BIAE AGM & OPEN SEMINAR 2018Sunday 15th April 2018

atImperial Hotel, Russell Square, London,

WC1B 5BB

Members’ Business Meeting – 10.30amOpen Seminar - 11.30am

To reserve your seat, please contact the Secretary on 0844 5441373, or email sec@electrolysis.co.uk

Tickets - £65 (Members), £75 (Non-members)No increase in price from 2017!!

Book early to avoid disappointment(Information on speakers to be confirmed)

VIEW FROM THE CHAIR by Frances Martin, BIAE ChairBIAE Secretary: Janet Stansfield, “Kitts”, Weavering Street, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5JJ Tel: 0844 5441373 sec@electrolysis.co.uk www.electrolysis.co.uk 1 ISSUE 51 SEPT 2017

Hello all

Autumn has quickly arrived and here we are, unbelievably, already in September.

I would usually begin by saying how wonderful it was seeing everyone at our recently held Seminar. Unfortunately, with deep regret, we had to cancel our Seminar, which should have taken place on September 10th in central London. Ticket sales were unusually low, so with deadlines set from the Imperial Hotel we had to make the challenging decision not to go ahead. For those members who had purchased tickets, they have now been reimbursed. Only twelve tickets had been sold and we were aware that there are usually last-minute bookings. However, as so few numbers had been confirmed, and taking into consideration the speakers being disappointed with a small audience, not to mention not many members there to network with, we could not take the risk. The BIAE will have to cover the cancellation fee from the hotel and some members had already paid for their travel. Losses have been incurred all round. It is a great shame as we do not get many opportunities to meet with one another. For any new members reading this, please do not worry as this was most unexpected and very unusual. We have run seminars successfully for the past four years and they have been well attended. I would like to urge all members to please book onto events early to prevent this unfortunate situation happening again. I am sure that in the future we will need to have a clear cut-off date stated when advertising events and courses.

The management of our website was taken over during the Summer by a company based in Suffolk called Polyspiral Graphic & Website Development. You may have noticed it looks ‘refreshed’ in parts. The directory/find a member has been altered due to feedback and comments from members of the public. Please have a look and navigate yourself around if you haven’t done so already.

May I also remind you to keep Janet updated with any changes to your personal details/email to ensure efficient communication.

The new practical CPD course that hopefully you will have heard about, is now complete and ready to be delivered. Dates and and venue are yet to be finalised, so please check on website and social media related pages for details. It will run sometime next year.

The Board have been focusing on recruiting new members. Extra exam dates have been added to clear the backlog of candidates awaiting to either re-sit or take our exam for the first time.

There is room on the Board for at least two more members. If you are passionate about the BIAE and interested enough to volunteer your time, we would greatly welcome nominations. In recent years there has been an increase in courses and events offered which has generated extra hard work on top of the regular emails and quarterly meetings amongst other things. If you know of a member that you think would be perfect then feel free to nominate them. It is a challenge and not for the faint hearted…but tremendously rewarding. I have been fortunate in my role as Chair to have had such strong, confident and amazing women by my side. Thank you ladies.

Finally, Janet is busy preparing renewals, which will be sent out in the near future. Please make this task easier for Janet by keeping all forms received together, and return completed forms at the request date stated.

I hope you enjoy this latest edition of the Probe and please keep submitting your articles for publication.

Frances Martin

BIAE Board 2016/20172

Helen Graham Mandy Painting Angela Wheat June Norman Sharon Reid Alison Byrne Enid Maunder

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ARTICLE SUBMITTED by Rhona Baylis, BIAE Member

As we are all aware, at our consultations we have to establish whether or not our client has cochlear implants and a heart pacemaker before we start any work on them, although if it's the latter we were recently informed that we can now work on a client with certain types of pacemaker, but obviously this has to be confirmed.

Also, recently it has been brought to my attention by one of my clients that short wave diathermy cannot be performed if the client has had a Neurostimulator fitted. This was placed at the base of her spine and controls chronic pain. My client has recently had one fitted to control her bladder and her aftercare instructions stated that short wave diathermy was not permitted.

Interesting information which I felt needed passing on as it was news to me and maybe to my colleagues too.

