Advanced Reflexology Techniques (ART)

30/04/2026

The What a beautiful morning here in the South of the U.K

22/04/2026

In memory of Dr Sumi Chatterjee
1969 - 2026

Dr Mausumi (Sumi) Chatterjee
BSc, MBBS, MRCGP, Dip SEM, Dip IM, LFHOM, DJ, Yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, student of Ayurveda. Fellow of the College of Medicine.

I have been fortunate to have people enter my life at different times, serving as mentors who have provided guidance, support, and inspiration.
Having practised as a reflexologist and physical therapist for over fifty years, I have had clients who radiated energy and exuberance for life, even when their medical prognosis was bleak.

One such client was Mausumi (she preferred to be called Sumi) Chatterjee, a medical doctor who came to me for reflexology.
During the initial consultation, she informed me that she had been diagnosed with metastatic or stage four cancer and had undergone major surgery and intensive chemotherapy several years earlier.

To learn more about her life, go to: www.artreflex.com/blog

10/04/2026

https://www.artreflex.com/in-memory-of-dr-sumi-chatterjee-1969-2026

The reason A.R.T. became so successful was due to its premise on the importance of the types of reflex contacts. This was in 1989, since then, continued development and monitoring has led to an even greater understanding of not only the physiological effects the types of contacts have but also the i...

15/03/2026

REFLEXOLOGY PILOT STUDY

I have been particularly fortunate to work alongside medical consultants who, in addition to their allopathic expertise, were also interested in naturopathic therapies such as reflexology and meditation.

It was through this association that the physiological effects of reflexology were uncovered. Of particular interest was the impact that different types of reflex contact had on treatment outcomes.
Another important aspect was the ability to detect and interpret reflex textures.
I was working under clinical conditions where the results were documented and evaluated. This placed a significant burden of responsibility on my shoulders.

Although it involved exhausting long days of back-to-back treatments, it provided me with valuable experience that I carried into treating and teaching in the years that followed.

In 1989-1991, I was involved in a clinical pilot study to determine the efficacy of reflexology in treating dysmenorrhea. 
The results were very positive, as evidenced by the following quote:

In the management of chronic pelvic pain, reflexology is an invaluable and often essential tool.

The evidence would suggest that for the treatment of common menstrual pain, reflexology is the best, non-invasive, drug-free treatment.

Lindsay McMillan F.R.C.O.G.
Consultant Gynaecologist

Some interesting factors were noted, including an increase in endometrial circulation following reflexology.

Two other points of interest from the research concerned the reflex areas of the fallopian tubes and the ovaries.
I shall comment on this another time.

It was through this study that the techniques of A.R.T. originated.

Tony Porter

Explore, dream,

11/03/2026

REFLEXOLOGY PILOT STUDY

In 1989-1990, I was involved in a pilot study to determine the efficacy of reflexology in treating dysmenorrhea. 
The results were very positive, as evidenced by the quote. It was during this time that I realised the value of being able to locate and interpret the various types of reflex textures. It was through this study that the techniques of A.R.T. originated.
Some interesting factors were noted, including an increase in endometrial circulation.

‘In the management of chronic pelvic pain, reflexology is an invaluable and often essential tool.

The evidence would suggest that for the treatment of common menstrual pain, reflexology is the best, non-invasive, drug-free treatment.

LIndsay McMillan F.R.C.O.G.
Consultant Gynaecologist

Explore, dream, discover

02/03/2026

11/02/2026

Happy Birthday Dwight. Have a good one wherever you are!
Catch up with you down the trail one day.
Tony

01/02/2026

PATTERNS OF IMBALANCE

Apologies for being ‘out of the loop’ for some time - I have relocated and have not yet settled into my castle.
I shall be resuming regular presentations over the next few weeks
The aim of my presentations is to offer suggestions and to highlight topics that will enhance treatments.
Reflexology is a remarkable therapy which has many dimensions.
One of these (and a very valuable one) is how the feet can reveal imbalances in a person’s structure, not only through reflexes but also through differences in the flexibility between a client’s feet.

Additionally, there is a contrast between the large, disturbed reflex areas. These are regions commonly found on the lateral and dorsal aspects of the feet and can reveal locked-up ‘patterns’ that can have physical and emotional causes.
It takes experience and constant diligence to be able to detect these areas, but the ‘journey’ will be well worth it in being able to make an accurate reflex assessment.
Becoming familiar with these will prove immensely valuable when assessing, for example, the primary cause of Low Back Pain.

It was William Reich 1897- 1953 an eminent Austrian doctor of medicine and psychoanalyst, who stated:
Every muscular rigidity holds the history and meaning of its origin.
This is a very appropriate quote to bear in mind for reflexology.

This is an extensive subject which is worthy of investigation, and will be a subject I shall present in the future.
Best wishes
Tony Porter

Explore, Dream, Discover!

07/01/2026

A question of balance

It is estimated that 73% of adults suffer from some form of spinal pain, with that of the low back being the most common.
Reflexology has unique value not only in treating this condition but also in understanding the primary cause.

Low back pain, although felt as localised pain by the sufferer, is part of a broader issue affecting the entire body, which the reflexes will reveal.
Although there are exceptions where a trauma has occurred directly to the lower back, it is an imbalance between the hips and pelvis which produces strain and inflammation to the lower spine, making it the primary cause. The reflexes to these areas will reveal this.

The instep area around the top of the ankle (when the foot is dorsiflexed) will also show reflex disturbance and reduced range of movement, and needs to be treated accordingly.

Some considerations
Most cases of back pain will respond to a deep massage of both feet (rather than reflexology) given with authority, not brutality. This used to be a common treatment, especially for severe LBP, where applying pressure to the spine wasn’t appropriate, making it a very safe approach. It also reveals that the effects of LBP extend across the body’s fascial network, the massage helps to release this.

Acquired postural patterns
This is a subject which is overlooked: we all develop physical patterns, which, as William Reich described, as body armouring (a subconscious protective mechanism). This can be responsible for conditions such as low back pain.
I shall be continuing this subject in future postings, so stay tuned.

My Best wishes

Tony Porter