Health and reflexology

There appears to be a certain amount of mystery and even magic about why and how alternative therapies work. What makes reflexology special and different is the particular attention directed to a commonly neglected part of the body – our feet.
It is also a fantastic tool for resting the mind and returning to a more resourceful place. My relationship with my feet was forever changed after a friend took me for my first pedicure in April last year. Once my feet had been soaked, scrubbed and rubbed, and my toenails filed and carefully painted with French tips, an irreversible transformation occurred. I realised for the first time ever that I, too, have ‘pretty’ feet, and that caring for them made a difference to how I felt about them. Is it possible that self-esteem, self-respect and foot care can be linked? It would seem so. Where once I felt shame and embarrassment to show them at all, I now positively flaunt them.
Until recently, I had never considered experiencing what reflexology has to offer. I had mistakenly believed reflexology was a treatment for the feet only, and that it used the same pressure points as shiatsu and acupuncture. I wrongly assumed it would be painful, and therefore definitely not for me. Although I adore massage, the very idea of anyone getting within reach of my feet appalled me and I have spent many shiatsu and massage treatments lying in dread of my feet and toes being handled.
During a conversation with a friend in England I learned she was in the process of segueing from the world of corporate event management to the development of a reflexology practice. I found this surprising and marvelled that a successful, high-powered woman would choose a new life at the feet of Englishmen! She dispelled some of my misconceptions about reflexology, and her enthusiasm for the deep relaxation brought about through this alternative therapy inspired me to learn more and seek out a local practitioner. My newly acquired appreciation for my pretty feet spurred me into action.
When seeking a recommendation from friends and associates I found it interesting that so few people had experienced a reflexology treatment; and I began to realise I may not be alone in my foot shame and neglect.
Understanding reflexology
Reflexology is far from just a foot massage; it is designed to treat all areas of the body via the feet, hands or ears. The Ingham style of reflexology ­­– a non-invasive, complementary treatment – is mostly directed on the feet. Treatment is given to the hands and ears when a person has extreme pain or debilitation in the feet.
Each reflex area of the foot is worked by applying smooth, firm, but not forceful pressure using fingers, palms and thumbs.
If there is any tension or tenderness in a particular reflex area, this is taken as an indication of possible pain or congestion in the corresponding organ, gland or body part.
By massaging the entire foot, hand or ear, the body enters a deeply relaxed and stress-free state. Breathing deepens and slows, while the heart rate drops and the circulation of blood and the lymphatic system improves. The body is encouraged to return to a state of balance.
There is considerable crossover between reflexology and Chinese acupressure. Both are known as ‘touch’ or ‘reflex’ therapies, but the principles differ and so do the reflex point locations. Acupressure, shiatsu and acupuncture all use meridians ­­– energy paths that run through the total length of the body. Along these meridians lie 800 different pressure points. Less than 30 of these points are found on the hands and feet, and only one on the sole of the foot. Acupressure treatments also tend to be deeper and more probing, and can be quite painful, whereas reflexology is more gentle.
Finding a therapist
The recommendation I pursued was for a qualified naturopath who offers reflexology along with several other healing practices. After making an appointment I felt excited and confident that the following day I would be doing something for myself – something new and unknown to me. I was hopeful, too, that this session might offer me an hour or so of rest from an incredibly busy workload as I was feeling stretched and very stressed. I hadn’t been getting much sleep and when I did, it was pretty disturbed by my restless mind. I thought a good foot massage would be soothing, and a lie down would be heaven. After carefully washing and drying my feet, I was off.
I was delighted to discover the treatment room was cool and airy with an inviting floral scent and dimmed lights, which gave a peaceful feel to the space. I was warmly greeted by a therapist who I immediately felt I could trust with the care of my feet. During the initial consultation we discussed what had prompted me to try reflexology and what I was expecting to gain from a treatment. She then explained to me in detail what reflexology offers, the premise it operates under and what a treatment usually includes.