An ancestral tradition recognized as complementary treatment by the World Health Organization, plantar reflexology would heal multiple ailments: insomnia, circulatory problems, or even stress. Discover everything there is to know about foot reflexology…

What is Reflexology?

Plantar reflexology, widely practiced in ancient Egypt, China, and India, is based on a mapping of reflex zones linked to part of the foot by energy flows. It is an important part of Chinese medicine. It is well known for treating the human being as a whole, body, and mind, taking into account the energy flows that circulate between the organs, the tissues, etc… If the mapping used was quite simple in the past, Fitzgerald’s methodology, more widespread today, uses a more detailed map of the reflex zones. 

Plantar reflexology is therefore based on a principle of energy flow that connects each of our organs with a part of our feet. For example, the tips of your toes are connected to your brain, while your heel can play a role in your hemorrhoids or your sciatic nerve. Each area is then manipulated by moderate pressure depending on the area, using fingers, hands, or utensils dedicated to the practice of reflexology. Namely, if foot reflexology is the most widespread practice, the idea can also be applied to areas of the hand.

Areas accessible by plantar reflexology

As part of such a practice, the feet are cut out in the form of specific areas. Each will act on a part of the body or brain:

• The sinuses, head, pituitary, cervical and frontal, and temporal regions;
• The upper lymphatic system and the thyroid gland;
• Eyes and ears;
• Shoulders ;
• The lungs and bronchi;
• The heart ;
• The stomach;
• Spinal cord ;
• The solar plexus;
• The spleen, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder;
• Kidneys and adrenal glands;
• The transverse colon, ascending and descending, the small intestine;
• Lumbar, sacrum and coccyx;
• The appendix;
• The sciatic nerve;

The benefits of foot reflexology

By acting on the energy flows that cross your body, plantar reflexology acts on many organs, glands, or parts of the body and thus has a wide field of action. It can indeed help to:

• Preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease;
• Treat colds and other minor ailments:
• Increase physical and mental tone and energy;
• Reduce stress and anxiety;
• Relieve chronic pain;
• Alleviate the unpleasant consequences of chemotherapy;
• Stimulate the activity of internal organs;
• Improve blood and lymphatic circulation;
• Improve hepatic and digestive comfort;
• Reduce swelling in the legs and feet in pregnant women;

How does a foot reflexology session take place?

During your very first session, the therapist will first ask you several questions. This makes it possible to specify the reason for your visit and the possible areas to be treated. He evaluates your requirements and also takes the time to get to know you. Then, you will be capable to lie down and the therapist will assess the tensions present or not at the level of the soles of your feet. 

It will also examine the energy flows at the level of the usual points of tension such as the ankles, the knees, and the hips. Indeed, it is at the level of these joints that your energies can be blocked and create tensions. Eventually, after taking stock of your areas of tension, your needs, and your ailments, he will proceed to a massage of your feet, intended to release tension.

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A plantar reflexology session can have immediate consequences on your balance and your physical and mental form, much like after an osteopathy session. This is why it is advisable, particularly after the first session, to be accompanied or if possible, not to drive after the session. You may also feel the marks of the session in the form of body aches, emotional discomfort, or slight dizziness. This is perfectly normal! A good reflexologist will “Shake up” the energies of your body and your mind so that they circulate naturally again, which can alter certain emotional and physical aspects for a few days.

Plantar reflexology: how to choose your specialist?

If you can enjoy a relaxing foot massage in your institute or spa, this is more of a leisure method than a real reflexology session. If you want to relieve pain, enhance your mind or even act on a specific internal organ, select sessions performed by a certified reflexologist. Concerning so-called alternative or complementary medicine, word of mouth is usually the best way to find a practitioner. Do not hesitate to ask those around you if they do not already call on a foot reflexologist!

Photo: Pexels/ Arina Krasnikova

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