Reflexologists Near Me

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FAQs:

What is a Reflexologist?

A reflexologist massages or applies gentle pressure to particular parts of your feet to help with a health problem located somewhere elsewhere on your body. Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex points in our feet, hands, faces, and ears that relate to all parts of our body. Placing careful pressure on these points stimulates our body’s natural healing process. In reflexology today, the most commonly treated area is the foot. Reflexology is used for many conditions, ranging from migraines to constipation to menstrual problems. General benefits can include reduced stress and tension, improved circulation and immunity, and increased body awareness.

How Does Reflexology Work?

There are different theories about the exact way that reflexology works, but the main concept of all is that different areas of the feet are linked to specific body parts and that putting pressure on one area of the foot can have an effect on the organ that it corresponds with. According to zone theory, a foot is divided into five zones that run from toe to heel: The big toe is zone 1, and the pinky toe is zone 5. The body is divided into 10 zones that run from head to foot. Zone 1 aligns with the left and right center of the body, and zone 5 aligns with the left and right sides of the body. When you place pressure on zone 1 in the foot, it can relieve pain in the part of the body that’s linked to that area.

A theory that dates back to the 19th century suggests that reflexology works by stimulating the nervous system. Pressing on areas of the feet in a calming way stimulates the nerves there, which sends a message to the central nervous system. This helps to relax the body and has positive effects on your breathing, blood flow, immune response, and more.

Another theory suggests that reflexology helps offset the way that your brain registers pain. When your feet are massaged, the relaxing sensations may help relieve stress and improve your mood, which may make you less inclined to perceive pain as deeply.

Still, another theory suggests that your body contains “vital energy” that is affected by stress. If you don’t work to relieve the stress, your body may not work as well as it should, which may lead to aches or illness. Reflexology is thought to help you maintain the flow of vital energy through your body.

What Can Reflexology Treat?

Reflexologists do not claim to diagnose or cure any ailments. While reflexology is linked to a huge variety of potential benefits, only a few of them have been observed in scientific studies. These include reduced stress, anxiety, and pain, and improvements in mood and general health. This is because your nervous system – which controls almost every aspect of your health and well-being – can be influenced by outside factors, including touch.

Applying pressure to the hands and feet 'can help improve your blood supply, reduce any tension, and bring balance to your body. It can also provide good pain relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis, but make sure you consult your doctor before treatment. The theory behind reflexology is that it can help your body restore its balance naturally and can leave you feeling relaxed.

Reflexology is also used to treat symptoms of the following:

- Back pain

- Migraine

- Poor digestion

- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

- Respiratory problems

- Asthma

- Headache

- Bladder problems

- Menopausal symptoms

- Period pain

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence states that reflexology may be helpful for multiple sclerosis (MS), but there is not enough evidence to give firm recommendations. 'Although little research has been done to prove that reflexology works to relieve the pain caused by MS

How Do You Feel After Reflexology?

Reflexology feels different to each person. Generally, clients feel relaxed and sometimes even fall asleep during treatment. Other normal reactions to reflexology include increased sweating in the hands or feet, light-headedness, increased emotions, thirst, coughing, and exhaustion. Clients may feel slight pain when muscle groups that are being stimulated contract. When sensitive reflex points are activated, it may feel like a bruise, comforting pressure, and warmth in the corresponding area of the body.

Does Reflexology Really Work?

If the outcome you’re hoping for is stress relief and a feeling of general wellness, then the simple answer is yes, reflexology can work. That said, reflexology is ultimately just a form of massage and should not be relied upon to treat serious health issues. Again, there’s not much in the way of scientific evidence to support the idea that massaging a certain pressure point in your foot will have any effect on another part of the body. Still, many studies do show that reflexology can be beneficial to well-being in general, by increasing relaxation and lowering stress (similar to other forms of massage).

Will Reflexology Help Me?