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NEW BIAE WEBSITE by Janet Stansfield, BIAE Secretary

Dear Members

Please would you take the time to check out the updated BIAE website, www.electrolysis.co.uk. Hopefully, you’ll agree that the amendments make the site more user-friendly. Can I also please ask that you check all your contact details and ensure that they are up to date: go to the ‘Home’ page, scroll down to the bottom and type your name in the ‘SEARCH THE BIAE’ box. If details are incorrect, please shout.

Thankyou.

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SEPTEMBER SEMINAR CANCELLATION by Janet Stansfield, BIAE Secretary

As most of you are aware, the above event had to be cancelled through lack of support, and as a not-for-profit organisation, to run an event at a financial loss is not possible. Once the decision had been made to cancel the event (just 12 days before the event was due to take place), I then received some late ticket requests, and heard that some members thought it was OK just to turn up on the day and pay at the door.

Just to confirm, as catering numbers have to be confirmed 14 days before the event, it is essential that you contact me to advise that you are planning on attending, either drop me an email or pick up the phone. Whilst paying for your ticket on the day of the Seminar can be arranged, ideally if this could be settled prior to the event it would make my life much easier and more efficient.

Let’s hope the next event runs to plan.

TRANSGENDER COURSE by Angela Wheat, BIAE Board

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This course was held in Kent on Monday July 3rd. Candidates travelled from Eire, Lancashire, Sheffield , London, Kent etc

It was a real pleasure for me to teach a group of liked minded professional Electrolysists.

Candidates had varying degrees of experience but all were keen to work with Transgender Patients and share their knowledge and experience. We were extremely fortunate to have some wonderful Transgender ladies at various stages of transition as our models. They were extremely willing and allowed all candidates to work on each of them.

The day comprised of morning session of theory followed by a lovely lunch then practical demo followed by practical session on transgender patients. We used a range of electrolysis machines from the Elite Spectrum, Apilus and SXB. Each candidate was able to learn how to use these machines on models. This was an example of sharing knowledge and good practice.

The course covered practical, theory, surgery, anaesthetic, consultation, funding, Tradeshift and NHS contacts, along with common problems, to mention just a few of the topics discussed on the day.

It was a very enjoyable day with all candidates giving positive feedback on course, including recommending it to colleagues.

Transgender course candidates, from left to right, Margaret Fahy, Angela Wheat, Amy Ronksley, Christine Clarke, Gail Creed and Emma Chottin

EMLA CREAM TO BE DISCONTINUED by Janet Stansfield, BIAE Secretary

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BIAE Member, Sue Paradise, has asked me to advise you that Emla Cream is to be discontinued. However, she has recommended another product, Denela Cream, which, apparently, is just as effective although the cream does need re-applying more frequently. Thank you Sue. Also, thanks to Mandy Painting for the following additional information:

Info on Denela Cream:-

NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT:

Denela 5% Cream

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION:

Lidocaine 2.5% w/w (25 mg/g)Prilocaine 2.5% w/w (25 mg/g)

PHARMACEUTICAL FORM:

CreamWhite soft cream

CLINICAL PARTICULARS:

Therapeutic indicationsTopical anaesthesia of the skin in connection with:Intact skin prior to minor dermatological procedures (e.g. needle insertion and surgical treatment of localised lesions) and prior to dermal procedures on larger areas e.g. split skin grafting.Dermal procedures on newly shaven skin of large body areas e.g. laser hair removalTopical anaesthesia of the genital mucosa, e.g. prior to superficial surgical procedures or prior to infiltration anaesthesia of mucosa.Topical anaesthesia of leg ulcers to facilitate mechanical cleansing/debridement.In term newborn infants and children under the age of 18 years, Denela is indicated for local anaesthesia on intact skin prior to minor dermatological procedures. Studies have failed to demonstrate efficacy of Denela for heel lancing in newborn infants.

Application:

Skin: Apply a thick layer of cream on the skin and cover it with occlusive dressing.

Adults: Approx. 1.5g/10 cm2Minor procedures e.g. needle insertion and surgical treatment of localised lesions.

2g ((approx. half a 5g tube) for 1 to 5 hours).

INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY PRACTICAL CPD COURSES by Sharon Reid and Angela Wheat, BIAE Board

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Further to the discussion at the AGM regarding how the BIAE can support its members in the case of litigation which in the UK is generally on the rise.

Our expert court witness, Shelia Godfrey, explained that we all need evidence of practical courses taken at regular intervals to prove we are maintaining and developing our practical skills. In her recent experience, this evidence helped prevent litigation cases ever getting to court.

