Reflexology is much more than a foot massage. Although foot massage technique is used, the actual reflexology treatment focuses on applying firm pressure and specific movement to the feet.
Reflexology does not treat an illness as such, but aims to regulate a dysfunction in a system and helps the body to maintain homeostasis. It's a holistic treatment.
Although you will certainly feel better after the first session, several sessions are necessary to obtain a satisfactory result. Sessions can be spaced out by 3-4 days or more. Depending on the progress and the nature of the health problem, the reflexologist might spread out the sessions and recommend regular monthly treatments. Some people will ask for maintenance treatment or come back just because they enjoy the relaxation and well being brought by reflexology.
What happens during a reflexology session?
Many people prefer reflexology to other well being techniques as they remain fully clothed during treatment, only the feet are bare.
After taking notes of your medical history, the reflexologist will often start a reflexology session with a relaxing foot massage. This enables the reflexologist to study your feet and get you into a state of relaxation.
After this relaxing foot massage, the reflexologist will use the pressure technique to work the reflex zones of the feet and thus stimulate each organ of the body. Once the reflexologist has identified the tender reflex points on the feet, he can specifically work on certain systems to ease tensions and improve the body's vitality.
You should feel that pressure on your feet, as some points are pressed deeply, you might feel discomfort. If the area was too sore, the reflexologist will massage the area until the pain is dispersed. Sensitivity differs from one person to another, in any case the reflexologist should work within your pain threshold. An experienced reflexologist will tailor the session to your needs and adapt his technique.
As the reflexologist works the various reflex zones of the feet, he will come across gritty or dumpy areas which indicate a blockage or toxins. By applying pressure or rotating massage movement to the reflex points, he will eliminate the toxins and improve blood circulation in the corresponding organ or gland.
Once the reflexology treatment is finished, the reflexologist might again give you a foot massage to increase your sense of well being.
After the reflexology treatment
Usually, reflexology brings relaxation and relief from discomfort from the first session. You should feel fully relaxed after your session with an increased sense of well being. However, don't expect all your health problems to disappear, the technique of reflexology is not based on magic and several sessions are required to achieve good results.
As the treatment is flushing toxins out and improving fluid circulation, you might feel more thirsty and an increased need to urinate after the session. It is therefore recommended to drink plenty of water to help the body's cleansing process.
You might also feel nauseas or tired within 24 hours of treatment, again this is a normal reaction of the body which should go away after 48 hours. Other people feel energised and more alert immediately. Everybody reacts differently. In any case, contact your reflexologist if you are in doubt, he will be happy to know about your side effects and explain them. If fact, he will often start subsequent sessions by asking you about your reactions to the treatment.