 

Many massage centers or studios offer reflexology, where a reflexologist or massage therapist may combine it with other treatments like acupuncture and massage therapy. But you should talk to your healthcare provider before trying reflexology.

If you have circulatory problems, blood clots, gout, thyroid issues, athlete’s foot or epilepsy, your provider may suggest modifications or adjustments to prevent any unfavorable effects.

And if you’re pregnant, make sure you let your reflexologist know, as some points on your foot are believed to help induce labor.

So, what can you expect during a reflexology appointment?

Most appointments with a reflexologist are around 50 minutes — about 25 minutes spent on each foot. They’ll ask questions about your health, lifestyle, and eating habits to help determine where to work on your feet.

You can remain fully clothed but will need to pull your pants up to your knee so the reflexologist can work on your lower leg as well. You’ll either lie down on a massage table or sit in a reclining chair.

Your reflexologist may choose to use a lotion or cream while working on your feet, but it’s not necessary.

Overall, it’s important to know that the research supporting reflexology isn’t strong and that you may receive the same benefits as a traditional foot massage. So, do your homework and talk to your doctor.

You can even try out a foot massage at home. If you have foot pain or are exhausted at the end of the day, think about focusing on your feet.

Is Reflexology Supposed to Hurt?

Reflexology will often hurt when the congested reflex areas are treated and in no way resembles a foot massage. As the condition improves with several reflexology sessions, so will the soreness on the corresponding reflexes. Pain on a specific reflex is always brief and only lasts as long as the reflexologist is applying pressure. Pain is always kept at bearable levels. The well-trained reflexologist will adapt his pressure to the pain levels of the patient. He will also teach the patient deep breathing techniques (deep breathing releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killer) in order to reduce the pain sensation.

What Should I Do After My Reflexology Session?

Over the next 24 hours following your treatment, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. This can help improve your energy levels whilst flushing out toxins. Try to avoid any strenuous exercise, and rest for at least two hours after your treatment. Drinking tea, coffee, alcohol, or other stimulating drinks can diminish the effectiveness of your session, so try to avoid these if possible. Focus on eating light, nutritious foods to help your body continue to heal. If you plan on having any further reflexology sessions, take note of any reactions or side effects you may experience to share with your reflexologist in your next session.

How Often Should I Get Reflexology?

Generally, a person responds very well to weekly treatments until they feel an improvement in their symptoms, then it would be good to lengthen the gap between sessions, fortnightly then to 4 weekly or monthly. It really does depend on what symptoms the person is presenting and what is going on with their health.  If they have an acute problem e.g sudden onset of back pain or a chronic issue e.g  arthritis, fibromyalgia, any autoimmune disorder, or anything that has more complex issues then improvement will take longer than acute symptoms.  Most people will have a positive response in 3-6 treatments in some form.

What is the Difference Between Reflexology and a Massage?

Reflexology and massage, like many other therapies, use the hands on the body, for the application of their techniques. However, that is where the similarities end. Reflexology is not a massage, in the same way that a massage is not reflexology. While a body massage can be complemented with reflexology, a reflexology session only includes the feet and hands.

Reflexology does not require that you remove any clothes since only the feet, hands, and ears are touched. Massage therapy instead asks you to only wear an undergarment since much of the body will be touched.

Reflexology focuses on one specific trigger point in your body while massage targets entire muscle groups. Reflexology only uses the fingers of the practitioner to provide relief, while masseurs use a variety of massage tools and also oils.

Reflexology aims to improve the function of the human organs, while massage is designed to relieve tension throughout the muscles.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology 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. It’s also known as zone therapy. The way reflexology connects spots on the outside of your body to the inside is a bit like acupuncture and acupressure. But those therapies use points all over your body, not just on your feet, hands, and ears. And while reflexologists do use their hands, it isn’t a form of massage. Like those other therapies, though, reflexology is complementary to medical treatments. It can be done alongside traditional care, but it’s not an alternative to it, and reflexologists don’t diagnose or treat illnesses.

