The Sacred Lives of Trees | Nature Wisdom

The Sacred Lives of Trees serves to draw attention to the contribution of trees to our wellness and healing.

The lives of trees mirror our own lives as we encounter storms that give rise to twisting, scarring and deprivation of nurture. Yet, given time and more favourable circumstances we can come right again.

As with trees, our return to a state of elegance and grace takes time. The natural world is never suddenly in a perfect state after a shock to its system or a period of disarray. Similarly with ourselves it takes time to heal and grow.

"As an artist, I'm committed to putting nature and simplicity centre stage along my path to authenticity."
Art of Caroline Cunningham

What People Are Saying About Trees

During The Sacred Lives of Trees exhibitions, I gave my viewers the opportunity to express how they felt about trees. It was athe first time I heard people expressing their own personal love of trees, the healing effects of their forest walks and their expressions of gratitude and joy.

Gift a Volcanic Tree Print

"The natural world is never suddenly in a perfect state after a shock to its system or a period of disarray. Similarly with ourselves it takes time to heal and grow."
Caroline Cunningham, Artist

Keep the Tree Conversation Alive

My message about the wellbeing benefits of trees has travelled far and wide. My followers often send me tree related articles. Some send photos of their favourite trees. One follower invited me to be included in a private video (shared only amongst their best friends) featuring a photo of each one hugging a tree.

I’m not the first to start this conversation about trees and I won’t be the last, I’m simply helping people to raise the volume on their thoughts so that these conversations about trees will gather momentum for the benefit of more people on our planet.

Gift a Tango Tree Print

Gift an Amber Tree Painting

The Sacred Lives of Trees Grows:

I’ve created a set of smaller tree paintings (in acrylic) on board 20 x 25cm to give more choice to lovers of trees and my art work.

Reach for Sacred Tree Energy

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees

View available paintings and prints from The Sacred Lives of Trees in my online gallery. See something you like, get in touch make it yours!

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees

Being human in an age of A.I.

‘When I grow up I want to be HUMAN!’ Imagine this as the life path your child or teen would consciously consider in a rapidly developing age of artificial intelligence (A.I.). Let's explore what is means to be human in an age of A.I.

In his ‘Space Odyssey’ books (written half a century ago) Arthur C. Clarke envisaged a future society that had evolved into robotic machines; humans clad in technology, programmed with downloadable knowledge, spending much time in a virtual reality. Much of what this visionary conceived is upon us!

Technology is fascinating, essential and full of inspirational design and having robots will surely add another dimension to our world. In the race to embrace robots and artificial intelligence, how many will keep sight of the elements that distinguish us as human beings?

At Inspire fest 2018 in Dublin, Tim Leberecht (Co-founder & CEO of the Business Romantics Society) addressed the audience on the topic of ‘Business Romantics’. He had this to say about being human in an age of A.I. ‘the question is not will robots be able to think like humans but, will humans be able to feel?’ He added, ‘are we engineering the romantics out of our lives?’

In essence he was talking about love; the creation of stories and the pursuit of dreams. Those things that propel us forward and give us something to aspire to, other than being a functional part of a large machine. Our capacity to feel is surely vital to our existence as humans!

"The question is not will robots be able to think like humans but, will humans be able to feel?"
Tim Leberecht,
Co-founder & CEO of the Business Romantics Society

I confess, over 20 years ago I was an endangered human, long before I was aware of Arthur C. Clarke or any developing age of A.I. Over time I had reached the conclusion that it was better not to feel at all and to think only of work. I was avoiding some critical areas of my life and as people say ‘forgetting the past’. This was the recipe for my disaster which thankfully resulted in what I refer to as my ‘Break True’ in 1999.

From that moment on, l began to grow up as a HUMAN! I realised that I am someone whose strengths are empathy, intuition, creativity and meaningful communication (story-telling in all its forms). I had to work at developing these strengths and bringing them to the fore. I call this my ‘Authentic Path’.

It is so easy to numb out of living and get lost in the latest gadgets, TV shows and social channels. Living life like a machine running on auto-pilot is not a new scenario but it could become a habitual way of existing for multitudes if awareness is not created alongside the development of A.I.

While robots and artificial intelligence will play very useful roles in our development, it is us humans who need to also develop in our awareness so as to create a world that reflects the best of who we are and can be.

