All About Reflexology
You may have heard of reflexology in passing or perhaps you’ve seen a foot chart that has body parts and organs on it and wondered what it means. We’ll dive into what reflexology is and the benefits of this treatment.Â
Reflexology has been traced back to 3000 BC (or further) in ancient Egypt, China, India and Native American tribes and eventually made its way to the continents of Europe and North America.Â
Reflexology is also known as zone therapy, spot therapy, and reflex therapy.Â
Your head, feet and hands are three areas of the body that get used on a daily basis and generally do not get taken care of as often as other parts of your body. Once experiencing a reflexology treatment you most likely will fall into a deep sleep from relaxation. Sounds amazing, right? Let’s get into what reflexology is.Â
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the head, feet and hands that relate to all parts of the body such as the liver, lungs, heart, spleen, kidneys and more. Reflex points are connected to the body’s natural electrical energy known as Qi. Every meridian begins and ends in the head, feet and hands. Using gentle pressure to stimulate these points, it allows for the Qi to move along the nervous system & meridian lines to clear any blockages on the meridians or organs in the corresponding zones. It can also help to break up crystalline deposits thus improving the natural flow of the body’s energies.Â
The head/ears, hands and feet are a reflection of your entire body from head to toe. All systems of the body can be accessed through these reflexes. When receiving a treatment, the reflexologist will work from either on your feet only or head, feet, and hands together. Reflexologists can feel if there is any tension or sensitivities in certain reflex points such as your liver or kidneys and help to improve blood circulation and detoxification in those areas.Â
Reflexologists cannot diagnose, prescribe or treat specific conditions regarding medical issues. They will advise you to see your medical doctor or primary care physician if there are any areas of concern.Â
Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology’s many benefits include:
Improves circulation
Optimizes blood and energy circulation in the bodyÂ
Boosts immunity
Focuses on the immune and glandular systems
Balances systems
Promotes overall health by balancing the nervous system, circulatory system, and more
Promotes relaxation
Supports endorphin release and reduces stress hormones to relax the mind and body
What Research Says About Reflexology
As it becomes more popular, more studies are being done on reflexology and its benefits.
Some studies have shown that foot reflexology can help for pain relief, including headaches, backaches, joint aches, and even pain during pregnancy and childbirth. It’s also been found to be support conditions like strokes, insomnia, asthma, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Reflexology vs. Acupuncture vs. Massage: What’s the Difference?Â
| Â | Reflexology | Acupuncture | Massage |
Targeting | Reflex points and meridians | Acupuncture points and meridians | Muscle groups and pain points |
How It’s Done | Applying gentle pressure and healing energy to reflex points that correlate to organs and all parts of the body. Non-invasive treatment. Non-invasive treatment given by a reflexologist. | Applying pressure to acupuncture points with hair-thin needles that perforate the skin. Derived from Chinese medicine and focuses on specific points throughout the body. Invasive treatment given by an acupuncturist or naturopathic doctor. | Manual technique that applies pressure to areas on the whole body to help relieve tension. Non-invasive treatment given by a massage therapist. |
Best For | Relaxation of the nervous system, improving circulation, boosting immunity, reducing pain and balancing all systems in the body as they all work together to heal your body. | Similar to reflexology, it focuses on the central nervous system and promotes healing. Acupuncture can also help with pain management, fertility, emotional distress and more. | Focusing on musculoskeletal concerns such as tight muscles or injuries to promote better movement and less pain. |
What to Consider Before Trying Reflexology
Reflexology can benefit many people, but it’s not for everyone. Here are a few things to know before trying this treatment.
Who reflexology is for
Reflexology is recommended for all ages as it’s a natural, holistic and relaxing treatment. It can benefit anyone who is looking for self-care remedies or to help improve health and healing in their body.Â
It is a non-invasive treatment.
Generally, clients are asked to wear comfortable clothing as the clothing is kept on for the treatment (aside from their socks) and the treatment can be done with the client laying down or sitting up.Â
Who reflexology is not recommended for
Reflexology may not be for certain clients, including:Â
- High-risk pregnancy clients
- Anyone with open wounds, ulcers or infections that can be transmittedÂ
- Anyone with known blood clots (improving circulation may cause them to move in the body)
Ready to try reflexology? Book your first session with our reflexologist today.