Duties of a Reflexologist

Reflexologists perform a variety of duties during their daily work. They often work directly with patients, and they may also work as part of a team that includes healthcare providers and other medical support specialists, such as chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. Some of the typical responsibilities of professionals in this role include:

- Greeting and preparing patients before treatments

- Working with patients to understand areas of concern, medical conditions, and treatment goals

- Performing massage techniques to improve the patient's physical health and reduce stress

- Educating patients about reflexology treatments, self-massage techniques, and lifestyle management approaches to improve the overall health

- Preparing, sanitizing, and setting up treatment rooms between clients

- Collaborating with other therapists and health care professionals to provide holistic care to patients

- Scheduling appointments and using software to manage client records

Types of Reflexology

Reflexology is an active and continually evolving therapeutic practice. In recent years traditional reflexology has branched out into new and exciting therapeutic expressions in an effort to improve the health and wellness of clients. Within all of these different types of reflexology, there are therapists who specialize in different protocols.

Foot Reflexology

This is the stimulation of the foot for health conditions in other parts of the body using specific hand and finger techniques.

Hand Reflexology

This is the stimulation of the hands for health conditions in other parts of the body.

Ear Reflexology

This is the stimulation of the auricle of the external ear for health conditions in other parts of the body using specific hand and finger techniques.

Facial Reflexology

This is a healing therapy on the face. It is a hybrid practice including principles of reflexology and meridian theories.

Maternity Reflexology

Supports a mother and babe through all trimesters of pregnancy with specialized protocols for common symptoms and complaints that often accompany pregnancy. The focus is the alleviation of the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy without the use of drugs.

Craniosacral Reflexology

This is a different approach to working with the zones and reflex areas of the feet.  Craniosacral Reflexology integrates the principles of reflexology, cranial osteopathy, and craniosacral therapy.

Body Reflexology

Body reflexology consists of a therapeutic treatment on the reflex zones and points distributed throughout the body. Body Reflexology works on several dimensions using concepts of polarity, correspondence, and vibration. It is a very comprehensive approach, in and of itself by its simplicity and efficiency.

Dermoneural Reflexology

Dermoneural or Clavitherapy for short, is a non-invasive therapy that stimulates the nervous system using clavicles to activate receptors of neurochemical transmitters on molecular and submolecular levels on the skin.

Fertility Reflexology

Fertility Reflexology is a specific set of protocols for specific fertility issues such as Endometriosis, Low Progesterone, and Low Sperm Motility/Morphology. The goal of fertility reflexology is to help couples conceive where there have been challenges.

Praxis Vertebralis Neuro-foot Reflexology

Taking advantage of new neurological maps, this technique consists of working the spinal cord reflex points in the feet in a way that sends a nerve impulse in an arc from foot to brain to organ, initiating a change in that part of the body.

Vertical Reflex Therapy

Vertical reflexology involves the stimulation of the reflex points on the hands and feet while a person is in a standing position or the hands are bearing weight. The logic behind this technique is that the nerves are more sensitized in these positions.

10 Health Benefits of Reflexology

Many of us spend long hours on our feet every day. Whether you work in a factory, an office, a field, a hospital, or anything in between, you put a lot of weight and pressure on your feet daily. Getting a foot massage from your partner, family member or a professional is one of the best ways to relax your mind and body. Let us take a look at the numerous benefits of reflexology.

1. Relieves Pains and Aches

One of the benefits of reflexology is its ability to treat different types of aches and pains, such as neck pain, migraines, headaches, and upper and lower backaches. It relieves tension in the muscles that may often lead to these conditions. Headaches occurring due to stress can also be alleviated with foot massages.

