Active Life Health Clinic is a natural health practice

Reflexology is a non-invasive therapeutic treatment applied to the hands, feet and ears using finger and thumb massage techniques. It is based on the premise that there are reflex points corresponding via nerve pathways of the nervous system (Western Medicine) and/or meridians (Eastern Medicine) to every part, organ and gland of the body. By massaging the feet, hands and ears, reflexology stimulates the body to return to optimum health.

Reflexology is centuries old. The earliest found written documentation about reflexology is Egyptian, dating approximately 2230 BC. According to "History of Reflexology in North America", in 1902, Dr. Fitzgerald became acquainted with the concept of zone therapy and discovered that when pressure was placed on certain areas of the body, pain would be relieved in other areas.

His student, Eunice Ingham, took his findings one step further by naming this technique reflexology. She is the one that created the reflex hand and foot chart according to an anatomical model. This continues to be the foot chart that is referred to by all current Reflexologists. In 1978 the Reflexology Association of Canada was formed by Dorothy Marshall and her husband. Dr. Marshall is the director of the International Academy of Natural Health Science where Helene studied to become a certified reflexologist.

Because of its origins, Reflexology is often applied to relieve patients from various aches and pains.

By massaging the extremities Reflexology also helps relieve the effect of stress on the body and balances the body, mind and spirit.

In addition, since Reflexology affects all the glands, organs, systems, and areas of the body, it can help treat various health issues, from A (allergies) to Z (zits; ok, we had a hard time coming up with a "z" word, but it can improve the skin).

Even stress can be addressed with Reflexology. Try a session and you'll understand.

Those who have tried every health modality to those who rarely see a doctor or health care practitioner.

Helene particularly likes to treat pregnant women as she finds that it helps them to relieve their symptoms of foot pain and swelling, back pain, nausea, digestive upset, hemorrhoids, and helps improve their overall experience with the pregnancy and delivery.

Helene Decarie has been a certified Reflexologist since 2003. A graduate from the International Academy of Natural Health Science in Ottawa, Helene believes that Reflexology is an insight to what your feet and hands reveal about you and your health. Over the years Helene has acquired knowledge on other, additional types of natural healing techniques which she incorporates into her treatments when she deems them to be beneficial.

Helene's compassionnate personality and skilled treatment will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

"I have a great passion to share the art of Reflexology, communicate my experiences and help my clients start practicing Reflexology on a daily base. I believe we can live a stress-free life if everyone is a bit more aware of how their feet feel. Reflexology is a tool to keep yourself happy and healthy."

The Treatment

Each Reflexology session is started with a short consultation with you about your specific health concerns and goals.

Helene prefers to allot a full hour for her Reflexology sessions. In this hour she will spend 20 minutes on each foot, 15 minutes on the hands and 5 minutes the ears.

If you prefer shorter sessions, Helene does offer a 30 minute session on only your feet or only your hands.

And, if you find that you are time-strapped and cannot come to the clinic, we can arrange for you to get treatment at your workplace, provided that we can book at least 2 hours continuous of treatments (e.g. you and a coworker each get a 1 hour session or 4 of you each receive 30 minute sessions). Because all Helene needs is enough room to set up a stool or chair for herself and her own fold-up reclining "gravity chair" for you, she does not need much space, but arrangements for a suitable space must be provided.

Helene will usually show you two points to start teaching you how to incorporate Reflexology into your daily life. Specific points are chosen according to your individual needs to allow you to feel more in control of the quality of your health.

Why isn't reflexology covered by health plans?

Reflexology is in fact covered under some extended mecial insurance plans, but is not a common component of most extended health care plans...yet. An extended health plan is individual to each corporation or employer that sponsors it. Blue Cross, Liberty Mutual and Manual Life do cover Reflexology for some of their plans, but not all.

Fun Foot Fact: The feet account for one quarter of all the bones in the human body!

your own workplace (read above under "The Treatment" section and contact us for details)