Chi Medics and Dementia
- info
- Mar 30
- 6 min read
Reflexology, My Dad, and Vascular Dementia - Mary Rush
Mary is an experienced Reflexologist, MAR. AoR Area Leader
Qualified Chi Medics Practitioner and Chi Medics Presenter
based in Derbyshire.
Before you read this, I want to share that my dad died very peacefully on the 19th January after his journey with vascular dementia. He was asleep, comfortable, and someone was with him, holding his hand.
Reflexology became a quiet language of love between us — a way to connect beyond words as his dementia progressed. He loved his treatments, and I will always treasure those moments of calm we shared. I’m writing this not only to honour him, but also to highlight how people living with dementia can benefit from reflexology, especially through the nurturing principles of Chi-Reflexology and Chi Medics.
Before my dad’s diagnosis, I was already on a path that would unexpectedly become part of his care journey. I decided to train as a reflexologist in 2015, being drawn by a curiosity about how touch, energy, and presence could help bring balance and well-being.
Dad was incredibly supportive from the very beginning. He encouraged me through my studies, often joking about being my “guinea pig” for practice. Sitting still for even ten minutes was always a challenge for him, but somehow, when I worked on his feet, he managed it.
These sessions were often in bizarre places too. I once did a session with him in Winster village hall, he was mending something that needed attention every 15 minutes. I worked in-between his tinkering around!
During one of those early sessions, I remember him looking at me and saying something I’ll never forget:
“I love watching your face when you’re doing this you look so focused and full of passion. It makes me happy because I can see you’ve found your passion.”
At the time, I didn’t think much of it, it was just a lovely moment between me and Dad being his warm, encouraging self. But now, that memory takes on a much deeper meaning.
My Dad had being diagnosed with Vascular dementia, over lockdowns and in isolation.
I try to add to my blog on my website, sometimes there is more, sometimes less. It all a bit of an adventure for everyone, who knows what is round the corner.
The photo is of Myself, with my Dad. Its about 30 years ago.
an engaging time with dad...
Today, He still watches my face closely when I give a treatment; it’s become a way for me to stay connected to him when words and memories begin to slip away.
Once, after a treatment, I put his shoes back on. He looked at me with his kind blue eyes and asked so politely and clearly,
“Can we now have them on the other way?” At first, I thought he was speaking without real meaning — until I noticed I had actually put his shoes on the wrong way around.
.....'Today, He still watches my face closely when I give a treatment; it’s become a way for me to stay connected to him when words and memories begin to slip away'......
During treatments, I now use Chi Medics Clinical Reflexology techniques precise and gentle methods that promote energy re-balancing, grounding, calm feelings, and to support dad with healthy circulation.
Each session is also tailored to his unique energy pattern, following the principles of Classical Chinese Medicine, the foundations of Chi Medics work. By listening to his body’s subtle responses, I can adjust each treatment to bring him the most comfort and balance possible.
One of the ways Dad communicates during a session is through the way he moves his feet. He often pushes toward my hands when there’s an area he wants me to explore more, or moves away when he’s had enough. Sometimes he describes what he’s feeling, saying things like,
“It’s going up… now down… now,” or “It’s in my knee now.”
If you’ve ever had a Chi Medics treatment, you’ll know this describes the many and varied sensations that can occur in the body.
The extra knowledge that I have, supported dad with a specific issue
During Dad’s most recent visit, Mum and I were worried about a puffy area under his right eye near the tear duct.
In the past, he’s had blocked tear ducts that required an operation, and we wanted to do whatever we could to avoid that.
I gave him a treatment, focusing on the Chi Medics principles for supporting the tear ducts.
He was so calm during the session, his big toes gently wiggling back and forth. Afterwards, I made sure his shoes were on the correct feet this time!
He had a lovely day at home, watching videos of steam trains on YouTube, eating jelly, and sharing hugs with the family.
When I visited him two days later at his residential home, the puffiness under his eyes had almost disappeared.
I know that dementia affects so many, and that as carers you can feel very isolated and alone. Its good to talk!
Click on my logo to connect with me, I am happy to help -
Mary
Get in touch
Contact me if you would like to have a chat about any of the therapies I offer, or to ask about booking Advanced Clinical Reflexology or Chi-Reflexology sessions, you can call me on 07813158636
Mary Rush is also valued in our
Chi Medics Team of Presenters -
Mary demonstrating a practical aspect for the
6 Phases Holistic Energy Balance Course classroom based in Derbyshire 2025
Mary is an experienced trainer and passionate to share the value of the Chi Medics approach and knowledge.
NEW COURSE Now Open for bookings! with Mary Rush and Claire Mulholland
Click on the link to view the full details:
Useful links
We would like to thank Mary for sharing her beautiful glimpse into her dad's journey. It is so heart warming and special to read that her additional training and knowledge is helping to make such a difference to his wellbeing.
When Mary began her training in earnest with Chi Medics, we realised that even the basic techniques were helping, the advanced knowledge then opened up further refinements for each of her sessions that are designed for him.
Which Training Courses are helpful?
The Chi Medics Toe Balance - is a wonderful Balance given through the toes to balance all aspects, Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual, including the physical hemispheres of the brain and the associated Chi Energy.
Easy to learn and apply, this course is available as an eLearning course. Theory and Practical videos are included, a short reminder test is completed before you gain a certificate of completion.
Perfect knowledge to include into any therapists practice, for supporting people who are living with dementia and many other conditions.
The 6 Phases Energy Balance - a 3 in 1 holistic Energy Balance. Brilliant for using after any Reflexology work on the head, Indian Head massage, Auricular therapy, Cranial Sacral etc The first part of the balance can be used as a stand a lone application. It is really helpful to encourage energy movement through all pathways.
The Chi Medics via the Feet Level 1 Course - for an advanced approach, we can give you understanding and the uses of the Organ Chi Energy Points. These are reflecting the powerful Yin Organs which are the most important aspect in Chinese Medicine.
You will also learn a 6 Phases Organ Chi Balance which is used to conclude any style of treatment. It is also useful as a mini treatment in its own right. The whole 2 days training is loaded, an excellent introduction into Chinese Medicine and how to use the anatomical Reflection Theory and Perspective to enhance your skills and accuracy.
If you join us on the live online presentation, mention that you have clients who are living with Dementia and we can include a special technique which is incredibly helpful.
Which resources are helpful?
The Systems of the body via the Feet (A&P) - For those who would like to work intricately and accurately, on the reflections of the body via the feet. A full colour booklet available as a download, each system is shown including detailed aspects of the head and brain. The charts are also colour co ordinated to Classical Chinese Medicine
The Chi Medics Spine Chart - working through the Spine can be beneficial, it accesses the Central Nervous System, spinal fluid, muscles and vertebra. It may help to ground a person and also has connections to different energy's. The chart is also colour co ordinated to Classical Chinese Medicine
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