14 | International Therapist Issue 83 | July/August 2008 International Therapist | 15Issue 83 | July/August 2008
Holistic | Reflexology Reflexology | Holistic
Briefly working the top of a client’s feet while they are standing is very different to the traditional image of a reflexologist working the soles of a
client’s feet as they recline in a couch. Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT) – or vertical
reflexology – works the same reflexes as a classical reflexology treatment, only the reflexes are accessed via the dorsum (top) of the feet while the client is standing or resting the feet on a hard, flat surface.
As with classical reflexology, the principles of VRT can be applied to the hands as well as the feet.
Although a complete VRT treatment is significantly shorter than a reflexology treatment (20 minutes versus 60), research suggests that the body is more responsive to certain techniques used on the top of the feet in a weight-bearing position. This is probably because the anatomical nerves in the feet become sensitised when weight bearing and therefore the energetic response from the reflexes to specific parts of the body is increased.
However, one of the reasons VRT is
Lynne Booth explains how her Vertical Reflex Therapy technique differs from classical reflexology
A new stance with VRTbecoming extremely popular in the UK and abroad is because – as well as being relatively easy to learn – it is extremely compatible with classical reflexology. Many therapists have witnessed excellent results when combining the two therapies and I recommend a 45 to 60 minute session that comprises reflexology and VRT as a preferred treatment option.
Masseurs, aromatherapists, osteopaths and Indian head practitioners have also found that incorporating a few minutes of basic VRT techniques into their routine can greatly enhance their treatments. And, of course, the other benefit of working the top of the feet or hands is that clients can be given some simple self-help techniques to practise at home in between treatments or to use on a ‘first aid’ basis.
The VRT routineVRT can be applied to the weight-bearing or semi-weight-bearing hands or feet of the client. If the client is sitting or even lying down, they can press their feet or hands onto a flat surface, such as a foot rest or a small tray. This is obviously useful when
the client is disabled or confined to a bed.To stand for VRT or press the arm
downwards is obviously not very relaxing for the client or practitioner, but it is compensated for by the fact that VRT is applied in this position for a maximum of five minutes only, and often two or three minutes is sufficient.
The formula for complete VRT refers to a comprehensive treatment that is very therapeutic. However, the same formula is applied whether the treatment lasts for a total of 20 or up to 60 minutes. 1 Greet the standing feet by giving the
‘pituitary pinch’ to the big toes and brushing your hands for a few seconds over the top of the feet.
2 Immediately apply the five minute (or less) basic VRT sequence, beginning in the ankle/pelvic area and alternating the feet after each move. Continue until the entire dorsum has been treated.
3 The client then lies down for classical reflexology (this could be as short as 10 minutes or as long as 50 minutes-plus – it is the reflexologist’s choice).
4 Half way through the reclining treatment,
the profoundly relaxing ‘diaphragm rocking’ technique is applied for a few minutes to the feet (this is particularly useful for improving sleep patterns).
5 At the end of the classical reflexology session, the client stands again for a few minutes of advanced VRT techniques on the weight-bearing feet – including three priority reflexes, which are worked synergistically and include the powerful zonal triggers.
6 The treatment is concluded with a harmonising technique.
As with classical reflexology, VRT uses caterpillar walking and other standard techniques, and the knuckles are also incorporated during treatment. Therapists are encouraged to use other skills they have learned as part of their classical reflexology training.
The same level of pressure used in classical reflexology is generally applied during VRT, though lighter work is preferable where sensitive reflexes are concerned as the feet and hands are more responsive in the weight-bearing position. The dorsal aspect of the feet and hands are also bonier and so a more gentle approach is desirable if clients are old or have thin skin.
Weekly VRT/reflexology treatments produce
good results, with a maximum of two sessions per week recommended in chronic cases, as the client’s body needs time to adjust. Acute cases respond well to shorter daily sessions where possible, and self-help, weight-bearing techniques on the hands and feet can be used several times daily on demand.
Synergistic treatment and developments in VRTSoon after I had mapped out how the reflexes could be worked via the top of the foot, I went on to develop other techniques, including synergistic reflexology (SR), whereby the dorsal aspect of the hands and feet can be worked simultaneously to increase the stimulation of the reflexes. I then identified zonal trigger reflexes, situated on the ankles, which are particularly relevant for long-standing and stubborn problems.
