Reflexology FAQ's

The #1 question I am asked about Reflexology is:
​"What is Reflexology?"
What I generally start with is what Reflexology IS NOT​ as a common misconception is that Reflexology is just a glorified Foot Massage.

This is actually untrue as the two modalities (Reflexology & Massage) are performed differently and have different purposes in the holistic health field.

​Reflexology is a modality which interrupts the body's stress response and has a direct effect on the other areas of the body through nerve pathways, as well as energetic zones and meridians. This helps to improve circulation, function, and detoxification of different systems of the body and helps to bring the entire body to a state of homeostasis.

*To read more about the differences between Reflexology & Massage, please read this HAND-OUT created by the Reflexology Association of America and posted on their website (2019).

If Reflexology isn't a massage, what is it and how does it work?
​Reflexology is a holistic health modality that is performed on the feet, hands, and even outer ears that utilizes nerve pathways and energetic zones and/or meridians of the body which correspond with varying body areas, organs, and systems of the body. This is achieved using gentle pressure and specific techniques on these areas which are located on the feet, hands, and outer ears and results in promoting healthy body-system function and overall homeostasis of the body. This includes reduced stress and anxiety, lowered blood pressure, healthy hormone function, improved digestion as well as the improved function of other body systems. Pain reduction such as headache/migraine, pain caused by muscle spasms such as menstrual cramps, and inflammatory pain is another great benefit of Reflexology.

Does it hurt or tickle?
In general, Reflexology does not hurt or tickle but rather feels very good and is extremely calming and relaxing. Also, both the pressure and speed of a session can be adjusted for the client's comfort level. In fact, it only takes the amount of pressure similar to that of a dime sitting on one's arm to achieve the health benefits of receiving a Reflexology session. For those that are ticklish, using slightly heavier pressure and slower more intentional movements helps to avoid activating the "tickle reflex" so that the client can relax. In some cases, if there is soreness or tenderness in an area, this can relate to either an injury which was incurred prior to the session or an imbalance in the area or body system that this area corresponds with. As the practitioner, I check in with the client and inquire about their comfort level. As the client, if you need me to use lighter pressure or avoid working a certain area, I ask that you please let me know so that the session is a positive and pain free experience for you.

What are the benefits of Reflexology? 
Reflexology is a practice that affects the body in multiple ways, and thus can have many applications in its use as an approach to health. Further, this broadens the ability of practitioners to address various health issues that a client may present with. The different levels that Reflexology is beneficial in are: Physical (Reflex areas), Energetic (Zone & Meridian Theories, opens pathways and removes blockages), Emotional (Stress relief and release of unhelpful thoughts and patterns), Touch (Causes release of "happy hormones," eases anxiety, and offers comfort)
Other Benefits:
     -Reduction in stress (interrupts stress "feedback loops")
     -Reduction in anxiety
     -Reduction in pain
     -Reduction/balancing of blood pressure
     -Increased immunity
     -Increased dexterity (of body part being worked (hand/foot))
     -Promotes quick recovery from injury
     -Increased circulation and detoxification
     -Increased efficiency in the functioning of the body's detoxification pathways including the lymphatic system
     -Beneficial effects on all systems of the body
     -Helps to balance hormones
     -Helps to improve digestion
     -Helps to balance breathing patterns
     -Promotes health of the urinary and reproductive system
     -Can help to reduce premenstrual pain and symptoms
     -Helps to relieve menopausal symptoms
     -Promotes deep relaxation
     -Reduced cortisol levels 
     -Increased happy hormones
     -Relieves insomnia
     -and so much more!

Who shouldn't receive Reflexology?
Reflexology is considered generally safe and is a great means of safely addressing many issues and ailments of the body. However, there are a few important circumstances in which reflexology would be contraindicated. These include: 
     -Pregnancy (particularly the 1st trimester) 
     -Varicose veins (in or near the area of treatment) 
     -Thrombosis of the foot/leg (blood clot(s)) 
     -Infectious/contagious skin disease on body part to be worked 
     -Rashes on body part to be worked 
     -The existence of an untreated severe medical condition 
     -Sickness or illness such as cold or flu 
     -Loss of fluids through diarrhea or vomiting 
     -Internal bleeding 
     -Sunburn, cuts, scrapes, or bruising on body part to be worked 
     -Swelling, inflammation, or severe edema of body part to be worked 
     -Recent surgery or injury on area to be worked 
     -Cervical spondylitis (serious cases)
     -Hematoma(s) (broken blood vessel(s)) 

     Contraindications which require a medical provider's consent: 
     -Health conditions such as cancer, arthritis, severe swelling, mental illness, osteoporosis,            epilepsy, asthma, edema, pregnancy, kidney infection, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s              disease, motor neurone disease, spastic conditions, pinched nerve, or nerve damage. 
     -Taking medications for serious health issues since Reflexology can speed up or alter absorption by increasing circulation throughout the body and the amount of time a drug remains in the system. 
     -Recent or upcoming surgeries. 
     -Pregnancy or immediately after giving birth. 
     -Cardiovascular conditions. 

Can Reflexology cure my illness?
Though Reflexology is a great modality for promoting health, it is not intended to replace medical treatment. I do not claim to treat or cure any diseases or illnesses through providing this modality. Rather Reflexology can work in conjunction with your current health program and assist in promoting your bodies innate ability to heal.

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References

Embong, N. H., Soh, Y. C., Ming, L. C., & Wong, T. W. (2015). Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 5(4), 197–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008  

Crowley, T. (n.d.). Reflexology contraindications. traceycrowleymassage. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.traceycrowleymassagetherapist.co.uk/reflexologycontra-indications 

Kunz, B., & Kunz, K. (2009). Complete Reflexology for Life. Dorling Kindersley. 

NCI Dictionary of Cancer terms. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/chinese-meridian-theory 

Reflexology Association of America. (2019). Reflexology is not a massage. https://reflexology-usa.org/reflexology-is-not-massage/. Retrieved May 20, 2022..

Samaniego, R. (2022, February). Using Reflexology Protocols. IHP215 Advanced Reflexology. Fort Collins CO; Front Range Community College.