Reflexology Therapy

Have you always been a believer of the notion that a smooth massage can quench any pain in our body? Be it just your head, a calf muscle or the whole body, a massage always soothes and makes us feel better. Continuing on this notion, but on a fairly larger and detailed scale is the ancient therapy of reflexology. Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the principle that there are different reflex areas in the feet and hands, which relate to specific glands, organs and parts of the body. It uses stimulation of these reflex areas, in order to affect the corresponding body part and thus relieves the body from any stress, which is responsible for almost 70% of all health problems. Some reflexologists also believe that by stimulating the reflexive areas, we can actually control the flow of “the life force”, which, then, heals the stimulated area. Reflexology is mainly of three types: conservative, interative, and perpendicular. In conservative reflexology therapy, the patient is kept in a reclined position. In interactive reflexology, the client can be lying down or sitting. He can also be taught to stimulate the reflex areas of his hand himself, while in perpendicular reflexology therapy, the feet are for a short time treated in a standing position and then in a weight-bearing position. Whatever be the type of reflexology you try out, you are sure to reap the benefits of good health and healthy living. Scroll down to explore the list of benefits that reflexology therapy promises. 

Benefits Of Reflexology Mail Therapy

Reduces Overall Stress

The first and foremost asserted effect of reflexology is a feeling of relaxation and a reduction in stress levels. This benefit is not new to anyone, who frequents spa or massage centers. Reflexology soothes the tensed nerves, thereby rejuvenating mind, body and soul.

Proper Blood Circulation

After reflexology sessions, patients tend to feel better, as the blood flow to various parts of the body is corrected on the application of pressure on various veins that pass through the reflexive areas. This adds up to give an overall refreshed feeling.

Pain Relief

Reflexology gives an instant pain relief in most cases. The pain may come back at a later time, but the relief provided is very evident, especially in cases of chronic pain. In some cases, if the cause of pain is some injury or fatigue, the relief provided through reflexology is sustainable and quite good. Reflexology stimulates the pituitary gland that releases endorphins, the natural pain killing hormone which the body has. This induces a feeling of well being and calm.

Revitalizes Body

Since the therapy reduces the stress and anxiety by miles, the body feels lighter. The energy level of the body goes up and patients tend to feel rejuvenated and more powerful. This basically results due to increased blood flow and proper nerve co-ordination.

Strengthens Immunity

As the body gets more energy and the hormones flow is balanced, the body functions attain a proper routine and with the added effect of de-stressing, the body’s immunity is improved.

Stabilizes Digestion

Another proven benefit is the improvement in digestive functions. Any stomach disorders that patients were facing before the therapy session tends to get cured.

Purifies Body

Through proper blood circulation and improvement of overall body function, reflexology also helps to purify our internal system. The toxins and negative liquids are removed from the system and fresh blood is pumped throughout. Even the kidneys work better, thereby purifying more blood and maintaining proper health conditions.

Detoxify The Body

Reflexology claims to detoxify the body, thereby adding to the overall well being. Crystalline deposits of waste products, usually calcium and uric acid accumulate around nerve endings and often lead to a crunchy feeling. A swelling or ‘squidginess’ indicates possible problems in the related zone. Working on a point helps crush the crystals and stimulate circulation, which, in turn, helps the lymph system to easily eliminate the waste products, thereby detoxifying the body.

Steps to teach you how to do Reflexology

Everyone can learn how to do reflexology and read a reflexology chart, it is a universal therapeutic touch therapy, similar to massage.
Below are 11 Reflexology Guidelines every new reflexologist needs to know.

1. When doing reflexology always do the whole treatment - all of both feet or hands. Try to avoid doing bits and pieces for specific organs or symptoms. This is the same rule for doing reflexology on the hand, face and ears. Even when doing reflexology with a specific relief in mind it is so important to do the entire area, then, go back over the "Reflexology Helper Areas". These Helper Areas are pointed out through the website to help you target specific areas for mild pain relief.

Hand Reflexology

Foot Reflexologyy

2. People that are ill have lower pain tolerances and can be very sensitive to touch. All the time when you are learning how to do reflexology, ask them often if the pressure you are using is ok. And if they have been in bed for more than 24 to 48 hours don't do reflexology at all.

3. Creams and Oils are only used in reflexology for massage relaxation techniques. They make it too slippery to use techniques properly. Oils are great for doing relaxation exercises on hands at the end of a treatment as a massage, or at the end of a foot reflexology session.

4. Talcum/ baby powder is best for doing reflexology on the feet and hands.  Sprinkle all over the feet and hands to absorb body oil (stop your hands from getting slippery) and to make it easier to move your fingers and thumbs over the body. It is hard to comfortably thumb walk (reflexology technique) for a complete foot reflexology session without talcum powder or something similar.  We recommend a talcum powder with a nice fragrance because it will uplift your mood through the session.


5. When learning how to do reflexology, its best to start on the foot because it provides the quickest results and has the most written about it throughout the world. Ear and face reflexology are great to give to someone that is stressed, that can't sleep or is generally in need of a bit of love. This is brilliant gift idea for a partner or family member because they will really appreciate gentle human touch.

