By Lisa Carolin
Reflexology is not a massage, but rather a deep stimulation of the nerve points that are found under the tissue of the feet.
That is how Donna Harris, a reflexologist and owner of Toe-DL Wellness, which recently opened in Chelsea, explains it. Her business is located at 107 1/2 N. Main St.
Harris asks her clients to fill out a history, but she doesn’t read it until after she works on them so that she can tell them what she has found.
“They can see how accurate I am in the areas they need help in,” she said. “I chart everything I find during a session as well as what my client shares with me to keep track of any changes.”
At the end of a session, Harris invites clients to stay for a cup of tea and a light snack so that they don’t have to walk into the busy world while feeling so relaxed.
“Reflexology can be beneficial to many ailments such as arthritis, anxiety, bronchitis, back pain, hip pain, headaches, hormones, insomnia, kidney dysfunction, knee pain, intestinal issues, psoriasis, plantar fascitis, shoulder pain, sciatic, nerve, tension, and sinuses,” said Harris. “It is important to say that one does not have to be sick to seek reflexology as many people use it for health maintenance. Reflexology also relieves and relaxes tension, increases nerve and blood supply, and balances the functions of the body.”
Harris wanted to work in alternative medicine beginning in 2007, the same year she was diagnosed with a tethered spinal cord. She attributes the experience with helping her to find many alternative ways of dealing with pain.
“I have suffered from back pain, migraines, colitis, diverticulitis, tremors, carpel tunnel, osteoarthritis, kidney stones, neuropathy, and my latest from two years ago, a broken leg for which I now have a 6″ plate and 13 screws as a reminder,” she said. “As I was coming towards the end of earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Alternative Medicine in Boca Raton, Florida, I was introduced to a reflexologist that worked out of my physician’s office. At that time, I was walking with a cane and in a lot of pain. I knew I wanted to help people the way she helped me.”
Harris received her degree in 2016, and followed it with a Certification in Reflexology. She worked in Allen Park for a year and then moved her business to Chelsea after her husband introduced her to the city. After spending a weekend at the Chelsea House Victorian Inn for their anniversary, Harris knew she wanted to settle in Chelsea and move her business to Chelsea as well.
“I instantly fell in love with Chelsea, and not just the beautiful buildings, shops and restaurants, but the people,” said Harris. “I felt as if I walked into another world and have been hooked ever since. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this great city.”
