Foot Reflexology

What is reflexology?

When we talk about reflexology on the soles of the feet we know that it is a gentle, natural and holistic therapy based on applying pressure to reflex points on the feet and palms.

Reflexology foot massage does not necessarily aim to cure people of their ailments, but rather to allow the body's self-healing mechanism to function as well as possible by releasing energy blockages.

Massaging points on the soles and feet for therapeutic purposes is an ancient practice.

Foot acupressure has been practiced as far back as 5000 years ago in China and Egypt. A Chinese proverb says that "smiles come from the feet".

Many people spend a long time standing or sitting, and because of this toxins tend to move down to the lower areas of the body, locating themselves in the feet. Foot massage quickly eliminates the discomfort created by the feeling of 'heavy feet'.

The sole of the foot, which is one of the most accessible areas for stimulating reflex points, actually mirrors the whole body.

Reflexotherapists massage these areas and reflex points in the sole and thus effectively prevent or, where necessary, relieve various imbalances.

Sole massage or acupressure is used today in many Western countries for therapeutic purposes.

How does reflexology work?

Reflexology techniques are based on theories similar to acupuncture and acupressure. Reflexology massage is based on the principle that the whole is reflected in the part and the part in the whole. That is, whether in the ear or in the palms or soles, on the face or in any part of our body, the whole body is faithfully reflected. There are very precise maps showing the correspondence of each area.

Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington did research in the 1890s showing that reflexology works with the central nervous system. For example, in the foot alone there are about 7,000 nerve endings!

When we stimulate a reflexogenic area or point it triggers an automatic response throughout the nervous system due to the body's natural electrical energy. Several sessions of reflexology will gradually break down the deposits and remove any blockages in the corresponding areas that may interfere with this natural flow of body energy. At the same time, blood circulation is facilitated, leading to accelerated transport of toxins to the organs for elimination or detoxification.

Stimulation of specific reflexes triggers a parasympathetic response in the body which enters into a self-healing process. Pressure on the sole is a fairly advanced technique, because regardless of the area massaged, a precise map of reflex points must be followed. Basically, within one centimetre of each other, points corresponding to different organs can be found, which is why precision is essential.

The most accessible and well-known reflex points are on the feet and palms.

Reflexology has two main components - reflexodiagnosis and reflexotherapy

In reflexodiagnosis, the reflex therapist first has a discussion with the client to find out about their general health and lifestyle.

Then, in the first foot massage session, the reflex areas in the soles are palpated and the sensitive or painful points are rehearsed. Based on this information, the reflexology scheme is designed.

When one of the organs has an imbalance, its reflex point (in the sole or palm, etc.) becomes painful and thus gives an alarm signal. When stimulated, it manifests itself as a knife prick, like painful grains of rice or sand. Toxins are deposited in the area and can be removed by reflexology massage. Toxic deposits in the reflex zones are mainly due to incorrect diet, sedentary lifestyle or stress.

A grimace on the face or an exclamation of pain are sure signs that the activity of the organ corresponding to that reflex zone is impaired or suffering.

REFLEXOTHERAPY consists of one or a series of consecutive sessions of massage in the sole, aimed at therapeutic effects on the corresponding organs, glands, systems and functions of the body.

The therapist will modify and improve the treatment scheme as the treatment progresses, depending on the feedback received from the previous session. Patience and trust are needed, because for some people improvement occurs after the first session, and for others after several. What is certain is that the beneficial effects will last for a long time.

How is reflexology performed?

In foot massage the reflex therapist applies pressure, rotation, friction and deep, vigorous movements with fingers, knuckles or tools on the reflex points of the feet. If maximum beneficial response in the body is desired, pure essential oils can also be added (Raindrop technique).

The foot massage is carried out in a precise order, taking into account existing imbalances and the targeted reflex response. Lymphatic drainage manoeuvres are also added to quickly eliminate toxins and restore balance.

Pressure in the sole improves blood circulation and stimulates the elimination of toxins. It also facilitates self-healing and the body's immune response.

Who can benefit from reflexology?

