Advanced Reflexology Techniques (ART), London (2025)

26/11/2025

Dear Reflexology colleagues

I am truly moved by the ongoing stream of messages I’ve received from you since I announced my semi-retirement — a big thank you for all your kind words.

It was so good to hear from students who attended seminars at the Columbia Hotel in London during the 1980s. This was the location where Dwight Byers and I hosted our initial seminars in the UK, starting in the late 1970s and continuing until around 2021.

Those were truly magical times for reflexology, especially those throughout the 1980s.
There should be a plaque on the outside of the building stating that this was the birthplace of reflexology in the UK and much of the world!
I vividly recall the seminar atmosphere, with students eagerly absorbing Eunice Ingham’s teachings. Students from many parts of the world attended those seminars and adopted the ‘Ingham’ protocol, helping to spread reflexology internationally.
Since those times, reflexology has become one of the most popular therapies.

Realising that I was closer to my exit than my entry, and that I didn’t want to end my career with a rigor mortis grip on a client’s foot, which wouldn’t have looked good on my CV, I decided to semi-retire.
I will be presenting articles on various topics in the coming weeks, so make sure to follow me for these.
In the meantime:
‘The tactile hypersensitivity of the toe tips and the sole of the foot is no coincidence, but is apparently part of the electromagnetic forces and conveys them through the body’
- James Beal, NASA Aerospace engineer

Explore, Dream, Discover!

My best wishes

Tony Porter
www.artreflex.com

21/11/2025

Dear Colleagues

Thank you very much for your comments regarding my semi-retirement. It has been a great pleasure to meet so many wonderful students from around the world, whom I consider friends.

Recalling the start of our careers in reflexology is challenging. Was it when we first saw clients (in my case, in 1974) or when we attended our first seminar? However, these moments were not the true beginning but rather the result of a seed that was perhaps sown many years earlier. 
Nothing originates from nothing, and if we look back, we can pinpoint a meeting or event that marked the true beginning of our reflexology journey.
The ‘seeding’ of my career was in 1951, when I was six years old, watching my father rub my polio-stricken sister’s feet with a cork block.
A few years later, I saw my mother stroking the back of her hands with the teeth of a steel comb to soothe her digestive discomfort.
 My father, a renowned gentleman’s hairdresser in London from the 1930s to the 1960s, incorporated his distinctive head-massage technique for many of his clients. I would watch in wonder as his ministrations completely transformed clients from shambling, hungover wrecks after a night of overindulgence into sprightly, upright members of society ready to face the day.

I decided to become an osteopath, and although I undertook preparatory training, life had other plans, leading to encounters with a lady’s hat pin in an iconic British red phone box, tragedies, wigs and various twists and turns that seemed to have nothing to do with a career in reflexology at the time, but culminated in a chance meeting with Dwight Byers the nephew of Eunice Ingham which continued for over forty years. This meeting sealed my fate as a reflexologist.

We are all part of a cosmic chessboard, with the universe being the grandmaster. We should keep this in mind when things don’t go as we expected.
My Best wishes
Tony
Explore, Dream, Discover!

15/11/2025

Dear Colleagues

Even in early winter, vibrant colours can still be seen; some will remain with us until spring. I captured these in the garden of the property I’ve moved to, from my birthplace of London.

After over fifty years of nearly full-time practice, I decided to stop giving treatments, except for a few long-term clients whom I will continue to treat when they are in London next year.
 My new life will give me more time for contemplation and reflection on my reflexology career, the practitioners I have met, and the techniques they employed.
Surprisingly, I was unimpressed with how many of these therapists operated, including those in China, Thailand, and Malaysia.
On one occasion, Dwight Byers and I were receiving treatments which were so poor that we reversed roles with the practitioners and demonstrated how a treatment should be given. From then on, we were called by the moniker of ‘master.’

There were only two practices to which I was recommended, one in Hong Kong and the other in Singapore, which were therapeutically impressive.

Once I have settled into my new location, I will resume my regular blog posts and articles, sharing techniques with my followers.

Reflexology is truly unique, and its full potential can only be recognised once it is understood as an energy therapy.
It can be life-changing not only for the client but also for the therapist, something I experienced many years ago.
Explore, dream, discover!

