In this interview, Evie Fleming, a certified reflexologist and Director on the American Reflexology Certification Board for the US, talked to MysicMag about reflexology, her podcast, and what she considers success. If you’re curious about reflexology and its benefits, read on to learn more.
Please be kind enough to tell us a bit about yourself and your professional background.
I have always had a curiosity about the body and wellness. Even as a child, my sister and I would create a hospital setting in our house. We would use our bedrooms as rooms for our patients. I attended the College of Charleston and took classes that were on the pre-med track. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Then decided to obtain my Practical Nursing license. Nursing was very rewarding. It was great to watch people make progress with their recovery. In my home health care work, I got to assist on a more intimate level. Find a way for my client to transition into some sense of normal in their journey to wellness. Yoga and reflexology came later in my journey. This discovery was fueled by a desire for self-care and awareness. I think taking that journey myself helps me to speak to my clients about pitfalls, the small wins, and how to keep themselves going. All of the education and experience I have gained work well in combination for me to be able to contribute to my community. I now have my own reflexology practice here in Atlanta, Georgia. I am passionate about the field of reflexology growing and proud to be a Director on the American Reflexology Certification Board for the US.
For those unfamiliar with it, can you explain what reflexology is?
If you are looking for a professional definition, I would say that it is an integrative health practice that maps a reflection of the body predominantly on the feet, hands, and outer ears. It uses unique manual techniques to deliver pressure to neural pathways assisting the body to function optimally. However, it is so much more than this. There is an energetic exchange between the client and practitioner.
We are tapping into an intricate and complex system. The human body! There is a body, mind, and soul having an experience. This is why it is important to set the space and intention for the session and the client. Yes, the body may be experiencing discomfort but it may also be hitting the system on a deeper level as well. It is a whole system approach.
What specific services do you offer and what can people expect from working with you?
My clients have sessions at my office in Marietta which allows one on one care. I see one person at a time and work to create a safe space to be able to relax and ask questions. We start with a footbath and I include wonderful sound therapy during the session with the use of a body sound chair. The chair is wonderful because its vibrational energy is amazing. I feel this addition makes my services unique and adds another layer of relaxation. Services offered are foot, hand, and ear reflexology.
How do you customize your services for individual clients?
Each client is unique and so are their bodies. Client services are customized based on what is needed. My client and I don’t begin the session until we had a chance to answer the question- how does the body feel today? Then if, for example, we hear lower back issues, we work the spinal reflexes and then add in other reflexology resource areas and/or other techniques to target relief in that area. I love using essential oils as an add-on. They not only add some aromatherapy to the session but assist the body in healing itself. After every session, we make sure to discuss some homework. This helps the client to develop a mindset of self-care at home as well.
How do you measure success and can you share some success stories?
Success can show itself in different ways. I see success when a client who is losing sensation in the feet and toes, has a reaction when I touch the foot. Their eyes open and they say “I felt that!’ Success is when after a session a client says they are grateful because this was the first time today they were able to disconnect and how they didn’t realize how stressed they were and the need to take a break. I have also been doing things on social media to help build awareness of reflexology. I do demos and give some quick facts. Success shows itself with the comments and views! People are beginning to ask questions or booking sessions with me after seeing me!
You are also a podcast host. What topics do you cover on the podcast and are they related to your work as a reflexologist?
My podcast is titled “Are You Listening by Evie Fleming”. The segments by design are short and less than 10 minutes. I started them out of a desire to deliver information about reflexology in a way that would be easy and also help someone to develop good health practices. So I have included things that I have learned and tips I hope are useful. I incorporate reflexology, some yoga, and meditation. I hope that I am helping my listeners to recognize when the body is speaking to them. To learn how developing deeper listening and awareness is key to self-care and wellness. My next endeavor is a book that I hope to have published by next year. Stay tuned!
