Maria Bo Peronino
RAC Certified Reflexology Practitioner focusing on anxiety and pain relief
Degrees: MA Communications & Technology (U of A), BA Image Arts (TMU)
Program Certifications: Online Learning Design & Delivery, Reflexology (foot, face, ear), Digital Media, Marine Naturalist
Course Certificates: Systemic Inflammation Food Intolerance & Autoimmunity, Applied Facial Diagnostic, Trauma Informed Care, Reiki, Crystal Healing, Chakra Healing, Colour Therapy, Tarot, Eco-theraputic Guide
Courses: Epidemiology, Occupational & Environmental Hazards, Environmental Law (U Vic)
Where I come from
I hail from Victoria (Vancouver Island), BC where I was born and raised; The traditional lands of the Xwsepsum, Lkwungen and Songhees people. My grandparents and young mother left Denmark after WW2 to start a better life in Canada and I am grateful to be living in this incredible place. I was culturally raised as Danish. This is how I got here.
I am a lifelong learner. In 2016 I completed a MA in Communication and Technology (U of A) where I studied the implications of technology on society. In 2014 I earned a certificate in Digital Media (OCAD), 2006-2008 completed several courses in Environmental and Occupational Health (UVic), became a certified Marine Naturalist in 2003 and in 1997 completed a BA in Image Arts (Ryerson). I have spent a decade observing and photographing wild killer whales along our coastline and 2 decades working as a designer.
Where I am going
In December of 2020, I passed my reflexology exam and am now certified as a reflexologist through the Reflexology Association of Canada. In November of 2020, I completed a short course on informed-trauma as a means of understanding how trauma impacts our healing and for incorporating trauma healing techniques into my practice. In October of 2020, I completed a course on ear reflexology (auricular therapy) through the Auckland School of Reflexology and in September of 2020, I completed a course on facial reflexology therapy through The International Reflexology School. In May of 2020, I completed a course on Systemic Inflammation, Food Intolerance and Autoimmunity and Applied Facial Diagnosis (June 2021) through Pacific Rim College. Over the years I have also taken courses on Informed Trauma, Reiki, Crystal Healing and Tarot. This is a work in progress and I am always exploring and experimenting with new modalities. I am now working to amalgamate my abilities together into a wellness endeavour, as I have been influenced by my own health challenges to choose a more holistic path in life.
Why am I doing this?
To help others. To be more specific, this work was designed for my husband who is over-burdened as a ‘postie’ and fighting skin cancer during a pandemic; to promote his recovery and wellness. He is the face and model of this work. Through him, I discovered my passion for helping people reduce their stress and pain by applying holistic therapies. I strive to create a spa-like treatment that is unique for each person. I have personal experience with and interest in anxiety and stress reduction, calming highly sensitive nervous systems, digital injury recovery (mental & physical), reducing menopause side effects and reducing inflammation and improving digestion. I am also currently experimenting with facial reflexology therapy for skin cancer scar recovery. Ultimately I feel a sense of purpose when I am helping other people. This work is an evolution from my previous project: Lunar Maria Healing Arts that I made when I started to seek healing full time in my life.
Fun Fact!
Did you know that basalt stone, often used with reflexology, is also found on the moon? There, it’s called Lune Mare (Latin). It’s also a stone that orcas rub on. I have been using this stone to rub my hands, feet and face since 2003, because it feels good! This inspired me to name my jewellery project Lunar Maria Jewelry.
My Discovery of Reflexology
In Denmark, reflexology is accepted and integrated into society where the people experience positive results. While there, I received reflexology treatment (from my cousin in Aalborg who runs a clinic) and used similar pressure methods on myself to rehabilitate from rotary cuff tendonitis. Historically, my Danish roots are situated in the north (Jutland) of Denmark; Aalborg up to Skagen.
Reflexology in Denmark
In Denmark, reflexology training is well developed, and they have well documented, government sponsored training and treatment methods. The government supports reflexology research and distributes reflexology data, and reflexology is practiced as an honoured complimentary health discipline. The training is standardized and there is little, if any, dispute between the medical community and Reflexology Therapists (Reflexology Association of Canada).
Danish Study
The Odense Postal District employed a reflexologist for 3 years to deal with employee stress. Two hundred and thirty five employees participated resulting in a 25% fall in sick leave, saving £110,000 and 170 employees reported a good impact on their health. (Research has been published and undertaken by the FDZ – the Danish Reflexology Association).
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient healing art that can be traced back 5000 years to China, India, Egypt and is used by many cultures around the world. Reflexology is the study of reflexes. Reflexology therapies are natural therapeutic methods derived from this study based on the principle that there are reflexes in the body that map to other parts, glands and organs of the body. Through the application of pressure to these reflexes, reflexology can: 1) relieve tension 2) improve circulation 3) support the body’s efforts to function optimally.
Disclaimer: Reflexology does not diagnose, prescribe or treat for specific conditions. Always seek proper medical attention should you suspect you have a medical problem. Reflexology is not a replacement for medical treatment.