What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that involves massage and pressure on the feet to stimulate nerves, improve circulation, and help your body heal itself.
The reflexologist applies pressure to specific areas or zones on the feet with thumbs or fingertips to stimulate nerve endings under the skin. The reflexologist can also use their knuckles or a special tool called a reflexology stick to apply pressure.
Reflexology has been used for thousands of years in China, India, Egypt, and Greece. Today, it is widely available in spas and clinics around the world.
What are the benefits of reflexology?
- Helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Can improve your mood by releasing endorphins—chemicals that make you feel happy!
- By improving mood and reducing stress, patients report improved health outcomes and management of pain, anxiety, fatigue, and a wide array of health issues.
- Improves circulation, which can lead to better tissue function and faster healing after an injury or illness.
- May also help your body eliminate toxins more effectively, which is good for your overall health.
How does reflexology work?
The premise behind reflexology is that there are specific areas of our bodies that correspond to different organs, tissues, and systems. By manipulating these pressure points, the reflexologist can help stimulate the corresponding parts of your body. For example, by massaging the main arch of your foot, you can stimulate your stomach.
There are a few theories about how reflexology works. One is that applying pressure to zones of the foot stimulates the nerves there and sends a message to the central nervous system to relax the body, calm the mind, improve circulation, and support the body’s healing systems. By pressing points on the feet, reflexology helps change the way the body perceives pain and registers stress.
What can you expect during a reflexology treatment?
You’ll get to lie down on the massage table so your reflexologist can work on your feet. She will apply pressure using her hands or massage tools to various areas of your feet, with or without oil or lotion to help with the gliding action. Pressure will vary in intensity, depending on your body response and the areas being worked.
You are likely to feel very relaxed after a session. Many report feeling a bit “out of it” or sleepy afterward, but every session can be different. Make sure to hydrate well after your appointment.