MysticMag chats with Anne Hilarius-Ford, a dedicated practitioner in Energy Reflexology, combining over 30 years of corporate experience with a deep passion for holistic healing. Specializing in reflexology, Reiki, and spinal flow, Anne enhances health, prevents illness, and improves quality of life by stimulating the nervous system, blood, and lymphatic circulation through reflexes and zones on the feet, face, and ears. Her journey into reflexology began during a challenging time in her life, leading her to develop the Natural Facelift Method and various courses to empower clients in their midlife journeys. Anne’s extensive qualifications and commitment to holistic health continue to inspire her practice.
Anne, how did your journey in holistic healing begin, and what led you to specialize in therapies like Reiki, Reflexology, and Spinal Flow?
I have embarked on quite an intriguing journey. When I first began working as a secretary, it was a decision born out of uncertainty about my career path. For 30 years, I sought to discover what I truly wanted to do. When I couldn’t find the answer, I eventually stopped searching, realizing that my children and family deserved my focus.
In my late 40s, a friend introduced me to a Reiki master, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. A year or so later, I learned that my younger sister in Belgium was practicing reflexology, which she found incredibly relieving. Although I had never experienced it myself, nor understood what it entailed, I decided to enroll in an introductory weekend course at a school. Within hours, I was captivated and eager to sign up for the full course. I was impatient for the two years to pass so I could begin practicing professionally.
This journey into Reiki and reflexology eventually led me to Spinal Flow. I signed up for training on December 23rd of last year and qualified by April this year. I hope that others can draw inspiration from my story, as we are never too old to learn. I began this whole journey at the age of 47 and learned Spinal Flow at 73 and a half. The combination of these three modalities is extraordinary in how they support individuals on various levels. It has been truly fascinating.
Can you explain how the combination of different therapies you offer, such as Reflexology, Foot Mobilization, and the Natural Facelift Method, work together to support a client’s well-being?
These practices address various aspects of health, encompassing not just the physical, but also the mental and emotional dimensions. By employing diverse methods and modalities, they approach well-being from multiple angles. Reflexology, for example, involves stimulating specific reflexes on the feet, hands, face, and ears that correspond to the body’s organs and systems. When working on the feet, reflexology has been shown to improve circulation throughout the body and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which aids in relaxation and digestion, thereby reducing stress and supporting the natural functions of related areas in the body. This holistic approach promotes balance across all body systems. Reflexology Lymph Drainage helps cells to flush out toxins, waste and excessive fluids. This then helps nutrients to enter cells more easily as they are in the boosted circulation.
Foot Mobilization Therapy is quite different; it was created by a podiatrist, and I have studied it with two teachers. This therapy involves techniques that help realign the bones and tendons in the feet, relax muscles, and improve joint mobility. By correcting misalignments caused by footwear or other factors, Foot Mobilization can alleviate problems such as nerve compression between the metatarsophalangeal joints. It also enhances posture, improving the function of ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders. Athletes often experience fewer blisters and improved performance, while older individuals benefit from better balance, reducing the risk of falls.
Spinal Flow Therapy focuses on the spine, releasing stress blockages that accumulate due to physical, emotional, or chemical factors throughout life. These blockages can result from various sources, such as illnesses, accidents, emotional experiences, or exposure to chemicals in our environment and lifestyle based on what we eat, drink, inhale, etc. While clearing these layers can take time, the benefits are substantial.
Facial reflexology contributes to general wellness by working on body projections on the face. By combining these modalities, we can target specific health concerns, whether through working on the feet, face, ears, or spine. This comprehensive approach is deeply relaxing, as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, often leading clients to fall into a meditative state rather than sleep. As I learned from a monk during a meditation experience, this state is not sleep but a meditative condition where clients remain aware and responsive.
What are some common misconceptions about holistic therapies, and how do you address them with your clients?
The current issue is that, about five years ago, natural therapies were removed from private health funds in Australia. This decision was influenced by the government and pharmaceutical companies, who argued there was insufficient evidence supporting the efficacy of natural therapies including reflexology. Unfortunately, reflexology associations worldwide do not have the financial resources of pharmaceutical companies, which hampers their ability to fund comprehensive research. Consequently, much of the existing research on reflexology calls for further studies to conclusively prove its effectiveness.
Many people misunderstand reflexology, often equating it with relaxation or even mistaking it for a foot massage. However, these perceptions do not accurately represent the unique benefits of reflexology. A significant difference between a foot massage and reflexology is the personalized approach we take with our clients. In reflexology, we ask clients to fill out an intake form detailing their medical history. This allows us to tailor our focus to their specific needs, ensuring a more targeted and beneficial session. In contrast, a standard foot massage does not typically require any background information, as it generally does not consider the individual’s unique health concerns or specific areas needing attention.
