language of the feet by Chris Stormer

[Parrot]

Just bought this book out of curiosity and to see if there was any interesting info re physical conditions. Have to say that having read and flicked thru it , I'm really not sure if I'm amused, annoyed or what.

Its all metaphysical stuff eg 'Large feet are capable of making a big impression if full potential is achieved' what??? Probably are if they tread on my little feet.

Also ' Tiny feet tend to tread carefully to test their way through life, and although capable of making an impact, have a gentler approach' ???

And so on
'Significance of the various aspects of the sole - on the balls of the feet - beneath the big toe - space for self'.

I feel the urge to write a book on the 'effect of air on various parts of the foot' and perhaps make a nice little fortune.

Does anyone credit this stuff?

Jan[/align]

 

[guppy]

Hi Jan,

So glad i'm not the only person to think this is a load of tosh !!!! One of my tutor's was very impressed with this book and went on to tell us all about our personalities depending on what our feet looked like.

One of the things she went on about was bunions and inward facing toes ~ something to do with some negative personality trait !!!! I mentioned that I felt that the reason my Mother-in-Law had bunions and bend out of shape toes was because she had worked on her feet for 40 years and squashed her toes into little pointy high heels for the best part of the 60s, 70s and 80s ~ needless to say she didn't really know how to respond.

I have similar looking feet to my Grandmother, and my (at that time) baby son had little feet which looked like mine (and still does) I asked how my son could have negative personality traits at 1 year old??? The answer according to Chris Stormer was that he had "genetically inherited my negative traits !!!!

Tosh ~ utter tosh (IMHO, of course)

meridianmoon xx

 

[gracel]

I'm glad you agree with me.

Another one is Sound reflexology. Now I know that music can be therapeutic, but !!!

I think we have to be careful to be 'real' in this profession. Reflexology has a good logical basis and thats what I work by. I think these sort of airy fairy things can tend to alienate the mainstream medical profession and not take us seriously.
Alot of money can be made by these 'gurus'.

We should think up a few too, make a few bob. Any suggestions?

 

[J R]

Hello

I beg to differ!!

I have done various seminars with Chris and studied with her to learn her way of applying reflexology and IMHO it is amazing. Itgoes one step further than just applying practical treatmentby bringing in the emotional connections of dis-ease and ill healthand how our bodies and feet ultimately reflectit allback to us.

I admit it is quite baffling to just read the Language of the Feet book and apply it to your client/friends/family or yourself but in my experience, it does ring true...Although that particular book is just about reading the phsyical condition/attributes of the feet,her whole approach to healing and reflexology incorporates understanding how the universe and energy works and how people's inner issues are highlighted subconsciously through the feet.

Bunions show that a person probably puts others before themselves, giving them more attention, time, careetc. Their own space and time is restricted as they then come second toeveryone elsewhich is why many mothers and women seem to show this trait more than men.It isby no means a negative trait! Chris teaches that there is no right and there is no wrong... good and bad, positive and negative are all just the natural polarities of energy and degrees of what IS. We are all uniqueindividuals. If a child or baby is showing the startings of a bunion, then I would look to the mother for an answer, as children subconsciously take on and reflect back the mothers own issues, or it could reflect that that child is being too restricted in thier life.

I believe there are many ways of working with the feet and that we all ultimately find the way that is best for us, but to say that something is a load of tosh before you completely understand it or have properly experienced it, is said outignorance. If you are going to slag off Chris Stormer then you will have to add Carolyn Myss, Dr Christine Page, Debbie Shapiro, Imre Somogyi and a few more!There is nothing wrong with the metaphysical, just as there is nothing wrong withjust applying a foot massage, weall have the same goal....and that is the improved health and healing of clients, friends, family and of course not forgetting ourselves!

Why not try reading one of Chris's books that incorporates reflexology and not just foot reading?

Love and light to you all

Happy Feet xx

 

[redlionlantern4]

..PS...I don't mean to come across as angry and "having a go"....I am just passionate about this way of working!

