In this article, I will discuss in detail what a reflex massage is. I will also discuss the benefits of a foot reflexology massage. I hope you enjoy reading this article.
1. What is afoot reflexology massage and how is it performed?
Foot reflexology is a very old massage that consists of applying pressure to the soles of the feet. In this way, the pressure points of the feet are massaged and stimulated. The purpose of this massage is to improve blood circulation and balance the body’s energy. The massage focuses on the reflex points of the feet.
The reflex points are also called pressure points. The pressure points in the feet are the nerve endings where the nerve pathways in the body end.
The reflex points/pressure points of the feet are connected to the organs of the body via the energy channels. By stimulating these nerve endings, the foot reflexologist is able to influence and stimulate the internal organs.
After the foot reflexology massage you will feel that your body is detoxified and revitalized. It is because during this treatment the nerves are cleaned so that waste products can be better removed from the body.
You will feel energized, relaxed and relieved of pain and tension. By massaging specific pressure points of the feet you can reduce many health complaints such as.
- Improves circulation
- Relaxes the muscles
- Relieves Stress
- Helps Digestion
- Helps with menstrual pain
- Reducing Tension Headaches
- Reducing joint complaints
- Give tired legs and feet energy again
- Promote a deeper night’s sleep
Later in this article, I will discuss these health benefits in detail and explain how foot reflexology helps to alleviate these health complaints.
2. How does the massage therapist perform a foot reflexology massage?
The masseur performs a foot reflexology massage by first getting a good picture of the client’s health complaints. Based on this, the massage therapist analyzes the foot reflex points of the soles of the feet. Then the masseur starts massaging reflex points of the feet with the aim of cleaning the energy blockages in the nerves.
How does the therapist massage the feet?
When a massage therapist performs a foot reflexology massage, she will use her hands to massage the bottoms of the feet. She starts by massaging the bottoms of the toes, then moves up. The therapist will use her fingers to feel for areas that may be tender or painful.
Then she will massage the pressure points / nerve points of the feet. As I mentioned earlier, these are connected to all organs of the body via the nerve pathways.
By stimulating these reflex points, the nerve pathways are cleaned and blockages in the energy pathways are removed. In this way the energy system of the body is brought back into balance.
Blockages are lifted because during the foot reflex massage waste products are removed from the body. The effect of this is that the energy channels are freer, so that the organs of the body can also function better.
3. What are the main pressure points of the feet:
There are many pressure points on the feet that are connected to the organs. By massaging these pressure points, the nerves are released and many health complaints can be alleviated.
Above you will find a nice illustration of the different pressure points that are located on the soles of the feet. For more information about the different pressure points, you can also view this article.
4. With which complaints can foot reflexology help?
Below I will discuss how a foot reflexology massage can help with many different health problems. I give a short explanation per health problem how foot reflexology can help.
4.1 Your legs and feet get more energy after a foot reflex massage
A reflexology massage helps energize the legs and feet as it increases blood flow to the legs and feet. It stimulates the body’s endocrine system which regulates the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. These hormones produce more energy. The endocrine system is important for the overall health and well-being of the body.
4.2 A foot reflex massage reduces stress
Foot reflexology works by stimulating the nerves in your feet. By massaging specific pressure points that are connected to the brain via the connection pathways, signals are sent to the brain during the foot reflex massage. The brain responds to this by releasing the endorphin hormone, making you happier and calmer. You feel the stress disappear from your body and you start to feel calmer.
4.3 Foot reflexology helps with digestion
A foot reflexology massage helps with digestion because it improves blood circulation. Due to increased blood flow to your organs, your organs receive more oxygen and nutrients. It results in digestion being improved.
4.4 A foot reflex massage helps with menstrual pain:
A foot reflexology massage helps reduce menstrual cramps as it helps release endorphins and serotonin, making you feel better and calmer. We don’t call them natural painkillers for anything. It helps to relax the muscles and reduce the pain. It also stimulates the nervous system so that the nerves can relax and the pain decreases.
4.5 Reducing tension headaches through foot reflexology
Foot reflexology can relieve tension headaches because they activate and stimulate the body’s chi pressure points.
The pressure on the feet ensures that the energy goes through the spine to the brain.
The energy pathways from the feet to the brain are cleaned so that waste products can be removed better. It makes the headache go away. In addition, endorphins are produced during the massage. We also call this natural painkillers.
The production of this will also greatly reduce the headache. In this way, a foot reflexology massage helps to reduce tension headaches. For more information, I would also like to refer you to this scientific study what has been conducted on the effects of foot reflexology on headache reduction.
4.6 Promoting a deeper night’s rest
A foot reflexology massage promotes a good night’s sleep by releasing the substances melatonin and serotonin in the brain. These chemicals help you relax, so you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
4.7 Reducing swelling in the legs and feet:
Reflexology helps reduce swelling because it stimulates blood circulation in the feet and ankles. Due to the increased blood circulation, the tissues and muscles receive more oxygen. This is essential to reduce and combat swelling.
The effect is that the swelling in the feet and legs decreases. For the best results, it is important that you undergo at least three foot reflexology massages.
5. Frequently asked questions about foot reflexology massages
Below I will briefly discuss the most frequently asked questions about foot reflexology. I regularly update this list of questions based on the questions I get from my readers.
Is foot reflexology safe?
Reflexology is one of the most effective natural therapies and is safe and comfortable even for people with serious health problems.
What are other good alternative massages to a foot reflexology massage?
A number of massages that are strongly related to foot reflexology are, for example, the shiatsu massage, Chinese therapy , reiki massage and ayurvedic massage . All these massages are based on balancing the physical energy system. The big difference is that with these massages the focus is on massaging multiple body parts. However, the foot reflexology massage is limited to massaging the soles of the feet.
How much does a foot reflexology massage cost?
How much a foot reflexology massage costs is highly dependent on the number of sessions. The duration of each treatment and the quality of the therapist. We can say that on average a foot reflexology massage of one hour is between 40 and 70 euros.