By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Elizabeth Alent is sold on reflexology. Up until a year ago, though, she knew very little about it. Elizabeth, who moved to Henry Ford Village from Huntington Woods, visits Certified Reflexologist Edith Hoerster for a onehour session of deep tissue massage.

“I read about it in the literature here,” says Elizabeth. “First, I sit in a specially designed chair, and then I lean way back. Then, Edith checks to see where I need help.”

“It’s a very deep, deep massage,” she says. “She helps get the knots out of my legs, and gets the blood flowing through. It’s very helpful,” she says.

What is reflexology?
According to Edith, who has her own office on campus and has been offering her services for the past five years, reflexology is “Simple, precise pressure on specific areas which can eliminate lower back pain and other body ills.”

“By proper manipulation of these reflex points, a reflexologist can help you naturally,” says Edith.

According to Reflexology World Magazine, “Reflexology works on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands that correspond to all the body organs and systems, and that by applying pressure to those reflexes you can bring the body back into a homeostasis or balance. In western reflexology no implements are used—only the therapist’s hands.

The publication continues, “Reflexology is not new, it has its origins in ancient Egypt, China and India. There are drawings on the walls of a pyramid in Egypt showing people having their hands and feet ‘worked.’”

‘Feet first’
Edith has a method in mind when she begins her sessions.

“I start with their feet first,” she says. “Then I can tell where the problem is.”

After spending about 30 minutes on the client’s feet, Edith then moves on to the rest of their body.

Edith says she can especially relate to her clients at Henry Ford Village. “I’m a retired senior. I have the same pain as they do…we can relate to each other. I feel close to them,” she explains.