Foot Hand Ear Reflexology
Exploring William Flocco’s Method of Integrated Reflexology
Learn about this form of Reflexology that works the maps of the feet, hands, and ears in a full session.
William “Bill” Flocco is the founder and president of the American Academy of Reflexology in Los Angeles, California. In 1993 Flocco’s PMS Reflexology Research Study was published in the journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 82, #6, showing a prominent decrease in premenstrual symptoms after receiving Foot Hand Ear Reflexology.
About the Method
Reflexology is most commonly applied to the feet but in the Flocco method all three maps are used to promote even deeper relaxation. It is believed that by working the same points over all three maps greater results can be achieved than by using just one map.
Juliette Armstrong, a Reflexologist in Santa Fe, New Mexico had this to say about the Flocco method, “I love the way the method naturally leads the client through the process. I generally begin with the hands, the client has the opportunity to ask questions, tell me about their week, or their worries, and they feel very non-threatened. Then, when I work on the ear they become so relaxed and shift to another level of consciousness. By this stage, 99% of my clients stop talking! Then I like to really take my time with the feet - thoroughly reflexing all areas, and concentrating on the areas relevant to their concerns.”
The Flocco method also teaches that each of the maps has its own strengths and is more effective for affecting corresponding reflex areas. For example, someone with digestive complaints would receive a greater benefit from having the feet worked while another with shoulder pain would be given ear reflexology primarily.
How does it feel?
Some wonder if they will feel a difference in their session with the integration of the hands and ears. Ms. Armstrong explains “Clients respond very well, after a session they feel incredibly relaxed. The most common comment I hear is ‘can I stay here all day?’”
Each map that is worked seems to bring about more relaxation, which is one of the primary benefits of receiving reflexology. A Reflexologist trained in all three maps can provide exceptions for those uncomfortable with receiving work on their ears or feet. Someone with an injury or open wound on a foot would benefit greatly from having the hand or ear reflexed on the same side to promote relaxation and healing.
Foot Hand Ear Reflexology and PMS
The 1993 study was applied to 35 women with premenstrual syndrome complaints. Those complaints included headaches, insomnia, constipation, irritability, backache, fatigue and more. The participants were divided into two groups and given a placebo Reflexology and the true Foot Hand Ear Reflexology. Both groups received thirty minute sessions once a week over an eight week period. At the end of the study women that received the Foot Hand Ear Reflexology reported a 46% decrease in their premenstrual symptoms while the placebo group reported a 19% decrease.
Testimonials for the Flocco Method
Ms. Armstrong reports “I had one 84 year old man, 9 months after a traumatic fall from a roof which resulted in a broken shoulder which was unable to be set due to a heart condition, a heart attack and loss of feeling in his left foot. After working on him consistently for three months, he regained all feeling in his foot. A woman in her mid 70's with restless leg, after 2 sessions all symptoms went away,” commented the Santa Fean Reflexologist.
