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What is a Foot Reflexology Massage?
This ancient method from Asia is an alternative therapy with many health benefits for the body. After a foot reflexology massage, you will immediately feel more relaxed, and your feet will feel lighter and more flexible.
During a foot reflexology massage, pressure is applied with a stick or with the hands on specific pressure points, causing the nerves in your body to send signals to various parts of your body. These pressure points on the feet are connected to organs and other parts of the body.
It is said that a foot reflexology massage has self-healing abilities and can help alleviate certain conditions.
What is a Foot Reflexology Massage Good For?
A foot reflexology massage is a massage that uses pressure points on the feet to activate the healing process, stimulate the energy flow in the body, and improve oxygen intake. It is also said that a foot reflexology massage improves the absorption of nutrients and the removal of waste products from the body.
In Asia, foot reflexology massage is the most commonly used massage for treating conditions such as insomnia, back pain, hormonal issues, headaches, digestive problems, knee or foot pain, and stress.
Who is a Foot Reflexology Massage Suitable For?
A foot reflexology massage is suitable for everyone because it is a technique that can be applied even if you don’t have any specific complaints.
After a foot reflexology massage, you will feel immediately more relaxed, and your feet will feel softer and lighter. If you suffer from acute issues such as back pain, migraines, fatigue, menstrual discomfort, hay fever, or stress, then a foot reflexology massage can be an effective way to reduce or even eliminate these complaints.
Chronic issues are also treatable, and you will experience relief. It is even possible to use foot reflexology massage to detoxify your body after anesthesia, during a period of illness, as a form of pain relief, or to boost immunity.
What is the Difference Between Massage and Reflexology?
Massage
The goal of these two techniques differs. In a massage, the goal is often to help someone relax and relieve pressurethrough soothing hand movements. The kneading, stroking, and rotating movements in a massage help to relax the muscles.
Reflexology
In reflexology, relaxation is also a result, but it is specifically targeted at treating certain areas of the feet, which in turn provides relief to the corresponding organs.
In a foot reflexology massage, more pressing and vibrating movements are used, in addition to kneading and stroking. This allows you to reach deeper layers. Additionally, a foot reflexology massage has a unique function: it activates the body's self-healing abilities by removing blockages.
Foot Reflexology Techniques vs. Massage Techniques
In a massage, soothing hand movements are used more often. Through kneading, stroking, and rotating movements, a massage helps to relax the muscles.
In a foot reflexology massage, more pressing and vibrating movements are used, in addition to kneading and stroking. This allows you to reach deeper layers in the feet, which results in a longer-lasting effect.
How Often Can You Give a Foot Reflexology Massage?
The number of treatments needed depends on the complaints. Factors such as how long the issue has been present, how the supporting advice is followed, and how quickly the body takes over the processes itself all play a role.
You can compare this to physiotherapy treatments: the more ingrained the issue, the more treatments you will need. However, in general, after three treatments, spaced two weeks apart, you will experience the ultimate boost for your body and mind.
In any case, massaging the feet daily is a very healthy habit. It promotes better circulation and stimulates your lymphatic system, helping to remove waste more quickly.
Reactions During and After a Foot Reflexology Massage
A foot reflexology massage stimulates all organs and various parts of the body. The first reactions that may occur after a treatment (temporarily) include: increased urination, more sweating, stronger-smelling sweat, or different bowel movements. It’s important to drink extra water after the treatment to help flush out toxins.
After a treatment, symptoms may worsen temporarily before they begin to decrease. Over time, these symptoms will subside and come into balance.
Emotionally, a foot reflexology massage can also have significant effects, including a sense of relief, increased energy, and improved sleep. However, it can also bring up feelings of anger, clarity, or crying spells. On the other hand, sometimes the opposite can occur, such as fatigue, as there is increased awareness of what the body truly needs.
What Should a Foot Reflexology Massage Cost?
A foot reflexology massage or foot reflexology therapy typically costs between €37.50 and €70. The price depends on the duration of the treatment. Sometimes, the treatment is offered in combination with a relaxing massage. In such cases, the additional foot reflexology session usually lasts for 30 minutes.
Benefits of a Foot Reflexology Massage
Foot reflexology massage is focused on stimulating the body's self-healing ability. There are many benefits after a treatment:
- Relaxation and stress reduction
- Improved blood and energy flow in organs and tissues
- Better nutrient delivery to the body
- Detoxification of the body through waste removal
- Improved oxygen supply, which stimulates healing
- Balancing hormones
- Strengthening the immune system and optimizing digestion
- Pain relief for various complaints
- For chronic diseases, the treatment helps to relieve pain
What Does a Foot Reflexology Treatment Consist Of?
The treatment often begins with a refreshing foot bath. It is important that the therapist can treat your lower legs and feet, so these areas should be exposed. While you sit in a relaxing chair, pressure is applied with a wooden stick or the hands on specific pressure points. The movements alternate between pressing and vibrating movements. Additionally, the therapist will use kneading and stroking movements on the feet and lower legs. Small amounts of massage oil are used in foot reflexology.
How Long Does a Foot Reflexology Treatment Last?
Therapists generally offer three different durations for a foot reflexology treatment: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 70 minutes. The 30-minute session is often a quick way to relax and reduce pain. This shorter session is commonly offered as a supplement to, for example, a relaxation massage.
Are you a therapist or masseur looking to give foot reflexology massages? Are you searching for a massage table but unsure which one is suitable for foot reflexology? Read our blog on massage tables specifically for foot reflexology.
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