Oregon Reflexology Network sponsored  internationally-known teacher and author Bill Flocco in October 2012 in Portland, OR.  Flocco will return to Portland in 2013 to offer Basic Foot and Hand Ear Reflexology and his 200-hour reflexology certification program. See "Event" page for details.

Written by Pam Jablonski, Certified Reflexologist and ORN Charter Member, Portland.

Bill Flocco in October, 2012

I was fortunate to be part of Bill’s workshop on ‘Pain Control & Stress Reduction with
Foot/Hand/Ear Reflexology’, on Oct 12. His focus was on self-help foot, hand, and ear
reflexology and how to most effectively use them for different applications.

Bill also let us know that depending on the client’s presenting issues, one of the three
modalities will be more helpful in alleviating pain and bringing relief. But all three used
together in one session is a very potent method to bring about homeostasis. The theory
and practice of all three types of reflexology in one session forms the basis of Bill’s
certification program.

We were shown how to work on our own shoulder and neck reflex points on the ear; I
found the techniques very effective in easing my chronic neck and shoulder pain. And
that was just one of the numerous applications from his unique and well chronicled
toolbox that he skillfully passes along to each student.
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Bill was the first to spearhead reflexology research published in a scientific medical
journal. Through the American Academy of Reflexology in Los Angeles, he has been
teaching his unique and highly effective foot, hand and ear reflexology since 1982.

It was my privilege to share the travel time with Bill to and from the airport. I was able
to experience first-hand that the humor, gentleness, intelligence and passion for
reflexology that was experienced in his classroom, are indeed attributes of who he really
is.

Thanks to Bill Flocco and to ORN for bringing Bill to Portland!
Pam Jablonski, Certified Reflexologist in Portland, OR 

Quite some time was dedicated to body mechanics. Emphasis on how important it is to sit with a straight spine, so we don’t end up with back problems, and even more on how to be extremely effective without doing damage to our hands. One basic key was to engage the whole body rather than just hands and arms, and another, possibly even more important, was to use a technique Bill calls “thumb-rolling”. It’s a technique that allows you to reflex every little nerve ending without putting undue pressure on your thumbs - and gradually get to deeper and deeper layers of tissue all the while becoming more conscious of what that tissue feels like. I think all of us in the class are still working on perfecting this technique, but it is definitely something I will start incorporating into my practice. 

Another interesting part of the workshop for me was Bill’s talk about “Substance P”, a neurotransmitter that causes pain and is involved in many inflammatory diseases. This Substance P settles around the nerve endings in our extremities, and, as Bill said, it is our job as reflexologists to break it down, so the body can eliminate it. 

And here entered yet another intriguing thought, relating to reflexology on Feet Hands and Ears. I can still hear Bill’s voice saying: If you break down “Substance P” in the feet you may get a good result, but you’re still leaving the chemicals in the reflexes of the hands and the ears. But if you break it down in the hands and ears also, think about how much more powerful and long-lasting your work will be! I’m pretty entrenched in doing foot reflexology only, but this class has left me reconsidering . . . 

The workshop was a good reminder to me of how important it is to continuously expose ourselves to different teachers, as there always is something new and different to learn. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attend!

“I learned the importance of staying connected to the client I’m working on and looking for color changes in their face. Bill is gifted at transmitting enthusiasm for reflexology, and giving the information we need to be effective and confident.”

“Very nice introduction to reflexology. The course satisfied many curiosities ranging from the history of reflexology to the various technical components of the discipline. It emphasized and covered important details such as body mechanics, communication protocols, history and relationship with Western and Eastern modalities. All presented in a very palatable and delightful fashion.”

“Great integration of prior knowledge and new techniques plus effective strategies to market skills to various audiences. I learned a lot more than what I signed up for.”

“Bill Flocco re-enforced every point which made the concept remembered. When the course was over I could easily conduct an hour session on my own! Bill is an outstanding instructor. He makes sure you understand every part of the routine.”

“A great introduction to the art and science of reflexology in general and a good overview of foot reflexology specifically. Bill Flocco obviously knows his subject and research.”

“The class was great and I found the focus on good body mechanics to be very helpful.”

“I learned the basics of reflexology, body mechanics, reflexes and clients. I also learned that I’m excited to learn more from Bill Flocco!”

            On July 21st and 22nd, the annual Lavender Daze festival at Hood River Farms was graced with glorious blue skies, warm weather and the soothing lavender scent that permeated every molecule. This year ORN was a participant at the Festival with its members offering free reflexology de-mos for everyone who wished to partake. The response was wonderful with folks from as far as San Francisco, Ca. to Yakima, Wa. and many from the Portland Metro area coming out to feast their senses. From all of the positive remarks of those who kindly put their feet in our hands, it was evident that on our first public outing under the ORN auspices, and banner, was a resounding success!

Thanks to all who stopped by the booth, the multi-talented folks who lent their services to the grateful patrons and to the board itself for it’s tireless efforts to get the word out about the wonders of Reflexology.

Thanks also to the incredible artists, vendors and musi-cians lending their special touch to an already magnificent day.

Pam Jablonski C.R.

Above Picture featuring Karen Martin and Marie Louise Penchoen offering crowds reflexology sessions

John Forsberg doing reflexology at Lavender Daze 2012