Hand And Foot Massage Near Me? The 230 Detailed Answer

What is reflexology? Reflexology is a type of massage that uses varying amounts of pressure on the feet, hands, and ears. It is based on a theory that these body parts are connected to specific organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists. Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these parts offers a number of health benefits. Read on to learn more about how reflexology works and if it’s worth trying.

How does reflexology work? There are various theories as to how reflexology works. In traditional Chinese medicine, foot reflexology is based on the ancient Chinese belief in qi (pronounced “chee”) or “vital energy.” According to this belief, qi flows through every human being. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi. This can create an imbalance in the body that leads to disease. Reflexology aims to get Qi flowing throughout the body, keeping it balanced and disease free. In Chinese medicine, different parts of the body correspond to different pressure points on the body. Reflexologists use maps of these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where to apply pressure. They believe their touch causes energy to flow through a person’s body until it reaches the area that needs healing. Other theories In the 1890s, British scientists discovered that nerves connect the skin and internal organs. They also found that the body’s entire nervous system tends to adapt to external factors, including touch. A reflexologist’s touch can help calm the central nervous system, promote relaxation, and other benefits, as can any form of massage. Others believe that the brain creates pain as a subjective experience. Sometimes the brain responds to physical pain. But in other cases, it can cause pain in response to emotional or mental stress. Some believe that reflexology can relieve pain through soothing touch, which can help improve a person’s mood and reduce stress. The zone theory is another belief that some use to explain how reflexology works. This theory states that the body contains 10 vertical zones. Each zone contains different body parts and corresponds to specific fingers and toes. Zone theory practitioners believe that touching these fingers and toes allows them to access any part of the body in a specific zone.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Reflexology? Reflexology is associated with many potential benefits, but few of these have been validated in scientific studies. So far, there is limited evidence that reflexology can help: reduce stress and anxiety

reduce pain

lift mood

Improving General Wellbeing Additionally, people have reported that reflexology has helped them: Boost their immune system

fight cancer

Overcome colds and bacterial infections

Clear up sinus problems

recover from back problems

correct hormonal imbalances

increase fertility

improve digestion

relieve arthritis pain

Treatment of nerve problems and deafness caused by cancer drugs (peripheral neuropathy)

What does the research say? There are not many studies on reflexology. And many experts consider the existing ones to be inferior. Additionally, a 2014 review concluded that reflexology is not an effective treatment for any medical condition. But it can have some value as a complementary therapy to relieve symptoms and improve someone’s quality of life, much like a massage. Since the area being massaged is the feet, this will relieve even more stress or discomfort for some people. Here’s a look at what the research says about using reflexology to treat pain and anxiety. Pain In a 2011 study funded by the National Cancer Institute, experts looked at how reflexology treatments affected 240 women with advanced breast cancer. All women have undergone medical treatment such as chemotherapy for their cancer. The study found that reflexology helped reduce some of her symptoms, including shortness of breath. Participants also reported an improved quality of life. But it didn’t affect the pain. Experts have also looked at the effects of reflexology on pain in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In an older study, researchers looked at the effects of ear, hand, and foot reflexology in 35 women who had previously reported PMS symptoms. They found that those who received a two-month reflexology treatment reported significantly fewer PMS symptoms than the women who didn’t. Note, however, that this study was very small and was conducted decades ago. Larger long-term studies are needed to fully understand whether reflexology helps reduce pain. Anxiety In a small 2000 study, researchers looked at the effects of a 30-minute foot reflexology treatment on patients being treated for breast or lung cancer. Those who received reflexology reported less anxiety than those who did not receive reflexology. In a slightly larger 2014 study, researchers gave people undergoing heart surgery a 20-minute foot reflexology treatment once a day for four days. They found that those who received the reflexology treatment reported significantly less anxiety than those who didn’t. Being touched by another human being is a relaxing, caring, anxiety-reducing act for most people.

