12/08/2025
What Is Reflexology?
Reflexology (or foot reflexology) is a therapy based on the principle that there are small and specific areas of innervation in the hands and feet that correspond to specific muscle groups or organs of the body. In this system, the nerve endings in the extremities provide a “map” of the rest of the body. Examples are the base of the little toe representing the ear, or the ball of the foot representing the lung. Through the application of pressure on particular areas of the hands or feet, reflexology is said to promote benefits such as the relaxation of tension, improvement of circulation, and support of normalized function in the related area in the body.
What Health Concerns Is Reflexology Used For?
In broad terms, reflexology is intended to reduce generalized stress and help the body achieve a state of deep relaxation and homeostasis (that is, optimal balance of the body’s biochemical and other systems). Yet efficacy studies are few, and a 2009 systematic review of randomized controlled trials conducted by researchers at the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, UK, concluded that “the best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition.”
However, since having the feet or hands rubbed is an enjoyable and relaxing experience for most people, there is little doubt that hand and foot reflexology can promote stress relief and a sense of well being in much the same way as any other form of massage. This therapy may be an especially useful complementary treatment for neuropathy of the legs, feet and toes. It can also be useful for sore hands and feet after a workout, running or taking a long walk.
What Should One Expect On A Visit To A Practitioner Of Reflexology?
A typical reflexology session runs from thirty to sixty minutes. Shoes and socks are removed, and the client is made comfortable, usually by sitting or reclining. Some reflexologists offer a foot bath at the beginning of the session, however, no lotions or oils are used. Pressure is applied in thumb-and-finger “walking” patterns, resulting in gentle stretching and massaging of specific zones of the hands and feet that are thought to correspond to body organs. Simple self-care instructions may be discussed at the completion of the session.
Are There Any Health Conditions For Which Reflexology Should Be Avoided?
Obviously, open sores to the hands and/or feet would be a reason to avoid reflexology. Acute injuries also must be handled with care. Anyone with active blood clots should avoid rubbing near the area of the clot.Burns, wounds, gout and infections to the hands or feet should also limit the use of reflexology. Lower extremity swelling or chronic skin changes that are a result of vascular problems to the feet should also limit this form of therapy. Recent removal of a cancerous tumor or other surgical procedures, such as wart removal, also make reflexology inadvisable. There is some evidence that rubbing of the feet during pregnancy might stimulate contractions, and so should be avoided in the later stages of pregnancy.
Did you know that elephants use their feet to hear? Even with those enormous ears – they pick up vibrations of the earth through their soles!
Our feet work hard day after day, and we usually don’t give them a second thought until they start complaining. As humans, our feet mirror our general health, so conditions like arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders; can show their initial symptoms in your feet. It is believed that certain areas on the feet and hands are linked to other areas and organs of the body. The concept of “zone therapy” was furthered by American physiotherapist Eunice Ingham in the 1930s, into what is known today as reflexology.
If you are reading this article, you’re probably at the end of your tether when it comes to pain. Reflexology is one of the most popular of all alternative therapies and treats a wide variety of conditions. Want to know more?
What is reflexology and is it painful?
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are “reflex” areas on the feet that correspond to specific organs or parts of the body. For example:
• The tips of the toes reflect the head.
• The heart and the chest are around the ball of the foot.
• The liver, pancreas and kidneys are in the arch of the foot.
• Lower back and intestines are towards the heel.
There are more than 7000 nerve endings in the human foot, and by targeting these nerve endings, the reflexologist can assist the flow of energy through the body to the areas affected by illness or stress.
Medical or clinical reflexology is where specific thumb, finger and hand techniques are used – mostly with deep pressure – on the various congested reflex areas. This holistic approach will optimize blood, lymph and nerve flow to a specific area, thus minimizing pain as well as muscle tension and facilitating the body’s natural healing and detoxifying process.
Reflexology will often hurt when the congested reflex areas are treated and in no way resembles a foot massage. As the condition improves with several reflexology sessions, so will the soreness on the corresponding reflexes. Pain on a specific reflex is always brief and only lasts as long as the reflexologist is applying pressure. Pain is always kept at bearable levels. The well-trained reflexologist will adapt her pressure to the pain levels of the patient. She will also teach the patient deep breathing techniques (deep breathing releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killer) in order to reduce the pain sensation.
What are the benefits?
This treatment is used for a variety of ailments. Not only it is beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but is also effective in improving circulation, relieving pain, and acts as an immune and nervous system stimulator.
Many people with illnesses such as allergies, chronic sinus problems, migraines, anxiety, depression, back pain, headaches, arthritis, digestion problems, insomnia, asthma, PMS and period pain – to name but a few – have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.
Most people describe a profound sense of relaxation and increased energy following their session.
What reflexology and reflexologists are not suppose to do?
Although reflexology is proven to be beneficial for a multitude of problems, your reflexologist cannot diagnose or claim to cure any disease. They are not medically trained. Reflexology can help to restore balance and coax your body into healing itself.
Reflexology is recommended as a healing or complimentary therapy and should not replace medical treatment. Seek advice from your medical practitioner before making your reflexology appointment.
Source:
www.reflexologyforbackpain.com, www.wellbeingescapes.com, www.takingcharge.chs.umn.edu, beforeitsnews.com, altmedicine.about.com, breathetherapy.co.uk
www.aromainst.com,
www.drpritigondalia.com
