Recently I completed training in another system of Facial Reflexology (in October 2017) so thought this was a good time to do my first blog about my thoughts on it so far. I’m still not too sure what I’m doing (with the blogging, not the face rubbing) so bear with me….
I suppose I should give you some background info first. I trained in Facial Reflexology Sorensensistem™ (hereafter referred to as FRS) in 2011 to complement my practice and give those strange people who don’t like having their feet touched an alternative to foot reflexology. You’d be surprised how many people screw their faces up at the thought of feet. Let alone someone touching theirs…weirdos. Anyhow… I love working on the face and find that some conditions respond better to facial reflexology, particularly those affecting the head. I always assumed that this was because the messages don’t have to travel through the reflexes of the feet, up the legs, through the body to the head, and take a more direct route. By working on the face, I feel I’m pretty much affecting the brain and central nervous system a lot quicker. FRS has been around for nearly 40 years and was once the only known system of reflexology to work on the face…although tribes in Indonesia and South America have been doing this for centuries. In a few years there will probably be lots of different systems and methods of facial reflexology and I’m rather proud that I trained in the first and most comprehensive.
FRS is based on many different approaches and systems including meridianology (the same system as acupuncture), ancient facial maps from the Far East and South American, Vietnamese cibernetic points and modern neurology of the face and central nervous system. It uses specific pressure techniques to look for and treat the cause of any imbalance in the central nervous system. Many different maps and protocols are used to create detailed and bespoke treatment plans tailored to the receivers needs. It has a very scientific approach and is a firm and stimulating treatment which leaves people feeling wonderful and at peace. It is without a doubt the hardest course I’ve ever done and it took 8 months to complete the training. But it’s also one of my favourite treatments to do.
In 2015 in further trained in Japanese Cosmo Facelift (JCFL), an off shoot of FRS that focuses on lifting and sculpting the face to improve the appearance and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. I never thought I’d be interested in the beauty side of facial reflexology but guess the fact I was soon turning 40 also had something to do with my decision to train! It’s another brilliant treatment which makes you look and feel good, inside and out.
FRS is the health treatment with the beauty benefit. I’ve had fantastic results with clients suffering with menopausal symptoms (hot flushes be gone!), headaches, vertigo, stress and insomnia to name a few conditions. Children also respond incredibly quickly, especially those on the autistic spectrum. I could go on singing the praises of FRS as it’s really powerful stuff but that’s not the point of this blog so I’ll stop there.
In recent years (since around 2014), the Bergman Method (hereafter referred to as BM) has gained popularity and is now probably the most well-known facial reflexology treatment within the reflexology community. Its creator Ziggie Bergman has had numerous articles and rave reviews published about the effectiveness and brilliance of her treatments and I thought “I want a bit of this and need to train to keep up with the Bergman’s”. And so in 2017 I did. This system allows Foot Reflexologists to use their existing skills and knowledge of Zone Therapy and transfer that knowledge to the reflexes on the face. Not a great deal is known about the origins of the Bergman method but after leaving a career in television, Ziggie trained in Reflexology and lived in Santa Fe learning from Native American Shamen and healers in New Mexico and this inspired her teaching and practice.
To be honest, after completing the first part of the training, which was just one day, I was little disappointed. Compared to the powerhouse that is FRS, BM, so far, didn’t seem to have a lot of substance to it. It’s a much gentler treatment and is very relaxing and soothing but I was used to something with more. A friend described it as the Swedish Massage of the facial reflexology world, compared to the powerful sports massage of FRS. HOWEVER, after completing the advanced course and learning further techniques and reflex points (which was another one day course), I was being rather harsh (and in hindsight under-educated!), as BM has many, many merits and is a really fantastic treatment. The subtle techniques serve to relieve stress and get you into a very deep state of relaxation, very quickly, as well as allowing practitioners to access, stimulate or sedate the different reflexes and all the bodies systems. It still improves wellbeing and the results can be great. Many clients really love it. In 2018, I went on to train in Ziggie’s Zone Face Lift, which like JCFL is mainly focused on improving the appearance, but also balances and works the reflexes, thus improving wellbeing and health.
Both Facial Reflexology Sorensensistem and the Bergman Method of Facial Reflexology essentially do the same thing. Like foot reflexology, the therapies aim to bring about homeostasis or balance…by improving vascular circulation and nerve flow, clearing blocked energy channels and relieving stress. I believe all of these treatments can serve to relieve pain, boost the immune system, increase serotonin and dopamine levels and leave one feeling completely relaxed, calm and at peace. And now I have the tools and skills to create truly unique, complex, individualised treatment plans for my clients that use many different techniques to get the best results. As far as I am aware, I am one of very few Reflexologists who have been trained in all of these methods in Kent and can therefore provide the best treatment possible. The fact that I am also a Reiki Practitioner, and can bring a level of healing to any treatment many cannot, is another added bonus!
If you are interested in booking a facial reflexology treatment, whether you like the sound of Sorensensistem or the Bergman method, know that you’ll be getting a tailored to your needs, amazing treatment that is unique to you and your health and beauty needs. Now I’m off the give myself a facelift…..
Here are some links you might find interesting
http://www.facereflexology.info/lone-sorensen-sorensensistem/
http://zonefacelift.com/#/biog/
UPDATE FEBRUARY 2023…Since originally writing this blog in early 2017 I have go on to train in other methods of facial reflexology including Dien Chan Zone (The Italian-Vietnamese Method) and Mian Dui and now teach facial reflexology workshops and CPD courses for an empowered perimenopause.