Alexa Gorman (Global Vice-President at SAP.iO Fund & Foundry) also spoke at Inspirefest 2018, on the topic of ‘A.I. and Diversity’. She drew attention to the fact that, left unchecked, bias get picked up by A.I. and gets incorporated into algorithms. Alexa gave the example of the ‘Tay’ bot experiment, where the twitter bot, picking up on the interaction of trolls, very quickly transformed into a racist, sexist bigot and had to be shut down after only 16 hours. Alexa pointed out that ‘we need to consciously choose to reflect the world around us to reduce biases. She also mentioned that 180 biases have currently been identified and classified and she finished up by saying that ‘diverse talent is required for inclusive A.I.’

"We need to consciously choose to reflect the world around us to reduce biases."
Alexa Gorman,
Global Vice-President at SAP.iO Fund & Foundry

As much as A.I. may benefit our lives, it is vital that we constantly evolve our capacity to be human, not just to think but to feel, to have compassion, to contemplate and to make real, a world of inclusivity and respect. This has always been at the heart of our survival.

In my article, ‘Five Steps to becoming a robot, is this happening to you?’, I highlight some of the ways we may be neglecting to stay human. Are you ready to move forward as a human?

Thank you to Darragh Doyle for providing my blogger ticket to Inspirefest 2018. Follow Darragh on twitter @darraghdoyle

Are You Becoming an Endangered Human?

Developing self-awareness is crucial for success in all aspects of life. Modern living offers us many paths to neglecting ourselves, leading to burn-out. I help people to move towards being more authentic and I believe this is the key to wellness, happiness and success. I believe it's never too late to change, to develop new out-looks and by doing so we make it possible for others to do the same.

Join me for Authentic Path Inspiration or check out my range of books, courses and coaching services.

Yes, I want more Authentic Path Inspiration & Offers

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Focus for Success

Kick Starter Guide

(e-Book)

Focus for Success

6 Week Programme

(on-line course)

Personalised

Wellness Coaching

Authentic Reflexology in the Algarve 2018

Therapy for mind and body in sunny Algarve

I had a dream in 2018 so I decided to explore a way to make it real. A life in the sun can sound exotic when you’re used to the cold and rain. In previous years, travel brought healing & heightened creativity and my confidence soared after every exploration. My journey in Peru is one example, when I lived in a small town in the Sacred Valley near Machu Picchu. The lessons I’ve learned through travel have served me in business and life.

Luckily, Portugal’s Algarve is closer to home, with regular flight options and it’s even in the same time zone as Ireland. I imagined the people who could benefit from my relaxing therapeutic reflexology treatments and coaching programmes while being surrounded by the beauty of the sunny Algarve.

The Algarve Village on Facebook - VISIT US

Authentic Reflexology in the Algarve

I found a therapy room in Carvoeiro, a picturesque fishing village with a pretty beach. It’s a tranquil place offering good food, gorgeous sunsets, morning walks along cliff tops, boat trips to solitary beaches and caves and ambient street festival entertainment to pass the night, Carvoeiro had it all.

It was an exciting time, travelling to a new country, making new connections and making new opportunities. Such a different life than the one I was living prior to 1999 when I worked as a maths and science teacher burning myself and not paying attention to my wellbeing. I’ve written lots of stories about my Authentic Path because I want more people to see that life can be so much more when you step out of your comfort zone and confront your fears.

The Algarve was my home for a very short while and I got a taste of what it is like to live there. Life has changed since the coronavirus pandemic that swept the world. I will definitely return the Algarve it’s not far from home.

I provide personalised reflexology treatment plans and coaching services to people who dare to be authentic and want to make their dreams a reality. The best guides are the ones who have walked the path, academic knowledge doesn’t come close to lived experience. Let me help you on your Authentic Path. Check out my range of books, online courses and coaching programmes.

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Focus for Success

Kick Starter Guide

(e-Book)

Focus for Success

6 Week Programme

(on-line course)

Personalised

Wellness Coaching

Behind the Scenes on Nationwide (RTE TV)

I got the call on a Tuesday. In fact I got a number of calls that day, but since I was busy show-casing reflexology at a network event I missed all of them!

It was much later that I listened back to the messages from at least three different numbers all saying one thing 'Caroline, Nationwide are looking for an author who has written about anxiety, ring this number urgently!!!'

I had no pen and in a tizzy, I picked one of the missed numbers randomly and thankfully it was the right one. I was speaking to RTE journalist Helen McInerney. Straight away I detected her warm personality and her enthusiasm for my work.