Is Reflexology Safe To Try? In general, reflexology is very safe, even for people with serious health conditions. It’s non-invasive and pleasant to obtain, so it might be worth a try if you’re interested. However, you should talk to your doctor first if you have any of the following health conditions: Poor circulation in your feet

Blood clots or inflammation of your leg veins

gout

foot ulcers

Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot

open sores on hands or feet

thyroid problems

epilepsy

low platelet count or other blood problems that may make you bruise and bleed more easily Warning

If you are pregnant, be sure to tell your reflexologist before your session as some pressure points in the hands and feet can produce contractions. If you are attempting to use reflexology to induce labor, do so only with your doctor’s approval. There is a risk of preterm birth and babies are at their healthiest when they are born at 40 weeks gestation. Some people also report mild side effects after reflexology, including: Lightheadedness

delicate feet

emotional sensitivity However, these are short-term side effects that usually disappear shortly after treatment.

Alternative medicine practice with pressure on body parts

An example of a reflexology chart showing the areas of the feet that practitioners believe correspond to the organs in the “zones” of the body.

Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative medical practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, ears, and/or hands. This is done using thumb, finger and hand massage techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a pseudo-scientific[1] system of zones and reflex zones that purportedly mirror an image of the body in the feet and hands, with the premise that such work on the feet and hands produces a physical change in the supposedly related parts of the body. [2]

There is no compelling scientific evidence that reflexology is effective for any condition.[3]

definition [edit]

A report from the Cochrane Collaboration defines reflexology as follows: “Reflexology is gentle manipulation or pressure on specific parts of the foot to produce an effect elsewhere in the body.”[4]

The Australian Government Department of Health defines reflexology as “a system of applying pressure, usually to the feet, which practitioners believe stimulates energy and releases ‘blockages’ in specific areas that are causing pain or illness.”[5]

history [edit]

Practices similar to reflexology may have existed in earlier historical periods. Similar practices have been documented in the histories of India, China and Egypt.[6][7] Reflexology was invented in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an ear, nose and throat specialist, and Edwin F. Bowers in the United States. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.[8][9] It was modified in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1889–1974), a nurse and physical therapist. Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were particularly sensitive, and mapped the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet, renaming reflexology “zone therapy.”[12] Many of the modern reflexologists use Ingham’s methods or similar techniques of the reflexologist Laura Norman.[7]

efficacy [edit]

In 2015, the Australian Government’s Department of Health released the results of a review of alternative therapies to determine their eligibility for health insurance. Reflexology was one of 17 therapies evaluated for which no clear evidence of efficacy was found.[5] Accordingly, in 2017, the Australian government designated reflexology as an ineligible practice for insurance coverage, saying the move would “ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent appropriately and not used on therapies without evidence.”[13]

Reviews from 2009 and 2011 found insufficient evidence to support the use of reflexology for any medical condition.[3][14] A 2009 systematic review of randomized controlled trials concludes: “The best evidence available to date does not conclusively show that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition.”[3]

Claimed mechanism[ edit ]

There is no consensus among reflexologists as to how reflexology is supposed to work; A unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body and that by manipulating these areas one can improve health through one’s qi.[15] Reflexologists divide the body into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and five on the left.[7] Medical professionals have expressed concern that treating potentially serious illnesses with reflexology, the effectiveness of which has not been proven, could delay the search for appropriate medical treatment.[16]

Reflexologists believe that blocking an energy field, an invisible life force or qi, can prevent healing. Another tenet of reflexology is the belief that practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body through manipulation of the feet. One claimed explanation is that the pressure exerted on the feet can send signals that “balance” the nervous system, or release chemicals like endorphins that reduce stress and pain. These hypotheses are rejected by the medical community, citing a lack of scientific evidence and the well-tested germ theory of the disease.[7]

Reflexology’s claim of manipulating energy (Qi) is unsupported by science; There is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), “energy balance”, “crystalline structures” or “pathways” in the body.[1]

For trick or treat? Alternative Medicine on Trial, Simon Singh states that if indeed the hands and feet “reflect” the internal organs, reflexology might explain how such “reflection” was derived from the process of Darwinian natural selection, but Singh says that no argument or evidence was presented.[17]

An example of a hand reflexology chart showing the areas that practitioners believe correspond to organs in the “zones” of the body.

