{"id":79955,"date":"2024-08-23T22:54:01","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T22:54:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/?p=79955"},"modified":"2024-11-14T22:12:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T22:12:42","slug":"what-is-reflexology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/articles\/what-is-reflexology\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Reflexology?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is Reflexology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative therapy method that applies pressure to specific points of the body, such as hands, feet, or ears, to allow the body to relax. This pressure can be varied and targeted to the recipient’s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though reflexology involves the use of hands, it is not considered a form of massage therapy, technically speaking. Similar to acupressure, reflexology is a complementary therapy that can be used alongside traditional medical treatments. It’s important to note that reflexologists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions; they work to support overall wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book a Reflexology Massage with Soothe<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How Does Reflexology Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a reflexology session, a practitioner called a reflexologist will apply pressure to various pressure points around the body to improve overall health and wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several theories regarding what makes reflexology work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One theory comes from traditional Chinese medicine\u2019s belief that the human body is made up of qi, or vital energy. Stress and other negative emotions can block qi, which results in an imbalance of emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual health. Where reflexology comes into play is that there is a belief that it can balance qi.\u00b3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A modern theory suggests that reflexology can balance the way that your brain registers pain. When these pressure points are massaged, these relaxing sensations could relieve stress, which can impact the way that you perceive pain.\u00b2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 19th century theory proposes that reflexology stimulates the nervous system. By pressing on various pressure points on the body, it can send messages to the central nervous system. This can help the body relax, and provide various benefits for you.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there are several schools of thought studying reflexology, a 2014 paper claims that reflexology is not a legitimate treatment for any medical condition.\u2076<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can Reflexology Do for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reflexology is something that can be generally applied as an alternative therapy for most conditions. When in doubt, always consult your medical team before booking an appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Benefits of Reflexology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Relaxation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A study shows that a five-minute foot massage resulted in a significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially increasing relaxation.\u2078<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improved Nerve Functioning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Reflexology can bridge to the central nervous system, targeting and improving what information flows to and from different areas of the body.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthier Sleep Quality<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Balancing the body\u2019s sleep cycle, reflexology can stimulate the nervous system and endocrine glands, allowing people to get more regular sleep.\u2075<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stress-Induced Tension Headache Relief<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With reflexology\u2019s relaxation qualities, it has been found that this can be extended to improve results on stress-induced conditions, such as tension headaches.\u2077<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improvements to Pain Management<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

By targeting specific areas on the body, the pressure from reflexology can address pain by targeting associated pressure points. This can, for example, include toe reflex point focuses for headache relief, and heel pressure to improve lower back pain.\u2074<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens During a Reflexology Session?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to preparing for a reflexology session, just make sure that you are clean and hydrated. Wearing comfortable clothes will also improve your session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of your reflexology session, your reflexologist will begin by asking you questions about your health, diet, lifestyle, and any known conditions. These answers will guide them in developing a specific plan regarding working on particular pressure points in your feet, hands, ears, or a combination of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The location will be a soothing one, similar to a spa. Think low lights, soft music, and possibly aromatherapy. You\u2019ll wear something comfortable, and sit back to let the reflexologist do their work. They will be working various pressure points with pressure application, rotation, and finger walking, to name a few methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what they can be looking for when it comes to pressure point work focusing on the feet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Foot