It was, therefore, decided to introduce compulsory practical CPD once every 5 years to all members to be able to ensure that members can produce this evidence and help to support them with clients who are attempting to sue them.

As a result, we will alternate the September Seminars and CPD practical courses from 2018, so that there is no additional financial burden on our members.

The board have developed two new one-day courses from which members can choose - you can either do one or both days depending on your own development needs.

The course cost will be minimal, to cover expenses only of venue etc., and comparable to Seminar. This is an exciting new venture to protect our members and stay at the top of the profession.

Course 1: Back to the Future - the Fundamentals

This course is for members to ‘touch base’ on the fundamentals of Electrolysis with emphasis on practical skills and discussion. This course content will cover the following areas: Consultation Process to Protect Practitioner and Client

T.I.D.S

The Blend How to calculate the currents Progressive epilation Benefits

Two Handed Technique

Probe/Needle Currents and how they work around the probe How to choose

Skin Reactions What’s ok and what’s not During, immediate and after treatment Caring for skin reactions

Hair Cycle Vellus to terminal Target area Pilo-sebaceous unit (P.S.U)

Course 2: The Current Theories, Settings and Techniques

Consultation safeguarding

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Consent form Aftercare leaflet

Probe/Needle Currents and how they work around the probe How to choose

Skin Reactions What’s ok and what’s not During, immediate and after and post treatment Caring for skin reactions

How the Follicle Heals

Regrowth

Hair Growth Chart

Hair Stages and Ways to Treat

Three Clearing Strategy

Two Handed Technique

Flash

The Latest in Technology for Electrolysists

The Board are now securing venues to enable these courses to be implemented from Spring 2018.

We look forward to working with you.

PROBING PUZZLES

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Now that Nona Girling has retired and ‘Nona’s Posers’ are no more, the BIAE Board members decided to re-introduce a puzzle page for the Probe, hence ‘Probing Puzzles’. If any member would like to submit a puzzle for future publication, I’d be delighted to receive it. Don’t forget, each article earns CPD points.

This Word Search has been created by Angela Wheat, BIAE Board.

U H A N L U Q P N E E D L E S R Y R E T R A Y DC W S I M R E D Q A F T E R C A R E A M P N R LI U P D X A T R O A C C W R A Y E D O H T A C OR H G J C I E V R E N L A N I M E G I R T R M HC Y F S G O L D V C I T P E S I T N A R B E Y SU X T H R O M B O C Y T E S E D I C I B R A B EL W O I S P N X B O N E A L L E T A P F S G W RA L M L K Q O R E D N E G S N A R T C K F U M HT Y A U G E I S J U S R Z S L P O U L R T L S TI M S C O Z T E K R T H S A L F E T K P I P O NO P S O C N A L R S I S Y L O M R E H T S K D IN H E S Z E C C E J Z V S I S P E S Y U M C I AR A T I P L I S V W W A A X V A I B I T O A U PR T E R S E D U I D N E L B A D X L N W L J M MS I R A F C N M L L I Y T H Y R O X I N E G H JE C S L S T I X E D O N A F D L G T X H N C Y NL H I U E R A B Z V Y R A V O I N S U L I N D WU A S C T O R X S C L I E N T T T H U F O L R ID I O I E L T H N B V H D E T A L U S N I O O CO R T B B Y N E G O H T A P S H E L L A C Y X VN M A R A S O R T H B A M S A L P O T Y C V I EX O R O I I C M A D V M I S I T U S R I H I D IN I E P D S H D K G A L V A N I C U G Q U Z E NG Q K M Y A U T O C L A V E A N D R O G E N S W

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mole transgender clientvein artery electrolysis

barbicide autoclave sepsisantiseptic pathogen lymphatic

orbicularis oculi pain threshold circulationliver sodium hydroxide cathode

anode jack plug DiabetesInsulin Trigeminal nerve muscles

masseter Thrombocytes. aftercarecontraindication aorta patella

cytoplasm gold thyroxineovary hair hirsutismblend tibia ulna

Galvanic Thermolysis flashbone insulated nodules

shellac androgens dermiskeratosis needles

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BIAE MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL by Janet Stansfield, Secretary

Hi Members

Hopefully, by now you will all have received your 2017/18 renewal membership papers. Can I please ask you to return them to me as quickly as possible. Firstly, ensure that all the details are correct, then tick one of the two options on the reverse, ie DD one payment or DD payment by instalments. Please remember, for those of you who enjoy BIAE insurance, it is important that your form is returned early October to ensure that cover is not interrupted, and also that the full amount of the premium will be taken with your initial payment. For those members who already pay by DD, it is not necessary for you to complete a further DD form unless your bank account details have changed.

