The main goal of reflexology—a unique, holistic alternative medicine therapy—is to balance the body. The underlying theory is there are “reflex” points on the feet that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. Applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways. A reflexology session can help improve circulation, reduce pain, promote relaxation, soothe tired feet, enhance energy levels and encourage overall healing.
Research validates the effectiveness of reflexology on a wide variety of conditions. Sessions can be done in conjunction with a massage or as a standalone therapy, with the client fully clothed—except for the feet. The therapist will often begin the session by soaking the client’s feet in warm water or wrapping them in hot towels infused with essential oils.
Massage Therapist Jeanette Aguilar Harris says it’s important to find a practitioner with whom one feels comfortable and trustworthy.
“A good rapport is key,” she says. “It allows your body to respond more effectively.”
The first time Aguilar Harris experienced reflexology, she thought her therapist was clairvoyant.
“How did she know all these things about me? She would tell me it looks like your shoulder is having problems, or whatever, and she would be completely right,” Aguilar Harris says. “I was amazed by it. I asked her how she knew all these things about me and she said, ‘I can just tell in your feet.’”
She headed to school and added reflexology to the toolbox of body therapies she offers her clients.
“I have had a number of clients who are going through chemotherapy and reflexology is a wonderful way of helping the body. People having chemotherapy can have a lot of reactions to it and oftentimes have neuropathy,” Aguilar Harris explains. “It’s really great for stimulating the nerves, the muscles and the reflexes of the feet.”
“If you have a lot of tension or headaches, or even arthritis in your neck, shoulder and joints, you can work on that through the feet. It’s definitely wonderful for digestive disorders and can really help if you are constipated,” Aguilar Harris says. “It’s also good support for women who have problems with a lot of pain with menstruation.”
Reflexologist Jill Sanders says she couldn’t believe how relaxed she was after her first session as a client..
“My eyes were watering. I was practically drooling,” she says.
“A lot of people think it’s going to be painful—it is not. Some clients are embarrassed to be falling asleep,” Sanders says. “Clients find they can actually be calm and relaxed, especially in our crazy Western world where people aren’t given permission to sit still and do nothing.”
For more information check out Sanders’ website at revolutionreflexology.weebly.com and Aguilar Harris at totalbodywellnessnm.com.