Many documented examples illustrating the immediate benefits of VRT have come after the therapist has selected a priority reflex to stimulate on the foot, for example,
1 Zonal triggers 2 Fallopian tubes/
seminal vesicles/groin/lymphatic/ vas deferens/ helper diaphragm/heart
3 Sigmoid 4 Colon 5 Small intestine 6 Bladder 7 Ureter tube 8 Appendix/ileocecal
valve 9 Knee 10 Elbow 11 Kidney 12 Helper lateral digestive 13 Liver 14 Gall bladder
15 Spleen 16 Pancreas 17 Stomach 18 Adrenals 19 Duodenum 20 Diaphragm 21 Solar Plexus 22 Thymus 23 Heart 24 Shoulder 25 Chest/lung/breast 26 Trachea/oesophagus/
bronchial tubes 27 Helper thyroid 28 Thyroid/parathyroid 29 Neck 30 Lymphatics 31 Eyes 32 Ears/Eustachian tube
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a shoulder point, and, at the same time, located a tender reflex on the ankle in the same zone and worked them together with the corresponding reflex on the hand for 30 seconds per foot. (see diagram left).
VRT nail working is a precise technique where the toe and finger nails are worked in conjunction with the dorsal reflexes. It is a very effective technique that taps into the inherent pressure on all the reflexes situated under the nails, especially the thumb and big toe nails.
Who will benefit from VRT?The accelerated response of VRT offers therapists an extremely useful tool to treat more people in a shorter space of time. In my experience, it enhances every reflexology treatment, but is especially suitable for the elderly, chronically ill and young children.
Mobility and muscular/skeletal conditions tend to respond the quickest and an immediate decrease in pain and an increase in mobility have often been reported by clients.
There is also a wide application for the use of VRT in sport, music, theatre and dance, and commerce, as well as in
VRT nail chart
33 Pituitary/pineal/hypothalamus
34 Neck – side 35 Brain/skull 36 Face/teeth/jaws/
tongue/throat 37 Helper sinuses/teeth 38 Sinuses/brain/skull 40 Helper ovary/testes 49 Spine 50 Larynx/vocal cords 52 Armpit 56 Sciatic nerve 57 Cerbellum/brain stem/
cranial nerve 58 Skull 59 Pelvic/buttock area
Copyright © 2001 Lynne Booth.
It is expressly prohibited to
teach from, copy or reproduce
this chart without written
permission. Vertical Reflex
Therapy, VRT and the Booth
Method ® are registered
trademarks of Booth VRT Ltd
Vertical Reflexology by Lynne
Booth, is published by Piatkus
Books, ISBN 0-7499-2132-3
For more information, contact
Booth VRT Ltd, Suite 205, 60
Westbury Hill, Bristol, BS9 3UJ.
Tel: 0117 962 6746,
email: [email protected],
www.boothvrt.com
Synergistic VRT demonstrated
Vertical Reflex Therapy chart
16 | International Therapist Issue 83 | July/August 2008
Holistic | Reflexology
Lynne Booth has been practising reflexology for 17 years and trained at the International Institute of Reflexology (Orginal Ingham Method). She has a private practice, runs accredited one-day VRT courses and frequently gives talks and demonstrations at international conferences. For more information on VRT, training, and Lynne’s books and new DVD, email: [email protected] or visit www.boothvrt.com
professions such as the police and fire and rescue services. Some hospitals and hospices are also realising the benefits of reflexology for their staff as well as patients.
As part of my own practice I regularly treat elderly residents at the St Monica Trust, Bristol, and hold a weekly reflexology clinic for professional athletes. It is rewarding to help accelerate a recovery from sports injuries such as groin strain, tight hamstrings or muscle spasm using the VRT techniques.
Case study 1: professional
footballer, age 24Mr M had been unable to train due to problems with an old knee injury that was aggravated when he sustained a blow in a game several weeks before. His knee was considerably swollen and he was concerned that even mild surgery to drain the swelling would delay his return to the first team.