Thank you.

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BIAE PRINTING / STATIONERYPRICE LIST

PERSONALISED PULL-UP BANNER £150.00 + p&p

AFTERCARE PADS (50 PER PAD) £ 15.00 + p&p

50 CASE HISTORY CARDS £ 9.50 + p&p

50 TREATMENT CARDS £ 8.50 + p&p

50 ELECTROLYSIS LEAFLETS £ 14.00 + p&p

50 ACP LEAFLETS ***NEW*** £ 7.00 + p&p

ACP POSTER ***NEW*** £ 15.00 + P&P

BIAE BADGE £ 9.50 + p&p

Please note, stationery packs are now available:–order any four of the above and receive a 10% discount.

Can I please ask that when ordering your BIAE stationery you use the terminology above, ie Treatment Cards,Case History Cards, etc..

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AGM/SEMINAR SPEAKERS by Janet Stansfield, BIAE Secretary

The BIAE are looking for interesting speakers for upcoming events. If you know of a Dr / Specialist or A N Other who would ‘fit the bill’ and deliver an interesting speech/presentation, we’d be delighted to have their contact details. A small honorarium and travelling expenses are offered in return for their services.

Please send any suggestion(s) you may have directly to Enid Maunder.

Email: EnidKMaunder@hotmail.co.uk

Many thanks

WRITE AN ARTICLE FOR YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE - CPD FOR YOU AND POSSIBLY NEW CLIENTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS!! by Mandy Painting, BIAE Board

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This is an article I wrote for a local magazine. It is aimed at the savvy consumer and those people who have been having electrolysis over a period of time but not seeing results. After this was published I had two people come to me because they read it and realised they were not being treated correctly. Both of these ladies have now been treated by me and all hair has gone - two very happy clients!

CORRECT ELECTROLYSIS TECHNIQUE

When we say that electrolysis is the only recognised method of permanent hair removal we mean that you will get rid of your hair problem for good…..but….only if the technique of epilation is done correctly.

There are many beauty salons that offer electrolysis treatment. When searching out one to visit for treatment it is important to establish whether the operator specialises in this treatment or whether it is regarded as just another way to remove hair, perhaps like waxing or plucking.

When a therapist has a qualification in epilation it shows that a minimum standard has been reached for safe treatment. It does not mean that they necessarily are proficient or indeed actually perform the treatment correctly.

Each hair has to be treated individually. The follicle has to be carefully accessed, in other words the client should feel no pricking from the probe because the skin is not being pierced. The probe should slide easily into the follicle.

The correct intensity of current has to be administered whether using diathermy/thermolysis or galvanic or blending the two together. Too low and there will not be enough intensity of current to treat the follicle and hair root. Too high and the risk of damaging the skin is a concern. Once the level is correct the client will feel a short hot sensation, not painless but certainly not too painful. When the follicle has been treated the hair can be lifted out of the follicle with absolutely no resistance. In other words, the client should not be able to feel that hair being pulled out. If you have been having electrolysis treatment and have been feeling the hairs being pulled out then I am afraid that the hair follicle has not been treated successfully and you are paying for an expensive pluck….

Each treatment of the follicle will cause irreversible damage to the hair germinating cells but not all of these cells will necessarily be disabled fully therefore there will be some regrowth of the hair. Each time a hair regenerates after being treated with electrolysis it will be much finer and grow more slowly. Once it is visible it will need to be treated again. There is no way of knowing how many times a follicle will need to be treated with electrolysis before a hair no longer grows but if the electrolysis is performed correctly and proficiently a difference will be seen even after two or three treatment sessions.

The area and density of hair growth will also determine how long the treatment will take to complete but after each session a difference will be seen and the area will quickly become less of a problem. No area is too large for treatment, areas can be a few centimetres like the upper lip or chin or both legs or bikini line. The larger the area the longer treatment time needed. Perhaps a two-hour session for legs but a 15-minute treatment for an upper lip. Typically, a normal hair growth area, for example, the underarms or forearms, will need regular weekly to fortnightly treatment for about six months. After this time treatment sessions will reduce in length and frequency over the next eighteen months. So, two years down the line the area will be clear and require no further treatment save maybe an odd tidy for stray fine hair but ultimately hair free times ahead!!

