Touchpoint Institute of Reflexology and Kinesthetics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reflexology?

Both a science and a skill that shows you how to work on specific spots on the hands, feet, face or body that relieve stress and pain, relax the system and improve circulation. By virtue of its relaxation effect, many symptoms of dis-ease disappear.

How does it work?

No one really knows! We suppose that it works via the biomechanics of the human system as well as its production of endorphins.

How does Reflexology feel?

Wonderful, fully relaxing, There can be a feeling of "tingling" and "warmth" in related parts of the body. You may feel as if you are walking on air. For some it is very energising. Some practitioners exchange conversation during a session. Some play soft music. Sometimes you may choose to fall asleep.

I once had a reflexology session & it was very painful. Should it hurt in order for me to get well?

Reflexology should be gentle, yet firm and definitely NOT PAINFUL! Sensitivity tells you and your practitioner that an area needs attention. If you are being hurt by your reflexologist, tell him or her to stop. Pain makes all muscles and circulation tighten. You cannot relax and feel good when your muscles are tight.

How often should a person have a session?

The client should be the judge of how many sessions and how often. I often will tell a client, "Your feet will tell you when it is time to have a session." For most peoplle who are trying to work through a health issue, 1 session per week is sufficient to start. As the person improves, stretch that to 1 session every 2 weeks.

How is reflexology different from massage?

It is completely different, Reflexologists do not massage. We use a compression technique on reflex points. Most of us don't use oils, lotions, or talcum powder. There is no rubbing of the skin, no friction at all, just gentle compression on specific points or areas. We call it a "hooking" or a "walking" motion. The effects are often longer-lasting than massage. Both are relaxing; both are healing. Reflexology is also completely different from acupressure or shiatsu. The points are different as is the type of contact and the pressure. Reflexology enjoys a gentle touch while being firm, but not hard or deep pressure.

Is there a correspondence course for reflexology that offers a certificate?

Although a hands-on class is always preferable. it may not be possible. There is a homestudy program for basic reflexology - the Practitioners' Reflexology (PR 101 and PR 101A), a complete practioner's module. PR101 is the most complete of all the correspondence courses I teach. It contains 16 lessons and a final exam. Each lesson has a quiz which you email to me and is returned with commentary, We therefore establish a very close bond as student and facilitator. You can send your 60 foot practicum in the same way. My telephone line is always open to you for questions.

Pawspoint Reflexology for Animals - the manual is also a Homestudy program but is less detailed at this time. There is an exam at the back of the manual. Answer the questions and send the exam to Touchpoint via e-mail. The cost for marking the exam and sending your certificate of completion is $35. Yvette will respond by commenting on your answers, returning the exam to you and with a certificate if you passed. You can send your 25 paw/hoof practicum in the same way. The cost for marking the practicum and for the practicum certificate is $29. All of the manuals for Hand, Face, Meridian Reflexology are being updated for Homestudy.

Can I take advanced training if I started in another school?

Yes, if your school is a registered school and you have a certificate. You may need to pass a practical and a written exam, depending on the school you attended. Since you are coming from another school, you may have quite a lot to teach us! You will find our programs quite different from the ones you have already taken as we come "from a different place" in our work. Many of our methods are different, though all are based on the Ingham method of Reflexology.

Are your books hardcover? Downloadable?

Yvette has written several books. The First Steps, is a soft cover book. It is a complete "how to" of Reflesxology. It is highly acclaimed by professionals, novices and by many massage and physiotherapists. It is not downloadable.

The following books:

Pawspoint Reflexology for Animals

Give A Hand

All Ears

Face to Face

Body Reflexology

Chakras on the Feet

Meridians on the Feet

101 Quick Tips for Pain and Stress

Around the World With Reflexology

DESIGNER BODY Parts - Visual Cues - Hands, Face, Ears

DESIGNER FEET - FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Visual Cues on the Feet

can also be purchased as downloadable items. Check our store or request our catalog for prices.

Should I want to take a class with you, can Touchpoint help with funding or accommodations?

We can discuss financial arrangements. Touchpoint will arrange for post-dated installments to ease your financial burden. The same will hold true of all our programs. When you check the Registration page, you can choose your payment options.

As for student loans, you need to apply for a student line-of-credit, rather than a student loan. Grants are available for different groups, associations and societies, such as the Native and Metis groups, and often groups that aid you in returning to the work force, like the Community Service Programs and WorkSafe. You will need to search for grants on your own, as you understand your circumstances and can locate the best grants for yourself.

If you are coming from out of town, we can help you find billeting options. I am now living in a senior residence. It has guest suites. They average $70 per night and include all meals. Most have a kitchen and laundry machines in the room as well as cable TV. There are hotels and B&B's nearby. Often out-of-town students will choose to stay with other students in the class. It is a great way to make new friends!

I can't get to Vancouver, are there Touchpoint courses offered elsewhere?

Yes, we have instructors for the Practitoners' level in many cities. Phone or email me for the catalogue. It contains the names of several of the teachers and the dates of their classes.

E-Mail: yvette@touchpointreflexology.com or phone us for details. 604-554-0252 or 1-800-211-3533

"When you argue with reality, you lose - but only 100% of the time."
- Byron Kate

Testimonials

"Dear Yvette, Of all the people I know who practice what you do, you are not a Guru, but THE Guru in Kinesiology as well as THE Guru in Reflexology"

Anny Slegten
Director,
Hypnotism Training Institute of Alberta,
Sherwood Park, AB

"School with Yvette - a turning point in my life, While I learned to help people, I also gained skills to better my self. Having had many tragedies in my life, I learned to reduce those burdens, to change fear into power, to appreciate myself and own the power in my hands to help others feel better"

Joan Walsh

"My sessions of Reflexology and EFT were incredible! I owe my new found life, health and energy to Yvette. She was so patient. She listened with her inner ear and helped me overcome a multitude of problems easily and oh so gently. We even did distance work by phone"

Pat O'Rourke
Ottawa, ON