Regulation [ edit ]

In the UK, reflexology is coordinated on a voluntary basis by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Registrants must meet standards of competency set by professional bodies,[18] but because CNHC is voluntary, any practitioner can call themselves a reflexologist. When the CNHC began approving reflexologists, a skeptic searched and found 14 of them claiming they were effective for disease. Once pointed out, the CNHC had the claims withdrawn as they were in breach of the UK Advertising Standards Authority code.[19]

Reflexology is one of the most commonly used alternative therapies in Denmark. A 2005 national survey showed that 21.4% of the Danish population had used reflexology at some point in their lives and 6.1% had used reflexology in the past year.[20] A study from Norway showed that in 2007, 5.6% of the Norwegian population had used reflexology within the last 12 months.[21]

See also[edit]

At the end of a long day, many people enjoy giving or receiving a foot massage. A foot massage can help relax and relieve muscle pain. There are many ways to massage feet that you can easily try at home. This article provides step-by-step instructions for 12 foot massage techniques. Read on to find out how to massage feet.

Here are 12 foot massage techniques a person can use on themselves or someone else: 1. Warm-up Twists Share on Pinterest Warm-up twists are one way to begin a foot massage. To use this technique: Place your palms on either side of your foot

Gently pull the right side of the foot forward while pushing the left side back

Push the left side of the foot back while pulling the right side forward

Repeat this twisting motion, working your hands from ankle to toe. The gentle twisting motion helps warm up the foot to prepare it for further massage. 2. Arch Rub Share on Pinterest People can use arch rubs to massage the bottom of the foot. To use this technique: Hold the top of the foot in one hand

Rub the fingers of your other hand down the length of the bow

Repeat from heel to ball of foot. 3. Toe bends Share on Pinterest Toe bends can promote flexibility in the foot. To use this foot massage technique: Hold the heel with one hand

With the other hand, bend all toes of one foot back and forth at the same time

Repeat this movement, gently increasing the pressure and flexing the toes to their full range of motion. To use this foot massage technique: Hold each side of the foot

Pull each side of the foot outward

Repeat this movement to allow the foot to spread. To use this technique: Hold the top of the foot in one hand

hold the back of the heel in the other

Squeeze and release the back of the heel repeatedly. 6. Work with knuckles or fist. To use this technique: Hold the top of your foot with one hand

hold a knuckle or a full fist on the other side against the bottom of the foot

Use your knuckle or fist to knead the bottom of the foot with moderate pressure

Repeat this movement, working down the ball of your foot to the heel. To use this technique: Hold the foot with one hand on either side

Place fingers on top of foot

Place your thumbs under each foot, on the balls of your toes

Use your thumbs to stroke each toe down with moderate pressure

Using moderate pressure on each toe, move down to the ball of your foot and repeat the downward movement with your thumbs

Movement with the thumbs Repeat this movement in the arch and heel

continue for as long as is comfortable 8. Pressure Points Share on Pinterest Pressure points on the instep are another relaxing foot massage technique. To use this technique: Use one hand to support the top of the foot

Use the thumb of the other hand to squeeze and release the top of the instep

gradually move down the instep and repeat this pushing motion

continue to press and release to the back of the heel 9. Achilles tendon massage Share on Pinterest Achilles tendon massage can help relieve pressure on the Achilles tendon. To use this foot massage technique: With the other hand, grasp the Achilles tendon between your thumb and forefinger

Use a downward stroking motion toward the heel

Repeat 10 times. Top and Side Circles Top and side circles are a simple foot massage technique. Application: Support the foot with both hands from below

Extend your fingers and use them to make circles around the knuckle on either side

In a continuous circular motion, move the fingers around the side of the foot

Keep circling your fingers and work your way down to your toes

Pay attention to the distance between the individual tendons. 11. Toe Massage Share on Pinterest Toe massage can help relieve tension and spasms in your toes. To use this foot massage technique: Hold the base of the foot with one hand

Gently pull, twist, and tug on each toe with the fingers of the other hand

Move from the outer toes to the inner toes

repeat several times

Massage between each toe 12. Finishing strokes Share on Pinterest People can use finishing strokes at the end of a foot massage. To use this technique: Place your palms on either side of your foot

Gently pull the right side of the foot forward while pushing the left side back

Then push the left side of the foot back while pushing the right side forward

Repeat this twisting motion, working your hands from ankle to toe

Each time, decrease the pressure and gradually lift your hands completely off your foot

Benefits There is growing scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of massage. A 2010 study found that massage therapy, when integrated into acute care, can help a person: Cope with physical and mental health conditions

experience less pain

Relax

managing emotions

2018 sleep research found that using hand and foot massage in clinical settings can reduce anxiety and improve patients’ vital signs. A 2016 review also suggested that health professionals recommend massage therapy over no treatment as a pain management option.

