Have you recently discovered foot reflexology, and you are wondering what good it can do for you? Well, the health benefits of foot reflexology are endless.

Read on to find out more.

In Chinese medicine, it is believed that vital energy flows through our meridian channels (like canals) in our body. With stress and anxiety, and improper food intake, come the blockages that produce an imbalance in our system. This will affect our organs, and that is how we start getting ailments.

A good number of people, myself included, embrace this blissful therapy called reflexology.

What Is Reflexology?

In this video, Me-Time Therapies explain how to read a reflexology chart.

Reflexology is a massage practice that can be applied to your feet, your hands, to your face or your ears.

Pressure points that are connected to different parts and organs of your body are stimulated to induce relaxation.

Generally, it also helps alleviate your pain and aches, hence the health benefits from reflexology.

Today I will write about the benefits of foot reflexology, and what a reflexology session is all about.

I am a massage freak and have tried many massage techniques. Reflexology continues to be one of my favourite massages, even after many, many years.

The first time I went for a reflexology session was with my mum. This was a long time ago, and I recall she was sceptical of going. However, she did enjoy the pampering.

Reflexology was very new to me, but a friend spoke of many positive health benefits, so I was very willing to give it a go.

Back in the day, I was very young and had no ailment or stress, and though I enjoyed the session, it was difficult for me to explain how I felt.

Today, I can describe that nice feeling as peacefulness, and balance.

This might sound mind-blowing but today, years have gone by, and every time I go for a foot massage, I can still feel that balancing sensation.

The only difference is now I appreciate the benefit more because I have immediate relief from stress, or other aches and pains, like back and neck pain.

What Are The Health Benefits of Foot Reflexology?

Take a read at this endless list of benefits.

• Improve eyesight and relax tired eyes.
• Alleviate stress and anxiety.
• Balance your system.
• Relieve neck, shoulder and lower back pain.
• Decrease recurring headaches.
• Helps with gastritis.
• Digestive issues.
• Menstrual pains.PMS
• Detox your body and stimulate elimination.
• Sinus issues.
• Aid with insomnia.
• Breathing and asthma complications.
• Prevention and everyday wellness.
• Improve circulation.
• Help with sexual problems and dysfunctions.
• Relaxes.
• Supports the immune system.
• Restore vital energy.
• Helps with depression.

Give Yourself a Foot Reflexology Treat

Exactly What You Deserve Today

Next time you are feeling stressed, try out foot reflexology to unwind and restore positive energies.

You may not get complete relief from all your ailments at once, but hey, you will be on your way to achieving positive health results.

A Typical Reflexology Session

Some reflexologists will ask you to lie down, while others may offer you a comfortable sofa or chair to sit down.

The session starts with a foot bath. It is refreshing for you and hygienic for the therapist.

Some professionals may do a general check on your feet by applying pressure to assess your current health condition (this is more usual with Chinese and Asian therapists).

Others may start with a warm-up massage to your feet to release tension, and also so you get used to the therapist´s touch. Westerners tend to start this way, and some may ask you to fill in a form specifying any health issues.

Then the therapist starts applying various or some of the following massage techniques; knuckle pressure, kneading, thumb and finger-walking, rotation on one point, pulling the toes, etc. Some tend to use base oil, others work on dry feet. At the end of the session, you may be offered a glass of warm water or herbal tea.

Foot Reflexology Near You

Where should I go for a reflexology massage? Depending on where you live, you have to do your research and look for a good reflexologist. It is very important and will make all the difference. I have been to very good ones and to others not so good.

How Often Should You Get Foot Reflexology?

A session is generally affordable and you can repeat many times (once a week or every fortnight is ideal).

I tend to go to Chinese salons as I find Chinese very good with massage and they are quite professional. Ideally, once you find a good practitioner, you stick to the same one. This is so they get to know you and target your discomforts better. It is also essential that the specialist develops awareness of your energy and sensitivity.

Build Your Own Technique – Make it a Routine

After attending a few sessions, you will get the feel of it and can monitor how the therapist is working on your feet.

Then self-healing is a way to go.

Make it your routine to massage your feet regularly, ideally before bedtime, so you can benefit from a peaceful sleep. You can apply some favourite oil or cream and give yourself a gentle massage on both feet, giving special attention to tender areas.

Tips when massaging your own feet – you should put pressure on the area you are working on in a way to get the in-between feeling of pain and pleasure.

When you apply pressure around your feet, you are going to find sensitive areas. Use a firm touch to be able to feel some relief but if it hurts, use less pressure. Let go, rest and press again gently with intervals in between.

Conclusion

Reflexology – More Than Just a Foot Massage

Reflexology is ideal for everybody including babies and the elderly. Since the pressure points in the feet correspond to the whole body it is considered a holistic method. It treats not only one symptom but the whole body, including your emotional wellbeing.

So there you go.

If you have been hesitating whether you should try reflexology, I hope this information helps and you can try it out and indulge. If you care to share your experience here, I will be delighted to get feedback on your own personal experience.

Note: Reflexology is stimulating so you should not do it if you are pregnant, or only a little pressure is recommended.