The presentation will begin by briefly describing the development of Vertical Reflexology Techniques (VRT) that I have developed over the years. There will be an explanation of the theory behind the receptiveness of VRT reflexes which suggests that the hands and foot reflexes become sensitised when weight-bearing and therefore the body may be more sensitive and receptive to this form of reflexology. Emphasis will be placed on the fact that these techniques evolved from reflexology research with chronically ill older people and yet have resulted in new skills and techniques that are successfully applied to extremely fit, young professional athletes as well as sportspersons of all ages.

The main focus of the presentation is to illustrate the new Vertical Reflex Therapy Mobilization (VRTM) concepts where two innovative ways of using the VRT techniques are described.

(1) Classical, VRT and Nerve reflexes (ref: Nico Pauly - MNT) are briefly stimulated on the weight-bearing feet or hands while a limb, the neck or body is gently mobilized at the same time.

(2) Hand reflexology, using two specific reflexes simultaneously, is applied while the client is standing. The client is then invited to gently mobilize a specific part of their body while pressure is applied to those reflexes.

Both illustrations will be accompanied by photographs and brief technical explanations including examples of my work with players from the Bristol City professional football team and other sportspersons. Reflexologists will be encouraged to apply their own techniques in the weight-bearing mobilization mode to enhance their practice.

VRT techniques are often used as preventative measures to help healthy younger people to remain fit and independent as well as enabling an aging person to cope with the stresses of longevity. Examples will be given as to how VRT integrates with other complementary and allopathic modalities, especially massage, physiotherapy and osteopathy, and can be adapted to a weight-bearing mode on the hands as well as on the seated person.

Self-help VRT techniques, including working on VRT Nail-reflexes, will be illustrated with reference to the benefits received by employees of a large organisation who took part in a small study which observed considerable improvements in varying conditions following a combination of VRT hand and foot reflexology plus daily self-help. Reference is briefly made to the small medically-approved VRT study in 1997 where over 60% of chronically ill residents appeared to improve within seven weekly treatments.

Conclusion:
This well- illustrated presentation will concentrate on the role that the new Vertical Reflex Therapy Mobilization, and other weight-bearing techniques can play, as an important adjunct to classical reflexology sessions where a reflexologist is encouraged to combine a few minutes of innovative skills to enhance their treatments, especially in the field of sport. The wider application of the VRT mobilization techniques will also be explored in the context of VRT Self-help including working reflexology referral areas during sports activities to ease acute minor injuries. The aim of the presentation is to show that whatever the condition, whether chronic or acute, reflexology and Vertical Reflex Therapy can work on a subtle level enabling the body, young or old, to accelerate its innate healing processes.