2. Nerve Function

Reflexology has been known to stimulate more than 7,000 different nervous endings. As our bodies age, these nerve endings become less sensitive. Having a foot reflexology can improve the function and reactivity of nerve endings, especially in our lower extremities. Reflexology also opens and cleans out neural pathways of various areas around the body. It is important to activate neural pathways to improve the manner of conveying information from the nervous system to the brain.

3. Fights Anxiety and Depression

Serotonin, a hormone released by neurons in the brain, promotes happiness. Low levels of this hormone may result in bad mood and depression. Massaging the top of your toes can enhance the production of serotonin. The adrenal, hypothalamic, pineal, and pituitary glands also play a role in emotions, including depression. Stimulating these reflex points by massaging the feet for a few minutes three times a day may help in relieving the condition. It is also effective in alleviating anxiety and stress.

4. Improves Circulation

One of the benefits of reflexology is an improvement in blood flow throughout the body. This means that blood and oxygen are transported through all areas more efficiently. Gently stroking the finger, hands, and feet will significantly enhance circulation to vital organs. The bodily systems function even better as more oxygen is cycled. This also increases metabolism and results in faster regrowth and healing of damaged cells. A foot reflexology massage before going to bed can enhance blood flow in the lower extremities.

5. Makes Feet Healthier

You can keep your feet healthier with reflexology. It stimulates the muscles, reduces pain in the ankles and heels, and alleviates stiffness. This is one of the easiest ways to keep your feet free from all types of foot problems, such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, as well as toenail fungus. A 5-minute foot massage every day can keep your ankles flexible and strong. This, in turn, will prevent unpleasant injuries. Massaging your feet with warm coconut or olive oil provides relief from inflammation and pain resulting from foot tendonitis. It is also an effective natural treatment for heel spurs.

6. Relaxation and Better Sleep

After a long working day, particularly after a day of standing, walking, and running around, the best way to relax is to have a foot massage. As mentioned before, reflexology can open neural pathways and result in a more relaxed condition in the body. This reduces stress levels, triggering a state of calm throughout your mind and body. Foot massage before going to bed also induces sleep. Reflexology is commonly applied to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. Fortunately, applying pressure on certain points help the body and nerves relax while improving blood circulation.

7. Reduces PMS and Menopause Symptoms

Most women suffer from irritability, dysmenorrhea, bloating, headaches, fatigue, insomnia and mood swings during PMS or premenstrual syndrome. These symptoms can be alleviated with daily massage. Reflexology is also useful for reducing menopause symptoms like depression and hot flashes. To treat the symptoms of PMS and menopause, the target point, known as Grandfather Grandson point, is located on the inner foot, where your big toe meets your foot. Apply gentle and firm pressure with warm oil for a few minutes to manage the symptoms.

8. Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension affects millions of people around the world and causes kidney disease, strokes, and cardiovascular diseases. Reflexology has been found to lower systolic blood pressure and triglyceride effectively. If you or someone you know has high blood pressure, massage the solar plexus reflex point. This point can be easily located by squeezing each side of the foot. The visible hallow that forms are where the reflex point is. Press this for a few seconds with your thumb. Follow this treatment twice a week to lower blood pressure, prevent anxiety and enhance mood.

9. Cancer Relief

While reflexology does not directly cure cancer, it can provide relief from the side effects of various cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Daily massage can also help patients to sleep better, lower the chances of vomiting and other digestive problem, and reduce anxiety. Reflexology is also known to increase blood flow and clear neural pathways, which may help to stimulate antioxidant activity and slow the spread of cancer.

10. Detoxification

Excessively processed foods, additives, and pollution increases the levels of toxins in our bodies and impedes the proper functions of vital organs resulting in aches, fever, pains, and fatigue. One of the best ways to eliminate toxins from the body is reflexology. It has been shown that reflexology can improve the function of the bladder, making it more efficient in eliminating toxins and other unwanted substances. This lowers the risk of urinary tract infections and other health diseases.

