A reflexology treatment is a great way to balance the body and beat those January blues. Just imagine snuggling down under a cozy blanket in a quiet space with gentle music in the background, subtle aromatherapy fills the air as your eyes close and your reflexologist begins to gently massage your feet………
But how does it work?
Reflexology has been used for centuries as a form of relaxation and healing, but the modern version we use today was developed from a combination of these ancient techniques and zone therapy. Zone therapy, which was popular at the beginning of the 20th century, works by applying pressure to one part of the body and seeing results (usually pain relief) in another. Extensive research and painstaking effort went into mapping the organs and systems of the whole body on the feet. Each organ, system and joint has a corresponding reflex on one or other, or both feet.
During a reflexology treatment the therapist will massage or ‘thumb-walk’ over the whole foot and by concentrating on specific areas they are ensuring all major systems and organs are covered. The touch and massage is usually very relaxing and many people will often dose or go into a deep state of relaxation during a session. I say ‘usually very relaxing’ as there are a few people for whom having their feet touched, let alone massaged, unfortunately has the opposite effect. But for those who enjoy this type of treatment, there are more benefits than just the relaxing element; I mention above that the whole body has been mapped on the feet so it reasons that if the foot is massaged then so is the body!
How can this help?
By systematically massaging and applying pressure across first one foot and then the other, all systems, such as the nervous or digestive systems, all the organs and joints are receiving the benefits of massage. These benefits include increased blood flow to the area, which cleanses and repairs and also the release of tension. The body is incredible at healing itself but sometimes our stressful lifestyles block or hamper the body’s own abilities to fix itself.
Whilst reflexology is not a treatment to cure all ills, it is a very good indicator to show where the body is suffering (not always where we think it is). A reflexology treatment will also give the body a helping hand to heal itself. A body that is first relaxed and balanced can then begin to nurture and repair itself.
If this sounds just what you need, you can contact me to book your January-boosting appointment.
Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash
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