Love
HFxx

 

[Theodore Macmahon]

Hi,

I think you'll find that bunions are more likely to be caused by ill fitting footware, as well as being a geneticallyinherited condition. As for woman developing bunions more than men ~ that's because the condition runs down the female line.

I have read the book ~ and sorry but I still think it's a load of tosh !!!

As Jan has already said, as proffesional Reflexologists we ought to be working towards delivering a uniform, clinically effective therapy. Promoting the health benefits of an effective pressure therapy, a therapythat stimulates the nervous system, improves the circulation, rids the body of toxins ............ not reading what we may or may not thinkis the underlying personality trait of the client.

I am, as well as being a Clinical Reflexologist, an Auricular Acupuncturist and a Reiki Master. You seem to assume that I have no understanding of energy work or as you put it "the metaphysical".

I feel the same way about this subject as I feel about the Reiki Master who told one of my new clients, that the reason she had a painful shoulder was because she had been stabbed in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings !!! [sm=eeeK.gif]

Now, it's not that I don't believe in past life's ~ it more to do with the fact that saying stuff like that has NOTHING to do with Reiki !!!

I use many principles of TCM in my acupuncture and Reflexology work. The Zang Fu table shows us that many physical conditions can have an emotional link. However, to argue that the shape of one's foot is a reflection of one's personality, is a step too far for me.

Put simply, IMHO,the shape of a persons feet or tilt of a persons toes,ismoreto do with the genetically passed on information, in exactly the same way as we inherit our eye colour or shape of our nose.

I am not, as you say, "slagging off" Chris Stormer. I simply prefer to practice Reflexology in a more clinical way. I am well aware of howour emotions can effect the physical workings of our bodies, I just don't happen to think that you can completely disregard our genetic material or how we look after our feet !!!

As for the mother passing on her issues to the baby andthis showing up in the feet ~ again, please explain to me how it is that my son had feet like mine from the day he was born ??? Perhaps you would argue that my emotions effected the development of his feet in the womb !!!

Perhaps though, it's for the same reason he has my eyes and his Dad's mouth !! GENETICS !!!!



Meridianmoon xx

 

[~Volcom~]

Well meridianmoon has given a very good reply that I totally agree with, so I will just add that I also use Reiki all the time, love it.

And that another reason men rarely have bunions is because, unlikewomen, they do not stuff their feet into stillettos and pointed toes, thus exacerbating a genetic tendency.

For curiosities sake, I will start experimenting a bit with the book tho and try reading a few feet and see what I find, starting with my own! and husbands. Presumably it is like palmistry and far removed from 'proper' reflexology.

Jan

 

[bossy45]

I Have to agree with Meridianmoon on this one too.

I fail to see how you can tell these things simply by looking at the shape of the feet. Who made up this notion? Was it Chris Stormer or has it been around as long as Reflexology itself?
I have not read the book myself, simply because i chose not too, as i too, felt that it would be irrelevant to the way i practice. Its the same as toe reading......don't really see how that works either or its relevance.

kate

 

[Roslyn]

Hello again

I think it would be very limiting if we all worked exactly the same way as reflexologists!Clients are individuals, each with their own needs and I believe they ultimately all find their way to the therapist that is right for them..... imagine if there was no ART, VRT Gentle Touch, or Clinical reflexology... onlyone way of working andall therapists worked exactly the same way. Reflexology is an incredible therapy, in any form, and I love it .....and I love giving the treatments and seeing the positive transformations it can help bring about. Just because I chose to use slightly different methods, doesn't make it any less or more effective than your way of working. How are we ever going to move on and improve as therapists or as a therapyif we stick rigidly to one way of working and aren't open to other methods, even if we chose not to use them? My treatments still address the nervous, endocrine, digestive systems etc and I do use pressure but I also take into consideration the emotional links to the physical conditions being presented in the feet and body...and I am an MAR practitioner! The Language of the Feet is a tool to be used in conjunction with reflexology and is not the be all and end of of the treatment by any means.

