Reflexology

Whether your spa or health resort has recently added reflexology to its offerings or you have simply heard a little bit about it and would like to know more, there is quite a lot that can be said about reflexology!

This is an Eastern modality that focuses primarily on the feet and it is based on certain key beliefs that link the feet to the rest of the body.

It was believed that stimulating certain parts of the feet, the rest of the body could be healthier and more vital.

If you are interested in this treatment for yourself or for a friend, there are a few things that you should know to get you started.

What is Reflexology?

The philosophy behind reflexology states that the various reflex points on your feet are intimate connected with different organs, muscles and glands on your body, and when these reflex points have pressure applied to them, a great deal of benefit can be relayed to the rest of your body.

This is a practice that was believed around the world, though it has only recently come back to popular attention.

According to Chinese traditional medicine, various pathways for energy flow through the body and most if not all are tied in through the feet.

When the energetic pathways are stimulated through the feet, the flow of energy will increase and be healthier in various parts of the body.

Reflexology, like other forms of massage therapy, are known to improve circulation, and there has been some evidence to suggest that there is a similar beneficial effect through the rest of the body.

For instance, the liver, pancreas and kidney can be affected by massaging a specific point around the arch of your foot, while your lower back and intestines can be stimulated through pressure on a specific point a little above the heel.

Similarly, you'll find that the tips of your toes can he massage to deal with headaches or migraines, while your general upper torso can be affected by rubbing around the ball of your foot.

What to Expect

A typical session will last about 45 minutes to an hour, and you will not need to remove anything but your shoes and your socks.

This is a great way to relax and find a little bit of calm in your life, and because of this, many spas are beginning to offer it as a complement to procedures like pedicures.

Your massage therapist or reflexologist will question you about how you have been feeling and what your lifestyle is like, and what changes it might have undergone lately.

With this information in mind, they will start to massage your feet quite firmly.

Remember that this form of therapy should not be painful in the least, and if it is, you should alert the person who is giving it.

Sore spots on your feet should feel better once pressure has been applied, but remember to inform the reflexologist if it has not!

After a brief consultation with you (something that should definitely happen every time you speak with a new massage therapist, you'll find that you are asked to remove your socks and shoes, and get up in a raised chair or a massage table that will bring your feet up to a level where the reflexologist can work with it.

Pressure is typically applied from the toes of the feet down to the heel.

People who are ticklish are still able to take advantage of this massage therapy due to the fact that the pressure is constant and firm.

Benefits of Reflexology

There are many different benefits that are associated with reflexology.

Most people mention a feeling of relaxation and contentment when they leave, and people who had problems with their feet feeling cramped or “tight” often find those feelings relieved.

Some people even claim to feel as relaxed as if they have had a full body massage.

Reflexology is thought to alleviate symptoms from problems as different as arthritis, tension headaches, hormonal imbalances, back pain and menstrual disorders, just to name a few.

The circulation on your feet is improved after a session, and many doctors will recommend it for post-operative care.

It is frequently recommended as a complementary therapy for people being treated for cancer.

Let your reflexologist know if you are pregnant; ideally, you should discuss this procedure with your doctor first.

You'll also find that you get the best results by giving your reflexologist a thorough health history.

Remember that if you have open wounds, are prone to blood clots or an infections skin condition, you should not have this therapy, but due to the fact that if covers a limited amount of skin, it is a great therapy for almost everyone!