REFLEXOLOGY
What is reflexology?
It is certainly not a just a pleasant foot rub, rather it is an ancient form of bodywork based on the principle that certain areas of the body reflect the whole. Reflex points, which correspond to the entire body, can be found on the feet, hands, face and ears. These points respond to skillfully applied manual pressure, stimulating the body’s natural endorphins, bringing about physiological changes to promote stress relief, balance and deep relaxation throughout the mind and body. There are many different styles and approaches used in reflexology, however the basic principle is constant. Subtle yet powerful, reflexology is becoming increasingly popular in the world of complementary therapies and the benefits can be experienced by everyone of any age. A relaxed, balanced body is likely to function better so people often report improvement in physical ailments, better sleep and digestive function, pain relief and more. But there is no need to have a physical problem in order to enjoy the benefits, - as mentioned, this is not a medical practice although it can support traditional medical treatment. Helping the mind and body to connect, coming to a place of complete relaxation is self-care that can be preventative and informative. Sometimes emotions can come up too – which can be a surprising release if someone thought they were just getting a foot-rub! A well-trained reflexologist will guide you through the experience and make sure that you are supported, and the responses can be different every time you receive, as they should be if this is a reflection of what your body’s needs are on any given day. Another plus is that it is so non-invasive and approachable, all you have to do is to take off your socks and lie down. And don’t worry if you are ticklish! The pressure is deep enough to connect with the reflexology points so will not be irritating or painful.
How does reflexology work?
Reflexology works from the inside out to restore a sense of well-being to the body. Reflexology is believed to work on many levels. Among the theories are:
Is reflexology right for you?
There’s only one way to find out and that is to try it. There really is no down side, the worst that can happen is nothing, and at the very least you will have given yourself a quiet break, taken the weight off your feet and allowed yourself to be cared for and that is something for everyone to enjoy.
What is reflexology?
It is certainly not a just a pleasant foot rub, rather it is an ancient form of bodywork based on the principle that certain areas of the body reflect the whole. Reflex points, which correspond to the entire body, can be found on the feet, hands, face and ears. These points respond to skillfully applied manual pressure, stimulating the body’s natural endorphins, bringing about physiological changes to promote stress relief, balance and deep relaxation throughout the mind and body. There are many different styles and approaches used in reflexology, however the basic principle is constant. Subtle yet powerful, reflexology is becoming increasingly popular in the world of complementary therapies and the benefits can be experienced by everyone of any age. A relaxed, balanced body is likely to function better so people often report improvement in physical ailments, better sleep and digestive function, pain relief and more. But there is no need to have a physical problem in order to enjoy the benefits, - as mentioned, this is not a medical practice although it can support traditional medical treatment. Helping the mind and body to connect, coming to a place of complete relaxation is self-care that can be preventative and informative. Sometimes emotions can come up too – which can be a surprising release if someone thought they were just getting a foot-rub! A well-trained reflexologist will guide you through the experience and make sure that you are supported, and the responses can be different every time you receive, as they should be if this is a reflection of what your body’s needs are on any given day. Another plus is that it is so non-invasive and approachable, all you have to do is to take off your socks and lie down. And don’t worry if you are ticklish! The pressure is deep enough to connect with the reflexology points so will not be irritating or painful.
How does reflexology work?
Reflexology works from the inside out to restore a sense of well-being to the body. Reflexology is believed to work on many levels. Among the theories are:
- Nerve Impulses – Parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. Reflexology works through the nerve endings to relax and calm the body. Manual pressure applied to the feet or hands stimulate the nerve endings through the neural pathways to the central nervous system and back.
- TCM Meridian Theory (Chi or Ki) – energy pathways are stimulated during Reflexology, helping to clear blockages along these channels.
- Gate Control and Endorphin release – for pain management.
- The intrinsic need for nurturing human touch – to give a sense of overall well-being and improve the quality of life.
- Fascia – the soft connective tissue located just below the skin that wraps and connects muscles, bones nerves and blood vessels throughout the body.
Is reflexology right for you?
There’s only one way to find out and that is to try it. There really is no down side, the worst that can happen is nothing, and at the very least you will have given yourself a quiet break, taken the weight off your feet and allowed yourself to be cared for and that is something for everyone to enjoy.