Meridianmoon, you are going to love this Yes, I do believe that a baby in the womb picks up and often takes on its mother's emotions. Emotions may not be as tangible and as obvious as the genetic link, but it is a connection just the same. As for bunions.... why do these women feel they have to squeeze their feet into these tight shoes that deform their feet......because it subconsciuosly reflects how restricted they feel in their life... just as their mothers possibly were!

The emotion/dis-ease, body/mind link is being increasingly recognised in the medical world, so why not in the reflexology world too? and if the body reflects what the mind thinks, then why shouldn't the feet reflect it too...afterall isn't the whole mind and body reflected in the feet?

Having said all that, I think it is great that we are all so passionate about reflexology, because it really is a wonderfultherapy. however it is applied

Love
Happy Feet xx

 

[Adelle]

Hello, I was looking for some of the feet charts in this book and came across your comments! Wow.

Firstly, I would like to say that I have practiced Relexology for about 17 years and I am surprised by the remarks by some of the "Therapists". You cannot take this book as gospel but there are some very interesting ideas and as therapists, weshould beopen to everything because fact is stranger than fiction. Any complimentary therapy should not be classed as "clinical" it is after all human beings we are dealing with. There has been a massive uptake in learning these therapies as the demand has grown and unfortunately, there are people do it soley for the money, which is not what it is all about.
I personally believe that instead of slagging off a book because its suggestions/ findingsare too "new age or airy fairy" you should spend some time learning to be accepting of others opinions and less judgemental. Also words like empathy, consideration, compassion are good to remember.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi Siobhann,

Many thanks for your opinions, based on your vast experience !!

Now perhaps you might like to go back and re-read my posts. I have not "slagged" anything or anyone off ~ I have simply statedMY opinion, as has everyone else.

We do not all have to work in the same way ~ we must find a way of working which suits us ~ I do not work in a purely "clinical"and if you read my posts properly you will note that I have talked about my belief in the physical/emotional connection and my use of the meridian system,and I am well aware that my clients are human beings, Thankyou.

Perhaps we ought to try a bit harder in not being quite so "judgemental" and a little more "accepting of others opinions" when replying to another's post.

Oh and Welcome to HP !!

meridianmoon xx

 

[Jjfjf Jfjfjf]

Hi Siobhann and welcome to HP.

As the originator of this thread I feel I should clarify a thing or two.

I am very open minded and have treated thousands of clients now with very good results. I also am reiki attuned and enjoy its use on a daily basis. I have studied ART, precison reflexology, vertical reflexology, acupressure, massage, Indian Head Massage, (including the chakra balancing) and other post grad training. I have found all these books and courses very beneficial and use aspects of them all the time.

I do not apologise for questioning the purpose or usefulness of the Language of the Feet.

Having read more of it I am still of exactly the same opinion. I dont know if Chris Stormer actually wrote it for amusement rather than as a 'serious' educational book, but it cant be used to learn more about actual reflexology, apart from a very few phrases.

I feel completely justified in inviting comments and warning any reflexology professional that they may be wasting their £8. Are we not supposed to question anything that can be put forward as a valuable reference book!!!
Do you buy every single book on a subject and not feel 'worthy' to comment on it as a fellow practitioner, with considerable experience?

We should all feel confident enough to challenge something put forward in the name of our therapies to protect our reputations and to ensure we are taken seriously as the highly qualified, tolerant, compassionateprofessionals we are.

Jan xxx

 

[SefeQueuelp]

Hi,

Just read this post and haven't heard of the book

I'm a reflexologist amongst other therapies and I'm going to give it a go this week as we all look at the feet for signs of different colouration, corns, hard skin, crystals or grittyness. Something that occured to me is that Palmistry has been a divinatatory art for centuries (not sure when it began) - so if we can transpose the therapy from feet to hands for giving reflexology treatments why not expand the notion of reading the feet in this way.

I went to a lecture on palmistry which I found fascinating and it was given by a Medical Herbalist, Dylan Warren Davies - he talked about the length of the palm and length of the fingers and how this could indicate the character using the four elements earth fire air and water.

This week I will look for some signs I know I have heard that if there is a wide space between the great toe and the next that this shows the person has an independent spirit - I'd like to think to experiment myself with this concept of language of the feet and see what presents itself.

