When I tell people that I work as a reflexologist, a pretty common response is ‘yuk feet’ 🙂
People are on the whole genuinely perplexed by the fact I touch feet for a living. (Me? Weird? Never!) Also, I know of people who dismiss reflexology for various reasons, for example they are ‘too ticklish’ or because they are embarrassed about their less than perfect feet. (Please do not worry about your feet. Nobody has “perfect” feet. Every reflexologist has seen lots of different feet and that’s what keeps the job interesting for us so please don’t be shy.)
There are definitely a lot of people out there who have rejected the idea of giving reflexology a go before they have even considered it for these reasons, but are nevertheless curious about reflexology and it’s possible benefits.
The blog focus this month is to explore some of the benefits of reflexology. I am passionate about the subject, in case you haven’t already guessed, as I have seen first-hand the benefits of reflexology.
Relaxation
Firstly, anyone who has had reflexology in the past will know how incredibly relaxing it is. Many clients feel so relaxed that they often drift off to sleep, even the ones who are adamant that their minds are constantly on the go. Reflexology simply allows you to enjoy the moment and it allows you to just relax, calm your breathing and to help clear your mind, even if it’s just for an hour.
Stress Relief
As reflexology is so relaxing, it is good for sufferers of stress and is often associated with easing your stress levels as well. That feeling of being nurtured you get when your feet are being massaged is very calming in itself, and specialist massage techniques are used, which are designed to relax the body.
Also, you may be aware that various parts of the feet correspond to different parts of the human body, so if you are suffering from stress, we will discuss this beforehand in the consultation and special attention will be given to the areas of the feet related to the area. For example, the adrenal glands can be associated with being out of balance when suffering from high stress levels, so I would do extra work around this reflex point on your feet to help to balance this area out and for the body to achieve equilibrium.
Pain Relief
Reflexology can also potentially help with pain relief. Whether you get regular headaches or have lower back pain, neck pain, arthritic pain or any other form of pain, it might be worth trying reflexology to see if it helps. Studies have been carried out to see if this claim could be backed up and in 2010, Dr. Carol Samuel (then of the University of Portsmouth) discovered that following reflexology for pain relief, patients experienced 40% less pain, and could tolerate pain for 45% more time. This was only a small study, but interesting results were published from it! Again, specific reflex points will be worked on. Depending on your area of pain, reflexology is tailored for each individual client.
Digestive Issues and IBS
Reflexology can also be beneficial for digestive problems and clients with long term illnesses, such as IBS, have really benefited from having regular sessions. As digestive issues are so often linked to stress levels, reducing stress levels can potentially result in improved digestion. If you have digestive problems, more time will be spent working the reflexes associated with the digestive system.
Circulation
Reflexology is also known as being a good circulation booster. By massaging the feet and stimulating different zones of the foot, it helps to get the blood flowing and to warm the feet and hands up. At the start of the session a lot of clients have cold feet but are warmed up by the end due to improved blood flow! Reflexology can be a good way of minimising cramp as well due to improved circulation.
Other Benefits
A course of reflexology sessions can also potentially be beneficial with various physical or mental illnesses including:
- asthma;
- fibromyalgia;
- diabetes;
- insomnia;
- colds and sinusitis;
- depression.
There are very few people who are unable to receive reflexology, but this is why a consultation prior to the session is needed and we can discuss any fears or illnesses you have and hopefully will put your mind at rest.
Whilst many positive outcomes have been achieved through reflexology and it has proven beneficial to so many clients, reflexology should only be used alongside and not as a replacement for conventional medicine. It is true that many doctors are recommending complementary therapies and these are becoming more widely available and popular, but if you have any health concerns, please see your GP.
I personally love giving reflexology as, in my opinion, no other therapy provides the same level of relaxation and seeing that look of pure calm and relaxation on a client’s face makes it all worthwhile. It is also personally my favourite complementary therapy to receive (yes even more than massage and I love a good massage!) Of course, this is my own personal opinion, and everyone is different.
Thank you for reading and I would love to hear your reflexology experiences and stories so share them with me please. Have a look at my therapies page for further information and for booking a reflexology session with me. Take care my lovelies x
Photo copyright Karen’s Reflexology New Zealand, who kindly gifted these pictures for use with our reflexology businesses. A true Earth Angel if ever there was one.
