The art and science of massage have been practiced for thousands of years by different cultures around the world. Today there are over 80 massage therapy styles that one can choose from and they offer a variety of pressures, movements, and techniques.
Reflexology, on the other hand, is a massage technique that was practiced during the Egyptian era and involves the application of pressure to specific points, therefore, providing relief. The massage technique is done on the hands and feet. Foot reflexology has gained popularity over the years thanks to the many benefits of providing relief from various medical conditions.
How does it work?
The art of foot reflexology works the same as acupuncture as it concentrates on specific nerve points on the foot. The nerve points correspond to various organs in the body and when pressure is applied, it helps in improving the function and health of the organs as well as relieving various illnesses.
Experts believe that any form of illness in the body is reflected as a lump that corresponds to an area on the foot. When massaging is conducted on the foot, it helps to improve vitality as well as stimulate the area.
The reflexologist will start by stretching the foot therefore loosening and relaxing it at the same time. When the foot is relaxed, the reflexologists will start using the thumb and forefinger to massage the foot.
When this is done, it helps to stimulate the nerve endings, therefore, leading to increased blood flow and improved energy in various organs in the body. This improves their functionality as well as their vitality.
A session of foot reflexology lasts for an hour and one needs to find a quiet and relaxing area.
Benefits of Foot Reflexology Massage
1. Stimulates nerves
The foot is connected to more than 7,000 different nerve endings that are connected to various organs in the body. When the feet are massaged, they help to open and clean out neural pathways. This helps to improve functionality and flexibility in the body.
2. Improves energy levels
Metabolism is key to energy production in the body and when reflexology is applied, it increases the metabolism rate, therefore, leading to energy creation. This is good especially when one is feeling sluggish.
3. Ensures relaxation
Since reflexology has been known to open various neural pathways in the body, it contributes to a relaxed state of the body. This means that the massage technique will flood the body with relaxation, therefore, inducing calmness. This makes the technique perfect for healing insomnia.
5. Removal of toxins
Foot reflexology improves bladder function and helps to reduce urinary tract issues. This helps eliminate toxins present in the body, therefore, protecting the body from diseases and other health conditions.
6. Eliminates pain brought by migraines and headaches
Reflexology is a form of analgesic treatment that is known to reduce pain brought about by migraines and headaches. It achieves this by relieving stress and tension in muscles.
7. Speeds up healing
Increased nerve activity, circulation, and balanced metabolic rate help increase cell regrowth, therefore, ensuring that wounds heal faster. Apart from that, its pain-relieving effects ensure one feels better faster.
8 Ease the side effects of cancer
Chemotherapy has side effects for patients with cancer and reflexology helps to relieve its side effects.
9. Improved circulation
Improved circulation ensures blood and oxygen are cycled through the body efficiently. This improves organ function greatly.
10. Lowers blood pressure
The massage technique helps to reduce systolic blood pressure as well as improve the well-being and satisfaction of individuals.
Q & A
Why is foot reflexology painful?
Foot reflexology is not painful but it can be sensitive. This is because when pressure is applied to various regions of the foot and sensitivity is felt, it means there is something wrong with a part of your body. For example, when pressure is applied on the big toe and pain is felt, it means one has a headache.
Who is not suitable for foot reflexology?
Foot reflexology is suitable for individuals of all ages from young to old.
Can you do reflexology when pregnant?
Yes, because it is beneficial to pregnant women as it allows them to heal quickly as well as return to their normal metabolic rate faster.
How To Do Foot Reflexology Massage
Where to learn foot reflexology?
College or University
There are various universities and colleges that offer natural science programs and courses that encompass foot reflexology. All you need to do is research and make inquiries in order to know if the program fits you.
Professional reflexologist
You can become an apprentice to a knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced reflexologist, therefore, learning all skills, and with time, you will get to be knowledgeable and gain experience as well.
Online tutorials
The internet is a treasure trove of information which means you can get tutorials on foot reflexology and learn slowly at your own pace. My favorite is How to Do Reflexology (wikiHow). There are several websites that host Chillax.