Reflexology is an alternative therapy that uses pressure on specific parts of the foot. It’s not the same as a regular foot massage. Reflexology advocates believe that applying pressure to the foot can heal unrelated problems elsewhere in the body. There is anecdotal evidence that reflexology can be calming, but researchers note that many systematic reviews have found little strong evidence of its effectiveness. Although scientific evidence does not support reflexology, the practice can be relaxing as it is a form of foot massage.

There is no one way to do a foot massage. Different people prefer different techniques. A person may want to test out many techniques and learn what feels good to them or someone else. Before you begin: Soak feet in warm water, with or without a few drops of diluted essential oil

pat feet dry with a towel

Put your feet on the towel

Spread massage oil over the foot up to the ankle. Here are some general foot massage tips to use as a guide: Pay attention to sore spots: Work longer on sore spots, with as much or as little pressure as is comfortable.

: Work on sore spots for longer, with as much or as little pressure as feels comfortable. Pay attention to parts that feel good: if it is comfortable, a person can keep going.

: If it is fun, a person can continue. Avoid Injuring Your Thumbs: Do not apply so much pressure that your thumbs start to hurt. Use the strength of your body weight, not the muscles in your thumbs, to apply pressure.

: Do not apply so much pressure that your thumbs start to hurt. Use the strength of your body weight, not the muscles in your thumbs, to apply pressure. Avoid applying too much pressure as this can tickle.

. Concentrate on one foot at a time.

Risks and Considerations Before beginning a foot massage, examine the feet for: Cuts

bandages

Athlete’s foot Other pre-existing foot conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy, can also affect whether or not a person should receive a foot massage. Certain conditions can make parts of the foot tender to pressure. Pregnant women and those at risk of blood clots should seek medical advice before massaging the lower legs.

Reflexology is an active and constantly evolving therapeutic practice. In recent years, traditional reflexology has evolved into new and exciting therapeutic expressions to improve clients’ health and well-being. Within all of these different types of reflexology, there are therapists who specialize in different protocols.

We all know how relaxing a good foot massage can be, especially when you’ve been on your feet all day. Our feet are hard workers and deserve to be pampered – so why not massage our feet more often?

The reality is that our feet do most of our body’s work. They support us wherever we go and to keep them strong and flexible a regular foot massage should be part of your routine.

THE BENEFITS OF FOOT MASSAGE

Foot massage has been practiced in many cultures for centuries as a means of promoting health and well-being. Today, foot massage is used millions of times around the world as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. Still, many people are unaware of the mass of benefits that foot massage offers.

Many of the sensory nerves in your internal organs are in your feet. Through massage, a skilled practitioner can use your foot as a kind of detailed body map and help treat health conditions by applying pressure to the meridian points that correspond to specific organs. This pressure effectively sends energy to weakened or dysfunctional areas of the body, promoting both physical and mental health.

A foot massage can:

CREATE INCREASED CALM AND FEELINGS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

In a study conducted by Brighton University, patients who received foot massages after coronary artery bypass graft surgery experienced greater levels of calm and psychological well-being than patients who did not receive massages. This shows that foot massage can be an effective way to not only reduce post-operative stress and anxiety, but also to promote relaxation in your daily life.

PROMOTE HEALTHIER FEET

According to Harvard Medical School, foot massage stimulates your muscles, improves circulation, reduces stiffness and tension, and can eliminate pain. It also gives you the opportunity to properly examine your feet, giving you a head start on treating blisters, bunions, corns and toenail problems.

