Let’s Take a Brief Look at the Mechanism Behind Foot Reflexology Massage
Foot reflexology is a special types of massage, which stimulates certain areas of the foot by hand. It treats illness and relieves tension when hands exert pressure on the reflex points on the feet. These reflexive points are linked to every part of the body. Read all about foot reflexology in this article, how it works, and the risks it carries.
What is Foot Reflexology Massage?
The foot massage is also called foot reflex zone therapy. Like all types of reflex zone massage, it is one of the so-called retuning therapies. The foot reflex zone massage is based on the idea that the feet are connected to all body organs via nerve tracts. For instance, the area under the big toe should be connected to the hemisphere of the brain on the same side, while a specific area on the ball of the left foot is connected to the heart.
If pain occurs in the corresponding areas even with light pressure, this should indicate a disease of the corresponding organ. By massaging the areas, symptoms can be alleviated, and the self-healing powers stimulated. Therefore, the foot reflex zone massage is used in addition to conventional medicine. The foot reflex zone massage improves blood circulation and peripheral lymphatic drainage locally.
Ancient Roots of Reflexology
The foot reflex zone therapy was founded in the early 20th century by the American doctor William Fitzgerald, who had observed the method in Native Americans. Fitzgerald divided the body into ten symmetrically arranged areas. The nerve endpoints of specific organs and muscles should be reflected in each area. The foot reflex zone massage was also used in ancient Egypt and is still widespread in large parts of Asia today. The German naturopath Hanne Marquardt has developed it further in the last few decades.
When do you have a foot reflexology massage?
The foot reflex zone massage serves as a supportive measure, especially in the case of chronic diseases:
- Pain management
- Skeletal or muscular disorders
- Sports injuries
- Indigestion
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Migraine
- Headache
- Menstrual cramps
- Allergies
The foot reflex zone massage can also be used as a complementary therapy for psychological stress:
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- States of exhaustion
- Stress
What do you do with a foot reflexology massage?
So that your therapist can respond optimally to you, he will ask you at the beginning about the nature and origin of your complaints and take an anamnesis. Reasons that speak against a foot reflexology massage are therefore also excluded.
Lose Yourself in the World of Relaxation & Pure Comfort
Depending on the clinical picture, the therapist now varies between stimulating (toning) and calming (sedating) grips. Toning grips are relatively quick, mostly circular movements, the pressure of which increases and decreases. In addition to reddening the skin, this should activate the associated organ. Sedative grips have proven effective for pain. The stressed area is pressed without moving until the pain has subsided.
A foot reflexology massage usually lasts between 20 and 45 minutes two to three times a week, but it can vary depending on the symptoms.
You can also give yourself a reflexology massage to increase your well-being. Diagrams are used for orientation. There are now even socks that depict the zones on the soles of the feet.
What are the risks of a foot reflexology massage?
Side effects of foot reflexology have hardly been observed so far. However, in some instances, it is not recommended. On the one hand, these are local complaints that a foot reflexology massage could aggravate.
- Breaks or wounds on the foot
- Fungal attack
- Diabetic foot
- Rheumatism
- Sudeck’s disease – a condition that causes severe pain
On the other hand, it is assumed that a foot reflex zone massage could have a detrimental effect on the following clinical pictures due to its influence on the metabolism and the immune system.
- Infections with a high fever
- Pregnancies and high-risk pregnancies – certain zones could trigger premature labor
- Inflammation – especially of the blood vessels
- Psychoses
What do I have to consider during a foot reflexology massage?
The foot reflex zone massage should only be seen as a supportive therapy. A study in 2006 showed one-off indications of the effectiveness of the foot reflex zone massage, but the effect or even healing is not confirmed by it. That is why the foot reflex zone massage is not a service of the statutory health insurance companies.
If you experience sudden sweats, an increase in your heart rate, nausea, or any other uncomfortable reaction during reflexology, let your therapist know immediately. You should also ensure that a trained alternative practitioner, masseur, doctor, or physiotherapist performs the foot reflex zone massage. Here, at Caribbean Mystique Spa, we offer premium crystal blue foot massage to heal your body, mind, and soul. Why don’t you give it a try and enjoy the fantastic ambiance and services that make your visit unforgettable? Unleash yourself and reach out to us now.