Ciaooo!
I looove reflexology and have sessions as often as I can to address a number of physical ailments. Holistic methods like reflexology have always attracted me because they are safe, based in ancient techniques/science, and are prescription-free. 🙂 Best of all, I love using the body to heal the body!
I’ve experienced a lot of relief from various issues that have been ongoing for me using this holistic and safe practice and wanted to give you guys the 411 on all things reflexology. If you want to know what it is, and how and why it works, this is your post!
A little background
As per Merriam-Webster: “reflexology” is a method of relieving pain or curing illness by pressing on particular parts of a person’s hands or feet.
There’s a little more to it than that.
In this ancient practice, it is believed that on the hands, feet, and ears, there are certain points that correspond with all the organs and systems in the body. By pressing on and massaging these points, one can therefore ease tension and correct imbalances in any part of the body.
Reflexology is often used as a supplement to other treatments, and not as a cure-all on its own. It is a great practice to utilize for “maintenance” of your overall alignment and balance and even for discovering new issues you might not be aware of.
The maps
When I have sessions I can’t stop asking my reflexologist questions about which points correspond to which parts because I find the whole thing so fascinating. There are maps for the feet, hands, and ears showing which points correspond with which organs and systems. The left foot corresponds with the left side of the body and right foot with the right side.
A foot map showing points just on the bottoms of the feet. (There are also points on the top and sides of the feet.)
In my many interrogations, I’ve discovered that the inner side of the foot represents the spinal column/central nervous system with the joint of the big toe representing the head and neck. So people who have a hunched back, for example, often have a a big toe that is curved in toward the other toes. (which I’ve seen on my grandmother has-so fascinating.) Isn’t that cool?!
Session experience
My reflexologist (and friend) primarily uses the feet to address these points. Others use all three (feet, hands, and ears) but I personally love that my sessions are also like foot massages and relaxation is definitely a part of the experience.
My reflexologist is able to tell me new things and confirm issues about my body that I already knew about or suspected without me telling her anything beforehand. She goes through all the points in the feet and will linger in places that either feel extra tense to her and/or cause me a bit of discomfort- a sign that that corresponding body part is struggling in some way. When these tense points are found, she usually works through them using various massaging techniques and is able to chip away at them.
She has even taught me how to find certain points on my own and how to work through them. I have some issues with strained adrenal glands and she taught me how to find that point in both feet (and I confirm that I’ve found it because it is usually a little tense) and massage it out so I can practice myself at home.
Reflexology is not, however, a one-session quick fix for many of these ongoing problems one might have. Those problems didn’t get there overnight, and won’t go away overnight, but they can definitely be worked through over the course of some sessions.
Have any of you had a reflexology session and/or seen results from reflexology? Let me know 🙂
A presto,
Amanda <3
photo of foot maps: http://reflexology-map.com/feet-map/
I am really fascinated with it too. I’ve had a few sessions for headaches but to be honest I don’t think I kept up with it long enough to see any benefits. I’ve had acupuncture for a while which I think is similar and that seems to work!
Author
Yeah it takes several sessions to show results for problems that are more deeply rooted.. but acupuncture is great too! 🙂
This is a really well written piece. 🙂
Author
Thank you so much 😊❤️
Ever since my art teacher back in school told me where to press on my hand to reduce anxiety, I’ve been intrigued by reflexology. This is such an interesting post✨
Author
Year it’s so interesting and really works. Thank you 🙂
This is so interesting! I haven’t heard many people talk about it if any. I love anything prescription free. Technically, as a public health student, I am taught to be wary of ‘traditional practices’ but with a proven technique that’s obviously not harming you, I’m all for it. Thank you for writing this lovely post! ❤️❤️
Author
Thank you, I’m glad to hear you got something out of it. Yeah you should try it out and see what you think 😊
Brilliant post,really well written and informative.I’m going to treat myself to a session next week!
Author
Thank you! 😊 Oh yay! Enjoy! Xx
What an interesting post! Who knew about such pressure points on the feet? I guess the professionals did…
Sunshine 🙂
This is definitely something I’d love to try! It’s amazing what alternative health practises can do! I’m in awe. Thanks for the marvelous write up 💜
Author
Thank you! Yeah! So worth it 😊
Wish I could afford reflexology more often!
Author
I know, it can be an investment but try to find someone who does it out of their home. They usually cost less.
I’ve never had one but now I’m intrigued.
Author
it’s very nice 🙂
Yeah!! I like ur unique taste!! Just loved it!!💕
Author
Aw thank you!! 😊😊
💓
Really interesting. Can I ask…I regularly suffer with sinus pain so does this mean I could massage the ends of my toes to help give relief?
Author
Hi! So I’m not a licensed practitioner so I couldn’t tell you exactly which points on the feet correspond to the sinuses but you could definitely try having a session, tell your reflexologist your issues, and ask how you could do it at home for yourself. Sometimes there is a certain way to massage points (in circles/just pressure/and suggested length of time) in order to get the maximum benefits from the practice.
As with any of these kind of things, it is great to have new things to try…especially if you can do it yourself. I will investigate. Thanks. 😊
Author
I completely agree, worth the try 🙂