Heel pain relief

Heel pain is a common symptom that can have many different causes. While many of these causes stem from improper shoe wear, a massage of the plantar fascia area can provide instant relief. Plantar fasciitis — a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue on the sole of the foot that helps support the arch of the foot — can often cause pain when overused or stretched. People with flat feet in particular benefit from a good foot massage.

IMPROVE CIRCULATION

Circulation is often hampered by tight and uncomfortable shoes, but even in the right shoes, a sedentary lifestyle can leave muscles unused for long periods of time. A 10-20 minute foot massage can greatly improve blood circulation in the lower extremities, which is especially important for diabetics.

PROVIDE NAUSEA AND PAIN RELIEF

A study was conducted by the University of Canberra to find out if foot massage could be used as a cure for patients with cancer in hospital. The results of the study showed that those who received foot massages in four-minute increments per foot experienced an immediate improvement in their nausea and pain.

PREVENT FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES

When combined with foot and ankle strengthening exercises, massage can not only speed recovery from existing injuries, but also help prevent future injuries. A quick foot massage can help minimize your risk of injury by creating stronger, more flexible feet.

REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

By applying pressure to specific areas of the feet, tension, stress and anxiety can be relieved. This system is based on the theory that there are specific locations called “reflex points” on the feet, hands, and other areas that are associated with restoring the body to proper functioning. Since proper relaxation is a crucial part of reducing anxiety and stress, regular foot massages are believed to help those suffering from depression.

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

A study conducted on healthcare workers who work with elderly people with dementia – a job that is highly stressful and both physically and mentally demanding – showed that a 10-minute foot massage session up to three times a week resulted in improved mood , less anxiety and more led to lower blood pressure.

PROMOTES BETTER SLEEP

A foot massage just before bed can help you sleep better by improving circulation, relaxing nerves, and allowing the body to relax. Restful sleep is promoted from as little as four minutes per foot.

THE ART OF LEARNING FOOT MASSAGE

Now that you know the many benefits of foot massage, it’s time to learn the best foot massage practices. Master your foot massage skills and improve not only your own health and well-being, but the lives of those around you.

Learn from Australia’s leading professionals how to not only give a foot massage but also a full body treatment. Discover Massage Australia can teach you everything you need to know! To find out more about our range of courses across Australia, call 1300 585 989 or visit our website today.

What are the advantages of an electronic foot massager?

Improves Blood Circulation: A regular 10-minute foot massage with an electric foot messenger can help improve cardiovascular health by increasing blood flow throughout the body and reducing the workload of the circulatory system on the heart, keeping it strong and healthy.

Improves Immunity: A foot massage can help increase the activity of white blood cells, which help our body fight disease and promote lymphatic circulation to help remove toxins and waste products from the body.

Improves performance. Massaging the foot stretches the muscle fibers, which promotes muscle flexibility and range of motion. When the foot is functioning properly, an athlete can work more efficiently. Increased blood flow also helps increase energy levels as the muscles in the foot are provided with increased levels of nutrients and oxygen.

Improves Concentration: There are many reasons why your concentration can suffer. Some of the most common reasons are anxiety, depression, insomnia and hormonal imbalances. By reducing tension in the muscles of the feet, muscle contraction of the blood vessels in the feet is reduced, which promotes the circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, thus improving concentration. When the muscles in your feet are less tight, you experience less pain, are more relaxed, and sleep better, which in turn leads to better concentration. Massaging your feet also releases endorphins like serotonin and dopamine, two “feel good” hormones that not only reduce depression and anxiety, but also improve our memory and ability to learn.

Reduces discomfort and pain. Sending messages to your feet helps disrupt pain signals to our brains by stimulating competing nerve fibers with the sensation of pleasure to override the signal of pain messages to and from the brain.

Reduces stress and tension. Massaging your feet helps reduce stress, not only by increasing the release of “feel good” hormones, as mentioned above, but also by lowering levels of cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” which can be detrimental to our health , including weight gain , depression and anxiety to name a few.

Are there any harmful effects that can come from using an electric foot massager? If so, which ones are they?

There are no harmful effects that can come from using an electric foot massager when used properly, other than the potential induction of labor. Stimulating certain nerves in the foot in the later stages of pregnancy can promote uterine contractions and cervical ripening, which can lead to preterm labor. Therefore, it is important that you consult your doctor first before using a foot massager.