My Best Wishes

Tony Porter

09/10/2025

MONKEY BLISS!

02/10/2025

DWIGHT BYERS ARCHIVE VIDEO
I was pleased to have spent time with Dwight shortly before his passing in August 2020
Our association goes back over forty years. During that time, we travelled the world, giving seminars and introducing reflexology to many countries.

Those times, with all the miles driven across Texas, Kansas, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe, are now somewhat blurred. Also included were the many hours we spent flying to different countries.
Understandably, throughout all this, I came to know the other non-reflexology sides of Dwight. It was not an easy task, as reflexology was deeply intertwined in his life.

Aside from reflexology, his other passions included flying (he held a pilot’s licence) and NASCAR driving, in which he won numerous awards.
I remember watching him perform mid-air acrobatics, flying a stunt plane at the UK’s Booker airfield, and afterwards, like a cat that got the cream, climbing into a glider and repeating the same display.

I also need to mention Dwight’s wife, Nancy, who would sometimes accompany us on these journeys, where she managed all the organisation and kept us on course.
Dwight was committed to preserving his aunt’s legacy, and he recounted his memories of the times he spent with her since he was a child.

This video of Dwight was made in 2020, and he recollects those early days with his aunt.
Even then, he had a pair of feet in his hands! He gave his authorisation for me to share it on my website.
The duration is approximately 5 minutes.

To view, visit www.artreflex.com and follow the links.

Best wishes

Tony

02/10/2025

REFLEXOLOGY IN LIMA

Having a home clear-out and reorganising the artefacts of our lives can be very cathartic, something akin to an emotional detox.
 This is something I am currently experiencing as I prepare to relocate. It has also made me realise that I am much closer to my exit than my entry. A life that, for over fifty years, has involved delivering countless treatments and seminars, many of which were with Dwight Byers. An association which lasted over forty years. During that time, we travelled the world promoting his aunt’s (Eunice Ingham) legacy of the Ingham technique of reflexology (classical reflexology).

The most essential element of effective reflexology is a mastery of touch, combined with the ability to interpret the reflexes accurately, and the use of effective techniques. No matter how extensive a practitioner’s physiological and medical knowledge might be, it will be of limited value without proper application. He would say, ‘Keep things simple.’
He described how Eunice provided thirty-minute treatments, concentrating on the relevant reflexes. He also mentioned that she used very firm pressure, delivered with authority but not brutality, which I also follow. This approach is mainly in stark contrast to the somewhat ‘loose’ techniques used nowadays.

He frequently gave treatments in ‘the field’, as shown in this photo, which was taken in Lima, Peru, before we embarked on a trek in the Amazon. We struck up a conversation with an American lady who mentioned she had a headache. Within seconds, Dwight took her feet in his hands and worked his magic, completely relieving her discomfort.

I spent time with him shortly before he died in 2020.
I came across a video I made a short while before he passed at the age of 91; it offers an insight into his and his aunts’ reflexology lives. He permitted me to share it.
It is being prepared for inclusion in the archive material.
www.artreflex.com

My Best wishes

Tony Porter

13/09/2025

I had the great pleasure of catching up with long-time friend Charles last week.
Charles is a well-known Pilates instructor, and since our careers are both in health-related fields, we had plenty to discuss. It was during this time that Charles informed me that he had authored a unique book on Pilates, explicitly focusing on individuals undergoing hip replacement procedures.

As reflexologists, we often see clients with hip pain who have either undergone a hip replacement or are considering the procedure. This book provides a comprehensive guide that covers every stage of the process, utilising Pilates to support full recovery. They will also benefit from our reflexology treatments!
—————

Pilates for Hip Replacement
by Charles Abbott

A practical, step-by-step guide to getting strong, mobile and confident
- before and after hip replacement surgery.

If you’re having hip problems, you have been told you need a hip replacement
Or you’ve recently had one, this clear, encouraging book will guide you
through exactly what to do at every stage of your recovery, using
simple, effective Pilates-based exercises.

Whether you’re preparing for surgery or already on the road to recovery,
This book will help you:
- Strengthen the right muscles before your operation, so you recover faster
- Move safely just hours after surgery, to promote healing
- Regain strength and mobility, with confidence
- Follow a clear, practical rehab plan — from day one to six months and
beyond

Written in plain English, with no jargon, this is a realistic and
empowering companion for anyone who wants to make a full and speedy
recovery from hip replacement surgery.