What to Expect During Your First Reflexology Appointment

Finding safe ways to relax and relieve the stresses of everyday life can be difficult, especially if you have exhausted several options. Another option to try is reflexology, a practice that places pressure on specific areas of the feet and hands through massage to heal the body and mind. If you haven't tried this practice before, you may not be sure what is involved and what to expect.

Here are a few things you can expect to occur during your first reflexology appointment and how you can prepare.

1. Preparing for Your First Appointment

Before your initial appointment, understand the basics of reflexology, what you want to get out of the experience, and any questions and concerns you have about the process. Reflexology is an ancient practice based upon the idea that applying pressure to certain spots on the hands and feet will help your body naturally heal itself. For example, if you are having headaches, the practitioner will massage targeted areas to help you find relief. Create a list of realistic goals for the sessions, specific areas you want to target, and your long-term health and wellness goals. For instance, if you were diagnosed with a debilitating or life-threatening illness, such as multiple sclerosis or cancer, write a list of any pains or symptoms you are experiencing and how you want the reflexologist to help.

2. Speaking With Your Practitioner

Much like other appointments with medical practitioners, your reflexologist may ask you several questions about your health and your family's medical history. You can discuss any concerns you have, so take this opportunity to talk about your concerns and any specific pain or symptoms you experience. The practitioner can let you know what specifically will occur during the session, which spots on the feet and hands they are targeting, and what or how you should feel.

3. Attending Your First Reflexology Session

The practitioner will lead you to a comfortable seat or table where the reflexology massage will occur. Depending on your preference and what is provided by the practitioner, your reflexologist might light some candles, play soft music, and use essential oils to make the experience as relaxing as possible. Your practitioner will begin massaging your feet and applying pressure to target areas. For example, if your symptoms are associated with your head and neck, the reflexologist may focus on your toes. The reflexologist might use lotions, creams, and powders to loosen the muscles and achieve better results. During the session, don't be surprised if you are so relaxed you fall asleep. You may also begin to sweat, cough, feel like you are hot or cold, or even experience slight discomfort. Let your practitioner know if you experience any of these or other symptoms, and they will walk you through why these sensations are occurring.

4. Moving Forward After Your Reflexology Session 

Once your appointment is finished, you will be able to relax for a few minutes. You may feel more energetic and experience a reduction in any aches and pains. Conversely, you might feel very relaxed and tired. Talk to your reflexologist about these symptoms as well. Your reflexologist will recommend drinking a lot of water over the next few days. This hydration will help you feel better, and the water will flush the toxins from your body. Finally, your practitioner might also recommend staying away from alcohol and heavy meals for the first few days after the initial treatment.

How to Do Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient healing art backed by modern research that you can learn how to perform in the comfort of your own home. Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific places on your feet, hands, and ears, which have peripheral nerves that are connected to your central nervous system. Massaging these areas is a way to tap into your central nervous system to relieve pain and reduce stress through the simple power of touch.

1. Learn the fundamentals of reflexology. 

Reflexology is based on the premise that the nerves in your feet, hands, and ears each correspond with other parts of your body. Applying pressure to certain reflex areas can relieve symptoms in other parts of the body.

2. Understand reflexology zones. Reflexology is based on the idea that the body can be divided into zones. Picture your body divided into a system of longitudinal and transverse zones. Imagine five zones on each side of your body, starting at the tip of each toe, and running up the length of your body to the top of your head. The transverse zones (similar to lines of latitude) divide the areas of your feet into zones that correspond to your head and neck, your chest, your abdomen, and your pelvis area. Engaging the tip of a particular zone by applying pressure to a place on the foot activates the body's healing power for that entire zone.

3. Consider making an appointment with a reflexologist. Meeting with a person who has been certified in the art of reflexology is a good way to introduce yourself to the practice. He or she will be able to show you the finger "walking" techniques used to apply pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, and ears to relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body.