Is there anyone who could particularly benefit from a foot massager?

There are many people who may particularly benefit from a foot massager, including the following conditions:

Is there anyone who should be cautious and/or consult their doctor before starting to use a foot massager?

The only two people who should exercise caution and/or consult their doctor before starting to use a foot massager are pregnant women as mentioned above and also people suffering from nerve damage also known as neuropathy, since they cannot feel temperature changes or pain, ultimately leading to damage and injury.

More information on this topic

The following section walks you through a typical appointment and answers some common concerns.

The taking

By Rachel Bohanan and Ross Ashcraft

Long before I even thought about massage therapy as a profession, I took off my shoes and massaged my own aching feet after a long day. I remember the crunching sensation on the soles of my feet and toes. I knew it felt good to train her, even though I really didn’t know what I was doing.

Come and find out that those “crunchies” are a real thing and something that shouldn’t be left in your feet. In the past, these crunchies were thought to be accumulations of metabolic waste (uric and lactic acid). New studies suggest that the crunchys are actually tangles of nerve tissue, which actually points to unhealthy organs throughout the body.

What are you?

These crusty deposits are not attached to muscles or tendons as other theories have suggested. They appear to be bundles of connective tissue fibers that reflect problems in other parts of the body. Our experience has shown that certain areas of the foot often present a problem occurring in an organ system.

Examples:

1) People with liver disease have more grinding in the right foot just below the ball of the foot

2) People with blood pressure problems have crunches in the middle of their soles.

3) People with insomnia have crunches in their big toes.

These are just three examples of dozens of trends we’ve found when examining feet. Studies have shown that crusty deposits on the feet can indicate an anatomical problem or an imbalance in the body or a dysfunction of an organ.

What does that crunchy feeling mean?

If the crunch is painful for YOU, and it is also very clearly felt by a therapist or your own fingers, this may indicate a chronic pathology. A chronic pathology means it’s been around for a while! If there is a slight sensitivity experienced only by YOU and NOT felt by a therapist or your own hand, it is an acute pathology. An acute pathology means it’s a new thing and hasn’t been around that long.

Treatment:

After I started training to be a massage therapist, I thought about different ways that everyday objects could be used as massage tools. One day I was at my sister’s house and I found a regular old marble. I started rolling the marble in my hand and it felt great; So I tried it on my feet. It felt AMAZING!

LET US TRY IT

1) Find a marble, golf ball or other hard ball.

2) Roll it over the bottom of your feet in a circular motion.

3) Stop and press down when you feel a tender point.

4) While working on this sensitive area, breathe in deeply and slowly.

Take a look at the chart below. See if you can find the spot on your foot that our experience has taught us corresponds to the organ your body is telling you that you may be in distress.

5) Place your hand on this organ and massage it while pressing it into the marble.

Challenge: Try it and tell us what you experienced. This treatment derives from the reflexology modality commonly used in massage therapy. It can be performed by any therapist with training. Contact us at (918) 610-0027 and we’ll help you find it.

http://www.facebook.com/communitycarecollege?ref=br_tf

http://www.facebook.com/clarysagecollege

References:

http://www.realbodywork.com/reflexology/reflexology.htm

Reflexology: Gravity & Crunchies

http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=10686

You’ll likely find yourself in a soothing, spa-like environment with soft music, dim lighting, and possibly aromatherapy. You can sit in a deck chair or lie down on a massage table. You keep your clothes on, but wear something comfortable so you can relax more.

Many reflexology therapists begin by having you gently apply oil or cream to your feet. Next, they apply light to moderate pressure to one foot at a time using a variety of techniques. They may return to specific pressure points a second time, but they cover the entire area during the session, not just the points associated with potential problem areas.

Sessions typically last 30 or 60 minutes. At some point, you may feel so relaxed that you fall asleep, or you may feel a rush of emotions as energy surges through your body. Afterwards, you might feel energized or experience a sense of calm.

