What is reflexology?

Our poor feet. We walk on them all day long. We stuff them into shoes. We forget that they connect us to the Earth. Maybe because they are (literally) the furthest things from our minds. But they can tell us so much!

This is where reflexology comes in.

Keep reading to learn

• What is reflexology?

• How does it work?

• What does reflexology help?

Reflexology is more than a foot massage!

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflexes (areas) in your hands and feet. These reflexes correspond to different parts of your body – organs, glands, etc.

Picture a map of your body on your feet and hands.

A reflexologist, such as myself, works on your reflexes during a session. Using a specific technique, the goal is to break up “congestion” in the reflexes and encourage blood and energy flow.

“Congestion” is a term reflexologists use to describe a blockage in a reflex. It can show up as tenderness, puffiness, calluses, peeling, or redness. It can also feel like tiny bubbles under the skin.

Any congestion can indicate an imbalance in the body.

The origin of reflexology is traced back several thousand years. In the early 1900s Dr. Willliam Fitzgerald, MD observed that pressure applied to certain points on the body affected other areas of the body. He separated the body into 10 zones, which became known as Zone Therapy.

Others expanded on this work and in the 1930s a physical therapist, Eunice Ingham, developed the foot reflex theory. Her research led her to map all the reflexes on the hands and feet and write two books on the topic. She also established the National Institute of Reflexology.

How does reflexology work?

The idea is that putting direct pressure on specific areas of the foot or hand sends a stimulation along a nerve pattern to a corresponding body part.

Did you know that you have thousands of nerve endings in each foot and hand? Yes, that many! Some nerves provide information to your brain on the surface you’re walking on. Other nerves help control movements in your feet.

There are also channels of energy in the body. But energy can get stuck. Working on reflexes to reduce congestion can help move energy along.

You may be wondering where this “congestion” comes from? It comes from stress, tension, or any other imbalance in your body.

Will reflexology help ____?

Everyone can benefit from reflexology! It’s a wonderful way to relax the body and reduce tension. I am often asked if reflexology will help a specific condition. This is my answer…

Maybe. I know, not the answer you want to hear.

Reflexology can

• relieve tension and stress

• improve blood flow

• the above 2 can allow the body to balance

Don’t discount how important those 3 things are to your health. Reducing stress and increasing blood circulation can have profound effects on your mind and body.

I always answer “maybe” when asked about a specific condition because it totally depends on what else you’re doing to help.

• Are you staying hydrated?

• Are you moving your body?

• How is your stress level?

• What about your diet?

• Do you eat a lot of processed food or sugar?

• How is your sleep?

I’ll give you an example. If I have a client that is super stressed out and overwhelmed come see me, will reflexology help? Absolutely.

Will it still help if she makes no other changes in her life? Yes.

But. The impact will be more profound if this client works on reducing stress between reflexology sessions. The effects of the reflexology will likely last longer.

Reflexology research

If you like to read studies, like me, then there’s a list of research on reflexology here. Most studies investigate if reflexology had a positive effect on a specific health condition. You can also read about the impact of reflexology on women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer here.

There is also lots of anecdotal evidence from reflexologists and their clients that speak to the benefits of reflexology. If you haven’t tried out reflexology, it’s worth a try. Your feet (and body) will love you for it!

I’d love to hear if you’ve tried out reflexology! Comment below.