Hi! I'm Kelly!
The first time I received reflexology, I was blown away.
I walked out of the session feeling like I was walking on clouds!
I just had to learn more...
My Story
My journey in healing began in 2004 while completing my certification in hand and foot reflexology. My teacher was incredible - an RN for 19 years at Swedish Hospital in Denver - she taught us both the Western & Eastern principles of medicine. My training in reflexology opened my eyes to the wonders of the human body. I fell in love with both the science of healing, and the magic.
Several years later, I traveled to Thailand and China to study martial arts (Muay Thai, Shaolin kung fu, taiji). For more than a decade, I had been an avid kickboxer; however, during my intense training in Asia, my body was under unprecedented stress. Amongst our small group of students, I observed first-hand the body's response to stress AND conditions which support the body's ability to heal itself.
My observations inspired me to deepen my understanding of both alignment and the nervous system. I continued my studies in facial reflexology (for neurological and hormonal support) and ortho-bionomy (for structural support). The key component of both modalities is calming the nervous system - moving it from "fight or flight". Blending these modalities proved to be a deeply effective container for healing.
When I returned, my diagnosis of Hashimoto's hypothyroidism sent me down the rabbit hole of learning about diet and nutrition. Through this education, I cultivated a deep appreciation for the effect our food has on our bodies. I learned how to optimize my mood & wellness through nutrition, which is truly the foundation of optimal health.
My work is rooted in the understanding that our bodies have the innate ability to self-correct under the right conditions. The first step is shifting the nervous system from "fight or flight", which is the state of many people under chronic stress; then bringing the body back into alignment. I facilitate this process by combining the aforementioned modalities to downshift the nervous system, while clearing congestion in the organs and energy body via pressure points along the face, hands and feet.
Certifications and Trainings
Holistic Life Coach & Mind-Body Practitioner Certification - 2024
Authentic Relating Levels 1+2 - 2023/2024
Pacific Integral Emergent Leadership Program - 2022
REOS Partners Facilitation Training - 2020
The Great Remembering (A Reclamation of Sex, Soul and Our Eternal Wildness) - 2020
The Elemental Self Immersion - 2019/2020
ReWilding for Women Mystery School Levels 1, 2, 3 - 2018/2019
Co-wrote, edited & published “She Is Without Limits” - 2016
100 Hour Ayurveda Training - 2016
Ortho-bionomy courses - 2015/2016
Usui Reiki 1+2 - 2015
Kunyu Shan Martial Arts Academy / Shandong Province, China - 2011
American Reflexology Certification Board National Certification - 2005
Thousands of hours holding space in a professional setting
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient therapy that uses massage techniques on zones and pressure points along the face, hands and feet to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Reflexology is more than just a soothing massage; it’s a therapeutic journey
that alleviates stress, improves circulation and encourages the harmonious flow of energy throughout the body.
How does it work?
This may be more than you asked for, but multiple scientific theories reveal why reflexology is so effective:
Analgesic effect (pain control): Direct pressure momentarily blocks the transmission of pain signals/ interrupts sensory transmission/ short circuits/ confuses the nervous system.
Endorphin release: Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller (ten times stronger than morphine).
Immune booster: Stimulates the nerve connections between the thymus and spleen and hypothalamus, making these organs work more effectively. Increases blood flow and lymph flow, which leads to increased immune function.
Increases circulation: Soles of the feet and palms are rich in capillaries. Direct pressure to these areas increases venous return which brings more oxygen to the tissues and increases circulation of neuro-chemicals and hormones secreted from the glands.
Lactic acid/detoxification: Increase in circulation brings nutrients to the cells and eliminates waste. Crystals of lactic, pyruvic, uric acid, and calcium form at nerve endings in hands and feet. Direct pressure crushes these deposits and they are eliminated through circulation.
Proprioceptive Nerve Receptor Theory: There are 72,000 nerve endings in the foot which are anatomically connected to other parts of the body. Pressure on these nerve endings sends impulses to other areas and the body self-corrects.
Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response: Reflexology elicits the “relaxation response”. This is a group of positive physiological changes first described and recognized by Benson in the 70's, including increased parasympathetic activity which calms the body, lowers BP, heart rate, and respirations, and increases digestion and peristalsis.
Emotional/mental release: Touch enhances cellular memory and allows us to release repressed or buried emotions.
Energy theory: Organs communicate via an electro-magnetic field. According to reflexology and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), energy travels along pathways, zones, or meridians in the body. If this energy becomes blocked or congested, pain and disease can occur in any organ or gland along the pathway. Reflexology opens these blocked pathways. Direct pressure and intention allow healing energy to be sent. The concept of sending and unblocking energy is common to reflexology, TCM, therapeutic touch, Reiki, chakra balancing, and other modalities.
Homeostasis (balancing): By stimulating all of the organs and glands, blockages are released and the body is allowed to find its own equilibrium. In other words, the body is put into a place where healing can occur.