If the hair growth is hormone driven due to a systemic condition; thyroid problems, PCOS, Cushings disease, then the time taken to complete treatment will be longer and there may always be a need to have new hairs appearing treated throughout the client’s life. Hair growth can also be a side effect of some medications so electrolysis may always be needed to keep this under control if these medications are to be taken long term. If it is due to natural hormone changes; puberty, pregnancy and menopause, the hair

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growth may be temporary. Sometimes when the hormone balance has returned to normal the hair growth can settle too. A pregnant woman can become quite “fluffy” during her term but six weeks after giving birth all her extra “fluff” has gone. Menopause can trigger those “granny hairs” to grow but electrolysis is very effective at getting rid of these little horrors.

So how can someone ensure they are being treated by a proficient and experienced Electrolysist? Do your research….visit the local salons and ask questions……you may be offered a free consultation…….do some online research too. The British Institute and Association of Electrolysis is the only professional body that requires its members to sit an assessment to join their ranks. To look for a BIAE member in your area visit www.electrolysis.co.uk and search the Directory for a member.

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COMING SOON………

2 DAY ADVANCED/ADVANCED REFRESHER COURSE

NOVEMBER 2017 (date/venue to be announced early October)

(MODELS PROVIDED)

BIAE MEMBERS £675

NON BIAE MEMBERS £725

REMOVAL OF:

Telangiectasia (dilated capillaries)

By both diathermy and blend

Seborrheic Warts,

Skin Tags, Viral Warts,

Milia (whiteheads)

Campbell de Morgan Blood Spots,

Dot Telangiectasia

Pigmentation Marks

Offering these services to clients greatly enhances your business – they are lucrative treatments (ranging from £30 to £85 for a 15 minute appointment depending on location)

and are of a clinical nature that fits well with BIAE status and membership.

MOVING WITH THE TIMES AND COMPUTERISED TECHNOLOGY by Angela Wheat, BIAE Board

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With every industry technology moves on and it is the same in the electrolysis industry - we have to move with the times and invest in the latest technology to compete with the best.

Electrolysis is in more demand than ever due to the rise in the latest technology.

The best computerised machines allow the electrolysist to use their knowledge and skill to modify treatment to suit the needs of client. The electrolysist has full control and sets the parameters to meet the individual needs, however the settings that manufacturers recommend are a good starting point for general use when familiarising yourself with the machine, but remember there is however no substitute for experience and you need to play around with settings to find the best settings for each client.

Advantages of these machines

These electrolysis machines, which are manufactured both in the UK and abroad, are able to deliver all three modalities -Thermolysis (RF), Galvanic, Blend, whilst others offer Flash technique also.

The flash modality allows the electrolysist to work at high intensities that the client finds comfortable for a fraction of a second making this modality ideal for clearing large areas of hair growth quickly.

Automatic pulsing is an option that is very useful, the electrolysist can choose 2 or 3 pulses to treat the hair follicle at a lower intensity which gives the client a more comfortable experience whilst effectively treating the hair follicle.

Clients see results more quickly and tend to have more areas completed e.g. I have clients who have had facial clearance and then gone on to have eyebrows and bikinis done, others have had face, bikini, underarm and legs cleared.

Disadvantages

These machines are much more expensive with prices starting from £2000 to in excess of £5000 depending on manufacturer. However, with increased turnover they pay for themselves very quickly and remember all your business overheads are tax deductible.

We have to invest in our business and ourselves in order to maintain a profitable and successful business.

LET’S LOOK AT THE FEET! By Alison Byrne, BIAE Board13

Foot reading:

I studied reflexology in 2000. After looking for more courses to enhance my skills, I came across a course by Jane Sheehan. The course was called ‘Lets Read Our Feet”. I found this quite intriguing, so decided to do the course. In fact, I did it twice.

As therapists, we come across many holistic therapies that would be useful not only as a standalone treatment, but also to enhance other treatments that we do.

To give our clients more confidence in us, showing that we continue to learn, or for our own benefits and knowledge.

Foot reading or Solestry can be learnt by anyone wishing to enhance their skills, particularly if you do reflexology, but is available for us all to learn.

