What Exactly Is Foot Reflexology?

When most people hear the term “foot reflexology” they think “foot massage” which is certainly accurate, but the term “reflexology” means so much more.  Foot Reflexology takes a simple foot massage to the next level by using ancient theory to treat the whole body through the feet.  

I incorporate a little foot reflexology into almost all of my Acupuncture sessions because it is so effective and such an easy way to improve overall treatment results.  If you want to know more about what happens in a foot reflexology session and how foot reflexology works, read on!

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What Is Foot Reflexology Like?

Foot Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are “reflex zones” in the feet which correspond to every part of the body.  By applying pressure to these particular foot reflexology zones, you can relax tension, improve circulation and promote the natural function of the related area in the body.

Foot Reflexology is a very relaxing therapeutic experience.  After a brief intake to assess symptoms and determine areas of concern, the practitioner will treat you through the feet.  They will feel your feet for areas of tension, for small bubbles, granules and blockages, and will massage these noticeably affected areas as well as other specific reflex zones specific to your symptoms, to effect change.  

Pressure can be anywhere from mild to deep depending on the area being treated and your comfort.  The heels, top and bottom of the feet and toes are all part of a Foot Reflexology treatment.  The ankles and lower legs are also massaged to help improve circulation and remove toxins.

Chinese foot reflexology specifically is based on four basic theories:

• Blood Circulation  - foot reflexology increases blood circulation by breaking up deposits of toxins, such as uric acid, that accumulate due to gravity in the feet.  Removing toxins and obstructions improves blood circulation.
• Nerve and Humoral Regulation - small bubbles, granules and nodules often appear in the feet over reflex zones where organs are not functioning optimally.  Stimulating these areas of the feet creates a corresponding nerve and humoral response which regulates Qi and Blood in the affected organ.
• Channels and Collaterals - foot reflexology opens the 6 Leg Channels (Spleen, Liver, Kidney, Stomach, Bladder, Gallbladder) to improve Qi flow and improve health.
• Microcosm - the foot is a microcosm of the body where the reflex foot map corresponds to different body areas.  By treating the different areas on the feet, you affect the body as a whole.

The exact history of foot reflexology has been lost to antiquity, but it is theorized that foot reflexology goes back over 5,000 years in China, Egypt and India.  We do know that researched performed by Sir Henry Head in 1890 promoted foot reflexology in London, and that a U.S. doctor named William Fitzgerald incorporated foot reflexology into something he called “zone therapy” in the 1920’s.  “Zone Therapy” involved dividing the body into 5 sections all of which were represented on and treated through the feet.

Want to more?  Book a reflexology session online or come in for a free consultation anytime.  I promise if you come for a full 60 minute foot reflexology session, you will walk out feeling like you have a new pair of feet!

Until next time,

~Rebecca

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