A reflexology therapist stimulates reflexes that correspond with every part, gland, and organ throughout the body.
What Is Reflexology?
Back in the caveman days, the reflexes in the feet and hands were constantly being stimulated because they did not have shoes and they needed to work in nature to gather what was needed for survival.
Fast forward to life today, we have shoes that protect the bottoms of our feet, food is easily accessed from grocery stores so our hand reflexes are not having pressure continually applied how it was originally in nature.
When reflexes are protected, they can become stiff, similar to how our muscles and joints do when they are not moved. When you are able to increase circulation in the extremities to release the tension from the reflexes, the body is encouraged to restore its natural balance.
What Will I Experience In A Reflexology Session?
If you are having a foot reflexology session, you are positioned on either a massage table or zero gravity chair and the only clothing that has to be removed is your socks so the therapist can work on your bare feet.
In hand, ear, or facial reflexology, you remain fully clothed and enjoy your life stressors melt away for your session.
What Is The Difference Between Foot, Hand, Ear or Facial Reflexology?
When working with the feet, the reflexes have usually been protected and are bigger than in other areas making it easier to access specific reflexes that may be tender when touched.
By applying steady pressure, the tenderness may release within a few seconds. In cases where there is an acute or chronic imbalance, the tenderness decrease or remains constant.
The reflex response can indicate that there is an imbalance caused by a variety of things including medications, diet, stress, illness, misalignments, etc.
Reflexology therapists DO NOT diagnose. If there is an imbalance that is detected, they may recommend you visit your doctor to have it checked or refer you to another health professional.
The entire human body is mirrored on the feet, hands, ears and face so it doesn’t matter which one you choose, the results will be similar.
Eg. People with foot pain usually think that they will get foot reflexology and that will help best. There are reflexes in your hands, ears, and face that can also be stimulated to help your feet.
That is good news for people that don’t like their feet to be touched. Reflexology does not tickle, but there are lots of people that would still prefer that reflexology is not done on the feet.
How Do You Feel After A Reflexology Session?
Most people feel relaxed or say they feel lighter. There are a variety of healing responses that can happen after a session. It is important to drink water to stay hydrated and help your body flush out any toxins that it is trying to release.
How Often Are Sessions Recommended?
For acute conditions, it is recommended to have up to 3 sessions 48 hours apart to start and then once a week, gradually increasing the length between sessions.
For chronic conditions, sessions are recommended every 1-2 weeks based on the clients’ preference to keep reflexes.
Maintenance sessions are once a month.
How Can I Find A Reflexology Therapist?
Click for Reflexology with Calynda (Regina, Saskatchewan)
Click for Reflexology Therapists In Canada
Is There A Way For Me To Do Reflexology On Myself?
Click for Self Reflexology Videos
How Can I Learn To Be A Reflexology Therapist?
Click for Reflexology Certification Courses
ABOUT AUTHOR
Calynda Triffo is a Reflexology Therapist and Teacher Licensed with the Reflexology Association of Canada, developed emotional reflexology and the recipient of the “Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award” with the Reflexology Association of Canada in 2016, 2017 & 2018. Click here for more information about reflexology.