Professionals who perform foot readings believe that feet register changes in our lives and examining features of the feet can reveal a person’s inner struggles and life experiences (both emotional and physical). In this regard, the feet serve as a mirror to the rest of the body. It is easy to recognise changes in mood when looking at someone’s body language, posture, and complexion. Similarly, changes can be reflected in your feet by studying the colour, texture, shape, and proportions. It is known that everything is recorded in the body down at cellular level, and if you continue to do as you’ve always done, you will continue to get what you always got!

The art of foot reading has been a popular healing practice in India and China for over 5,000 years.

The size, colour and shape of our feet can say so much about someone’s personality. It can give us insight to their likes and dislikes.

The art of foot reading can be fun and light hearted. But, for some, you are able to have an insight how someone might be feeling. In listening to their responses, and being tactful, you can help a person take something positive away with them. Imagine being able to help someone out of a rut, just by listening and pointing out the obvious! People will often work it out for themselves.

Each foot, toe and area on the foot relate to a certain emotion or feeling.

The Left foot represents female and present time, the right foot represents male and the past.

So, let’s look at some of the meanings behind the size, shape and colour of our feet. Even from a health point, some of the ailments they encounter, can be due to an emotional factor.

Size Matters

Wide FeetYou’ve got solid worker feet. You’re always on the go and can’t sit still for a minute. Your feet are planted firmly on the ground.You’re happiest when you’re busy, but should try to make time for reflection, and a little peace and calm in your life. Let yourself stop and think. There’s a difference between idle day-dreaming and gentle reflection.

Long Narrow FeetYou like nothing better than to be pampered. You find it incredibly easy to delegate — why bother with all the hard work if you can get someone else to do it for you? You’ve got a strong aesthetic sense and need beauty in your surroundings.Your home will be gorgeous whatever your income. You have Princess feet that barely touch the ground. You were born to be waited on, but spare a thought for the rest of us!

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Think of some of the common phrases in our language that relate to the feet

Light on his feetToe the linePut my foot in itGetting cold feetStand on your own two feetBest foot forward

Arches

High arches are found on people who are very independent and self-sufficient. You need plenty of time on your own and might even be accused of being anti-social.You have an indomitable spirit, but remember, it isn’t a weakness to ask for help. If your arches are low or average, you value the company of others, are sociable and fairly extrovert. You enjoy having a good time and want to ensure that others do, too.Flat feet can indicate that someone needs lots of support in life.

Skin Colour

Compare the colour of the skin of your feet with that of your ankles. A paler foot can indicate poor blood circulation and fatigue. Yellowness could be a sign that you are fed up with an ongoing situation. Red can mean anger, passion, excitement, or embarrassment. Black can indicate depression, black moods, deep emotional hurts.

Flexibility

Flexibility signifies strength as well as good health and healthy attitude. Stiff feet could be a sign of hardening of the arteries and a diet high in saturated fats. It could also be a sign of someone with a rigid attitude or narrow mindedness.

Toes

Big Toe

If your big toe is much longer than your other toes, you are a clever, creative thinker. You come up with ingenious solutions to problems and fizz with ideas. You’re never stumped for an answer, and can see things from different angles. On the downside, you may have problems focusing and sometimes don’t see projects through.If your big toe is comparatively small, this indicates that you are a superb multi-tasker. You delegate effectively and are efficient. You use your charm to persuade people to go along with your ideas.

Second toe – (next to the big toe) shaped narrow at the base and wide at the tip

If the base of your second toe (where it joins the foot) is much narrower than the tip, then whatever you’re feeling, you will express it much bigger than you feel it. So, if you’re in a good mood it’s great to be around you but if you’re in a bad mood, run for cover! In other words, you have ‘drama queen’ tendencies!

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If your second toe is longer than the big toe and 3rd toe, this indicates you have great leadership skills - or could indicate a little bossiness!

Third toe

The third toe is about action, the things you do, chores, jobs/work. On the right foot, it can be aggression and on the left it can be creativity.

(Tilted so nail faces towards the little toe) You’re great at forward planning in terms of what you’re doing. You’re able to look ahead and consider the next steps.

It is associated with energy, drive and willpower. If it is comparatively long, it means you are incredibly energetic and resourceful, especially at work.

The longer this toe is, the more you are driven to succeed in your career.

You’re a perfectionist and can achieve huge amounts with your determination and energy. The drawback is a tendency to let work take over and to forget about fun, love and family.

If the toe is short, you enjoy the pleasures in life. You love relaxing and don’t get worked up about anything. Others may accuse you of being lazy, but you would argue that life is short, so enjoy it.

