01/14/2026
Reflexology
What is reflexology? Merriam Webster dictionary definition #2 of reflexology is: âmassage of the hands or feet based on the belief that pressure applied to specific points on these extremities benefits other parts of the body.â Webmd ( a popular website to look up health and medical information) defines reflexology as: âReflexology is a type of therapy that uses gentle pressure on specific points along your feet (and possibly on your hands or ears as well) to help you feel better. The theory is that this eases stress, and that helps your body work better.â So, it is just a foot rub? Yes, reflexology is type of bodywork/massage therapy applied most often to the feet of a client. But, no it is not just a foot rub. A foot rub, is the massage of the feet. The massage does not follow any pattern or focus on particular points. It is just another part of the the body receiving a massage. Reflexology focuses on acupressure points in the feet. These points relate other regions or systems of the body. This is also true for the hands and the ears. Well it is true for the whole body. Our bodies have meridians running through them, on these meridians are points. These are the acupressure points. Reflexology is specific acupressure of the feet (most commonly), hands, and ears. I wanted to acknowledge the hands and ears have reflex points in them as well as the feet, but from here on out I am talking about feet.
When these reflex points are worked (by holding pressure and inching along) the whole body is affected. Muscle tension in the the neck and shoulders is released. The ears and sinus often drain. The lungs can be opened up and improve breathing. The solar plexus is activated. Digestive and bladder issues can be addressed. Even sciatic nerve pain can be dealt with. There are points for regions in the brain and for reproductive organs. In some cases reflexology has been used to help ease pain and to provide comfort during labor. It can also be used to encourage post due date labor (only under doctor supervision and with permission) without the need for induction. There are points to encourage lymph flow, ease knee pain or weakness. There are points for the thyroid, the pancreas, points to help with symptoms of TMJ. A reflexology treatment can also decrease stress levels, increase energy levels, promote healthy sleep, and so much more.
At Reflexology & Massage with A. Hart I follow the WhiteHawk method and foot chart. This is what was taught at Otero Junior College in the early 2000's when they offered a massage therapy certificate program. When I give a reflexology treatment I start off with a nice hot foot soak, followed with a washing of the feet. This does more than clean the feet, it puts the client in a relaxed state and helps to open the reflexology points up. Then from left foot to right foot the reflexology points are worked by holding pressure and finger inching. Each point is hit in a specific order and the whole body is affected. The whole treatment from the start of the foot soak to the last deep breath and pull, the treatment takes about an hour.
During a massage therapy session I also will use reflexology throughout. Most often I start at the feet because, I get a better âreadâ of the body I am working with. It is during a massage therapy session, not a reflexology treatment, that I am most apt to hit the reflexology points of the ears and the hands. These points are very ease to incorporate into a âregularâ massage therapy session, and have the same benefits as the foot points. Using them helps me to give a better massage. It helps guide me to the areas needing work. Like I said earlier the whole body has reflex points (acupressure points), making most of what I do a whole body type of reflexology. Reflexology is great tool to have in my tool box for use in all my massage sessions not just during a reflexology treatment. Reflexology is a wonderful treatment to have itself, it is good for the whole body and soul.