Helen had already paid a visit to my website, thanks to a tip off from Carlow Mental Health Association. Seeing that, along with being an author of a book about anxiety, I also had accomplished work as a painting artist, travel writer and reflexology therapist, Helen was keen to get my story on national screens. We filmed three days later on a Friday!

How did an anxious village girl leave a secure teaching job to follow her creative dream and end up travelling to faraway lands in the process?

You can watch replay of that Nationwide episode by clicking the image.

Filming with Helen and her crew was fun, especially as it was not just me who got the opportunity to shine, but my friends at Carlow Library (who have been very supportive of my creative development) and the Visual Gallery in Carlow who display my books in their bookshop. My parents were proud to be seen in their beautiful garden and my mother especially thrilled to have her feet on show for the reflexology piece.

'Seven C's to Calm - reclaiming your anxiety-free self' - that's the book that attracted the attention of this Irish National TV Channel. Thanks to the editor and team at RTE for choosing my story and especially to Helen McInerney for making sure all of my acheivements were on show.

I thought you might like take a peek behind the scenes of how it was all made:

Seven C’s to Calm is available on Amazon

These Fab People Reviewed My Books!

My Books Reviewed by Poetry Fans & Health Professionals

I became a self-published author in 2017 and published two books that year, one a book of poetry and the other a self-help book. Along with the poetry lovers and health professionals who provided testimonials for my book covers, I was also approached by bloggers in the wellness sector who offered to review my books. Both my books are available on Amazon and through my on-line shop.

"My books have received favourable feedback from readers and my peers in the mental health professions."

The Whisperings of Nature is a book of poetry inspired by nature, offering comfort, wisdom and inspiration to fellow lovers of words and nature.

‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety Free Self’. offers encouragement and support to those who struggle with the limiting and uncomfortable effects of anxiety.

"Developing authenticity has helped me to connect with like-minded people who really get and appreciate my work."

Introducing some of the Fabulous People who’ve Reviewed My Books:

Deborah Byrne Psychology Services (Wexford Ireland)

Deborah provides counselling and life coaching or individuals, couples, parents and carers. Deborah’s passion is to empower clients by helping them to recognize their inner strengths and leveraging them to face challenges and fears head-on so that they can create the kind of life they deeply desire.

‘I work with my clients to help them feel courageous & empowered. To seek solutions to problems & difficulties life has thrown in their path.’

Contact Deborah Byrne to arrange support.

Krystal Long, Professional Trainer, Speaker & Mental Health Advocate

Krystal Long is an experienced and qualified trainer in the area of Computer application and soft skills development. She has worked with teenagers, people with disabilities and mature adults in a variety of organisations.

Krystal is also an inspirational speaker who provides personal insights into mental health, sharing her unique story of recovery from depression, trauma and agoraphobia. Krystal has delivered her heart-felt stories to the public in both voluntary and corporate organisations.

Krystal is committed to the journey of self-discovery and empowering others to be true to themselves. Krystal is also a creative writer and blogger. Her blog including her review for my poetry book is at Krystal’s Journal.

Fran Malone Clinical Hypnotherapy (Cork & Dublin, Ireland)

Fran Malone is dedicated to helping people to move beyond their fears, limiting beliefs and anxieties. Fran originally studied hypnotherapy, hypnosis and NLP in the UK and started his first clinic there. When he returned to Ireland he studied Clinical Hypnotherapy with Irish Hypnosis and now has clinics in Tallaght (Dublin) and Cork city.

Fran provides support and a very structured approach for any person wanting to quit smoking and lose weight. Fran has a life-long experience working in the caring profession and has a passion for continuous learning and helping his client’s to succeed in their goals.

Fran helps people with anxiety, depression, phobias, weight-loss, smoking, self-esteem & addiction and more.

Arrange an appointment with Fran Malone in either Cork or Dublin (Tallaght)

Gloria Mc Breen, Holistic Therapist, Workshop Facilitator & Writer

Gloria has had an interest in natural healing remedies and practice since her teens and is a professional therapist in many modalities including massage and reflexology.

Gloria creates and facilitates well-being work-shops and is a contributor to Atlantis Eire Holistic & Celtic Spirit Magazine. She is also a health and wellness blogger and novelist.

Gloria enjoys life in the west of Ireland as a proud mother and grandmother who is also devoted to her caring husband.

You can connect with Gloria and read her review of my poetry book at her website We are Holistic.

