Seeking a stronger connection with a time and a culture rich in knowledge and wisdom in every aspect of living, I travelled to Peru to spend time in Cuzco's Sacred Valley.
The town of Ollantaytambo became my home for a short period in 2013, after my graduation. A town steeped in Inca heritage, where, for many of its people, Quechua is their first language.
At that time, walking through the town's plaza meant you bent your knees a bit more while navigating broad cobbled stones underfoot. Water from towering heights, gushed earnestly through stone cut via-ducts wrapping the perimeters of the kanchas; walled residential compounds.
This town is known as 'a living Inca museum'. Traditions survive here, manifest in the colourful attire of inhabitants, highly nutritious foods, ritual dances and other customs.
Ollantaytambo Sun Window Copyright Caroline Cunningham
Fortaleza Ollantaytambo Peru - Copyright Caroline Cunningham
"Visitors & inhabitants speak of the special energy of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley."
On my first day in Ollantaytambo, I provided reflexology to my host Queta (Hospedaje Kusiqoyllor). It was her first time to receive any kind of holistic therapy, my first time to provide healing as a recent graduate.
Qeta's son Carlos was our translator. I knew by Qeta's smile how much she was enjoying the experience, when done she expressed her gratitude 'I love you!' - it was the only time I heard her speak in English. I was rewarded by a healthy meals, mainly dishes of organic vegetables.
Visitors and inhabitants all speak of the special energy of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley. My writing and therapy practice has been deeply inspired by my journey in Peru and the people that befriended me there.
In 2024, I retired as a therapist, after almost 11 years of practice. The wisdom and inspiration I received lives on in my books and my creative practices. Deepen your connection with universal wisdom by exploring my books, available online.
Living Inca Museum Copyright Caroline CunninghamOllantaytambo Sun Window Copyright Caroline Cunningham
Hanne Marquardt Reflexotherapy
"What is Reflexotherapy of the feet and who is Hanne Marquardt?"
Thanks to my studies of the history of reflexology, I already knew that Hanne Marquardt has played a key role in it's research and development.
In the summer of 2014, I enroled in a workshop to discover more about this fascinating pioneering therapist and teacher.
'I'm going to be '80' soon', Hanne informed us at the outset of our two day course. Her eyes twinkled perhaps with curiosity as to what this new age bracket might herald. That curiosity has remained alive and well for Hanne, who as a young nurse and physiotherapist became most interested in the findings outlined by Eunice Ingham in her book 'Stories The Feet Can Tell'.
Eunice Ingham is attributed with developing the term 'reflexology'and with the mapping of the whole body onto reflex areas of the feet. Thus we have a micro-system which reflects the whole person in the feet.
Hanne wistfully reflected on the fact that she actually set out to disprove Eunice's findings. In those early days of investigation, the claims of reflexology were considered quite radical and new.
As I attempted to probe Hanne with my own investigative questions I got a glimpse of how brave she must have been to challenge her pioneering teacher.
Hanne admitted humble defeat in her efforts to disprove Eunice's results. Instead she developed a growing respect for her teacher and the practice of reflexology.
She has earnestly and whole-heartedly, continued its development and practice, fine-tuning the position of reflex areas and treatment techniques according to her own findings and thereby opening the door to her use of the term 'Reflexotherapy'.
Two days we spent with Hanne, eagerly listening as she imparted much wisdom and knowledge interspersed with humour and anecdotes for living simply and fruitfully.
We watched intently as she demonstrated techniques for treating sensitive reflex areas and harmonising holds. We were put through our paces as she challenged us to locate the reflex areas corresponding to scars on the body of the person being treated. We practiced the treatment of scars and all that she demonstrated to us, under her watchful eye.
Thanks to pioneers such as Eunice Ingham and Hanne Marquardt, reflexology has grown to be a highly respected and recognised therapy.
In Germany, however, Hanne has gained even further recognition for her use of reflexotherapy, as she treats 'patients' instead of 'clients', and for 'specific illnesses' rather than 'generally'.
'Always remember', she paused for effect, 'you are treating a person not a body or just their feet but a whole person.' In order not to forget this fact, Hanne urged us to use the term 'someone' as opposed to 'somebody'.
Studying with Hanne as our tutor was a productive and valuable learning experience. As we parted company she urged us to be creative in our practice and to be mindful of the unique potential that exists in all of us.
Have you experienced the benefits of reflexology?
This article was listed in the Finals of Ireland Blog Awards 2017 in the category of Best Corporate Article.
I was already a fan of reflexology before I qualified as a therapist. Throughout my training I was thrilled to discover the immediate benefits my treatments were providing for case study clients.
I was fortunate with the variety of clients I had for my 40 case studies, a requirement of my diploma. I practiced on feet of all ages, shapes, colours, textures and sizes.
Each pair told their own unique story. As time went on I began to notice patterns and traits that corresponded with the individual themselves.
Results were noticeable and varied. Relaxation was the benefit most reported by my 10 clients. In fact one person told me it was the first time that they ever managed to feel so relaxed.
As relaxation provides optimum conditions for the body to heal and function with ease and efficiency, this was a very important benefit for the receivers. One client reported that even the opportunity to do nothing for one whole hour was rare. At the end of the course of treatments, this client had made a life decision which would improve his career opportunities.
"Reflexology provides many benefits for wellbeing. With the client and the therapist working together there are usually good results."
I noted in my case studies that many clients enhanced their treatment by implementing some of the suggestions I recommended to them as part of their treatment plan. These ranged from taking in some extra walking, fresh air, water and self-treating the reflexes on the hands.
Sample Results
As a result of their resolve, some of the results were quite impressive, such as:
the absence of sciatica pain for as long as 2 months after treatment
improved breathing for a client who had high blood pressure (a therapist in her 70's who gave me great confidence in my ability).
a client who started a walking routine to boost their energy and then discovered that jogging was more fun.
a client who found space to relax and get clarity on a new career path.
Conclusion of 40 Case Studies
Reflexology provides many benefits for wellbeing, with the client and the therapist working together there are usually good results. Clearly, regular deep relaxation achieved through reflexology, contributes to healing for mind and body, counteracting the effects of busy stressful lifestyles.
If all is not well, a change of routine can help, slowing down to allow for mindful listening and the development of a more self-caring attitude in order to achieve balance once more.
Reflexology is an effective holistic treatment, performed mainly on the feet. While its a highly respected therapy, it is not a replacement for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Author Update
In 2024, I retired as a therapist after 11 years of successfully assisting clients with their wellbeing.
I continue to assist people in their healing through my books which are available online. If you like this article, explore my work.