6. Reflexology sessions last about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the hands or feet. It is recommended that for ill people, the elderly or very young, that reflexology sessions go for no longer than 30 minutes.

7. Some people have a physical response to reflexology, during or after a session. Physical responses can be burps, coughs, unintentional farts, small unexpected spasms can happen during the treatment. And crying, an increase or decrease in energy, feeling extremely tired, flu-like symptoms or exhaustion can occur up to 24 hours following reflexology treatment.
(this is even more only likely if the person does not drink enough water or its their first reflexology session)

These reactions are short term and should be accommodated by drinking large amounts of water. The body reacts like this because it is now working harder to create balance within its systems and is working harder to get rid of waste. Plenty of water and the person will be back to normal within 24 hours at the most. While learning how to do reflexology to keep an eye out for reactions to reflexology sessions so you can monitor how they get less and less with every treatment.

8. It is always recommended that diabetics check their blood sugar before and after a session. Blood sugar levels can severely rise or drop during reflexology.

9. When giving or receiving reflexology make sure both people are siting or lying down comfortably. The person receiving reflexology should be relaxed and sitting on on a comfortable seat or lying on a soft bed. The person doing reflexology should be comfortable also, because it will come across in the treatment if they are not. For good practice, never do reflexology bending over, or at an awkward angle and make sure there is no pressure on your knees.

10. Feel free to use the relaxation or massage techniques anytime during reflexology. You might use it to spruce up the treatment, to change between areas you are working on and to keep you excited while learning how to do reflexology.

11. There are different techniques for doing reflexology on different parts of the body. Eg reflexology technique for feet- thumb walking· Thumb walking is great for the feet as the reflexes on the foot are close to the surface· The reflexes in the hands are deeper so firm pressure applied with the index finger in a circular motion is more effective· Massage techniques are great for relaxation during a session too.

Face Reflexology chart

This Face Reflexology Chart is so easy to follow and learn, you will see why this is one of the most relaxing things to do and anyone can do it!

Even as do-it-yourself massage it's great

There are 15 points on the face that represent areas and systems within your body.

By stimulating these points you're increasing circulation and balance plus + also relaxing the person receiving reflexology. It allows people to stop and take time out from the stresses and obligations of life, relaxing is the same as hitting a reset button! It often can make us more efficient and happy. Helping someone relax is helping them stay healthy.

Face Reflexology Technique

This is very similar to the Hand Reflexology Technique, a gentler version (this is described again on the face reflexology chart key below)

Step 1. Index finger

1a. using one finger or thumb apply firm pressure on a face reflex point.

1b. without lifting the thumb or finger slowly rotate the finger/ thumb so pressure is being applied in a circular motion.

1c. do this on the same spot for fifteen to thirty seconds clockwise, and then fifteen to thirty seconds anti-clockwise.

How to do Reflexology on the Face

Ensure the person receiving face reflexology is sitting comfortably, their shoulders and head must be supported.

Generally the best place to position yourself when doing face reflexology is behind the person receiving it e.g. if they are in a chair you are standing behind them. If they are lying down (eg in bed sick) stand next to their head.

It is recommend that never standing in front of a person because they will be unable to relax with your body physically looming over them.

Step 1. Face Reflexology -

1a. stimulate each face reflex one at a time, unless where there are two points on the face for the same organ/ area.

1b. use the face reflexology chart below for direction, begin at point number 1, and finish at point 15.

If you want to work a specific area of your body (eg chest area to help with a cough), use the key underneath the diagram to determine which ones to do, however- we call this "doing the helper areas" and you can only do them after doing the whole face first.

Step 2. Relaxation Exercise - 

2a. using both hands very gently tap (using tips of fingers) underneath the eyes (moving form nose to ears).

2b. still using both hands gently rub the jawline from top of ears to chin.

2c. use index fingers to rub chin for fifteen seconds.

2d. using tips of fingers of both hands move up from chin, past the edges of the mouth and gently but firmly rub the cheeks in a circular motion for about thirty seconds.

2e. still using tips of fingers/ thumb move upwards, over the nose onto forehead where eyebrows meet, rub along both eyebrows moving in an outward direction

2f. once fingers at outside end of eyebrows spread fingers evenly pull upwards over forehead all the way to hairline

2g. gently rub the hairline, scalp and all over the head as much as you like

Step 3. Water - 

Water is important because an increase in blood circulation means the body will get rid of waste quicker. Your reflexology treatment will be more successful if you follow these last two steps.

3a. get the person receiving face reflexology a big glass of water

3b. tell them to take it easy for the rest of the day and keep up the water


If the person you are giving reflexology to is particularly sensitive to an area you touch, write it down (use the face reflexology chart to be sure of the area) so next time you do reflexology to them you can check if that same area is still sensitive. You may consider going back over that area after the whole treatment has been completed to give it an extra booster!
Some people MUST AVOID and cannot receive reflexology or can only receive it from trained professionals.