In the United States, a dedicated couple, Kevin and Barbara Kunz, have been diligently working for over 30 years to address this gap in understanding. Last year, they began funding their own research, which involves using MRI machines and collaborating with neuroscientists and other specialists. Their studies focus on observing brain activity while individuals receive reflexology on their feet. The initial findings have been impressive, with scientists expressing amazement at how the brain responds to foot reflexology. Kevin and Barbara are committed to continuing their research until they can conclusively demonstrate its efficacy, with results expected by the end of this year.
I have also witnessed remarkable outcomes with my clients. Sixteen years ago, I worked with a client named Jen, who was on the verge of organ failure due to an unidentified autoimmune condition. Medical professionals, including kidney specialists, were unable to diagnose the issue. Jen credits reflexology for saving her life, which is incredibly rewarding. Inspired by her experience, she became a reflexologist herself and worked for the Victorian government’s health department before transitioning to a senior role at a health company. Reflexology transformed her life in numerous ways, not only through my support but also by her adjusting her lifestyle.
I have countless other stories, including helping many young women conceive, alleviating pubic symphysis pain for two clients, and addressing PTSD and other trauma-related issues. Reflexology has also improved digestive health and foot health for many individuals. The results are truly amazing.
In your experience, how does holistic healing complement conventional medical treatments, especially for clients who have experienced trauma or chronic conditions?
I see reflexology not as an alternative therapy but as a complementary one, supporting conventional medical treatments through holistic healing. The body’s innate intelligence guides its healing process, and the modalities I use are designed to support the body in doing what it naturally knows what to do. By working with the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulating the vagus nerve, these therapies help address a variety of health issues, including physical health concerns, trauma, and chronic conditions.
One of my case studies involved a client with bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition. Her condition was so severe that her husband had to pound her back every morning to loosen the mucus in her lungs. When I began working with her, she initially felt worse after the third treatment, expressing doubt about continuing. However, by the fourth treatment, she experienced significant relief and continued to see improvements over time. With follow up monthly treatments focusing on the lung reflex points on her feet, she was able to cough less, as the mucus in her lungs loosened, this improved her quality of life. She was able to participate in yoga without persistent coughing, needed fewer hospital visits, and could walk longer distances.
Reiki is another powerful healing modality I use. It is always present, no matter what the practitioner does, it begins to work as soon as a person enters the room. Reiki has its own intelligence, directing energy where it is needed most. Even if a client requests Reiki for a specific area, the energy will intuitively balance itself, addressing any other areas that require support. I have witnessed this even with my own dog, where Reiki got rid of a long-lasting pain in her hip, where no medication helped. Reiki naturally works on emotional and psychological aspects without the need for verbal discussion or revisiting traumatic memories.
Reiki and reflexology can also support clients undergoing psychological treatment, such as those seeing therapists or psychiatrists, by easing issues related to trauma. Additionally, there is a specific technique called neuro reflexology, which I am qualified in. This approach focuses on the brain and nerves around the face and brain, helping to alleviate overthinking, PTSD, and trauma. These therapies provide invaluable support alongside traditional medical care, promoting holistic well-being.
You’ve mentioned creating the Natural Facelift Method. Could you share more about the inspiration behind this method and the impact it has had on your clients?
The Natural Facelift method was created after a pivotal moment when I saw a profile photo of myself at 63 and hardly recognized my reflection. I was surprised by the deep lines around my mouth, the hollowness beneath my cheekbones, and the sagging in my jawline. Already practicing facial reflexology, I decided to study Japanese Cosmo Facelifting with a facial reflexology teacher. I also taught myself various techniques to refresh and strengthen my facial muscles and help the skin cells flush out toxins and waste material through drainage.
By incorporating lymphatic drainage on the face, similar to reflexology lymphatic drainage for the whole body, we can effectively flush out toxins, waste material, and excess fluid. Stimulating blood circulation promotes the flow of nutrients to the cells, resulting in healthier facial skin. This process also boosts collagen and elastin production, strengthening skin layers and refreshing the skin. It helps individuals feel and look better.
From a facial reflexology standpoint, even an intentional facelift activates body projections on the face, supporting general wellness both physically and mentally. The Natural Facelift is an incredible combination of natural stimulation of the skin and muscles, encouraging the body to repair and renew skin cells more quickly and effectively. Clients are often delighted with the results, noticing a more radiant complexion and a youthful glow in the mirror after the treatment. In my view, the skin projects more energy into the world, enhancing our appearance and helping us look younger. It’s truly a fantastic combination of techniques for achieving rejuvenation.
If you would like to find out more about Anne Hilarius-Ford, please visit https://www.energyreflexology.com.au/ and https://greaterlaterliving.com/