Fourth Toe

This toe is about family, relationships, and communication. A long, straight fourth toe indicates family is crucially important to your life. Unhappiness in your relationships with loved ones will show up in a curling of this toe.

You are an excellent listener and nurturer, but will be deeply affected by unhappiness within the family. You find it hard to cut yourself off from other people’s problems.

The Chinese would say that you’re a gentle soul, easily wounded. Your health might be affected by any disturbances in the home. If your toes are clawed you need to try to let go, relax and don’t take on all the burdens of others.

A short fourth toe means that family and relationships are less crucial to you — your focus is elsewhere.

Little toe

Childlike impishness is a characteristic of those with small little toes. You’ll shy away from responsibility, be easily bored and constantly looking for amusing diversions. You are great fun to be with, sociable and witty, but your Peter Pan tendencies can land you in trouble — we all have to grow up sometime.

And if you can wiggle your little toe separately from your fourth toe, you are an impulsive, adventurous, charming flirt. If you can’t, you value routine, predictability and loyalty. Go for a man who can wiggle his little toe if you want a mad, fun, frenetic wild night out — but as for marriage, pick a guy who can’t wiggle to save his life

Little toe on its sideIf your little toe is on its side with the nail facing the wall instead of the ceiling then you are unconventional, rebellious; it’s my way or the highway!

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Tips about Toes

Toes that graduate in sizeIf each toe is a little longer than the one before, creating a neat line, this indicates a methodical, precise and extremely practical person. You’re interested in detail and ensure that you always finish what you start. You’re a dream employee, and a good friend — loyal and steadfast to a fault. Watch out for a tendency to nit-pick, though — not everyone is as balanced as you

Gap between big toe and second toe

People with this gap often have delayed reactions between their logical and emotional reactions. Often after making a quick decision, they regret it later. They often need more time to think before making decisions. The bigger the gap, the more delayed the reaction often leaving the individual troubled regarding choices they have made.

Gap between second to third toeIf there is a gap between the top of the second and third toes then you are keeping your emotions separate from what you are doing. There are two reasons why this may be so. This could be because your work role requires detachment or it could be because you’re not enjoying what you are doing.

Little toe separates from fourth toeSpread out your toes. Can you separate your little toe from your fourth toe?The degree to which you can separate the little toe from the fourth toe is the degree to which you are adventurous, need constant change, and hate routine. If things get too routine you’ll deliberately upset the apple cart to see what’s going to happen.

Little toe can’t separate from fourth toeIf you can’t separate your little toe from your fourth toe then you need routine for your sense of security. You are loyal, reliable, and trustworthy and don’t want too many surprises. We could set our clocks by you!

Massive toe padsIf you are blessed with massive toe pads then you are a very deep thinker and you like to consider everything carefully.

Long necks to the toesWhen viewing the sole of the foot, if the necks of the toes look long, then you are very expressive. You can talk for England!

Tendon showing at base of big toe when feet at restIf just your big toe tendon shows when you are sitting in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, then you are self-disciplined.

Hard skin around the outside edge of the heelThis indicates that you are feeling insecure about how you want to move forward and take the next steps.

Health secrets known through Toes

Flaking Skin: the skin represents your reaction to life. If foot skin is flaky, you are not looking after yourself. You’re pushing yourself too hard. Flaky skin also indicates you need more love in your life. Also indicates

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peeling off the layers to reveal a new chapter in your life.

DARK patches of skin on the Toe Pads: This can indicate depression; depressed people tend to walk on the front of their feet, pushing their weight forwards.

Ridged Nails: If your toe nails are vertically ridged, you may have a problem with your digestive and metabolic system. Try eating healthily. Horizontal ridges indicate very high stress levels.

Bunions: When I see a bunion, I see someone who is running themselves ragged for others. Stop, and think about yourself for a change. You need to learn to say NO

Calluses on the Ball of the Foot: The ball of the foot is associated with shoulders. A callus here indicates someone with bad posture. Perhaps you’re exhausted or shouldering too much responsibility.

Patches of Dark Red or Purple colour: Darkened areas of skin indicate deep hurt. Patches of purple or red on feet point towards an emotional wound. If your feet are paler than the rest of your body, your circulation is weak.

Swelling under the Ball of Foot: The central area underneath the ball of the foot represents the stomach and liver. If there are swellings here, you should cut back on alcohol and fatty food.

