We all enjoy a good foot massage. With approximately 7200 nerve endings in the feet, releasing the pain and tension that accumulates down there can be downright erotic. In addition to bearing the body’s physical weight, emotional traumas can also be stored in the feet. Reflexology aims to balance and strengthen the entire body via massaging certain trigger points in both the feet and hands.
Akin to acupuncture, the premise of reflexology is that there are small, specific areas of innervation in the hands and feet that correspond to specific muscle groups or organs in the body. Basically there is a roadmap between the hands and feet, via nerves and energy pathways, to other parts of the body. A reflexologist understands this “map” of the body and can apply appropriate pressure and stimuli to certain areas. For instance, the fleshy part of the foot underneath the toes correspond with the heart and lungs, while the tips of the smaller toes correspond with the nose and sinuses.
During a typical reflexology session, in addition to the pressure applied to acupuncture points, essential oils may be blended and applied to the client’s feet while the client comfortably reclines in an anti-gravity chair. Oils are blended to suit the client’s specific ailment. Hot stones can also be applied during a session. While western medicine is skeptical of reflexology, patients have expressed relief in common issues such as arthritis, neuropathy, depression, sleep disorders, and digestive problems. A typical reflexology session lasts between 30 – 60 minutes, and continued sessions will equate to continued improvement in mental and physical states. Whether reflexology sounds appealing to you or not, think of it like this... there are people in this world who enjoy rubbing on hands and feet and choose that as a profession. Why not take advantage of it?
(photo courtesy of Holistic Health and Fitness holistichealthstl.com)