Q:	How often should I schedule reflexology sessions in order to get the most benefit from them?
A:	There is no simple answer to that, as we are all very unique individuals. In general, however, you should expect to schedule treatments more frequently if you are trying to find help with more chronic conditions (like neuropathies, Multiple sclerosis, migraines, etc.). Once you feel that you are seeing consistent relief, it would be appropriate to lengthen the time between treatments.
Q:	How soon should I expect to see results from my treatments?
A:	Again, this is very individual ... and some people DO find that, for whatever reason, they simply don't respond at all to reflexology. Most of my clients notice positive benefits anywhere from the first session to around the fourth session. While it is understandable to expect quick results, it is important to remember that it has probably taken your body years to get to the stage where you are having issues. Reflexology does not cure any illness or disease; it works on a subtle level to take away some of the stressors that keep your body from healing on its own. By making reflexology a regular part of your life, you can provide your body with a greater opportunity to handle the daily stresses of your lifestyle and health issues.
Q:	How long is a treatment session, and what can I expect?
A:	For a first visit, you can expect to spend approximately 1 1/2 hours. There are mandatory privacy and consent forms, and we will go over your health and medical history so that we can establish a protocol for helping your body regain homeostasis. Once that is completed, I will make a physical examination of your feet and provide you with a complete foot reflexology treatment. As for what to expect? At Joyful Soles, reflexology (done in the manner in which I have been trained, the Eunice Ingham method) is a painless, non-invasive treatment utilizing alternating thumb and finger pressure on the tops and bottoms of your hands and feet. Even people who generally feel that their feet are "too sensitive and ticklish" usually are pleasantly surprised to find how soothing a session can be. Add dim lights, peaceful music, and healing touch, and you have a recipe for an hour or so of stress-free relaxation!
Q:	What are your qualifications, and why should it matter?
A:	I am a Registered Certified Reflexologist (R.C.R.) and a graduate of the Reflexology-Plus School, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. My program of study consisted of 450 hours that included anatomy & physiology; pathologies; reflexology history & techniques; and health, safety, and business procedures & ethics. Why should it matter? For those of you who are experiencing perfect health, it probably doesn't matter. But for most of us, improving our health and relieving chronic pain and mobility issues is a real priority. The actual techniques involved in giving a reflexology treatment are not difficult, and there are many books available to the general public. What my training provides is the background understanding of how your body's systems interact to keep you going .... and what can go wrong to allow dis-ease to enter into the picture. That knowledge is an essential part of building a treatment plan that will provide you with the most help in recovering your own natural healing ability.  As a side note, Certified Reflexologists are required to continue their education even after they have completed certification exams. This means that we will always be working to provide our clients with the best treatments based on emerging studies and techniques, as well as adding new services as we continue to grow and learn about complementary therapies. A second very important reason why it should matter: human traffkicking. Recently, there have been a number of illegal massage and reflexology parlors springing up all across the nation. These parlors offer not only reflexology and massage, but also sex for pay. While this is illegal in most states and certainly tarnishes these two respectable occupations, the hidden truth is that many of these massage and/or reflexology parlors are also fronts for human trafficking. No matter what your feelings about sex-for-pay, the tragedy of these women (mostly from Asian countries) brought against their will to the United States and forced to provide sexual favors is something we should actively work to stop. These women are victims - unable to speak out for fear of death for themselves or their families back home, afraid to trust the very people who might be trying to help them. We have a responsibility to take action to help them and stop human trafficking. The simplest way that you can help is to always make sure that you are paying for services from a reputable reflexologist (preferably certified). Certified reflexologists work only on your feet, hands, and/or ears. The only clothing that is removed are your socks and shoes. They behave in a professional manner at all times.
Q:	Do you charge by the hour?
A:	No, I charge only by the session. Most sessions, after the initial one, last approximately 60 - 90 minutes. Even if you have a serious health issue, it is important not to overwork your reflex points. Sometimes, shorter sessions booked closer together can be more beneficial than a single, very long session.
Q:	Are you affiliated with any local or national organizations?
A:	I believe it is important for those of us within the complementary health field to do all we can to promote the benefits of these therapies. Professional organizations allow members to help build accountability within a field of study, and this benefits everyone by creating some basic standards and ethics. Professional organizations also work to raise public and legislative awareness so that, one day hopefully, complementary therapies will be given the serious consideration they deserve. I am a proud professional member of the following organizations: Reflexology Association of America (R.A.A.): www.reflexology-usa.org Reflexology Association of Iowa (R.A.I.A.):  www.reflexologyiowa.org Holistic Arts Practitioners Association of Iowa (H.A.P.A.): www.holisticartspractitionersia.org