MysticMag has the pleasure of chatting with Valerie Voner, founder and principal of New England Institute of Reflexology and Universal Studies. Valerie has dedicated most of her life to integrative practices. She offers approved continuing education in massage, reflexology, reiki, and yoga. Valerie has previously served as the Coordinator of the Cape Cod Community College Massage Therapy Program and the education director of Cortiva Institute. Additionally, she is a practicing holistic health coach and a published writer.
Valerie, can you share with us the philosophy behind integrative practices like reflexology, reiki, massage, cranial sacral therapy, and yoga, and how they contribute to holistic health and well-being?
When I think about holistic healing, I consider the issue, not just the symptom. Addressing the root problem is key to assisting clients in their healing journey. This approach forms the foundation of holistic work, which I find distinct from allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine has its place, especially for physical issues like a broken leg, where immediate intervention is necessary. However, for matters of the heart and emotional trauma, holistic modalities offer a different kind of healing.
Touch is a significant part of my practice and is central to helping individuals release and heal. I have explored various modalities over the years, starting as a massage therapist in 1970. At that time, I was at school and I learned not only massage but also reflexology and shiatsu, which I practiced extensively. Shiatsu, in particular, opened up a new world of meridians and chakras for me. Concurrently, I was also practicing yoga, which complemented my understanding of the body’s interconnectedness.
Massage therapy focuses on muscles and fascia, offering both deep and light pressure to address pain and promote relaxation. Reflexology, on the other hand, works on the nerves, primarily on the feet, hands, and ears. The gentle touches in reflexology send messages through the nervous system to the brain, indicating areas that need attention. The magic of reflexology lies in the trust between the client and practitioner, especially crucial in times of heightened anxiety, like during the pandemic.
Incorporating breathwork is integral to my practice, regardless of the modality I’m using. Cranial sacral therapy, which involves gentle touch on the head and spine, allows the spine to rest and open up, spanning physical and mental realms. Reiki, another modality I practice, taps into source energy for healing. Yoga, with its spiritual and physical aspects, has been transformative for me personally, helping me manage migraines since I was 14. Yoga’s integration of meditation further enhances its healing potential.
In summary, holistic healing begins with identifying the underlying issue and employing various modalities like massage, reflexology, cranial sacral therapy, Reiki, and yoga to assist clients in their healing journey. Each modality offers unique benefits and contributes to a holistic approach to health and wellness.
As the founder of the New England Institute of Reflexology and Universal Studies, what inspired you to establish this institute, and what unique approach do you bring to teaching continuing education in massage, reflexology, reiki, and yoga?
I am passionate about my work and eager to share it with others. I have a deep belief in the value of massage therapy, which was not widely recognized when I began my career. As a single parent, I balanced raising my children with working in a Tea Room offering tarot card readings. This combination enabled me to support my family while pursuing my passion for massage therapy. I have found it to be a rewarding career path, especially for women who are single and seeking entrepreneurial opportunities.
In Massachusetts, where I reside, teaching requires the establishment of a school. Initially, I began teaching various modalities such as massage and reflexology, which led me to establish a registered school. Over the years, the school transitioned into a continuing education (CE) entity, offering specialized training for professionals. While the curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, and pathology, the emphasis is on hands-on learning and practical experience through clinic sessions.
I am blessed to attract students who are eager to share their knowledge and willing to collaborate. Previously, I also managed a massage school at a community college, offering an affordable massage certification program that included college courses and hands-on training.
As I plan for the future, I am developing a comprehensive teaching program to ensure the continuity of quality education in integrative bodywork as I begin to teach less.
How do you tailor your coaching services to meet the individual needs of your clients, and what benefits can they expect from integrating private yoga sessions and integrative life coaching into their wellness routines?
As a life coach, my approach is to hold space for my clients. Listening is a huge part of coaching, staying in the moment with the client working towards clarity .We work together creating a viable plan to reach the vision they desire. The number of sessions a client needs depends on what their goals are.
In my coaching practice, I often integrate yoga to introduce a physical element, which can be beneficial for clients who may not be comfortable with touch. Yoga allows for movement, breathing, and self-touch, providing a different avenue for connection and reflection.
I also address food and trauma in my coaching, considering how these factors relate to my clients’ overall well-being. When emotions surface, my role is to listen and hold space, allowing clients to express themselves freely. Some clients find that releasing emotions is part of their journey, and we may incorporate breathing exercises, yoga, or other techniques as needed. While this approach may differ from traditional coaching philosophies, it aligns with my belief in holistic and personalized care.
Could you explain the significance of reflexology in promoting balance, health, and relaxation, and how it differs from other modalities like reiki and cranial sacral therapy?
Reflexology has been my passion from the beginning. I believe that when you touch people’s feet, you’re not just touching their body; you’re offering them an opportunity to heal. It’s a deeply relaxing experience, and through reflexology, I often discover many things about my clients’ health. As a holistic practitioner, I remain open to receiving messages during sessions, which sometimes guide me in my work.
Reflexology has a remarkable ability to relax people, and I can legally say that it does. It also supports various body functions. For example, when I work on the head reflexes, which correspond to the toes, I often find that clients start to fall asleep. This indicates that the healing process has begun, and they are deeply relaxed.
During a reflexology session, I often release physical tension in the feet, such as tight tendons and callused areas. It’s amazing to see the transformation in clients after just an hour of treatment. They often look like they’ve had a full-body massage and a good night’s sleep, even if they came in feeling tired and drained.
For individuals interested in pursuing continuing education in reflexology, what can they expect from your program at Sangha New Bedford, and how does it prepare them for national certification and professional practice?
Sangha is a Sanskrit term for community, and it perfectly describes the atmosphere at the authentic yoga studio where I teach my annual classes. I initially visited as a client and was immediately struck by the genuine yoga environment, free from excessive commercialization. After meeting the owners, Jeff and Howard, and expressing my need for a new teaching space, we negotiated a deal, and I now conduct my annual three-month classes there.
My classes focus on providing students with a deeper understanding of integrative practices and approaches. We practice on each other, meditate daily, have Zoom discussions, while using the reflexology text I wrote.
In our classes, we start with a meditation to create a cohesive environment, whether the class is large or small. Students leave with a certificate in professional reflexology and a wealth of new knowledge. Upon completing the course those interested in national certification have the necessary qualifications to apply for the exam.
If you would like to find out more about Valerie Voner, please visit https://www.nereflexologyandmassage.com/
