Boost Your Health From the Ground Up: How Reflexology Can Help
Reflexology is a non-invasive, complementary therapy which uses pressure on the hands, feet and ears to address whole-body health concerns. During a reflexology session, pressure is applied to a specific point on the foot or hand that is a reference point for an area or organ in the body.
Here at Heaven & Health, we offer a blend of reflexology methods. Currently, Theresa, Rebecca and Naomi offer reflexology.
Theresa is classified as a master reflexologist with over 70 hours of training. In her own words,
“I trained in the original Ingham method of foot reflexology with local naturopath Karen Carlson. I completed Ayurvedic reflexology through the AVEDA Institute in 2017, updating my practice to a method that dates back thousands of years. I polished my holistic orthopedic reflexology with Susan Hanna in 2021 with the addition of handheld bamboo and rosewood. It’s definitely a favorite to give and receive – I consider it the next best thing to chiropractic!”
Rebecca and Naomi are trained in Integrative Reflexology, developed by Claire Marie Miller. Integrative Reflexology is a whole-hand approach that incorporates four different theories to offer a holistic understanding of reflexology in a method that is comfortable for the client.
How does reflexology work?
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are certain points or “reflex areas” on the feet and hands that are connected energetically to specific organs and body parts through energy channels in the body. We have thousands of nerve endings in our feet, and we spend a good portion of our daily lives cramming them into ill-fitting shoes and expecting them to carry us from place to place with no complaints. Even though science isn’t yet able to explain why or how reflexology works, one thing we can say for certain is that reflexology can be deeply relaxing. By stimulating our parasympathetic nervous system, it encourages our bodies to return to homeostasis and heal.
Applying pressure to reflex areas is believed to remove energy blockages and promote health in the related body area. Here are some examples of reflex areas and their corresponding body parts:
- The tips of the toes reflect the head
- The heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
- The liver, pancreas and kidneys are in the arch of the foot
- Low back and intestines are towards the heel
What are some potential benefits of reflexology?
- A deeply relaxing and therapeutic response
- Increased digestion and constipation relief
- Sinus drainage, perhaps while still in session
- Decreased bronchi and lung congestion
- Endocrine and organ stimulation
- Reduced muscular tension in the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, sciatic area and spine
- Reduced swelling in the feet and lower limbs
- Increased lymphatic, nerve and blood circulation
- Indirectly influence an area of the body where there is trauma or injury (and therefore can’t be worked on directly)
Many clients report that they are as relaxed as if they had a full body massage.
When shouldn’t I have a reflexology session?
As with any bodywork, wounds or fractures in the feet are contraindications for work in that area, so you will want to avoid reflexology until you are healed. Consult your primary care doctor if you have questions on whether or not reflexology is advised for your condition, including if you have osteoarthritis that impacts the foot or ankle. You’ll also want to check with your doctor if you have circulatory issues in the feet, inflammation, blood clots or gout.
Interested in trying reflexology? Heaven & Health offers 30-, 45- and 60-minute reflexology sessions! You can also combine a massage with reflexology to gain even more benefits from your session. Give us a call today at (302) 999-9565 or click here to book your session.