What’s the buzz on reflexology and is it more than just fancy footwork? Find out how it keeps you on your toes!
Once only available in alternative healthcare clinics, reflexology is a trending wellness treatment that you can now experience at spas nationwide, including your local Massage Envy! Growing in popularity by leaps and bounds because of its many benefits, reflexology is an alternate form of massage where the therapist applies pressure to feet, hands and ears using specific hand techniques. Reflexology is defined officially as a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, where specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Plus, it enhances overall relaxation.
How can reflexology benefit for you? Read on!
Benefits of Reflexology
To get the skinny on reflexology, we went straight to the experts: Heath and Nicole Reed of Bodyworker Seminars, a “cosmic couple” and the relaxation masterminds responsible for training Massage Envy staff on this form of massage.
“Reflexology stimulates pressure points in one area of your body – like your feet – to create healing benefit in another part, like your lower back,” says Heath. “It elicits physical and psychological benefits to the mind and body. And, it’s a quick doorway into mind-body integration.”
Hmm…let’s think here…yeah, we could live with that.
Besides the mind-body connection, Nicole says that reflexology is also beneficial for people who have trouble falling asleep. That’s because the treatment helps soothe the nervous system and calm the heart, she explains. Got a restless mind? Reflexology just may be your answer!
Don’t like the idea of stripping down to your skivvies in a place of business? You can still reap the benefits of reflexology by booking an appointment that focuses specifically on your feet.
“Foot reflexology is even more beneficial because it creates full-body relaxation without having to get disrobed,” says Heath. “It provides added relief to people who spend a lot of time on their feet or for those who experience lower limb challenges like foot, knee or hip discomfort.
Oh, you mean that pain we feel in our knees after a long day of hustling around in stilettos is not normal? Thanks for the heads up!
(Side note: Heath does not recommend foot reflexology for those ladies with extremely ticklish feet – you know who you are! – or those who are recovering from a localized injury or infection.)
How Reflexology Works
So what’s with the feet obsession? Well, actually, reflexologists believe that crystalline deposits of waste, like calcium and uric acid, bunch up around your nerve endings – and your feet have literally thousands of those puppies!
Massaging the nerve endings breaks up those bad-for-you deposits, eliminating them from your body and restoring balance. There’s also something to be said for the fact that reflexology is thought to stimulate circulation by massaging those nerves.
Back at Massage Envy headquarters, therapists apply a combination of traditional Swedish and sports massage techniques to your feet, calves, and upper legs to help break up that gunk. Their expert team can help you relieve toe and ankle pain, as well as assist in treating plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammatory condition, and many common forms of arthritis.
As with most forms of massage, the benefits of reflexology increase with frequent therapy. Lucky for you, Massage Envy offers affordable monthly memberships starting at just $49 per month. If you’re ready for some healthy, restorative energy and major stress relief, consider booking a reflexology treatment.
Ready to relax? Book your reflexology massage session at massageenvy.com today!
Nice share..
The most obvious effect of reflexology massage is that of stress reduction. The techniques of reflexology include finger or thumb walking where the reflexologist walks the finger or thumb over different areas of the feet in a set sequence and massage and kneading of the foot using the whole hand.