Reflexology is the therapeutic practice of applying pressure to various points on the feet, hands, face, and ears. Foot reflexology is especially popular since there are nearly 15,000 nerves in your feet alone, making them especially sensitive to touch (hence why foot massages feel so good!).

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Certain parts of the feet—also known as reflex points—are thought to correspond to other areas of the body. By stimulating them with reflexology, we are also sending a signal to those inner organs and glands.

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Foot massage is an ancient technique – there are Egyptian tomb paintings depicting reflexology and it is documented in the Vedic texts of India which date back over 5000 years. Modern reflexology dates back to 1902 when Dr William Fitzgerald introduced ‘zone therapy’. Echoing the Chinese philosophy of Meridians or energy channels, Fitzgerald theorized that the body’s energy flowed along channels ending in reflex points in the feet and hands. He found that because all parts of the body are linked by these channels, pressing one area could produce an anaesthetic or healing effect in another. Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham took his theories further by maintaining that all parts of the body, including internal organs, could be treated by manipulating points on the feet alone.

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Today reflexology has become hugely popular partly because it is non-invasive, only the bare feet are manipulated while the client lies back fully clothed and partly because it is an extremely relaxing and beneficial treatment.

The therapist applies finger and thumb pressure over points in the entire foot which represent the various organs, bones and muscles of the body.

 

By stimulating relevant points, the therapist eases tension, dissolves blockages and boosts the circulation of energy, blood and lymph to and from the organs. The congestion sometimes feels like granular crystals underneath the skin, which is broken down and dispersed. The zone may feel sensitive afterwards ranging from mildly tingling to more tender.

 

As reflexology also stimulates toxic elimination there may be a need to urinate more during the day or have extra perspiration. Most people feel the full benefits the day after.

Reflexology has to do with the peripheral nervous system, which connects our central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) with the rest of the body and acts as a biological highway of sorts, sending signals between our limbs and brain.

While more research needs to be done on reflexology, preliminary studies show that it can help decrease systolic blood pressure and promote healthy circulation.

The safe, relaxing practice can be a complementary tool to other stress management strategies.