Many people think that reflexology is just a foot massage. Is it relaxing? Yes. Does it relieve tension? Yes. And you’re rubbing my feet? How is that “not” a foot massage? Well, I am not just “rubbing your feet”. Let me show you what I mean.
There are 7200 nerve endings in the bottom of each foot. 7200 nerve endings! These nerve endings are connected with ALL parts of the body. By working the feet, you are stimulating and affecting EVERY part of the body via the nerves. Pretty remarkable, huh?
“Reflexology is a science that deals with energy pathways that correspond to all the glands, organs and parts of the body. It is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers to reflex these areas in both the feet and hands.” 1 (Reflexology, 3)
I apply the appropriate amount of pressure to certain areas or points on the foot in such a way that I am stimulating the corresponding part of the body.
Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy that can be a nice adjunct to a solid Naturopathy program. It can also help in the following ways:
Allows the body to come into homeostasis or balance.
Relieves tension.
Improves circulation and blood supply to the central nervous system.
Enhances the ability of nutrition to enter the cells and the ability of wastes to leave the cells.
Increases the flow of oxygen throughout the body. (Reflexology, 3)
What is the biggest promotor of disease? You guessed it. STRESS. If all reflexology did was relieve stress, then we would be worth it. But as we now know, it does so much more than that. One of the benefits of reflexology is pain reduction. Pain is either an oxygen deficiency or a nutritional deficiency. Reflexology increases the flow of oxygen throughout the entire body. In this way, we can reduce pain. And if you’ve worked with me at all with a Naturopathy program, then you know how much I focus on Nutrition. The combination of Reflexology and Nutrition can help with pain. We can also help with:
circulatory problems
breathing issues
immune system problems
lymph congestion
urinary problems
sciatic pain
brain fogginess
sleep issues
digestion
chronic pain
blood sugar issues
hormone balancing
liver problems
reproductive system
sense of smell
And the list is endless.
Here are a few testimonials:
One woman had been diagnosed with neuralgia and felt almost nothing in both feet. She likes to dance, yet has a hard time with foot placement due to the neuralgia. After just one session, she noticed her feet were more flexible and there was more of an ease with her dancing. At her eighth session, she told me she had tingling in both feet and by the end of the session was feeling tingling throughout her entire body. Nerves were waking up! I am excited to see what progress she will make as we go forward.
Another woman had struggled with constipation, and within a couple hours of her session, had a bowel movement. She was so excited, she returned the following day to see if we could do that again!
I had a person notice improvement with her sciatic pain.
I had a man’s balance improve. This was his main complaint.
Another person’s sleep improved.
Everyone can benefit from reflexology.
And lastly, here’s another thought to chew on: It is unfortunate that in our society, it is taboo to touch each other. In some countries it is acceptable to grasp another person by the shoulders and kiss the left and right cheek and embrace in a hearty hug. In America, we barely shake another person’s hand. And we spend most of our time on our smart devices where we aren’t even conversing verbally with one another. Babies who are not touched fail to thrive, and can die if they don’t feel loved. Touch is vital to living a healthy, vibrant, long life. Reflexology can be a way to receive Touch in a way that is socially acceptable in our society. Give yourself a gift of reflexology this year, and begin your journey to better health. Connie Kelly
1. Howard, Amy Jo, ND. Reflexology. Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education. Mt Pleasant, MI. 2014.
