Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears that correspond to all of the glands, organs, and parts of the body. By applying alternating pressure to these reflexes using thumb and finger techniques, every gland, organ, and parts of the body are activated. By stimulating these reflexes properly, reflexology is able to help many health problems in a natural non-invasive way. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation and digestion, reduces pain, soothes tired hands and feet, promotes the proper function of the related areas of the body, encourages overall healing, and much more!
Benefits of Reflexology
- Relieves pain and can increase cellular memory
- Decreases stress on emotional, physical, and mental levels
- Increases circulation
- Relaxes muscles
- Detoxifies the body
- Normalizes glands
- Enhances sleep quality
- Decreases anxiety
- Helps detect health problems on a “preventative” level
- Increases physical energy
- Reduces fatigue
- Improves concentration
- Integrates the body, mind, and spirit
Reflexology can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Reflexology can:
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce postsurgery swelling.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Reduce migraine pain.
- Reduce symptoms from allergies.
- Aid in the sypmtoms associated with diabetes.
- Support digestive ailments.
Theories on Why and How Reflexology Works
Analgesic Effect Analgesic means to decrease pain. Giving direct pressure on specific points during a Reflexology session, helps to interrupt the sensory transmission (your body’s pain signals) long enough for your body to realize what is going on and to go and fix it, naturally.
Endorphin Release A session will stimulate the release of the body’s natural pain killer cells from the pituitary (which are 10X stronger than morphine).
Immune Booster Your immune system is considered your second brain. Reflexology is able to stimulate the nerve connections between the thymus, spleen and hypothalamus, making these organs work more efficiently. An increase in blood flow leads to increased lymph flow which ALL leads to an increase in one’s immune system.
Lactic Acid Theory or Detoxification/Nourishment Crystals of lactic, pyretic, uric acid, and calcium form at nerve endings in the hands and feet. The pressure of Reflexology crushes them and they are eliminated through the circulation system.
Increased Circulation A typical session will increase the body’s circulation. Having an increase in circulation helps to remove waste from cells and bring nutrients to them. The feet and hands are rich in capillaries. When direct pressure is applied it increases venous return which helps bring more oxygen to the tissues.
Emotional/Mental Release Touch enhances cellular memory which helps one get in touch with their emotions so that they are able to release them.
Energy Theory Our organs are able to communicate via the electro-magnetic field. According to Reflexology and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) energy travels along pathways, zones, or meridians in the body. If this energy becomes blocked or congested, pain and disease can occur in an organ or gland along that pathway. Reflexology helps to open these blocked pathways through direct pressure and intention on healing.
Proprioceptive Nerve Receptor Theory There are 72,000+ nerve endings in the foot which are anatomically connected to other parts of the body. Applying pressure on these nerve endings send impulses to the other areas. This is known as direct nerve stimulation. For example, if you were suffering with low back pain, a Reflexologist could apply direct pressure to the low back points on the foot which will flow through that channel and into the low back area giving you pain relieve in your back.
Homeostasis (our body in balance) By stimulation of all organs and glands in the body (which occurs in each Reflexology session) blockages are released and the body is allowed to find its own balance. Basically, the body is put in a place where healing can occur.
The Session Itself
Your first Reflexology session will begin with a short intake form to get basic information that will help your therapist determine what treatment plan will suit you best. Once you enter the therapy room you will be asked to remove any rings and bracelets along with your socks and shoes.
With low lights and soft music your body will instantly relax once on the massage table. It is up to you if you would like to chat with your therapist during your session about Reflexology and the benefits of this therapeutic work or if you would like to close your eyes and drift off.
The Reflexologist will apply pressure using her thumbs and forefingers to rub and stimulate your ears, hands and/or feet on specific points that refer to different parts of the body. Some spots will be slightly tender due to that area of the body needing to release stored up blockages while other areas will just feel like an amazing. The feet contain about 7,000 nerve endings making it a prime location for pain relief along with the other health benefits.
Getting the Most out of Your Session
Be sure to inform your Reflexology Therapist about any health issues, medication that you are currently taking, and if you are pregnant, so that they can work accordingly. Make sure to be well hydrated before your appointment and to drink plenty of water afterwards to ensure that everything released during your treatment is able to flush out of your system easily and efficiently.
Shortly after your treatment you may notice a “healing reaction” such as a runny nose if your sinuses were congested when you came in, increased bladder and bowel activity due to it emptying more efficiently, a decrease in neck and shoulder tension if you held tension in those areas and so on. Some people will feel energized after their session, and some will feel sleepy, water will help but also give yourself enough time after your session before driving.