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What is reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient practice that involves applying varying degrees of pressure to specific points in the feet and hands, called ‘reflexes’. By stimulating these reflexes, it aims to promote relaxation and improve overall well-being.
In traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology rests in the concept of Qi, an energy that flows within our body. It is believed that when we are stressed, our energy flow becomes affected. This blockage causes an imbalance in our body and leaves us vulnerable to illness. Through applying pressure to various key points, reflexology normalizes our energy flow and restores balance to the body.
How does it work?
Our feet have more nerve endings per square centimetre than any other part in our body. According to zone theory, each group of nerves that makes up a reflex point corresponds to specific organs or systems within the body. When a reflexologist applies pressure to these points, the aim is to promote healing in the corresponding area of the body.
In fact, some studies show that reflexology stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, prompting our body to enter ‘rest and digest’ mode. Our heart rate slows down, our muscles relax, and ‘background tasks’ like digesting and detoxification are given priority. In this sense, reflexology can be very helpful to relieve stress and improve our well-being.
What are the benefits of reflexology?
Reflexology can bring many positive to one’s health. Here are some documented potential benefits:
- Improving quality of sleep
- Improving diabetic peripheral neuropathies
- Improving digestive issues
- Managing stress, anxiety and depression
- Managing / reducing pain
- Managing / reducing symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy
In addition, reflexology may provide relief for inflammatory conditions like Plantar Fasciitis and arthritis. Since pain and inflammation affect each other, by alleviating the pain, the inflammatory response may be reduced as well.
Are there any contraindications?
While reflexology can help in a variety of ways, there are still a few risks to keep in mind:
- Pregnancy: While prenatal reflexology is fairly common due to its positive effects, it is best to avoid it during the first trimester as it could cause uterine contractions.
- Foot injuries: Applying pressure could worsen or reopen wounds and slow down the healing process; so it is best to wait until wounds, lacerations and the like heals completely.
- Foot infections: Reflexology is a practice done without gloves. As such, for the safety of both patients and practitioner, people with warts, Athlete’s foot and other skin infections are not eligible for reflexology.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: To avoid the dislodging of a blood clot and potentially causing a pulmonary embolism, we recommend consulting a medical professional first about the safety of reflexology.
What to expect
During your first appointment, our qualified reflexologist will review your health history with you, as well as any health concerns you may have. The session will then be tailored to your individual needs to give you the best experience.
Please do keep in mind that while reflexology can be therapeutic and greatly beneficial, reflexologists themselves do not medically treat or diagnose any condition.