Reflexology
Ancient Therapy to Modern Healing Modality
Your feet are very sensitive! Each foot has over 7,000 nerve endings on it. Foot Reflexology is based on the premise that there are areas on the feet, called Reflex Zones, that correspond to organs and glands in the body. Massaging a certain reflex zone on the foot will send a message, through the nerves, to the brain or spinal cord, which in turn sends a message, or “reflex”, to the corresponding organ or gland. This message encourages the organ or gland to relax and release tension, leading to increased blood and lymph circulation, increased nerve conduction, better cellular function and elimination of cellular waste products. It can lead to reduced swelling, especially in the feet. It also results in a soothed nervous system and helps the body to heal itself.
course materials
> Learn more about the History of Reflexology
Foot Reflexology: Several Levels of Therapy
On one level, Reflexology is therapeutic foot massage, which makes your feet feel better and more alive. It benefits people who have foot pain, who have worn too-tight shoes in the past, who have poor circulation or nerve conduction in their feet, or who just have tired feet from standing a lot.
On a second level, Foot Reflexology tends to relax the entire body through its ability to calm the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) and to assist the parasympathetic nervous system (resting, maintenance and nourishment of the body) to function more efficiently. The resulting relaxation is especially helpful for those who lead hurried, stressful lives and who really need a break.
The third level, concerns the specific reflex zones on the feet, corresponding to every organ, gland and body part. Massaging a reflex zone on the foot stimulates the corresponding organ, gland, or body part, resulting in increased blood, nerve, and lymph circulation – and leading to improved functioning, enhanced cell nourishment and more efficient elimination of metabolic waste products. Working with all the reflex zones on both feet gives your whole system a “tune-up.” Foot Reflexology can help people who have decreased functioning in one or more organs, including both short-term illness and chronic disease. It also benefits healthy people who want to maintain great health.
> Learn more about how Reflexology Benefits your body
What Happens During a Reflexology Session?
For Foot Reflexology, the only clothes you remove are your shoes and socks. You lie down on a comfortable massage table. Soft, relaxing music plays during your session. You can rest quietly (or fall asleep, even) or stay awake – your choice.
The type of Reflexology that I practice, Reflexolo-Chi™, is a gentle, yet powerful, touch that soothes the feet and relaxes the nervous system to encourage your body to heal itself. It is very low-tech, involving only the use of the Reflexologist’s hands and cocoa butter for your feet.
During a session, while massaging the reflex zones, I will assess your feet for pain, swelling, redness, decreased blood circulation, tension, calluses and other firm areas on the feet. The Reflexology massage can improve your blood and lymph circulation, help your feet be more pliable, and decrease your tension.
Basically, reflex zones on the toes correspond to the head (remember that next time you stub your toe!) and reflex zones on the heel correspond to the lower pelvic area. In between, the reflex zones on the ball of the foot correspond to the chest area (lungs and heart), and the reflex zones in the arch of the foot correspond to the abdomen (kidneys, liver, and intestines). The entire line on the inside edge of the foot is a reflex zone for the spine, and the outside edge of the foot has reflex zones for the arms and legs.
Who are good candidates for Foot Reflexology?
Case studies have shown (see History page) that Reflexology can be an effective complementary therapy for many conditions, including asthma, hypertension, headaches, digestive problems, gout, and nervous system disorders, to name a few.
* The only contraindications to Reflexolo-chi™ are current pregnancy or a history of thrombophlebitis (blood clot in leg, requiring blood thinners) *
Consider Foot Reflexology if you have:
| Foot Problems – Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs – Swollen feet – Hammertoes, bunions, calluses – Decreased circulation or nerve conduction – Sore Feet from wearing improper footwear | Chronic Diseases – Kidney disease – Diabetes – Lung disease, e.g. asthma, bronchitis, sinus problems, history of smoking – Cardiovascular, e.g. high blood pressure – Allergies – Arthritis and gout | Gastro-Intestinal Disorders – Constipation – Hemorrhoids – Diarrhea – Gastritis |
| Fatigue and Stress – Insomnia – Tension and inability to relax | Pain – Headache, migraine and tension headache – Post-operative pain – Shoulder and neck pain – Back pain | Desire for Optimum Health – Increase immune function – A periodic “health tune-up” |
> Learn more about Who Reflexology Can Help?
Client Testimonials
“That was awesome! I don’t think I could have gone any deeper into Theta State (of relaxation).”
– B.R., Ann Arbor, MI
“My feet and all the rest of me thank you! …I find that after one of these sessions, I get rid of a lot of fluid.”
– D.C., Brooklyn, MI
“My headache is gone! My stomach feels better.”
– J.S., Grass Lake, MI
“The most relaxing kind of massage I’ve had! I really go to another place during reflexology.”
– N.S., Ann Arbor, MI
“My feet feel so much better, and I’m nice and relaxed. My feet always feel good when I leave here.”
– E.W., Ann Arbor, MI
“My mom and I make the trek from Clarkston because Denise is the best!”
– K.D., Clarkston, MI
“Denise Held has helped me so much over the past 4 years. The Reflexology she does puts me in a relaxed state of being. I believe she has helped me to stay healthy in my body and mind by her techniques.”
– L.B., Ypsilanti, MI