What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic therapy, it involves using the hands and sometimes other tools to apply pressure to specific areas on the hands and feet. These areas correspond to organs in the body, and the pressure applied can promote healing and balance. Holistic therapies look at the whole body and aim to address imbalances between the body, mind, and spirit.

There is evidence of restoring through the hands and feet as far back as in the Egyptian tombs. One such tomb, known as the physicians tomb shows hieroglyphics of people receiving massage on the hands and feet.

Chinese medicine also supports the benefits of hand and foot reflexology for our health. In modern reflexology the hands and feet are divided into transverse and horizontal zones, the belief being that a person’s energy runs through 14 major meridians, or channels, in the body. Twelve of these either begin or end in the tips of the fingers or toes. Massaging specific areas can stimulate the flow of energy and address imbalances. Reflexology was brought to the UK in the 1960s, and you may be familiar with foot charts showing the reflexes and corresponding organs, muscles, bones, and glands.

Reflexology appeals to many as it is gentle, accessible and non-invasive, only requiring you to remove your socks and shoes.

Reflexology does have its limitations. Reflexologists are not medically trained. We do not diagnose or cure illness or conditions, on in some circumstances it is not safe to give a treatment. Find out more about who can receive reflexology treatments.

How does reflexology help?

Reflexology is a safe, effective, and enjoyable experience with lasting positive effects continuing after the treatment has ended. The benefits of reflexology are like a domino effect, the initial relaxation of the treatment allows the client to pause and take a breath and in this pausing the healing begins. As relaxation deepens and various reflexes are worked by the therapist, the circulatory system increases, affecting the performance of the other systems and organs, encouraging optimum performance, and restoring imbalances. A balanced body will in turn have a renewed energy flow which can help reset and revitalise the body, mind and spirit.

The body aims to be in a state of homeostasis, where it can maintain balance and stability, and be able to adjust to conditions for survival.

Stress and the body

Stress can influence homeostasis. Stressors are very individual things, they are perceived threats to us, and can be triggered from both positive and negative, short lived or ongoing, and be physical or psychological events. Stress is an acceptable and normal response to danger (negative) or exam/interview nerves (positive) in the short term, and healthy when there is time for the raised stress hormones to settle down, and the body can realise the danger has ended.

Whether it is low level or high-level, negative or positive stress, the body reacts the same way and enters fight or flight mode, a very cave man response to perceived danger, in order to keep us safe. Various organs and systems kick into action now, and others slow down to deal with the perceived threat.

Adrenaline and cortisol are released, and the cardiovascular system is affected by increased blood flow to the muscles and the brain, faster heartbeat, and vasoconstriction to cool the body. Meanwhile the digestion and reproduction are not priority during fight or flight, so these systems are temporarily interrupted. We usually recover from the experience and our system returns to homeostasis. However if we do not recover and rest, or we have repeated stressful events, the body feels the ongoing impact. Stress then becomes unhealthy when it is prolonged or frequent without the rest and repair. Stress hormones still circulate keeping the body in fight or flight. Prolonged periods like this leads to the body trying to function in ‘balanced unbalance’ (Vicki Pitman, 2002) and a person cannot function adequately. Without rest and recuperation for the body, the body can become exhausted, and sleep, mood, immunity and existing health conditions can be affected.

Recognising and managing stress is very important, especially in the fast paced world we live in today. Reflexology is a space to start doing just that, relaxing, taking time for you, and providing time for your body to pause and heal. Reflexology aids relaxation, improves mood and sleep, promotes the release of tension in the mind and body and increases our well-being. Improvements in these areas enable us to cope better when stressors arise.

It is important to remember that no matter what age the person receiving the treatment, and no matter what the reasons are for wanting the treatment, the body will utilise the treatment as it needs on the day, and take from it what it requires, and begin to rebalance itself. Please do not be disheartened if you do not ‘notice or feel’ what you were expecting right away. Sometimes healing and balancing can be like layers of an onion. It can take time for the body to process the changes and shifts, you may experience them during or after the treatment, and they may be in a physical, mental, or emotional form. There are many responses the body can have to treatment, read about the healing response.

While reflexology can offer many benefits it should never replace conventional medical care. Always consult your GP if you are concerned about your health.