I’m grateful for the wonderful reviews my supporters have taken time to write and share with others. Developing authenticity has helped me to connect with like-minded people who really get and appreciate my work. My books are available at most on-line book stores such as Amazon and from time I have a small selection in my own on-line shop which can be signed if my clients request it. My books are useful wellness resources for yourself or a friend or family member. I invite you to check them out.

Go shopping for Books of Calm by Caroline Cunningham

Darker Days & The In Between | Art of Caroline

December gives some of us cause for despair as we plunge deeper into darkness and cold damp air, hallmarks of Irish winters. Summer, I'm in my element, spending time outdoors, the warm feel of sunshine on my skin and sleeping with my window open, regardless of what experts say no amount of vitamin D can produce those soothing sensations.

"That which, diverts our minds from perceived problems and dilemmas, is worthy of being appreciated and framed."
Caroline Cunningham, Artist

As we glide through the sublime colours of autumn, I acknowledge the in-between state of summer fading away and the looming winter which I'll endeavour to embrace once more.

Many of my paintings in ' The Sacred Lives of Trees' collection show the bareness of winter branches attempting to catch hold of the setting sun, reflecting beauty and hope.

The In Between’ painting places the viewer between darkness and the light. In such moments, our true essence can be impressed even more upon us. Embracing our darkness is just as important as recognising the brilliance of our light.

Embrace The In Between

While the original painting of The In Between now resides in a home in Finland, you can still avail of your own printed copy with many options to customise for homewear, lifestyle and even as greetings cards.

Check out all these print options at my store at Fine Art America.

Embrace The In Between

This is Anxiety - Seek Support Today

The Limiting Impact of Anxiety

The business network event was soon to start as Karen entered the busy conference room. I heard her say hello to some people behind me. She politely excused herself as she passed through the row of seats and sat next to me. She was dressed smartly in her business attire, having come from work. She sat with a straight posture and gazed ahead towards the platform in front of us.

"I know networking is an important part of business but I just feel so tense from start to finish. I end up telling myself it’s not worth it."
Karen – Senior Business Consultant

As we awaited the announcement of the invited guest speaker, I introduced myself and enquired about her business and her expectations for the evening. Karen, a senior consultant in the corporate world, seemed initially reserved and a little tense in her response.

Being a holistic therapist, I often sense when a person is feeling uneasy and do my best to bring comfort by being friendly. She asked me about my therapy work and wondered what kind of issues it was particularly suited to. I listed a number of health benefits and added that I also help people with anxiety.

It was at that moment Karen leaned a little closer and almost whispering, she confided that she was in fact feeling quite anxious. I could sense her dismay that this was her demise. ‘I usually avoid these events’ she explained. ‘I know networking is an important part of business but I just feel so tense from start to finish. I end up telling myself it’s not worth it’. I assured Karen that she is not alone feeling this way as many people suffer in silence with their anxiety, afraid that others will find out.

You’re Not the Only One

I encouraged her to seek a way to deal with it more effectively, instead of feeling ashamed. ‘It is quite possible,’ I added, ‘that the person sitting on the other side from you is also feeling the same way’. She smiled a little and just then her face softened and with it too, her eyes revealed a kindness. She spoke briefly about personal loss and changing life circumstances, it seemed she had a lot to deal with at this time.

Soon the guest speaker was announced and we listened attentively to the insights and pieces of wisdom being offered by this well-travelled lady. As the event concluded, Karen and I spoke more excitedly about the interesting points of the guest speaker’s talk.

"Underneath this disguise she was struggling to hold everything together to appear strong. The energy it took to do this robbed her of joy and cloaked her true authentic nature which was of warmth and kindness."

Anxiety Hides Your Authentic Self

On the way home, there was so much to think about. The guest speaker had done many daring things and fulfilled many of her dreams. I thought too of Karen and how she had been so arrested by her anxiety when we spoke initially. I thought of the transformation in her persona when she admitted her anguish and relaxed a little. At first she had seemed distant and cool but also confident and elegant, yet underneath this disguise she was struggling to hold everything together to appear strong. The energy it took to do this robbed her of joy and cloaked her true authentic nature which was of warmth and kindness.

"We should not consider acceptable that which robs us of joy and ease."
Caroline Cunningham (Author of Seven C’s to Calm)

Anxiety Affects Everyone, Men & Women

I remembered also, a man who had attended my therapy practice for reflexology. His wife sent him, as part of their fertility treatment plan. He was a friendly quite out-going person, working as an expert in the financial sector. It was during the second treatment that he confided that most of the time he felt really anxious. He didn’t know why or when he had started feeling this way but he just never seemed to be completely at ease. He was at a loss to know how to gain control of his discomfort.

