"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 love reflexology, it has served me well in my path of transformation to becoming much healthier and happier. I specialise in helping clients who want to succeed with their personal and business goals. I do this by providing reflexology therapy and personalised support and strategies for managing stress and achieving balance. My therapy services are available in Carlow and Dublin and nearby counties in Ireland. Through my blogs I hope more people will be inspired to take steps to improve their wellbeing. Read more about my educational background and expertise here.
Testimonials
See what people say about our company.
Calming & Super Knowledgeable
My reflexology treatment was very relaxing and calming. Caroline’s observations encouraged me to make small changes in my day to day living. Caroline is very friendly and super knowledgeable. I highly recommend her wellbeing services.
Katie Dunne, Tullow, Co. Carlow
Incredibly Relaxing Home Treatment Cancer Care
I found Caroline’s reflexology treatments incredibly relaxing and I really looked forward to her visits while undergoing chemotherapy. Caroline has a lovely friendly personality and the option of home visits was fantastic.
Claire, Dublin
Motivation & Focus
The reflexology treatment was wonderful! It was just what I needed. I started running again which I always enjoy but I had lost my motivation for a very long time. So, the next day knowing I had two hours free I just started jogging all along the west-peer and surroundings. Felt great and focused afterwards.
Maria Muffat, Dublin
Energised & Fewer Headaches
I have been feeling really good since my reflexology treatment, more energised and motivated. My tummy seems to have settled and I have fewer headaches.
S. Lynch, Dublin
Helpful physically & emotionally
The reflexology treatments were helpful both physically and emotionally. Caroline is an experienced therapist with a friendly attitude and good advice, I highly recommend her as a therapist.
Hazel, Dublin
Feeling at Ease
Caroline is very approachable and knowledgeable. I found the reflexology good for overall health and feeling at ease within myself. I felt more focused, energised and motivated as a result of a course of treatments.
Melanie, Dublin
Stress-free Zone
Caroline is an excellent therapist with extraordinary skills. The healing element is vital but she manages to put her clients in a total stress free zone. I adored the chimes as the music played by some therapists can be so very distracting. Caroline has healing hands and I felt excellent afterwards
Colette Coughlan, Dublin
Walking on Air
Thank you so much for reflexology! Before treatment I was tired and my feet hurt from walking around. Afterward, I felt so much more energetic, I felt like I was walking on air and the swelling had gone down in my broken arm.
Read more...
The next day, I had a 10 hour flight. I was anticipating a lot of discomfort with my arm. To my delight, I was nearly pain free throughout my travels. Reflexology really works!
I highly recommend Caroline for Reflexology. She is gentle, but she works miracles!
Anna is the Author of Amazon Best Seller “Black Belt Selling: Closing with confidence
Anna Scheller U.S.A
Tummies settled & sleeping better
I brought my two little boys to Caroline and she was fantastic with them and with me. Caroline showed me how to do some home treatment with my boys and it has helped a lot as they sleep better and their tummies have settled.
A. O’Shea, Carlow
Calming & Super Knowledgeable
My reflexology treatment was very relaxing and calming. Caroline’s observations encouraged me to make small changes in my day to day living. Caroline is very friendly and super knowledgeable. I highly recommend her wellbeing services.
Katie Dunne, Tullow, Co. Carlow
Incredibly Relaxing Home Treatment Cancer Care
I found Caroline’s reflexology treatments incredibly relaxing and I really looked forward to her visits while undergoing chemotherapy. Caroline has a lovely friendly personality and the option of home visits was fantastic.
Claire, Dublin
Motivation & Focus
The reflexology treatment was wonderful! It was just what I needed. I started running again which I always enjoy but I had lost my motivation for a very long time. So, the next day knowing I had two hours free I just started jogging all along the west-peer and surroundings. Felt great and focused afterwards.
Maria Muffat, Dublin
Energised & Fewer Headaches
I have been feeling really good since my reflexology treatment, more energised and motivated. My tummy seems to have settled and I have fewer headaches.
S. Lynch, Dublin
Helpful physically & emotionally
The reflexology treatments were helpful both physically and emotionally. Caroline is an experienced therapist with a friendly attitude and good advice, I highly recommend her as a therapist.
Hazel, Dublin
Feeling at Ease
Caroline is very approachable and knowledgeable. I found the reflexology good for overall health and feeling at ease within myself. I felt more focused, energised and motivated as a result of a course of treatments.
Melanie, Dublin
Stress-free Zone
Caroline is an excellent therapist with extraordinary skills. The healing element is vital but she manages to put her clients in a total stress free zone. I adored the chimes as the music played by some therapists can be so very distracting. Caroline has healing hands and I felt excellent afterwards
Colette Coughlan, Dublin
Walking on Air
Thank you so much for reflexology! Before treatment I was tired and my feet hurt from walking around. Afterward, I felt so much more energetic, I felt like I was walking on air and the swelling had gone down in my broken arm.
Read more...
The next day, I had a 10 hour flight. I was anticipating a lot of discomfort with my arm. To my delight, I was nearly pain free throughout my travels. Reflexology really works! I highly recommend Caroline for Reflexology. She is gentle, but she works miracles! Anna is the Author of Amazon Best Seller “Black Belt Selling: Closing with confidence
Anna Scheller U.S.A
Tummies settled & sleeping better
I brought my two little boys to Caroline and she was fantastic with them and with me. Caroline showed me how to do some home treatment with my boys and it has helped a lot as they sleep better and their tummies have settled.
"Visitor & Inhabitants alike all speak of the special energy of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley." Nowadays, I provide a bespoke reflexology wellness service for clients in Carlow, Dublin and some parts of the south-east of Ireland. You can find out more about reflexology and my treatment plans in our Frequently Asked Questions.
In September 2017, I had the opportunity to study with the first reflexologist in the world to attain Doctorate level of education in the field of reflexology therapy. During our training module Dr. Samuel covered the theory and practice of Nerve Reflexology with specific application for Pain relief. As I am also a former Science […]
When adrenaline takes the lead in our biological processes, it can knock fertility hormones out of kilter. Reflexology has a steadying effect allowing men and women to rebalance mentally and biologically. Regular treatments can boost immunity and relieve tension. There is also the emotional stability that can be crucial when couples have had a longer […]