4. Practice applying pressure to reflex points. When you identify which zone you want to engage, find the correct reflex spots on your foot by looking at a chart or consulting with a reflexologist. Apply gentle pressure to the area. The pressure you apply to these spots will stimulate your body to create endorphins that interrupt the pain cycle and relieve stress.

5. Get in a comfortable position. Remove your shoes and socks and sit cross-legged on a bed or a yoga mat. Try to relax your body to prepare yourself to begin the healing process. You may either perform your reflexology treatment or work with a partner who can apply pressure in the spots that are more difficult to reach.

6. Relieve tension in your neck and head. Relieve neck tension by applying pressure to the joints or "necks" of your 8 little toes. If you are experiencing tension in one area of your neck, you will feel tension or slight discomfort in one of your corresponding toes. Your entire head is represented in your two big toes, so apply pressure to them to relieve headache tension.

7. Help your chest relax. Stress often manifests in the form of a chest that feels tight. You may feel like you're having trouble taking a good, deep breath. Apply pressure to the balls of your feet to alleviate chest discomfort. This area contains the reflexes to your lungs, airways, heart, thymus gland, chest, and shoulders.

8. Relieve stomach tension. If you tend to feel stress in your stomach, which many might describe as having "the jitters," press the reflex points on your instep (the non-weight bearing area on the bottom of your foot) to relieve the discomfort to your abdominal organs. This is the area you would want to work on if you are feeling "gut-wrenching" emotions, or if you wake up with a feeling of heaviness in the pit of your stomach.

9. Loosen your limbs. If your legs, arms, and shoulders feel tight with stress, use reflexology to loosen up. Discharge tension in your arms and legs by applying pressure to the reflex points on the outer edges of your feet.

Help yourself sleep. Try applying pressure to a combination of all of the reflex points to relieve insomnia. Stress is often the main cause of insomnia, and if worries, fears, and tension tend to keep you up at night, you can relieve your insomnia using the same reflex points you would use to relieve tension and stress.

5 Main Techniques Used When Applying Reflexology

Thumb Walking – Using only the top section of your thumb from the joint to the tip, inch your finger along the foot or hand, pressing into the foot then rocking your thumb back a little bit, inching it forward. Keep pressure on the entire movement for the best result.

Rotation on a Point – Great to use along the diaphragm line, just under the metatarsal heads. Press in with your thumb then rotates the foot with your other hand. Inch along the diaphragm line repeating across the foot.

Finger Walking – Best used on the top or sides of the foot in more sensitive areas. Use the same technique as thumb walking, but use your index finger instead. Inch it along in between the metatarsals.

Hook and Backup – Great to use on the spleen reflex and gall bladder reflex. Simply press the tip of your thumb directly into the point, then slowly back it straight out. Can be very deep, so be sure to check in with your client about the pressure.

Slide and Press – Place both thumbs on the heel and slide each thumb from the center of the sole to the edge of the foot. Alternate the thumbs by using the right and then the left as you work up the foot towards the toes.

When using these techniques, make sure to apply pressure gently and avoid digging right into the tender point. Pressing firmly yet gently is the key to a good reflexology technique.

How to Reap the Benefits of Reflexology

After-care for treatments is crucial to its efficacy. In order to aid the healing process and gain the maximum benefits, in the 12 hours after treatment you should:

1. STAY HYDRATED

Do your best to drink plenty of water to help flush the excess toxins and waste released by the reflexology. Pro-tip: hydrating your body before treatment is equally as important. Staying hydrated will prevent excess soreness, improve metabolic waste, and aid in detoxification. Aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day, especially on treatment days.

2. EAT LIGHT

Avoid heavy meals for up to two hours after your treatment. While nourishment is important, eating a large meal will divert blood to your digestive tract, rather than to the areas of the body needing the oxygen and nutrients for healing. If needed, consider eating a light snack such as a piece of fruit or some veggies.

