What is VRT and how can it help your practice?
“VRT adds hugely to the success of conventional reflexology.
All reflexologists should be taught it.” Edinburgh course feedback.
What is VRT?
Vertical Reflex Therapy is a remarkable reflexology discovery where the dorsal hand or foot reflexes are briefly treated while weight-bearing. Lynne Booth's best selling book, Vertical Reflexology and also Vertical Reflexology for Hands are available from bookshops and Booth VRT direct. They have been translated into Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Czech and Portugese for Brazil.
Why is VRT so effective?
Anatomically, the nerves in the hands and feet remain desensitised when passive or reclining and those same nerves become sensitised when the feet are standing or the hands are pressed down on a flat surface. The general premise and suggestion of reflexology is that the reflexes in the hands and feet can be triggered to send a message to a specific organ or gland in the body which will help to trigger a healing response. When a reflexologist stimulates the feet, an energetic response may be carried through the body to a particular target. It appears obvious that, in the reflexology concept, the response is possibly transmitted in some way by the nerves and, if this is the case, then there is a possibility that the sensitised weight-bearing reflexes may enhance the response of the stimulated reflex.
What are the benefits of VRT?
The therapeutic response from VRT often appears to be quicker, especially with mobility issues. Advanced VRT techniques may often help intransigent conditions. VRT may also be used as a brief first-aid treatment or as part of a comprehensive 25 minute treatment for hospices, the workplace, schools, sports centres, etc.
How does it fit into a reflexologist's conventional practice?
Simply reduce your classical treatment to allow time to apply VRT for up to 5 minutes at the beginning and/or end of treatments. VRT complements all forms of reflexology and enhances, rather than replaces, your other techniques and skills. We also offer one day courses on VRT and issues related to the Endocrine system where neural pathway reflexes are worked, Advanced VRT techniques and VRT Hand and Nail-working courses.
Are the courses accredited and how will I find a VRT practitioner?
Over 6000 reflexologists have attended authorised VRT courses in the UK and internationally. The courses are accredited by the Complementary Therapists’ Association (CThA), 5 CPD points per day and the Association of Reflexologists (AoR), 12 CPD points per day. Certificates of Attendance are issued. To find a registered VRT practitoner, who is a qualified reflexologist, click here. If there is no-one in your area please contact Booth VRT for other VRT trained reflexologists.
Who runs VRT courses and where are they held?
Booth VRT authorised tutors run one day courses which are held regularly around the UK and overseas. We are also invited by reflexology schools and colleges, international reflexology federations, local support groups and national training bodies to run in-house courses. For a list of upcoming courses click here.
Is there research to back up your claims?
In 1997 a small medically monitored VRT study on pain and mobility issues in older people resulted in what appeared to be a 60% maintained improvement in 7 weeks. A brief survey of reflexology/VRT in the workplace in 2002 resulted in an 80%, anecdotal, recorded improvement when daily self-help VRT on the hands was implemented. Other findings include two small studies on Anxiety/stress issues and on Pain issues.
What is VRT Nail-working?
The systems of the body are mapped out on the nails. By finely working nail-on-nail on the feet and hands, deeper reflexes on the plantar and dorsum can be stimulated and relaxing results may be achieved by connecting nail and dorsal reflexes.
