Reflexology and Foot Zone Therapy

What is Reflexology and Foot Zone Therapy?

Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet or hands with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.

Pressure sensors in the feet and hands are a part of the body's reflexive response. Reflexology taps into this reflex network, providing an exercise of pressure sensors and the internal organs to which they are inextricably tied. Foot Zone Therapy uses exactly the same techniques but crystals are used to stimulate the zones, meridians and chakras of the feet and hands.

What is Reflexology and Foot Zone Therapy Used For?

Although reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure health disorders, millions of people around the world use it to complement other treatments when addressing conditions like anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, and sinusitis. Reflexology is growing increasingly popular across Europe and Asia as both a complement to other treatments and as a preventive measure.

Reflexology is similar to acupuncture and acupressure in that it works with the body's vital energy through the stimulation of points on the body. However, acupuncture/acupressure points do not always coincide with the reflex points used in reflexology.

Reflexology and acupressure are both "reflex" therapies in that they work with points on one part of the body to affect other parts of the body. While reflexology uses reflexes that are in an orderly arrangement resembling a shape of the human body on the feet, hands, and outer ears, acupressure uses over 800 reflex points that are found along long thin energy lines called meridians that run the length of the entire body.

Some people confuse reflexology with massage. While both massage and reflexology use touch, the approaches are very different. Massage is the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, using specific techniques (for example, tapping, kneading, stroking, and friction) to relax the muscles. Reflexology focuses on reflex maps of points and areas of the body in the feet, hands, and ears using unique micro-movement techniques to create a response throughout the body.

What happens in a treatment?

A medical history and lifestyle questionnaire is filled out to ensure treatment is safe for the client. The client is then prepared for treatment by cleaning the feet or hands and treatment is given. If any imbalances are found, the points are worked and reworked and noted. The usual reaction of a client is to lie quietly, sometimes meditating, throughout treatment and the results are varied but always a feeling of deep relaxation is reported.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

The number of treatments depends on the client and the condition and will be discussed in the initial consultation process. It is recommended that there are four treatments once a week, and then once a month as a top up session but each client has their own recovery rate.