3. AVOID CAFFEINE

Beverages such as coffee, tea, and sodas contain stimulants that can dehydrate your body and increase your heart rate. This can trigger or elevate symptoms of anxiety, potentially counteracting the benefits of your reflexology treatment.

4. AVOID ALCOHOL

This is an extremely important substance to avoid after a treatment. Alcohol has diuretic effects, impairs judgment, and can undo the benefits reaped from treatment. Try to avoid alcohol and smoking for up to 24 hours, as the effects are intensified post-treatment.

5. REST AND RELAX

It’s important to let your body recover naturally after a session of reflexology. Give your body time to relax during the day and be sure to indulge in a good night’s sleep.

5. ADVERSE EFFECTS

With any treatment, there is the possibility to experience some temporary negative symptoms. Any side effects should pass within 24 hours and can be minimized by following the tips above. However, don’t be concerned if you experience mild effects of the following symptoms: 

- A temporary worsening of your symptoms

- Fatigue

- Chills (feeling hot and cold)

- Intensified emotions

- Headache

- Irritability or restlessness

- Clamminess of the hands and feet

- Runny nose

- Skin reaction

- Nausea

- Dizziness

- Diarrhea

Side Effects of Reflexology

After a reflexology session, most people experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. However, side effects can occur. These include:

- lethargy

- nausea

- crying or feeling tearful

- lightheadedness

- strong emotions

This is usually transitory, and reflexologists believe that it is part of the healing process.

Reflexology is not for everyone, though. For people with certain health conditions, it may cause more harm than good. Contraindications for reflexology include:

- circulatory issues

- gout

- history of blood clots

- certain foot injuries such as sprains, strains, or stress fractures

- painful skin conditions such as blisters severe eczema or psoriasis

- contagious skin conditions such as scabies, chicken pox, or athlete’s foot

- certain symptoms of diabetes, including non-healing wounds or peripheral neuropathy

Always talk with your doctor before starting a new treatment to determine whether it’s appropriate for you.

Reflexology is not recommended for those with gout, a history of blood clots, or circulatory issues.

If you’re pregnant, consult a doctor before trying reflexology. There are concerns associated with foot reflexology and stimulating labor.

How to Find a Good Reflexologist

1. Ask others for a recommendation.

Friends, family, and healthcare providers who have seen the practitioner and who know you will often be good judges of a "good fit." It is important to work with a practitioner who feels right to you.

Check the websites of professional associations.

The following sites let you search for reflexologists in your area:

- American Reflexology Certification Board

- Reflexology Association of America

- Professional Reflexology Associations.

2. Ask about training and certification.

Many practitioners are lay practitioners, perhaps trained at a massage school, without the in-depth training required for certification in reflexology. Ask how many hours their reflexology training was (most nationally recognized programs require 110 hours). Ideally, you would look for a nationally certified reflexologist, who has not only trained at an accredited institution but has passed a national board exam. See Reflexology Regulations for more information.

3. Ask the practitioner how they work.

If you enjoy deep work, ask the practitioner if they are able and willing to provide firmer pressure during the session. Many reflexologists prefer not to use firm pressure because they have found it is not necessary to achieve optimal results. If deep work or gentle work matters to you, ask before you schedule an appointment.

4. Explore payment options before booking a session.

Reflexology is typically fee-for-service. Insurance does not currently cover reflexology. (If reflexology is performed by a hospital employee on a hospitalized patient, it may be covered as part of the overall treatment plan. However, if reflexology is performed on a hospitalized patient by a practitioner who is in private practice, the patient will be charged for the session.) Thus, it is important to discuss payment with the practitioner before the reflexology session.

Sources:

WebMD

Netdoctor

NHPCanada

Purewow

Wikihow

Taking Charge

Better Health Channel

Cleveland Clinic

Get Well Physiotherapy

Indeed

RAC

Oriental Massage & Spa

Naturally Savvy

Fedhealth

BLYS

Therapy Directory

Simply Holistics

Centerpoint

Healthline

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.