Meet Michelle O’Brien, Certified Reflexologist
By Janene Lang
Michelle has been at the Center practicing reflexology since 2011. If you've met her, you know she is all about her reflexology practice, but you may not know her many dimensions. Michelle is has a rich tapestry of interests and experiences that make her both well-rounded and uniquely equipped to serve our community.
Through a scholarship received for her role as Miss Fond du Lac in 2000, Michelle attended Marian University, graduating in 2005 with a major in music and a theology minor. “My role as Miss Fond du Lac was fun and it was difficult to release and move on from having that external approval to doing my own inner work” says Michelle about her transition to serving her community in a deeper capacity. Michelle went on to served as the Liturgical Musician in charge of all musical ministries at Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Parish in Eden for 7 years.
Michelle has taught both voice and piano privately for 15 years and is the mother of four, ages 2-8. Her interest in reflexology began with getting married and having kids and her desire to do what was natural and best for her family. “I wanted more for spiritual growth for myself and to help my family” say Michelle about her quest, “When I found reflexology, I knew it was meant to be.” Twice she traveled to the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania for two week seminars where she studied and practiced yoga lifestyle and philosophy and even Ayurvedic cooking. Her study of alternative medicine included participating in the Healing Touch Program, studying about essential oils, and learning Reiki.
When ask how she knew reflexology was meant for her, Michelle explained, “It means I had a deep inner knowing through prayer and reflection and that it was the right time - I had my husband’s and friends’ support and the time to study.”
Michelle completed her training with the International Institute of Reflexology (IIR) in record time, traveling to four states in five months to take the necessary courses and has been a certified Reflexologist since 2011. In her practice at the Center, she works with clients with a variety of complaints. “Reflexology balances the body,” Michelle explains. According to the IIR, reflexology stimulates blood exchange and nervous system responses in vital systems in the body, while at the same time relaxing non-essential systems. This allows the body to do what it does naturally: rejuvenate while at rest.
While reflexology may be unfamiliar to many of us in the mid-west, the idea behind reflexology is not new. It was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. in the Egyptian culture. Forms of reflexology are also present in most healing traditions of Asia. Traditional Chinese medicine and the Ayurvedic tradition of India both have used forms of reflexology for thousands of years.
If you are interested in reflexology or have questions about whether is right for you, call Michelle at (920) 979-3958. You can also visit Michelle’s page by clicking here.