Reflexology is effective
at addressing a variety of conditions
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​Balance and normalization of the body
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Improved circulation
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Delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells
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Stress reduction
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Relaxation & well-being
Your Time to Relax
​At your first session, I will take a brief health history to help me understand what you are trying to achieve from reflexology. Your session will be experienced fully clothed while lying on a massage table with your feet elevated. A soothing neck warmer will be placed under your neck. After cleaning your feet with warm cloths, I'll begin with some relaxation techniques on the feet, followed by gentle pressure to each of the reflex points. You are encouraged to close your eyes and relax. Music and aromatherapy add to the experience.
There may be some sensitivity or slight discomfort in places. This is usually fleeting and could be an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of
the body. In general, the sensation is pleasant and calming. Notes will be taken during your session so that improvements can be noted at future appointments and
we can discuss your experience. Immediately after the session, most people feel relaxed with a sense of
well-being.
This foot chart shows some common reflex points on the plantar (bottom) side of the foot. Note the pictures of the organs to see where the the corresponding reflex point is located. Working these areas of the foot stimulates the nervous system and corresponding area of the body.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology simply means the study of the reflexes and how one part of the body relates to another part of the body through the nerve endings. There are more nerve endings per square inch in the foot than any other part of the body. The high density of nerves allows for extreme sensitivity. The nerve endings or receptors send signals to the brain via the central nervous system as pressure is applied by the reflexologist. Receptors in the feet form a representation or map of the body. Pressure is applied to the feet using knuckles, fist, thumb, and finger compression techniques. These techniques stimulate electrical and chemical impulses resulting in a reflex response in the related organ to which the foot is being stimulated. Reflexology increases circulation of blood and lymph, relaxes muscle and fascia, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system which calms the body. Deep relaxation occurs during a treatment so the body can rest and repair.
As stated by the American Reflexology Certification Board, reflexology is not massage, and is defined as:
"A protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger-walking, hook and backup, and rotating-on-a-point, applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands. These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways, linking body systems, and supporting the body's efforts to function optimally. The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct complementary practice wtihin the holistic health field."
Contraindications include deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins which are dilated, knotty and irregular-shaped with incompetent valves, severe edema, unstable epilepsy, open wounds, warts, fungus, bruises, fractures on feet, stroke or heart attack in first four weeks. Reflexology can trigger contractions and therefore is helpful in assisting the body to prepare for birth at the end of third trimester.
Techniques used During Session
There are several techniques used to wake up the feet, stimulate the nerves, and then calm the feet. After cleaning the feet with warm cloths, I like to begin with some gentle stretches of the foot and ankle, wringing of the foot, and then address the spinal reflexes. Beginning at the top of the toes and working down to the heel, top and bottom of feet and medial and lateral sides are all part of the treatment area. This covers all of the reflexes on both feet. If the client has any discomfort, such as headache, or backache, those reflexes will be worked for an extra amount of time.
Lotion is used intermittently during treatment. There are times when it is best to have more friction, so no lotion is used. This creates a different sensation for the client. The pressure is more of a deep press and release while thumb walking over the reflex points. When using lotion, there is more of a glide, similar to massage. This is used for areas where there is increased congestion of nerve tissue, (referred to as deposits), which need to be worked repeatedly, causing a breakdown of the congested area, thereby allowing blood flow and oxygen to return to the area. The nerves located in the dermis layer of the skin are the key to the entire treatment. It is through the nervous system that reflexology works.
The treatment ends with gentle pressure on the lower legs, which stimulates the lymph drainage, thereby assisting toxins to be moved out of the body. Gentle touch is used, soft percussion on bottoms and sides of feet, peppermint wake-up lotion and a final wrap with towel closes down the session. Sessions are a full 60 minutes or 95 minutes with the addition of Raindrop Reflexology.