07/09/2025
People often ask me to explain Reflexology and its purposes. Here is a comprehensive outline.
Reflexology is used safely and effectively with patients for a variety of health concerns including anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, sinusitis and overall stress relief. It also works well as a complement to other modalities and treatments.
A complete reflexology therapy session uses many different techniques.The session generally starts with a warm up. Then the remaining session is focused on "working the reflexes", so every part, gland and organ is covered.
By working all of the points, the reflexologist addresses internal organs and glands as well as muscle groups, bones, nerve ganglions (solar plexus, brachial plexus) and nerves (sciatic) during a session.
If reflexologists find congestion or tightness during the session, they will apply pressure to work on bringing the body back into balance. If the practitioner finds an area of pain, the area is worked until harmony is brought to the area or point. To "release pain" is not the model: the goal is rather to bring the whole body into balance, and then the pain will subside. The reflexologist stimulates the nervous system to do the work, it is not the therapist who "fixes" it.
The reflexologist can return to that area or spot at the end of the session, confirming the pain has released.
Experiences with reflexology sessions vary from a general sense of relaxation and rest to a conscious awareness internally of the area of the body where the practitioner is working through their feet.
Many people experience a "lightness" or tingling in the body, as well as feelings of warmth, a sense of "opening," or "energy moving" from the practitioner's pressure to the specific body area or organ. There is often a physical perception of energy flowing through every organ, valve, gland, or muscle, as well as a sense of communication between each body system.
Other reactions during the session range from physical to emotional and may
•Sensation of feeling very relaxed
•Feeling light-headed
•An increase in urination or bowel movements
•Reduction of pain and discomfort
•Loose, relaxed muscles
•Feeling like all organs are hanging freely, not stressed and connected
Most clients end the session with an overwhelming sense of relaxation and overall well-being.