You may have reflexology just occasionally, as a regular “tune-in,” or every week for a set period of time if you use it to help with a medical condition. You can also ask your reflexologist for tips on how to do it yourself between visits. You can get special socks that have a map of all the pressure points that you can use as a guide.

You can get some benefits from just 5 minutes of reflexology on your hands. It’s easy to do whenever you’re feeling stressed, even at your desk. It can be as simple as wrapping one hand around each finger of the other hand in turn. Start with your thumb and hold it for 1 to 2 minutes before moving on to the next finger and so on until you reach your pinky. Then switch hands and repeat the process.

What is reflexology? How is it practiced? What is it useful for and what diseases does it treat? Let’s examine it using 10 keywords.

Reflexology can relieve headaches and back pain, reduce stress and shoulder tension, and even relieve a cold. Here are 10 points that can help you learn more about this technique.

tree

Reflexologists compare a person to a tree: the roots are the feet, the trunk is the spine, and the fronds are the face, the part of the human body closest to sunlight. According to this discipline, the feet form the microcosm of the human being, so they should be healthy and strong.

reflex

In physiology, it is an involuntary and almost instantaneous secretory or motor response. In reflexology, it is a response to a stimulus that comes from a peripheral receptor (e.g. in hands or feet) and goes to a central organ like the brain or spinal cord and then to an effector organ (e.g. a muscle, a gland or the other organs). Basically, reflexology tries to improve bodily functions by applying pressure to specific areas.

Unit

Each organ has its own peculiarity, but it also reflects the whole body in itself. Especially feet, hands, face and ears reflect the other organs best thanks to their many nerves. The reflex zones of the internal organs, the spine and the bones are therefore located on the feet.

sensitivity

Feet are particularly sensitive: they have 7,200 nerve endings. Pressure-sensitive mechanoreceptors and exteroceptors are widely distributed on the sole of the foot.

William H Fitzgerald

He is considered the founder of modern reflexology. Although practices similar to reflexology existed in Egypt, India, China, and Peru 5,000 years ago, the first reflexology chart dates back to the first decade of the 20th century. Fitzgerald began his experiments in 1902 when he discovered that by applying pressure to some area of ​​the body he could induce analgesia or even short-lasting anesthesia in patients. In 1917 he published his first book, Zone therapy, or reliefing pain at home, together with the dentist F. Bower.

Eunice Ingham

Among the proponents of Fitzgerald’s theories, Eunice Ingham was the first physical therapist to focus almost entirely on the feet, a sensitive area with many nerve endings. She published many books between 1938 and 1948 and in the late 1940’s her students Hanne Marquardt (German) and Doreen Bayly (British) brought reflexology to Europe. Elipio Zamboni, student of the former, and Erasmo Buzzacchi, student of the latter, introduced this discipline to Italy.

charts

Many studies appeared after Fitzgerald’s work. Although all diagrams are based on his diagram, other scientists have created their own. However, everyone agrees that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body.

Photo: © Reflexology-map.com

foot zones

Fitzgerald divided the human body into 10 vertical zones and 3 horizontal zones. By applying the same subdivision to the feet, he found different reflex zones. Reflex zones of central organs such as the spine and stomach are located in both feet; the organs on the right side of the body (e.g. the liver) are on the right foot, those on the left side of the body (e.g. the spleen) on the left foot; lungs and kidneys are on both feet; the toes correspond to the brain and its organs.

monitoring

Before starting the therapy, the reflexology therapists observe the patients, their posture and the way they move and walk. Foot placement, tension, and shape are also observed. For example, symmetrical feet bent 45 degrees show relaxation, while with the head tilted slightly to the right and right foot abducted, there is tension on the right side.

Reflexology

Sessions consist of three steps. First, the therapist locates the patient’s painful areas and the areas that need to be treated. The second step is a general rebalancing treatment to bring the organs back into balance. Finally, there is a personalized treatment that focuses on the most painful areas. Usually 10 to 12 sessions of 45 minutes each are required.

Translated by Francesca Clemente

Quest’opera is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribuzione – Non commerciale – Non opera Derivatives 4.0 Internazionale license.

Reflexology is the application of appropriate pressure to specific points and areas on the feet, hands, or ears. Reflexologists believe that these reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems and that pressing on them creates real benefits for the person’s health.

