So what is reflexology?
Reflexology is a form of foot massage that was first introduced to the United States by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. in 1913. At that time, he called it “zone therapy” because he divided the body into ten bio-electrical zones and believed that our bio-electrical energy all flowed through points in our hands and feet.
Eunice D. Ingham later developed reflexology into what we see today, the practice of stimulating the natural healing response of our body by applying pressure to specific reflex zones in the feet, hands, ears and face.
However, it is important to note that versions of this style of practice have actually been around for centuries, as far back in fact as 2400 BC in ancient Egypt and ancient China.
How does foot reflexology work?
Well, each reflex zone corresponds to a specific part of the human body and pressure applied to these different zones stimulates healing in that corresponding part or area. It does this by increasing the circulation of blood and also ‘Qi’ (chi), our vital energy into that area.
So pressing on the reflex zone on the foot that corresponds to the liver for example, would increase blood flow and Qi energy into the liver region, helping it to perform its most important function, to detoxify the body.
So how can reflexology help?
Well, aside from increased circulation and releasing the blockage / restoring the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body, reflexology treatments assist in overcoming or alleviating a broad range of specific health problems including…
- Stress
- Neck, back and shoulder pain
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- PMT
- High / low blood pressure
- Migraine /headache
However, even if you do not suffer from any ’specific’ ailment, regular reflexology sessions will definitely help to keep you rejuvenated, refreshed and balanced, and therefore more able to maintain a constant state of good health and well being.
Is reflexology painful?
When performed by the hands and fingers of a skilled and caring practitioner, working the reflex zones on the feet actually feels wonderful, especially if your feet are sore, tired or aching.
Any initial pain or discomfort experienced after a reflex point is pressed is usually quickly alleviated and it is not uncommon to experience waves of warm energy move through your body as blockages are dissolved and your Qi is allowed to flow freely again along the meridians.
These meridians are the energy lines (or pathways) through which your Qi flows throughout your body.
What can I expect during a reflexology session?
A typical reflexology session will usually commence with a consultation in regards to your health history and current health situation so that a ‘focus’ for the session can be decided. Some practitioners like to place your feet in a nice warm foot bath so you can relax during the consultation.
It is important to note that reflexology may not be appropriate if you are experiencing certain health conditions for example foot infections or sores and also if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. Your practitioner will discuss these contra-indications with you and decide if it is appropriate to continue with the treatment or perhaps a ‘modified’ version.
When it is time for the treatment to begin, you will be asked to lie on a massage table or sit on a reclining chair depending on the facilities of the practitioner. Unlike other styles of massage or bodywork, there is no need to remove any clothing beyond your shoes and socks, and typically no massage oil is used, though there are exceptions to this.
Techniques used throughout your treatment:
Next the treatment begins with the practitioner gently holding your left foot at either the ball of the foot or at the ankle (note: the left foot is worked on first as this compliments your digestion and circulatory patterns). The practitioner will then gently rock your foot forward and backward about an in inch or so. This is a common ‘warm up’ technique (although it can also be used mid-session) called ‘cradling’ and it feels absolutely wonderful.
Next your practitioner will start working on your reflex zones/points and the most commonly used technique for this is called ‘thumb walking’. Here your practitioner will place their thumb so that it is flat against your foot and apply pressure while creeping up the sole of your foot, not unlike an inch warm.
This technique can be applied with one thumb working the reflex zones and the other hand holding your foot or two thumbs working the reflex zones at the same time, while the top of the foot is held in place with the fingers.
Your practitioner should check in with you periodically to see if the pressure needs adjusting. However, you should always let your practitioner know if something they are doing is painful or uncomfortable.
Other techniques include ‘wringing the foot’ which is where your practitioner will grasp your toes in one hand and your heal in the other and give a gentle twist in opposite directions. Your practitioner may also do some ankle circles and also stretch your toes back and forth.
These are just a sample of the different techniques that may be applied during a typical full foot reflexology session, which can last anywhere between 60-80 minutes. One thing that remains a constant is that your treatment should always finish off with a big glass of water. Drinking water after your reflexology treatment will help the body to rid itself of toxins that may have been released during the treatment, while minimizing any side-effects.
Ultimately, nobody knows exactly why reflexology works, but the truth is it is often very effective in treating a wide range of ailments. Who would of thought that there is a world of healing right at your feet?
–Tania Hodder is a remedial massage therapist and holistic counselor with a passion for natural healing methods and the law of attraction. (www.woodstovepipes.org)
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- Foot Reflexology Chart
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- Foot Reflexology Diagram
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