WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?
Reflexology is the therapeutic practice of applying pressure to key points. on the feet, hands, face and/or ears. These points correspond to the wider body as a whole. For the purposes of this article I will mostly focus on foot reflexology.
Your feet carry you through life and have quite a story to tell! From areas of tension, soreness and lack of circulation, to solidified urate and calcium “crystals” that can accumulate, your feet can be a map of your body as a whole.
There are a number of basis for the theories that underpin reflexology, including the inter-connectedness of the body as a whole and the philosophy of the importance of a free flow of energy (or life source).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) calls this ‘life force’ Chi or Qi. In Ayurveda, it is called prana. The manipulation of the reflexes is said to facilitate the better flow of this energy around the wider body. Depending on their training, reflexologists may incorporate elements of TCM or Ayurveda into their practice.
The inter-connectedness of the nervous system is generally recognised. Early in the 20th century, Sir Henry Head, a doctor interested in neurology, demonstrated the neurological relationship between different parts of the body. He observed that pain from an affected area could manifest in another area of the body entirely. He also demonstrated the relationship of different parts of the body to specific parts of the spine. Sir Charles Sherrington (1857-1952) was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1932 for his work demonstrating the reciprocal nature of the nervous system and the function of neurons.
These studies put a more conventional scientific spin on some of the rationale behind reflexology. More recently there has been further growing research looking at the potential benefits of reflexology and massage. I occasionally share links to these on my Instagram and Facebook pages.
WHAT IS THE AIM OF REFLEXOLOGY?
One of the key aims of reflexology is to support the body to maintain homeostasis (body in balance). It aims to support the body’s systems and stimulate its own healing processes. This gentle, non-invasive therapy can be used to “complement” more conventional medicine, potentially addressing any possible imbalance before it fully manifests.
Centre-ing on foot reflexology (for the purpose of this article), reflexologists will work over the feet paying attention to any areas that may feel tense or sore and what this may indicate in relation to the wider body (both physically and emotionally). Occasionally accumulations of ‘crystals’ (eg crystallised calcium phosphate) are found and are gently worked to disperse. This promotes better circulation of blood, lymph and energy!
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS?
Our feet are the most prone to lack of good circulation due to the often prolonged periods of sitting or standing that we experience in modern life. Thus there are many benefits to encouraging the flow of:
- Blood (carrying vital oxygen and nutrients) and
- Lymph (that helps to maintain our fluid level, clear away any waste and is key to the healthy functioning of our immune system).
Reflexology and massage also encourage the release of endorphins that give an overall feeling of wellbeing. Endorphins help you to relax, reducing stress, anxiety and tension.
This can be particularly useful if you are struggling with your mental and emotional wellbeing. It is also beneficial if you are living with a chronic health condition or as part of palliative care.
Complementary therapies can also help to improve quality of life and improve overall experiences of challenging procedures such as chemotherapy.
Regular treatments can be bolstered by the use of self-help techniques at home. In times of stress, eg when stuck in a traffic jam or in the office, points on the hand can be manipulated without drawing much attention.
ACCESSIBILITY
Reflexology is easily accessible, taking place either laid down, or seated and clothed. Its accessibility makes it a great choice for people who’s mobility may be limited and who might struggle to get onto a massage couch.
What’s more, reflexology can also be performed on the hands, face and ears. So where it may not be appropriate, or comfortable, to have foot reflexology, you can still enjoy a treatment!
PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM CARE
Reflexology is also a popular choice through pregnancy and as part of postpartum recovery . Simple reflexology techniques can be also be used to soothe baby and through childhood. In addition, the importance of modelling self-care cannot be under-estimated. It’s a fantastic pre-bedtime wind-down (as my own children will attest!)
Why not book in for a treatment to enjoy the benefits that reflexology has to offer?