Interview with Linda Neff,
written by Haley Steinhardt

Have you ever been skeptical of something and then discover that it actually has become very beneficial?

That’s where I was about 17 years ago before getting into complimentary therapies and becoming a Reflexologist and Reiki Practitioner. I was skeptical about how they would work to help heal my body, my emotions, and my mental state. It has taken me several years of practice in my Reflexology and Reiki bodywork to really understand that there is nothing to be skeptical about.

First I gained an understanding of the functioning of our body and how the body works together through the various systems: circulatory, nervous, lymphatic, digestive, urinary and muscular. All these systems work together to help our bodies function daily. However, when something goes wrong in one area, our body automatically begins to start healing by other systems pulling the load for the one that is overloaded. As one system dysfunctions our bodies begin to help it out.

We usually think of going to the doctor to get a pill for some relief for a problem. But we need to think about trying a complimentary therapy. Complimentary means that it will compliment the traditional way we treat our bodies when they become ill. Have you ever thought about the fact that the stress you’re under is really the cause of some of the physical, mental and emotional issues you are having?

Stress builds up and our muscles can get very tight and tense. When this occurs the muscle will squeeze down on the nerves, arteries, veins, lymphatic pathways and the energy pathways within our body. Just imagine that you are squeezing and pressing down on a garden hose as you try to move water through it. Everything just slows down or even blocks.

So what does it take to get this flow back? It takes loosening and softening the muscles. Once that occurs, your body can then begin to function more fully and efficiently. Like turning on your water faucet after it is shut off or releasing the squeeze on the water hose for the water to flow through. Makes sense doesn’t it?

The other understanding I would like to point out is that many people are thinking that these complimentary therapies do not work or are a waste of time and money. However, through my own experience, I have seen more success than one might think. A person has a headache for 8 days, takes medications, then a 5 minute treatment on, specific muscles, releases the tension and the person feels better and states that it worked better than the medication.

Another example is pain in the feet or ankle. Simply loosening up the tendons and ligaments and increasing the range of motion, opening up the spaces between the bones in the foot, and loosening up some muscles in the calf that are connected to the feet, can actually affect the pain in the feet.

Think about this, our body knows what it needs to heal. Touch is the most healing of anything I have come across. The individual providing the therapy has also been given the gift to use this treatment. I understood I had a gift at a young age when I would place my hands on people to work their muscles. It just came naturally to me. Our gifts are given to us from God. As I got into Reflexology, I pictured the fact that Jesus worked the feet of his disciples.

Jesus also stated, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12, King James Bible.

I really believe in this. And as I see it, God gave me the gifts I have, to use to help individuals with pain, discomfort and suffering. I have learned that you do not have to suffer from your pain. God placed people here on Earth with gifts to help you with those aches, pains, discomfort and other issues. As a spiritual individual I believe that I am guided and led by the spirit, to find the information I need to help you with your particular dysfunction.

God has placed certain individuals in my life to find healing for them physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We are here on Earth to learn lessons. God has led me to Waynesville to help this community. I will do my best work and help as many as I can, through my Reflexology, Reiki and ability to coach and help you reduce your pain and discomfort. It is all about the science of the body and how it functions along with your wanting and needing to make a change in how you feel, so you can enjoy your life more fully through the Spirit of God.

If I cannot help you, I will help you find someone that can. All you need to do is ask for help. Prayers are answered by asking people who can help you, as I truly believe God works his magic through each individual. We all are children of God.

Linda Neff, NCBTMB #583633-09, LSHC #2058

Mountain Spirit Wellness
254 Depot Street, Waynesville, NC
(513) 675-2189