Reflexology is a form of acupressure, wherein the practitioner applies pressure to the feet (and sometimes hands or other parts of the body), “utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques...based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body.”i
Anyone can benefit from getting a reflexology treatment. Even if the client has no specific health issues he or she needs treatment for, reflexology will provide relaxation, improve circulation, help eliminate toxins, and stimulate all the organs.
The feet are complex extremities that help us maintain our balance, stand upright, walk, and bear our own weight and the weight of anything we are carrying. Since reflexology deals with the physiological components of the feet and their corresponding pressure points, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with their basic anatomy.
Since reflexology is a modality focused on healing and calming, it is important to provide clients with the appropriate atmosphere and soothing space. There are also a few items you will need in order to give the best session possible.
In reflexology, the feet mirror the body. Each portion of the foot represents an organ or part of the body, and applying pressure to that section stimulates the corresponding body part. Each foot represents one half of the body- the right foot corresponds to the right side, and the left foot corresponds to the left side of the body.ii
It’s not enough to know the zones and charts of reflexology, though that is an excellent start. You must also familiarize yourself with the various techniques used in reflexology because each one exerts a different amount of pressure and may result in a different response.
There are many parts of the session that the therapist should be familiar with. The first is how to get ready for the session. Once the therapist and client are prepared in the proper environment, the sessions begins by greeting the feet. This introduction leads into several other massage strokes like molding the feet, diaphragm relaxation and kneading the metatarsals.
Reflexology is not appropriate for everyone. There are some conditions a patient may have that make performing reflexology inconvenient, painful, or even damaging. Specific examples include if the client has open sores on the feet, a contagious illness, deep vein thrombosis, or severe edema.
Reflexology pairs well with aromatherapy and color visualization. For aromatherapy, the oils can be rubbed into the feet at the start of the session, or intermittently throughout the session.iii For color visualization, the therapist can instruct the client to visualize colors such as orange, for the lower instep for joy, during the session.
References
i Barbara and Kevin Kunz, Reflexology Research Project, “What Is Reflexology?” http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm
ii Laura Norman, Feet First: A Guide to Food Reflexology, Fireside Books, 1988, page xii.
iii Valerie Voner, The Everything Reflexology Book, F+W Publications, 2003, page 3
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