The first time I gave him VRT on the standing feet, his knee swelled up more in the evening, but by the morning it appeared to have drained and he had more movement and less pain. I had given him self-help VRT homework on his weight-bearing hand, which he applied every day. Within two days his knee had lost all the excess fluid and, within a week, he was back to full training. He subsequently signed for another club but has returned about once a year at the first sign of his knee swelling and VRT continues to ease the pain and dissipate the fluid.
Case study 2: pensioner, age 92
Mrs K first came to me for reflexology sessions nearly 11 years ago. at the time she was 82, was in poor health and very immobile with chronic arthritis. Mrs K wanted to prolong her independence after it was suggested that she might have to consider sheltered housing.
VRT/reflexology gave her much greater mobility within weeks and also helped her respiratory problems. she still lives alone in her own home, drives a car, has taken several holidays, resumed gardening and recently passed three computing exams. she joined a gym where she has to key in ‘age 75’ on the respiratory monitor
as that is as high as it will go! she has continued her regular monthly VRT/reflexology treatments for 11 years and now also takes an active interest in nutrition. she is an exceptional and inspiring case.
ContraindicationsThere is no difference between VRT and classical reflexology in terms of contraindications to treatment. However, some additional, commonsense ‘rules’ do apply when carrying out VRT, i.e. if the client is frail, prone to dizziness or unsteady on their feet, the therapist should treat their semi-weight-bearing feet (or hands) while they sit down.
Whether working on a client in a reclining or standing position, therapists must proceed with caution while treating painful hands and feet. The beauty of knowing hand and foot VRT/reflexology is that if the client has a tender or swollen foot, the therapist can work the hand reflexes instead, and vice versa.
Brief VRT treatment on Mrs K
Where can I learn more about VRT?
I will be giving a two-hour talk and demonstration on VRT at Holistic Health on sunday, 21 september (for booking details, see page 34) and I am writing an article about VRT nail-working for the next issue of IT.
Members’ offerLynne’s book, Vertical Reflexology, which usually retails for £14.99, can be bought for just £12.50 (including p&p) from the FHT Members’ Catalogue. please call 023 8062 4350, selecting option two, and quote VRT offer. offer ends: 29 august 2008.
Background to the discovery of VRTI developed Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT) for the hands and feet in the early 1990s at the St. Monica Trust, Bristol. I work there as a reflexologist treating elderly residents within one of the largest care home complexes in the UK.
Many reflexologists will appreciate how difficult it can be working the plantar aspect of the feet of some disabled clients and, from sheer necessity, I began to work the top of the feet as they rested on the wheelchair supports. Instead of compromising my treatments, I gained such excellent results that I began mapping out the plantar reflexes on the dorsum.
My research on dorsal reflexes on the semi-weight-bearing feet continued but the concept of VRT was only formalised after I worked with a 74-year-old woman who damaged her hip in an accident. She had very limited mobility and was too frail to undergo a hip replacement operation. She reported that she was in great pain, so I knelt down and worked the hip, leg, spine and pelvic reflexes for no more than 90 seconds while she remained standing. Ten minutes later, after I had left, she experienced an acute pain in her right hip followed by soreness, warmth and tingling, which lasted approximately 30 minutes. Her hip was then much less painful and by the next day she could move her foot and leg higher than she had done before the accident. I realised at once that the missing link to my research was that the feet had to be fully weight bearing for the reflexes to become acutely receptive.
Within ten weeks she had regained full mobility. Subsequently, at 86, although extremely frail, she was still mobile and flexible despite an original medical prognosis of being wheelchair-bound in 18 months.
Following the woman’s recovery, which was monitored by the medical staff at the nursing home, I used what became known as Vertical Reflex Therapy on all my clients’ standing feet for all conditions with great success. I soon began sharing
these discoveries with other reflexologists, and even clients, who achieved similar extraordinary results.
In 1997 I conducted a small medically-approved and monitored study on eight chronically sick geriatric residents at the St Monica Trust. Over a seven week
period comprising one 15 minute VRT/conventional reflexology treatment per week, five of the participants were found to have more mobility and a decrease in pain. Two months later their improved status remained constant despite no further treatment.