For example, reflexology states that a specific spot in the arch of the foot corresponds to the bladder. When a reflexologist applies adequate pressure to this area with thumbs or fingers, it can interfere with bladder function.

Foot Reflexology Maps

Reflexologists use foot maps to guide their work, such as: B. the reflexology chart shown on the right. The left foot corresponds to the organs on the left side of the body and the right foot corresponds to the organs on the right side of the body.

How is reflexology different from massage, reiki, or acupuncture?

Many people confuse reflexology with massage, reiki, or acupuncture, but there are key differences between these therapies. Massage therapists manipulate larger areas of soft tissue in the body, while reflexologists apply pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears. Unlike massage or reflexology, Reiki does not involve physical manipulation or pressure, instead using light touch to work with the subtle vibrational field believed to surround the body. While acupuncture and acupressure, like reflexology, use reflex points on the body to affect other parts of the body, the points are not the same and acupuncture uses points throughout the body.

Although these are entirely different practices, what they all have in common is that they are sometimes used to help manage the symptoms associated with stress.

What does reflexology do?

Although reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure any disease, millions of people around the world use it to complement other treatments for conditions such as anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS and sinusitis .

Reflexology is an active and constantly evolving therapeutic practice. In recent years, traditional reflexology has evolved into new and exciting therapeutic expressions to improve clients’ health and well-being. Within all of these different types of reflexology, there are therapists who specialize in different protocols.

Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet (or hands). Reflexology is generally relaxing and can help reduce stress.

The theory behind reflexology is that areas of the foot correspond to organs and systems of the body. Pressure on the foot is believed to bring relaxation and healing to that area of ​​the body.

Reflexologists use foot charts to guide them when applying pressure to specific areas. Reflexology is sometimes combined with other practical therapies and can be offered by chiropractors and physical therapists, among others.

Several studies indicate that reflexology can relieve pain and psychological symptoms such as stress and anxiety, and improve relaxation and sleep. Because reflexology is also low-risk, it can be a reasonable option if you’re looking for relaxation and stress relief.

There is a problem with the information submitted for this request. Check/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From the Mayo Clinic to your inbox Subscribe for free and stay up to date with research advances, health tips and hot topics in health such as COVID-19, as well as health management expertise. Email ErrorEmail field is required. ErrorPlease provide a valid email address. Learn more about how Mayo Clinic uses data. In order to provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand what information is useful, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this may include proprietary health information. If we combine this information with your Protected Health Information, we will treat all such information as Protected Health Information and will only use or disclose such information as described in our Privacy Practices Statement. You can unsubscribe from email communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the email. Subscribe to! Thank you for subscribing to our Housecall e-newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest health information. Sorry, there was an error with your subscription. Please try again in a few minutes. Try it again

More information on this topic

The following section walks you through a typical appointment and answers some common concerns.

The taking

You’ll likely find yourself in a soothing, spa-like environment with soft music, dim lighting, and possibly aromatherapy. You can sit in a deck chair or lie down on a massage table. You keep your clothes on, but wear something comfortable so you can relax more.

Many reflexology therapists begin by having you gently apply oil or cream to your feet. Next, they apply light to moderate pressure to one foot at a time using a variety of techniques. They may return to specific pressure points a second time, but they cover the entire area during the session, not just the points associated with potential problem areas.

Sessions typically last 30 or 60 minutes. At some point, you may feel so relaxed that you fall asleep, or you may feel a rush of emotions as energy surges through your body. Afterwards, you might feel energized or experience a sense of calm.

You may have reflexology just occasionally, as a regular “tune-in,” or every week for a set period of time if you use it to help with a medical condition. You can also ask your reflexologist for tips on how to do it yourself between visits. You can get special socks that have a map of all the pressure points that you can use as a guide.

You can get some benefits from just 5 minutes of reflexology on your hands. It’s easy to do whenever you’re feeling stressed, even at your desk. It can be as simple as wrapping one hand around each finger of the other hand in turn. Start with your thumb and hold it for 1 to 2 minutes before moving on to the next finger and so on until you reach your pinky. Then switch hands and repeat the process.