Foot reflexology is the best option for people who have tension, stress, pain, or sleep issues. According to this complementary treatment, our feet can repair all of our organs.
Foot reflexology can enhance our body's functionality for true inner wellbeing. Improve your emotional condition and physical shape with a foot arch massage, either on your own or with a reflexologist.
Learn everything there is to know about foot reflexology, including its definition, advantages, uses, and exercises.
What is Foot Reflexology?
Chinese medicine served as the inspiration for foot reflexology, a type of complementary treatment. Thanks to foot massages, it is possible to treat some illnesses, relieve stress, and lessen tension.
Reflexology is a complementary kind of medicine that involves rubbing particular reflex zones or meridians on the feet and the arch of the foot. It is now possible to localize the body's stresses and dysfunctions in order to successfully revitalize it.
This is made possible by a particular touch. Through manual pressure, a foot reflexology therapy helps the patient overcome their psychological and physical imbalances.
This complementary medicine works wonders when used as a preventative strategy and in conjunction with conventional medical care.
What does foot mapping look like?
The foundation of foot reflexology is the relationship between bodily regions and reflex zones (organs, muscles, nerves, etc.). In essence, reflex zones on the left foot are related to all organs found in the left half of the body.
On the other hand, the right foot's meridians are connected to the right organs. It is conceivable to utilize both feet for any even-numbered organs, including those in the middle of the body, like the stomach and the lungs!
It is possible to act on the neck, nose, throat, or pituitary gland with just the big toe because there are multiple zones separated into the toes in foot reflexology (brain gland).
What are the benefits of reflexology?
A foot reflexology massage has numerous advantages for both the body and the psyche. Reflexology on the feet is best for:
- Energize the body.
- Harmonise the vital functions.
- Alleviate stress and nervous tension.
- Relieve back tension and other pains.
- Improve blood circulation.
- Relax with a deep relaxation effect.
- Activate the lymphatic system.
- Relax muscles.
- Relieve anxiety, anxieties and negative emotions.
Although foot reflexology does not make any claims to be a cancer treatment for major illnesses, it can significantly lessen the negative effects of radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Is foot reflexology an alternative medicine?
Foot reflexology is founded on the idea that each portion of the human body has an equivalent location on the foot, as was previously mentioned. There are ten main body regions that these reflex points correspond to.
Reflexologists today focus on ten longitudinal zones. In order to enhance the effects of the foot massage, there is also palm reflexology.
It is possible to activate the various organs and rebalance the body's energy flow by massaging these reflex points to stimulate them (the Qi in traditional Chinese medicine).
Regular foot reflexology can reduce the amount of medication that is prescribed for some disorders, but it will never take the place of medical care.
It only serves as a natural alternative to more conventional pharmacological therapies for pain management. And a plus for the calming effect that reflexology has.
When to use foot reflexology?
Foot reflexology is recommended in a number of situations including:
- Reinforcing the action of medical treatments.
- Reducing the side effects by a better elimination of toxins.
- Reducing the side effects of anaesthesia in post-surgery.
- Alleviating functional disorders of the neuro-endocrine, vascular and energetic systems (80% reduction of symptoms for the most receptive people).
- Rebalance the organic terrain in case of allergies or winter infections;
- Eliminating stress to relax and unwind.
It's crucial to understand that each person will experience foot reflexology differently, with different results. However, it is appropriate for everyone, even young children, the elderly, and the sick and fragile.
Choose a more active session if you are extremely exhausted. The patient must actively participate in the healing process because while the reflexologist facilitates healing, the patient is ultimately responsible for their own recovery. Your health is something you control.
How does a foot reflexology session work?
Every initial consultation with a reflexologist begins with a period of discussion and probing to ascertain your goals, your problems, and your medical background.
The session then begins with a foot or hand contact. It continues under strain while adhering to a routine specially designed for you. There is a chance that some reflex zones will be sensitive; this is typical and indicates that rebalancing is required.
It will progressively get easier to breathe. After the session, you could feel exhausted, at ease, and emotional; these are symptoms of poisons and tension being released.
4 foot reflexology exercises
To get back to sleep
It simply takes three minutes to complete the first foot reflexology maneuver. It is ideal for having a brief nap.
You can unwind your entire body with circular motions to reduce activity and be ready for sleep. You calm your mind, unwind your body, and get ready for a relaxing night.
Put your thumb in the arch of your foot and gently massage in little clockwise circles to achieve this. Increase your pressure until you detect the tiniest movement.
Next, place your foot between your two hands to warm it up while tapping it with your fingers.
To wake up more easily
This foot reflexology workout will be appealing to you if you have problems waking up in the morning. To energize your body, do it as soon as you get up in the morning.
This 5-minute self-massage is perfect for doing after a revitalizing shower. You should be aware that if you do it in the evening, it won't keep you from falling asleep.
You need need a tennis ball or game ball that is big enough to massage your arch in order to perform this massage. Make little or large circles over the whole surface of your foot while pressing the ball against your skin.
To avoid cravings
Do you struggle to control desires for sweets after meals because you have a sweet tooth? For you, perform this activity! The areas responsible for the sugar addiction are directly affected by the toe massage.
Reflexology for the feet can help you control your appetite and say goodbye to sweet cravings. Put a scarf behind your toes and take a seat on the floor to begin.
Without bending your legs or rounding your back, spread your legs and pull the scarf. Repeat this exercise six to eight times daily, morning and evening, holding the pose for 30 seconds each time.
To energise your body
You must encourage the flow of energy throughout your body in order to revitalize it. You will increase the flexibility of your toes, which are directly connected to your brain.
You can replenish your vitality by performing this workout every day. Take your foot between your hands to warm them up before performing this foot reflexology maneuver.
Gently stretch your toes up and down while making circles with your foot. Give your hands up. Draw the letters of the alphabet with your foot stretched above the ground.
What are the contraindications of foot reflexology?
If you have an injury or illness in your feet, such as a sprain or fungus, you shouldn't utilize foot reflexology. Haemophilia, serious heart disease, and phlebitis are among the medical contraindications.
Additionally, the first three months of pregnancy are not advised for foot reflexology. Ask your doctor for guidance if you are unsure of anything.
If you have a complete contraindication, you can always try another alternative medication like acupressure or phytotherapy!
To summarise
You may improve your physical and mental well-being with foot reflexology: if you have pain, are always stressed out, or just want to unwind after a long day, massage the appropriate reflex spots on your feet to feel relief right away!