Anxiety is a silent torment for many people. You might not notice this because they become so adept at disguising what’s really going on beneath the surface.

In addition, some people assign themselves to a more restricted way of living, avoiding anything that might aggravate their symptoms.

Changing our World One by One

We have entered an age of personal development like never before. Internet and social media have provided the perfect platform for sharing story’s and knowledge. More and more events and groups are convening to support those who suffer all manner of mental unease and it is now time for anxiety to have its turn at being revealed, unravelled and put to rest.

My own life was impacted by anxiety and panic attacks in the past. I learned how to successfully develop calm, self-awareness and improved coping mechanisms. I love my life now. I write books to share the useful strategies that helped me. A book is a tiny investment for the seeds of your freedom.

‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your anxiety-free self’ provides encouragement and support to help you to bring ease to your life. It’s available on Amazon and via my on-line shop. Are you ready to move towards freedom?

Readers Reviews of Seven C’s to Calm

Your Path to Calm Starts Here

What My Readers Say about Seven C's to Calm

‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self’ is a simple guide which has been created to guide you on your journey towards a calmer and more capable version of yourself.

Anxiety (including panic attacks) can have such a negative impact in our lives and can prevent us from reaching our true potential. It is never too late to make a start on your road to recovery. The practice of learning and adapting is simply required.

A work-book has been included to help you follow-through on the exercises suggested within. Be assured, a place of calm exists within you, it’s just a matter of finding your way. Here’s to your success in reclaiming your anxiety-free self!

Start your Journey to Calm Here

Here’s what my readers are saying:

"An extremely helpful book for dealing with your anxiety in a non-judgemental way, along with outlining specific ways in which you can manage your anxiety better. I loved reading this book and found Caroline’s approach to anxiety genuinely helpful and very knowledgeable."

Deborah Byrne, Psychologist, Wexford, Ireland

"Seven C’s to Calm offers a fresh, new perspective on how we view our anxiety with a workbook to help track, monitor and record your progress. A simple and effective approach in helping you in reclaiming your anxiety-free self!"

Krystal Long, Mental Health & Wellness Facilitator / Professional Trainer, Cork, Ireland

"A compassionate and knowledgeable author and therapist, Caroline's book, 'Seven C's to Calm' is sure to benefit many who are seeking freedom from anxiety."

Fran Malone, NLP, Clinical Hypnotherapy Practitioner, Dublin & Cork, Ireland

Some of my readers and clients wished to remain anonymous.

Here’s what they have said about ‘Seven C’s to Calm’:

Purchase Seven C's to Calm Here

Seven C's to Calm on BookLine Radio

Radio Interview - Discussing Anxiety & Seven C’s to Calm

Teresa Quinn of Book Line on Liffey Sound 96.4 FM kindly invited me to her live radio show to discuss my book and my authentic path, a story of recovery and transformation.

Many people suffer silently with anxiety. It’s a condition that can deplete your energy, deprive you of sleep and can lead to loneliness and depression. Anxiety makes life very restrictive for many people.

By learning more about anxiety and implementing better coping strategies you can start the process of restoring calm and wellbeing and ultimately achieve a richer life experience. The reason I know this is possible is because I’ve already succeeded in doing this for myself. In our interview Teresa agrees with me that more people need to know that they too can succeed.

About My Book

In Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-Free Self, I share the strategies that helped me to restore calm and to begin to live a more fulfilling life. My book is purposefully written to avoid over-whelm. There are supportive suggestions and a work-book is included to make the exercises easy to use.

Your Journey to Calm Starts Here

Listen back to the Interview.

5 Steps To Becoming A Robot - Is this happening to you?

Human Check-In

Imagine a mechanical society with no thinking or feeling, everyone rushing about on auto-pilot, elbowing out of the way anything that appears on the horizon that doesn't match in with their preferred mode of existence. Would you be happy with this? Do you think it’s already happening on our streets? How can keep you in touch with your human side and does being authentic even matter?

The following questions may help to determine if you are in danger of becoming a robot.

Q1. Is your life running completely on schedule, every minute accounted for, your targets maxed out to the last with someone reminding you that you could achieve a little more if you try harder (that someone could even be you).

