What does Reflexology do?

The most common question asked before someone decides to have a reflexology treatment is - ‘what does reflexology do’? Each person is unique in how their body responds to a reflexology treatment and so what reflexology does, is uniquely tailored to what each particular person requires at that moment. This could be anything from improving sleep patterns to easing tension or digestive issues.

Let’s firstly take a step back and briefly explain what reflexology is, as many people have not heard of reflexology or have heard of it and been told it is just a foot massage.
The entire body is mapped on the foot (hands, ears or face) in microform as reflexes. Extensive research and case studies have found specific location of these reflexes which correspond to a particular area of the physical body. When pressure is applied to these reflexes by a trained practitioner, areas that are out of balance or congested can be detected. Working alongside a medical diagnosis, particular areas can be focused on.

A practitioner will stimulate or calm the reflexes and coming back to our question of what reflexology does – it is in this process of a treatment which triggers a response in the body to activate its own innate ability to self-heal. Deep relaxation is induced and while stress is released, in this deeply relaxed state the body has the best opportunity to nurture and repair itself. It is estimated that over 75% of all illness is caused by stress. Allowing the release of stress is not only important to stop dis-ease or disorders getting worse but when we are feeling well, to maintain this and prevent the onset of a condition.

Reflexology is a holistic treatment. A reflexologist works on the whole person – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually which may bring about a positive shift towards wellbeing and balance. A reflexologist will not diagnose a condition but with access to treat the whole body efficiently through the reflexes, reflexology provides the potential to treat nearly all disorders and symptoms. Many case studies have shown reflexology to provide positive benefits for constipation/diarrhea, headaches, pain and tension, high blood pressure, anxiety, edema, Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, sciatica, and nausea to name a few.

While reflexology has an ability to focus and tailor treatments to a particular disorder or symptom, it is also improving circulation and opening up neural pathways to improve our overall health.
Each press and release during a treatment is like a mini workout for our extremities. With the feet being the furtherest away from our heart, reflexology boosts the circulation of blood to enable oxygen and nutrients to flow more effectively to where it is needed throughout the body and improve the elimination of toxins. Over 7,000 nerve endings being stimulated in the feet during a treatment allow neural pathways to be opened and cleared. Messages between the central nervous system and the body are then sent more efficiently and effectively.

The best way to find out what reflexology may do for you is to have a chat with your local reflexologist and experience a treatment for yourself.