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My Reflexology Story
My reflexology journey began many years ago when I was struggling with severe and frequent migraines. Although reflexology is not a medical practice, I was looking for something that would help me to find relief from the debilitating pain that didn’t involve medication and would soothe the whole body, as my migraines impacted everything from my digestion to my internal temperature control. My headaches always seemed to begin in my shoulders and neck and so I began with massage and physical therapy, but although both have helped me immensely in other situations, in this instance they seemed to trigger my headaches and accompanying symptoms. At that time, I was school teaching full time in Hong Kong and happened to walk by a tiny store with a reflexology chart outside. I didn’t really understand it and had never heard the word ‘reflexology’ before, but something spoke to me regarding the relationship of the feet to the whole body and I decided to give it a try. Perhaps it was the childhood memory of asking my mum at bedtime to “rub my feet and leggies” to send me off to sleep that resonated, but walking in for that first session was a great decision. Whilst not a miracle cure, the frequency, intensity and duration of my migraines diminished dramatically and I was so intrigued that I eventually decided to train as a reflexologist. I have since discovered that there is so much more to the practice - and that it is not just about the feet.
Reflexology and Pregnancy
After many hours of training – and I am still studying and learning – I became a fully certified American Board reflexologist in 2005 and it has been my pleasure to bring the benefits of the practice to the lovely people it has brought into my life. They have found their way to me for reasons too numerous to mention, but a significant number of women have sought out reflexology before, during and after pregnancy, which leads to the question is it safe for pregnant women? The simple answer is yes, but out of an abundance of caution I typically don’t work on women in the first trimester (unless specifically recommended by a physician), only because this being the riskiest phase and nobody would want to question if there was any link between a potential problem and receiving reflexology. In fact, I always advise pregnant women to run it by their OB team before having sessions as it is good to keep them informed, and even if someone is not pregnant, if they are hesitant or nervous about having reflexology, I tell them not to do it. Being stressed about whether or not to receive is really counter-productive to the goals!
Here is a link to a very informative article about how reflexology can support your maternity experience: www.ifwip.org/reflexology-pregnancy.
Don’t forget that reflexology is wonderful for stressed-out partners too, and makes a fabulous gift for an expectant mom!
Lisa Freemantle-Kinsman is an ARCB qualified reflexologist working in private practice. She loves to talk about reflexology and is happy to be contacted at lisa@mysolefood.com. You can read more about Lisa and her services by checking out her profile in Dee’s List or by visiting Lisa’s website http://mysolefood.com.
My reflexology journey began many years ago when I was struggling with severe and frequent migraines. Although reflexology is not a medical practice, I was looking for something that would help me to find relief from the debilitating pain that didn’t involve medication and would soothe the whole body, as my migraines impacted everything from my digestion to my internal temperature control. My headaches always seemed to begin in my shoulders and neck and so I began with massage and physical therapy, but although both have helped me immensely in other situations, in this instance they seemed to trigger my headaches and accompanying symptoms. At that time, I was school teaching full time in Hong Kong and happened to walk by a tiny store with a reflexology chart outside. I didn’t really understand it and had never heard the word ‘reflexology’ before, but something spoke to me regarding the relationship of the feet to the whole body and I decided to give it a try. Perhaps it was the childhood memory of asking my mum at bedtime to “rub my feet and leggies” to send me off to sleep that resonated, but walking in for that first session was a great decision. Whilst not a miracle cure, the frequency, intensity and duration of my migraines diminished dramatically and I was so intrigued that I eventually decided to train as a reflexologist. I have since discovered that there is so much more to the practice - and that it is not just about the feet.
Reflexology and Pregnancy
After many hours of training – and I am still studying and learning – I became a fully certified American Board reflexologist in 2005 and it has been my pleasure to bring the benefits of the practice to the lovely people it has brought into my life. They have found their way to me for reasons too numerous to mention, but a significant number of women have sought out reflexology before, during and after pregnancy, which leads to the question is it safe for pregnant women? The simple answer is yes, but out of an abundance of caution I typically don’t work on women in the first trimester (unless specifically recommended by a physician), only because this being the riskiest phase and nobody would want to question if there was any link between a potential problem and receiving reflexology. In fact, I always advise pregnant women to run it by their OB team before having sessions as it is good to keep them informed, and even if someone is not pregnant, if they are hesitant or nervous about having reflexology, I tell them not to do it. Being stressed about whether or not to receive is really counter-productive to the goals!
Here is a link to a very informative article about how reflexology can support your maternity experience: www.ifwip.org/reflexology-pregnancy.
Don’t forget that reflexology is wonderful for stressed-out partners too, and makes a fabulous gift for an expectant mom!
Lisa Freemantle-Kinsman is an ARCB qualified reflexologist working in private practice. She loves to talk about reflexology and is happy to be contacted at lisa@mysolefood.com. You can read more about Lisa and her services by checking out her profile in Dee’s List or by visiting Lisa’s website http://mysolefood.com.
Page Photo Credit: Jane Goodrich
