Heather Latter
Standing on cement floors all day while working at the local Starbucks, Patty Jorgenson’s feet and back were aching by the end of each work day.
It was that pain that got her thinking about getting into reflexology—the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands—as a future career.
“I found it very therapeutic to go for reflexology,” she noted, citing she had always wanted to do massage therapy, but there weren’t any schools nearby offering it 20 years ago, so she never pursued it at the time.
When one of her customers at Starbucks brought in a natural heath and wellness magazine, she noticed some information about The Canadian Institute of Natural Health and Healing based in British Columbia, and she gave them a call.
Jorgenson took the reflexologist course by correspondence.
“I was really thankful she brought that magazine in,” she enthused. “It sort of kicked me into gear.”
While she is a certified Hand and Foot Reflexologist, she is also working towards become a member of the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC), which will allow her to be covered under certain health insurance plans.
“It is becoming more and more accepted as a form of therapy and there is coverage for it,” she explained, citing she will have to attend a week-session in Winnipeg and hopes to have her RAC membership complete by January.
Until then, Jorgenson reminds her clients they can still claim her reflexology services on their income tax.
The doors to “Sole Sister Reflexology” opened last Tuesday at her home at 850 Second Street East, with an open house that saw steady attendance.
Many commented on Jorgenson’s comfortable and professional set up, which includes a desk/reception area at the door, a bathroom, and reflexology room featuring both a massage table and recliner.
She noted both offer an option for heat to aid in the therapeutic process.
“I try to provide a calm, relaxing atmosphere,” she expressed.
At the open house, she handed out small gifts to those who stopped by, as well as to those who booked appointments.
“My schedule it certainly starting to fill up,” she voiced.
Jorgenson is available for appointments between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays, but added her schedule is flexible and she will try to be as accommodating as possible.
She has a summer special on until the end of August, charging $35 a 50-minute reflexology session. The cost will increase to $45 in the fall.
Jorgenson stressed she’s happy to be able to provide this service to the people of Rainy River District.
She received some help getting started from Aya Sletmoen, another certified reflexologist in Fort Frances.
And with Sletmoen steadily busy, and sometimes booking months in advance, Jorgenson feels there is a need for another reflexologist in the area.
She also finds it to be a very relaxing job, with plenty of flexibility.
“I like being my own boss,” she expressed.
“It’s really helped me with my arthritis,” she added. “So I really believe in the benefits of massage therapy and reflexology . . . It is really therapeutic. It’s not just relaxing, it can help your muscle aches, circulation, reduce stress and increase energy.”
She noted reflexology can also assist with conditions such as allergies, insomnia, asthma, blood pressure, bowel disorders, constipation, eczema, knee problems, MS, hormonal problems, and much more.
“I am going to continue to learn new modalities to assist clients in reaching their health and wellness goals,” she assured.
You can book an appointment with Jorgenson by called 274-9765.
