Reflexology, the pressure that heals

Reflexology is an ancient oriental massage technique that is increasingly sought after all over the world. It has no contraindications and can be applied to people of all ages. It is considered a complementary therapy, effective in disease prevention and as an adjunct to other treatments.

What is it?
Reflexology is a massage technique that consists of applying pressure with the fingers on certain areas of the feet. These areas or points are where the nerve endings corresponding to each group of organs or systems of the body are located.

According to the Association of Reflexologists, in a reflexology treatment all systems are treated, creating the conditions for the internal processes of self-regulation to work. That is, that the organism’s own regeneration system is activated and it reaches its natural balance.

Why the feet?
There are reflex zones all over our body and some of them allow us to reach the nerve endings more easily (based on the acupuncture meridians), especially the feet, hands, ears. In Portugal, the most used technique is podo reflexology or foot reflexology.

benefits and effects
Reflexology is a holistic therapy that looks at the body as a whole. The first benefit is a feeling of great general well-being, in which the person feels pleasantly relaxed and, at the same time, has more energy and more power to concentrate.

Some commonly seen effects are:

Detoxified and revitalized organism;
Normalized bodily functions;
Improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage;
Strengthening of the immune and nervous systems;
Deep relaxation;
In the medium and long term, an increase in the level of confidence and self-esteem;
If the person feels agitated, he becomes calmer;
Greater control of stress, anxiety and depression;
A recent study by the University of Portsmouth concluded that in people who underwent reflexology treatments, chronic pain became 40% less severe.

What to expect from a reflexology session?
According to the International Institute of Reflexology, if you’ve never tried reflexology before, it’s natural to feel a little nervous the first session. But the truth is that you can count on a professional therapist, who will immediately make you feel at ease and give you the opportunity to ask all your questions and answer all your doubts.

Also, you will never be asked to undress. The only clothes to be removed are socks or tights and shoes. In any case, it is better to wear loose and comfortable clothes so that you feel more relaxed.

At the start of your first session, the therapist will conduct a thorough consultation on your general health, diet and lifestyle. This will involve knowing what medications you take, recent surgeries, and your reasons for trying reflexology. Make sure you tell the reflexologist everything, even if it may seem like an insignificant symptom.

After building a picture of your current state of health, the practitioner will explain how reflexology works and then examine your feet and/or hands. You will be asked to place your feet on a special stool or to recline in a chair or lie down on a sofa.

The treatment will begin with some gentle relaxation techniques followed by applying pressure to each of the reflex points.