Q2. Do you only read articles that start with headings such as '5 Steps To This' and '3 Ways To Do That' because you don't have time to read real life stories of personal interest which aim to impart wisdom in a more meaningful way?

Q3. Do the important people in your life have the opportunity to connect with the flesh and blood version of your true self? Are you around long enough and present for that to happen?

Q4. Does your food taste really good? Does it interest you at all? Can you smell the subtlety of flowers and does colour have any impact on your being? What about birds, are they just for birds?

Q5. Can you feel your toes? Are you becoming numb to what's inside and outside of yourself? Do you expect to be repaired like a machine when part of you stops working, without your input or without any change from your current mode of being?

"Assuming you are still human, use your intuition to decide if you are in danger of becoming a robot."
Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach

What do you need to do to keep robot life at bay?

A healthy mind and body is one that is nurtured from the inside out. Without proper attention to both you’re in danger of neglecting signs that your health may be deteriorating. Developing self-care strategies that lead to resilience, stand to us in times of challenge such as when there are upheavals in your work or personal life or both. It’s not just about eating the right food and getting the right amount of exercise. We need strategies for managing the effects of stress and better coping mechanisms in general.

In addition, touch therapies such as reflexology help to keep us in touch with our human side by alleviating us of the tensions that build up over time. By developing the senses, absorbing colour, smell, taste and sounds, we have the ability to be more present to ourselves and others.

Knowing is Not Enough

Even when people know what they need to do to maintain their wellness, studies show that knowing is simply not enough. The biggest obstacle to putting self-care strategies into place and implementing them is actually due to a default feature of the human brain. In my coaching programmes I show my clients how to deal with these obstacles in order to stay on track for successful living.

"Aim to enrich your life. Show your human side. You deserve the best of care."
Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach

On behalf of actual robots, I apologize for implying that you are not appreciated in our society. The first robot I ever learned of was Hal (of Arthur C. Clarke fame), he paved the way for all robots and raised a lot of sympathies. As for us human’s, it’s better for us to remember that we are in fact human.

This article was finalist in the business category of Ireland Blog Awards in 2015.

Are You Becoming an Endangered Human?

Developing self-awareness is crucial for success in all aspects of life. Modern living offers us many paths to neglecting ourselves, leading to burn-out. I help people to move towards being more authentic and I believe this is the key to our wellness, happiness and success. I believe it's never too late to change, to develop new out-looks and by doing so we make it possible for others to do the same. Join me for Authentic Path Inspiration or check out my range of books, courses and coaching services.

Care for Authentic Humans

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Focus for Success

Kick Starter Guide

(e-Book)

Focus for Success

6 Week Programme

(on-line course)

Personalised

Wellness Coaching

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.

Books by Caroline Cunningham

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.

Books by Caroline Cunningham

40 Case Studies

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.

Books to Inspire Wellbeing

What People Are Saying About Trees

Keep the Tree Conversation Alive

The Sacred Lives of Trees Grows:

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees

Are You Becoming an Endangered Human?

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Therapy for mind and body in sunny Algarve

Authentic Reflexology in the Algarve

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

My Books Reviewed by Poetry Fans & Health Professionals

Introducing some of the Fabulous People who’ve Reviewed My Books:

Deborah Byrne Psychology Services (Wexford Ireland)

Krystal Long, Professional Trainer, Speaker & Mental Health Advocate

Fran Malone Clinical Hypnotherapy (Cork & Dublin, Ireland)

Gloria Mc Breen, Holistic Therapist, Workshop Facilitator & Writer

Embrace The In Between

The Limiting Impact of Anxiety

You’re Not the Only One

Anxiety Hides Your Authentic Self

Anxiety Affects Everyone, Men & Women

Changing our World One by One

Here’s what my readers are saying:

Some of my readers and clients wished to remain anonymous.

Here’s what they have said about ‘Seven C’s to Calm’:

Laura, Carlow, Ireland

Teresa, Dublin, Ireland

Mary, Dublin, Ireland

Bernadette, Wexford Ireland

Margaret, Dublin, Ireland

Janet, London, UK

Radio Interview - Discussing Anxiety & Seven C’s to Calm

About My Book

Human Check-In

The following questions may help to determine if you are in danger of becoming a robot.

What do you need to do to keep robot life at bay?

Knowing is Not Enough

Are You Becoming an Endangered Human?

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Sample Results

Conclusion of 40 Case Studies

Author Update