Sole massage is suitable for people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. As well as relieving tension in the points that give sore soles, a sense of well-being and overall positive effects benefit the whole body. Daily annoying symptoms and even more complex acute or chronic morphological and functional conditions are relieved.

Reflexotherapy can be applied for prophylactic purposes (for general maintenance of physical, mental and energetic balance), or for therapeutic purposes for various conditions. The advantage of this method lies in the lack of toxicity and side-effects, which are very common with drug treatments.

Reflexotherapy does not treat the symptoms of illnesses, but stimulates their healing by rebalancing the bioenergetic balance of the affected area.

What will you feel during and after a reflexology session?

Normally, the state that most people experience both during and after a reflexology foot massage is one of calm and relaxation. Some people become slightly drowsy precisely because the body relaxes and goes into an extremely pleasant state of numbness.

Reflexology massage is not painful but the first few sessions of foot massage can sometimes feel painful. This shows that toxins have accumulated over the years and are beginning to be eliminated.

After a few sessions, only certain points where there are specific imbalances in a problem organ may feel a little painful.

In any case we recommend that you always communicate with your therapist what you are feeling in order to adjust the pressure continuously.

As reflexology also has a strong detoxifying effect, as the residues leave the body, various reactions are possible, such as: coldness due to relaxation, or excessive sweating (caused by emotions), drowsiness, insomnia, migraines, sweating, restlessness, irritability, a bad taste in the mouth, itching, dizziness, slight nausea or lack of energy, more frequent urination and stools, even diarrhoea.

These side effects are evidence that there is a reaction to the treatment and that the body is starting to detoxify. A break of one or two days between sessions is recommended, as well as plenty of natural fluids, especially plain spring water, so that the body can eliminate toxins as quickly as possible.

Although these can be slightly unpleasant during treatment, this therapy has definite benefits, so it's worth it!

How often is reflexology recommended?

The frequency of acupressure therapy in the soles of the feet can be determined according to individual needs.

Healthy people who wish to maintain their general health and use reflexotherapy for prophylactic purposes, we recommend a set of 10 sessions (two to three times a week) in spring and autumn, and once a week or even every two weeks for the rest.

In the case of chronic conditions, treatment is recommended regularly two to three times a week, and in the case of acute conditions, or after surgery or a stroke, reflexology can be used two to three times a day, with the proviso that the sessions are shorter and without intense pressure.

Reflexology treatment starts to show results after a few sessions. We recommend 10-session packages with 10% discount.

What should we do during reflexology sessions?

In order to benefit from the beneficial effects and because it is a therapy very similar to a detoxification cure, it is recommended to drink at least two and a half litres of plain water daily to support the process of toxin elimination.

A balanced, healthy and light diet (with vegetables and fruit, no meat), sufficient sleep, sauna, exercise, giving up or at least reducing smoking and alcohol and coffee consumption are also recommended. It also helps to wear light, soft-soled shoes.

Before and after a session of presopuncture in the soles it is advisable not to eat for at least 1.5-2h to allow the body to do its "repairs and purifications" without digestive energy consumption.

Benefits of reflexotherapy

Being a non-invasive and relaxing therapy, where there is no toxicity compared to drug therapy, it is obvious why it has a number of advantages for many people with various conditions.

Doses of medication can be reduced and even stopped in those who benefit from regular reflexotherapy sessions. It also speeds recovery and recovery and can be a non-toxic solution in cases where drug treatment has failed. An advantage of reflexology is that it can be applied to all categories of people, even babies, and has a relaxing effect and helps them sleep better.

Prevention of diseases and conditions detected when certain reflex areas are painful is preferable before they manifest themselves.

The body is a complex collection of interconnected and interdependent parts and maintaining a good balance between them is important. Insole acupressure helps to maintain this and is a therapy that provides relaxation, regeneration, comfort, health and continued well-being.

Like a classic massage, acupressure helps reduce stress and general discomfort and improves quality of life.

Note: some specialists say that reflexology is contraindicated in people with cancer, while others point to it for its effects in boosting the immune system and detoxifying the body.