You’ll find routines for every stage, from the day you’re diagnosed to
The moment you regain full strength.

No special equipment or Pilates experience is required - just a
willingness to move and improve.

For more details and to purchase the book, visit www.charlesabbott.com/shop

12/09/2025

I am pleased to announce that my archive material is now available to purchase.
www.artreflex.com

01/09/2025

THE TOES - PORTALS TO THE INNER UNIVERSE OF THE BODY.

🌀In my early days of reflexology, the toe reflexes were mostly recognised for helping with sinus problems. This idea was popular in the reflexology books of that time. It was beneficial for individuals with sinus issues, such as congestion and hay fever.

🌀The pads of the toes were ‘worked’, and it was here that the first feel of a ‘disturbed’ reflex was noticed, such as a granular texture. Although this was helpful, it limited the focus to the pads of the toes, ignoring other areas that might hold different potential waiting to be explored.

🌀It is not only the plantar surfaces of the toes which need to be contacted, but also the medial, lateral and particularly the dorsal areas which hold powerful reflexes, including the webs between the toes.

🌀Developing awareness to detect these areas is essential and can only be gained through diligent practice and awareness during treatments; ideally, practising with a colleague is highly beneficial.

🌀It is a fact that mastering working on the toes will significantly enhance the practitioner’s overall effectiveness.

🌀A variety of techniques must be employed to address all areas of the toes thoroughly. Due to their endless diversity, it can be challenging. However, through perseverance, this is of great value and will elevate the practitioner’s skill to a higher level. I witnessed this many times with Dwight Byers, where students who persisted and developed mastery of the toes went on to become exceptional reflexologists.

🌀The toes are truly portals to the body’s inner universe, and because of this, they can be treated exclusively without involving other reflexes when needed.

🌀This is a profoundly and extensively complex subject that cannot be covered in detail here; it will be explored thoroughly during my webinar on September 6th. See below for information.
Explore, Dream, Discover!

Tony Porter

For information regarding sales and webinars, visit www.artreflex.com/zoom

29/08/2025

COLD FEET AND THE HEALING RESPONSE

One of the factors that indicates how well a client will respond to reflexology is the temperature of the feet.

🌀Recently, I was asked to treat a mother and daughter who, during the consultation, had cold hands and feet despite the warm weather.

🌀The feet remained cold throughout the treatment and showed no response. I told them that they need to change their nutritional status, which I was sure would help their condition. They both had clinical tests, which indicated very low thyroid hormone status and nutritional inadequacies.

🌀Clients with cold feet, especially those that do not warm up during treatment, will have a poor prognosis for effective reflexology.
There are reasons for cold feet and hands; one of these is an underlying hypothyroid condition. Poor or inadequate nutrition is another issue that needs to be addressed.

🌀It is worth noting that their basal temperature often remains low, which leads me to the Barnes thyroid temperature test, also an indicator of metabolic rate, as shown here.
🌀This is one of the subjects that I shall be discussing at my next webinar on September 6th.

Explore, Dream, Discover!

Tony Porter

For information regarding sales and webinars, visit www.artreflex.com/zoom

22/08/2025

CHOOSING TO BLOSSOM

AND THE DAY CAME WHEN THE RISK (IT TOOK) TO REMAIN TIGHT IN THE BUD WAS MORE PAINFUL THAN THE RISK IT TOOK TO BLOSSOM.
. . Anais Nin

Explore, Dream, Discover!

Tony Porter

For information regarding sales and webinars, visit www.artreflex.com/zoom

22/08/2025

CHOOSING TO BLOSSOM

AND THE DAY CAME WHEN THE RISK (IT TOOK) TO REMAIN TIGHT IN THE BUD WAS MORE PAINFUL THAN THE RISK IT TOOK TO BLOSSOM.
. . Anais Nin

Explore, Dream, Discover!

Tony Porter

For information regarding sales and webinars, visit www.artreflex.com/zoom

Explore, Dream, Discover!

Tony Porter

For information regarding sales and webinars,is

Advanced Reflexology Techniques (ART)

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