Eleanor Miles, a student in this year’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification, wrote an informative document to share with her massage clients intended to answer their questions and peak their interest in trying a reflexology session. She has graciously allowed me to share it with you.
Reflexology – What Is It?
Reflexology is a protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a-point, applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands. These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally.
The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions, and the public at large, as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field.
What does that mean? It means I will apply manual pressure to points in the feet and hands which correspond to the entire body.
It also means that reflexology is different from massage. It’s actually closer to acupuncture. There are massage therapists advertising reflexology which turns out to be just some extra attention to massaging the feet. There is nothing wrong with extra attention to the feet. It feels lovely, but it does not address the specific reflex areas.
An actual reflexology treatment involves using the thumbs and fingers to walk the entire surface of the foot or hand. When the therapist feels congestion or the client reports sensation, that area or point is worked more specifically with deeper pressure. Also, points will be worked that correspond to individual organs or areas that were identified by the client as needing attention.
Does a reflexologist diagnose disease? No. Congestion may indicate that a body part is stressed. If this seems to support symptoms you have been experiencing, I will encourage you to see your doctor. If not, it may just show some temporary stress in the system.
Does a reflexologist treat disease? Again, no. The point work stimulates the nervous system and supports the body’s efforts to function well. I believe that deep relaxation is where healing happens, and reflexology facilitates deep relaxation.
During my student clinic experiences, my five classmates and I set up in one big room. I worked with five clients over two days and audible snoring happened with all five. When we were practicing on each other that session, I was so relaxed that I snored. I took a little bit of teasing over being the “snoring queen”!
Does reflexology hurt? There is disagreement among practitioners. I have heard of clients who were told the treatment had to hurt to be effective. I do not believe this. More pressure does not mean more healing. Yes, there may be tender spots and point work may feel intense. If it does not feel good to you, always speak up and a good therapist will adjust the pressure.
How does reflexology work? There are several theories: that it affects energy such as Chi, that the rest, repair and awareness provided during a treatment stimulate healing, or that the physical point work affects nerves and chemicals directing the body’s workings. There is no scientific evidence of how reflexology works.
But let me be very clear – there is ample scientific proof showing that reflexology does work. There are hundreds of scientifically performed studies available online showing a measurable change in disease conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s or sinus issues.
Will you like reflexology? Try it! If you don’t like having your feet touched, consider having your hands worked.
I believe that health can always be improved. Our job is to support our body as it does its work. We do this by getting medical attention when needed, and providing the nourishment and rest our body needs. Reflexology will help you rest and heal.
Most informative on a level I can understand
I thought so too Lynn. It’s a simple and useful explanation.
Really appreciate how useful this article is to me as a newcomer to the idea of getting reflexology treatments!
My physical therapist recommended I get reflexology to help with osteoarthritis pain, but I didn’t pursue as it was unknown to me.
This clear, easy to understand explanation gives me enough info to get how reflexology might help me and motivates me to want to try it.
Rose – I’m so glad to hear that. Removing the question mark is often all it takes for us to try something new. It’s always reassuring to know what’s going to happen next. Thanks for commenting.
Yes, this is how I explain the reflexology protocol and results, as simple as possible. Very good points.
Where you mention that “when the therapist feels congestion”. I haven’t felt any congestion. How do I look or feel for this sensation? I wait for the client to comment on any sensitivity they may feel and then work on those areas.
Love your blogs!! Thanks for all your hard work and valuable insight.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
Congestion or adhesions are places in the tissue where excess nervous tissue has been laid down. To the therapist, it might feel ropey, or hard, dense, hot – something different than the tissue elsewhere in the foot that gets the therapist’s attention. It is often where the client will report a different sensation – either more, or numbness, etc. Those places that get either the therapist’s or client’s attention are good points to work.
Great article, I was curious from one therapist to another if you have ever witnessed lumps in the feet? I am not talking about the little crystals I am talking about a pronounced lump maybe the size of a pea or smaller. I have only seen this a few times and both times I found a correlating lump (fatty tumor) somewhere else in the body. My main reason for wondering is if this is typically a sign of a tumor, and one cannot find the correlating lump I would assume you would mention to see a doctor to see if one exists? Or would that be out of line? Thanks, Julie
Julie – Thanks for writing. Please accept my apology for the delay in response; I have been on Christmas vacation.
I would be hesitant in jumping to the conclusion that a lump in the foot indicates a tumor elsewhere in the body. Other factors might be contributing to the lump in the foot, such as undue pressure on that part of the foot when weight-bearing, or irritation caused by the introduction of a foreign object in the tissue. Unless there were additional reasons that point to a possible tumor, I would not suggest consulting a doctor to look for one.
I hope this helps.