Soft spongy area around the Achilles Tendon: A squashy, spongy area around the Achilles tendon on the heel indicates fertility problems. Cutting back on caffeine and increasing the amount of water you drink will help.

Cracked Heels: Poor digestion, excess heat produced in body which is not balanced.Should avoid spicy and fried food. Should always cover feet with socks and shoes.

Athletes foot: Extreme irritability that gets under the skin. Others constantly interfere, doubt and question your ideas, hindering your progress.

Verrucae: An issue that has got so bad it is eating away at you. Deep rooted issue.

Blisters: Constant emotional friction. Rubbing up against others’ ideas and belief systems.

Ok, I know you are all looking at your feet and thinking – yes, that’s me! Wow, how strange is that! Or you know someone with certain traits, and their foot fits the shoe, so to speak.

I can assure you, you’ll never look at someone in flip flops again in the same way. Airports can be great place to read peoples feet. I have looked at feet and thought, ‘She/he’s bossy, or they are creative, or have childlike tendencies, and then there is the hard-cracked skin around the heels that might say someone is insecure, and have lots of deep hurt.

Generally, I have only used it within reflexology treatments, but in any work we do, if we get a chance to look at the feet, it could give us an insight as to the personality or emotional wellbeing.

Great tool for employers!

Jane Sheehan runs courses in Foot Reading. They are run throughout the year in the UK and some abroad. Jane is a very warm and down to earth lady, who is very experienced, and very passionate about feet.

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Below is some more information about Jane, and visit www.footreading.com for more information.

Jane Sheehan is the UK’s leading foot reader – she reads personality traits in the shape and form of feet

and toes.  Jane qualified as a reflexologist in 1999 and first became interested in foot reading after a

reflexology session had a profound impact on her, and she decided to find out more about the link

between feet and wellbeing.  

Jane developed her foot reading skills through a combination of experience and learning from specialist

sources.  After four years of practising reflexology and foot reading in her spare time, Jane left her nine-to-

five office job and embarked on a career centred on her foot reading skills.

The success of Jane’s workshops has meant that she has been incredibly busy not just here in the UK but

has also made several visits to the USA, United Arab Emirates, Ireland and Australia and has made several

TV appearances:

“This Morning” where Jane has appeared many times “It Takes Two” the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing chat show “Live with Gabby” “Today with Des and Mel” “Big Brother’s Little Brother”, which lead to a personal invitation to appear with Dermot

O’Leary on “Morning Glory” “The Afternoon Show” on RTE, Ireland “Inside San Diego” and “Fox in The Morning” in America “Sama” in Dubai “Today Show” on Channel Nine, Australia

In addition, Jane is a regular on regional radio stations and has had various articles in such publications as

“The Daily Mail”, “The Daily Telegraph”, “The Sun”, “The Daily Express”, “Good Health Magazine”, “Top

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Sante”, “New Woman” and Jane’s foot reading skill was hailed as one of Sunday Times’ “Top Ten Health

Trends”.

Jane’s first book ‘Let’s Read Our Feet!” demonstrates how to read the hidden messages in feet.  It shows

how the shape of feet and toes can not only tell a lot about a person’s personality, but also help them to

improve areas of our lives that they are unhappy with.  It was completely re-designed and updated in 2011

and is also available as an e-book and a condensed version is available as a portable guide. Jane’s

second book ‘The Foot Reading Coach’ gives coaching tips for foot readers to assist with the process of

moving forward. Jane’s latest book “Sole Trader: The Holistic Therapy Business Handbook” explains how

to start and run a holistic therapy business.

Jane Sheehan’s work includes:

hosting Foot Reading parties which are fast becoming the modern alternative to the commercial ‘cosmetics sales’ parties for today’s busy lifestyles

continuing to develop her reflexology work

performing team building workshops

assisting with product launches

conducting after dinner speeches and talks to a wide cross section of the community

Jane is now working with corporate clients in a variety of ways – from offering individual readings for

personal development to working with teams in order to find the best way for them to work together, based

on the personalities identified through their readings.

Her website is www.footreading.com.

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Articles for the Probe by Janet Stansfield, BIAE Secretary

The Probe is published three times a year: January, May and September. Please let me have any articles you think relevant at any time during the year and I will ensure that they are published in the very next edition. Don’t forget, they all carry CPD points. Looking forward to being inundated with your submissions!

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