Reflexology
As a massage therapist also practicing reflexology, I am frequently asked how it works. In this blog, I will try explain my understanding of reflexology based on the information I’ve absorbed through education, training, experience and reading. Remember I am not a medical doctor; I do not diagnose, treat or prescribe!

Life Energy

To understand how reflexology works, we have to first explore the concept of energy and how it flows through our body. Energy is described in Western culture as vigor, life, spirit, passion, power, and electromagnetism. The Chinese define energy as life force, or Qi (pronounced “chee”). This energy is found at a molecular level and known in Western medicine as “electromagnetism”. Electromagnetism holds the atoms in orbit around each other in your body.

As the energy therapist Dr. John Veltheim puts it: ‘Science tells us that everything is energy and that matter is nothing more than energy in a different form.’

Meridians
Qi flows through our bodies in specific channels called “meridians”. Try visualizing meridians by thinking of how blood flows through blood vessels. Meridians are not visible like arteries or veins but they can sometimes be seen with infrared imaging. It is through the meridians that the energy from our vital organs is transported to the body surface. When we are in a state of disease it is believed that there is a blockage in the energy flow of that particular organ. The main meridians either begin or end in our feet or hands and this is where reflexology comes in.

Unblocking Uric Acid & Calcium Crystals
The feet lie farthest from the heart therefor it makes sense that circulation tends to stagnate in this area. Waste matter such as uric acid crystals and calcium crystals drawn by gravity can accumulate at the bottom of the feet causing blockages. By working the underpart of our feet (or hands and ears) we are trying to clear blockages thereby reestablishing correct energy flow and allowing the body to bring itself back to optimal health. So, as I tell many clients, reflexology by itself cannot diagnose or cure any disease however, it can reunite the body with optimal balance and facilitate internal healing.

Reflexology “Thumb Walking” Technique
There is a specific technique used in reflexology called “thumb walking” whereby the practitioner users their thumbs and fingers to “walk” across specific zones on the feet or hands. It is this technique (combined with pressure) that helps to break down the uric acid or calcium crystals. Also, traditional reflexology does not use lubricants like oil or lotion but is done just skin on skin or with talcum powder. My understanding is the lack of lubrication increases friction and direct contact aides in breaking down blockages.
reflexology-foot-chart
There are several theories about the “mapping” of the foot. From what I’ve seen the most widespread method is “zone therapy” created by the American Dr. William Fitzgerald. During his research into pain relief, he established that pressure applied to one part of the body could have an anesthetic effect on another part, away from the pressure site. For example, applying wooden clothes pegs to the fingers, created an anesthetic effect on the ear, nose, face, jaw, shoulder, arm and hand. In this way, he was able to perform minor surgery using just zone therapy, without anesthetics.
So, what we are trying to do in a reflexology treatment is apply pressure to areas in the ten zones, sending a signal throughout the nervous system to the brain, which in turn stimulates the internal organs to regulate and improve their function.

In The Treatment Room
Putting aside the “science” of reflexology for a moment, allow me to expand briefly on the client experience. I am always amazed by the profound relaxation effect of touching or massaging the feet. During a session, as I begin working the feet, it’s as if a wave of relaxation washes over the room. I even find myself becoming more relaxed (in a focused way) while working on a clients feet. Performing reflexology versus a massage on the feet only intensifies the relaxation effect. Next time you’re receiving a massage and the therapist begins working your feet, notice how your body reacts. There is definitely a special energy in the feet that affects the entire body.
Our reflexology sessions are usually 30 minutes during which time we will do the thumb walking technique on both feet covering all zones. As I’m working the feet I pay attention to what I’m feeling under my fingers and thumbs. If I feel anything slightly “crunchy” or hard, I will usually go back and cover the area again (unless it’s painful to touch, in which case I would avoid that area). We also incorporate some relaxation techniques at the beginning or end of the reflexology session. The pressure is usually firm but is always adjusted according to the client’s preference.
For a total relaxation and re-balancing I would highly recommend adding a 30 minute reflexology session to any massage or facial treatment. For pricing on our services, please click here or do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.