Foot reflexology is the manipulation of areas of the feet. Projected onto the feet is a map of the body, which corresponds to different areas: organs, glands, spine, neck shoulders, head and sinuses…  By rubbing and massaging the feet the practitioner is able to increase the flow of energy (circulation) throughout the body. Within the feet are nerve receptors, which when stimulated, can vary the tension within the body. Techniques used on the mirrored areas on the feet cause that body part to have “better nerve, blood, and lymphatic supply, in addition to working all 12 systems of the body: cardio-vascular, central nervous, digestive, endocrine, immune, lymphatic, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, sensory, skeletal, and urinary.”
Moving energy through the increase of circulation allows the body to return to its balanced state.
            When working on the feet, the practitioner uses maps of the feet, which have mirrored upon them the entire body (all anatomical units). There are horizontal and ten vertical areas running through the feet. Reflexologists rub and massage mirrored body parts on the feet that correspond to where ailments exist in the body. For example, if a client comes in with headaches, then a foot reflexologists would rub and massage the top of the toes because that is the area on the foot mirroring the head.
            These techniques are also able to ease stress by sending messages to the brain where they are processed and then are sent back to regions of the body. While messages are being sent to the brain, they are also being sent to the motor system causing it to modify its levels of tension. If this is triggered appropriately, then a decrease in stress results. Signals from the brain also carry with them oxygen and food which go too needy body parts. When the individual has a low level of stress, the body is better able to transport nutrients and oxygen. In addition, a decrease in stress makes a person’s circulation increase endorphins within the body which enables the endorphins to go where they are needed quicker, the endorphins are specifically shunted through the body because of the arousal caused at the points of pressure on the feet (which lead to a decrease in stress). Better circulation is the result of lower stress levels for all systems within the body. Because the lymphatic and digestive system are affected by an increase in circulation, too, an improvement in eliminating toxins from the body is witnessed.

What should a person expect in a session?

Usually the first session lasts for about an hour. The first session will begin with the practitioner doing an intake and assessing the feet. The practitioner and the client have open communication about what levels of pressure most comfortable for the client. The practitioner may or may not use lotions or oils. Sessions thereafter are 30 minutes.

How often should it be used?

It is said that reflexology works best used regularly when working through long-term imbalances. Two times a week for one month, reassess. When body is balanced once to twice a month or as needed for maintenance.