The Vacuflex Concepts is a unique device used by certain therapeutic reflexologists to enhance the treatment. Christo Scheepers uses this wonderful device in his private practice.
The Vacuflex Concepts is an electronic device combining the two healing modalities of reflexology and meridian therapy (acupuncture) into one effective therapeutic treatment session. What makes it very effective, is the fact that it maximises the body’s own healing ability ensuring a truly holistic approach to therapy. The Vacuflex Concepts can be described as a contemporary approach to reflexology making use of the latest advances in technology to enhance the therapeutic reflexology experience.
The Vacuflex Concepts is a recognised healthcare device available only from qualified therapeutic reflexologists. The modern model of the Vacuflex Concepts Device has been launched in 2013 and has been developed by Dougans International in Denmark, but the previous model has been in use for nearly 30 years. The Vacuflex Concepts is therefore not a fly-by-night device, but a recognised device operated by qualified therapeutic reflexologists only. As the device is imported from Denmark, it is quite expensive and therefore only available at selected therapeutic reflexologists. Prior to operating the device, the therapeutic reflexologist obtaining the device is provided with training and practical experience in the operation of the device by Dougans International. Christo Scheepers was trained in the use of the Vacuflex Concepts by Inge Dougans personally; the person who basically brought reflexology to South Africa and the head of the prestigious International Academy of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy (IARAMT) recognised by the Department of Education, the South African Qualifications Authority and is one of only three therapeutic reflexology training academies recognised by the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) – the council whose registration provides legal status to practice in the country.
The Vacuflex Concepts uses two distinct treatment methods, namely:
- Vacuum Boot Foot Reflexology; and
- Vacuum Cupping Treatment Sequence.
The Vacuum Boot modernises foot reflexology when you put your feet into the vacuum boots and make you feel like Neil Armstrong ready to go walk on the moon with your outer space boots. The boots are in large Vacuflex bags that are closed off on the legs and then connected to the Vacuflex apparatus. By making use of vacuum, the air is sucked out of the boot causing a pressure on the feet which applies the concept of reflexology on all the areas of the feet; it has the ability to even penetrate the areas where the therapeutic reflexologist’s fingers are unable to go, making it a very effective modernised way of providing reflexology.
The Vacuum Boots are amazing and apart from providing a holistic foot reflexology treatment, it can also be used in the therapeutic reflexologist’s assessment process to see which areas of the body needs more attention in order to balance itself in an attempt to heal itself from the inside out. When removing the vacuum boots, the trained therapeutic reflexologist is able to identify which areas of the body needs special attention based on the various colours visible on the various foot reflexes. The skilled therapist will use this to customise the therapeutic reflexology treatment for each individual patient to ensure the best possible therapy is given for each individual.
PLEASE NOTE: Therapeutic Reflexology is a therapeutic modality, in other words, it is a non-diagnostic profession registered with the AHPCSA and therefore the therapeutic reflexologist is not able to make any diagnoses. When making use of the Vacuum boots, the therapeutic reflexologist is able to assess what parts of the body needs special therapeutic reflexology attention and can monitor progress, but this is definitely not a diagnosis and will never be provided to the patient as a diagnosis. If the therapeutic reflexologist observes anything that may be a possible concern, a referral will be made to a qualified diagnostic practitioner for further investigation and possible diagnosis. This point has to be made clearly as the therapeutic reflexologist is not able to make any diagnosis within the registered scope of practice as put in place by the AHPCSA.
The Vacuum Cupping Treatment Sequence makes use of vacuum cups that are connected to the Vacuflex apparatus providing meridian therapy treatment on the meridians (energy lines on the body) on which the acupuncture points are located. The Cupping Treatment can be done specifically for a certain condition or to unblock a certain meridian or a full holistic sequence can be followed taking about 30 minutes to activate the body’s own healing ability through the stimulation of the various acupuncture points on the meridians. This is very effective in combination with the vacuum boots as a treatment sequence.
How many sessions are needed?
This question will vary to each individual based on his or her unique circumstances, lifestyle and condition of health. Some people experience results from the very first session, but for others a few sessions may be needed. When dealing with health conditions it is usually recommended that initially the person receives one or two sessions per week, but as progress is made it can be reduced to weekly, twice a month and sometimes people decide to get one session per month. It all depends on your unique circumstances; all to be taken into account and to be discussed prior to commencement with the therapy.
Does the Vacuflex Concepts replace original manual reflexology?
Definitely not. A combination of manual reflexology as practiced from ancient times with modern reflexology as practiced by making use of the Vacuflex Concepts is the ideal approach to therapeutic reflexology; offering the patient the best of both worlds ensuring he or she is receiving the best possible treatment customised for the unique individual’s profile.
Is the use of the Vacuflex Concepts not impersonal?
When making use of electronic devices the danger is always there that it can become impersonal and feel more like a medical test than a therapeutic session. This fear is unfounded as the trained therapeutic reflexologist understands the value of touch during a therapeutic session and therefore the Vacuflex device is used in combination with therapeutic touch and the session will not feel impersonal at all. The trained therapeutic reflexologist will use the Vacuflex Concepts in such a way that it enhances the therapeutic session, not replace the therapeutic touch aspect. Some people actually prefer the use of the Vacuflex Concepts.
Will it be painful?
The treatment is not painful even though vacuum is used and pressure is applied to the feet. Once again, the trained therapeutic reflexologist will know how to effectively use the Vacuflex Concepts for treatment purposes with maximum results with no discomfort. The trained therapeutic reflexologist will always be in full control and work within the patient’s comfort zone. The new modern model of the Vacuflex Concepts makes it possible for the therapeutic reflexologist to be in full control of the amount of vacuum used and if it becomes uncomfortable to the patient, the suction can be reduced to a level of comfort. The therapeutic reflexologist will therefore always be in control of the pressure applied to your feet with maximum communication to you.
Will it not transfer foot conditions between patients?
No, not at all. The therapeutic reflexologist will make use of maximum infection control when making use of the device. This means that your feet are fully covered and never actually touches the insides of the Vacuflex boots. This ensures that there is absolutely no possibility that anything can be spread from one patient to the other. As the Vacuflex Concepts is a healthcare device, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that patients are fully protected during the treatment.
Is there a chance of experiencing an electrical shock?
No, there is no chance of the patient experiencing an electrical shock while using the Vacuflex Concepts. The Vacuflex apparatus uses electricity to create and control the vacuum, but there are no electrical electrodes attached to the patient or the Vacuflex Boots or Vacuflex Cups at all. The pressure is applied through vacuum, not electricity.
Does Christo Scheepers uses the Vacuflex Concepts?
Christo Scheepers is trained to fully use the new modernised Vacuflex Concepts model developed in Denmark and launched in 2013. He has this devise in his practice and have been successfully combining it with manual therapeutic reflexology in order to give each patient the absolute best possible reflexology treatment making use of ancient manual reflexology combined with modern Western Vacuflex reflexology. As the full range of therapeutic reflexology treatments are available, Christo Scheepers customises each treatment session to the specific needs of each patient visiting the practice.
If you have never experienced Vacuflex Reflexology before, feel free to make an appointment to personally experience it.
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Christo A. Scheepers: Therapeutic Reflexologist
Dip.T.R.(Cum Laude) [IARAMT]
AHPCSA: A11945
Pr. No.: 1080000737453
Tel. 072-800 7243