in the next batch of energy balls. 🤔

See you in the studio!

01/10/2023

Winter Break was just the reset my mind, body, and soul needed! I feel inspired and the creative juices have been flowing. 🧠💡

But first, let me get my circadian rhythm back in Austin time zone! ✈️😴☀️

Thanks for your patience as I tip toe back into routines this week. 🙏

12/19/2022

Officially unplugged for the holidays, y'all! I'm looking forward to coming back recharged and refreshed January 10th.

Wishing you and yours a restful and restorative winter break. 🥰❄️🌲

12/16/2022

Some days start with a chat with a potential reflexology student, a call with a fellow educator, then an aromatherapy outcall for a housebound client, and while I was out I was able to squeeze in a visit to the ICU for a gentleman experience post-op pain.

👣

12/14/2022

Let there be light therapy for our seasonal affective disorder, and blackout curtains to protect our heart and pancreas! Self-reflexology techniques included if you want to tap in to your pineal gland reflex. 🖐

https://youtu.be/TOmKn7n_Zc0 The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus, aka the SCN, is located in the brain sandwiched between the optic chiasm - where visual data enters the brain from the eyes - and the hypothalamus - a structure in charge of integrating the nervous and endocrine systems. The SCN acts as our b...

12/09/2022

It's not too late to get some time in THE chair before Winter Break! Appointments next week starting at 12:30 on Monday. 👣❄️☃️😌

Use code SOLSTICE22 for a $10 savings.

12/05/2022

✨ Sign up now for Foundations in Reflexology beginning January 30th, 2023! ✨😍

Step into the New Year with six weeks of online lessons followed by three days of practicum training in Foot Reflexology. 👣

You'll leave feeling empowered to help yourself and others using this natural healing modality.

Foundations in Reflexology is designed for both newbies to pressure point modalities as well as those with some experience who want to dive a little deeper and learn some new techniques.

This course is part of our 300 Hour Reflexology Program, though it can be taken as a standalone for those seeking a foundational training.

Visit https://www.thebarefootdragonfly.com/event/foundations-in-reflexology-level-one/ for more information and to register.

12/02/2022

Join me on Monday, December 12th at 8am Central for a Zoom Presentation on the Energy Toe Hold.

I love using this technique as a standalone self-care tool, or in a reflexology session. We use it to bring awareness and balance to the whole body.

This technique is especially useful for:
👣 Migraines and headaches
👣 To calm a busy mind
👣 Ease sinus congestion
👣 Intentionally support an element you're working on in this season of your life

The presentation will be recorded so if the time and date doesn't work for your schedule you can catch it later if you register in advance. Tuition is $15: www.thebarefootdragonfly.com/energy-toe-hold/

11/12/2022

Hand 🖐️ and Ear 👂 Reflexology practicum is in the books! 🥳