Luv Binah
x

 

[Red Head]

The book was on our reading list when I did my reflexology course. Not compulsory reading but suggested.

Well, being enthusiastic I bought it anyway and gave up after the first couple of chapters. Who knows, I may go back to it in the future.

Hell, I started a reflexology course 20 years ago then packed it in because I didn't "get it" then returned to it two years ago and "got it". I have even tried a Bowen course but gave it up after part two. I think sometimes it's just not the right time for you to take something on board.

Maybe in the future????

Love and Light

Patchouli

 

[boffexescurce]

Well ... I have to say that I have read this Chris Stormer book as well as others by her and I have to say that I thought that it was quite a good (and fun) book. I don't think that it should be a person's reflexology bible and I wouldn't advocate that people use that as their reference book, but I thought that it was quite enlightening to be honest. Have you actually used it when looking at people's feet? It can actually tie in with what you are seeing on the foot - not all the time but it does sometimes. I had one client who according to the Chris Stormer book was "resentful towards her partner" and what did she do during the whole treatment? moan about her husband.

There is also a similar book by Renee Tanner which also looks at reading the foot. Has anybody seen that? Again you read some of it and think what?? and yet other parts you can read and think yes that is quite true. My AOR tutor introduced us to reading the feet like this and it really added to the whole course. It didn't mean that we didn't "read" the feet in the usual way aswell. I think that this was a great approach to teaching as it made us appreciate reflexology from a number of angles. Like Binah said, there could be somethiing in it - just as in palmistry. In no way should these books be used to replace the other, reference books that we all have, it just adds to the treatment in some respects.

 

[sagsspeeliday]

It's good to hear that some of you enjoy The Language of the Feet as well! As i said before, it is not the be all and end all of the treatment,but it is a veryinteresting and thought provoking tool to use as and when you want to.

I haven't read Renee Tanner's book, but I will definately go and look it out now!

HFxx

 

[choochoo]

Well, I take the point about it some things are just for fun and will definitely get my feet out and have a look in that spirit, so anyone else game?

When I've a few free minutes, I'll have a look and post a few things to look for to decide personality traits and see if they apply to you.


Jan

 

[airmonkey120]

Hey Jan d'you know I think that would be quite interesting!! I don't know how you would do it? what describe your feet and see if it ties in? I look forward to it!!?? x

 

[Sur La Mer]

Well thank goodness we are all different What a refreshing discussion. I haven't read the Chris Stormer book but I've been to a Foot Reading workshop. It was fun and interesting, although I must say I haven't really pursued it too much. I think with all these things you take what you want to use from them. Some of it was a little 'out there' for where I am in my thinking and beliefs, but that's fine. I also have Renée's book.

The thing is, what do you do with your foot reading? I'm not sure I want to sit and make pronouncements to my clients! As I am not trained to make a diagnosis, equally I don't feel competent to make statements on people's character or personality. It feels rather judgemental and pompous to me, and may even smack of 'showing off'. Also, do you want to end up sounding like some sort of fortune teller? But it is interesting if something I see on the feet ties in with something that is very real with that person. For example, if you see little cross shapes on the feet it is supposed to mean that the person has been through sad times. IMO, use it but keep it to yourself.

Any other views? Have you been examining your feet Jan? I await your findings with interest!! Having looked at my feet I can say the following: Good intuition if I choose to listen to it. One who wants to push back the boundaries and break with convention. Has turned their back on tradition and family at times to do their own thing. Yes, I have to agree!!!

PS I am dead miffed that I'm no longer the only Siobhan here!

[8D]

 

[Element]

Hi At One ... you are quite right!!! I don't discuss any of the foot reading with the client. Like somebody else said on this thread, it's not what reflexology is really all about and also can you imagine it? You could end up really offending somebody. I use it for myself really. I tend to use it with regular clients - you know I make notes each time they come and sometimes I look them up in one of the books to see whether it ties in with their personality. Really it's just for me as an additional interest as feet do change don't they? Think I'll get my feet out this weekend as see if it ties in.