Foot reflexology: how it works, benefits, foot map and points to massage

Foot reflexology is a very effective therapy that uses acupressure to stimulate the psychophysical well-being of our body. Let's find out how it works, the benefits it offers and the points to massage.

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La foot reflexology is a very effective natural therapy that uses acupressure to stimulate the psychophysical well-being of our body. Let's find out how it works, the benefits it offers and the points to massage.

Foot reflexology is a technique that uses a particular type of massage done mainly with the thumbs of the hand used wisely to stimulate specific points. Everything is aimed at rebalancing the energy inside our body, sending important inputs to organs and systems and thus promoting self-healing.

Index

How does it work?

Each point of the foot substantially reflects another area of the body and massaging the correct area is as if we were going to act directly on that organ or system. In this way, the benefits of massage are combined with the sending of nerve impulses to certain reflex areas present on the sole and the back of the feet (it is no coincidence that there are many nerve endings in these parts of our body).

The operator uses only the fingers of his hands and does not even use oils or other substances for the massage.

It is important to underline that the reflexologist is not a doctor, therefore he cannot make a diagnosis, he does not prescribe drugs and he does not cure. Thanks to the art he has learned, however, he is able to help the body function at its best by intervening on any imbalances.

How a session works

First the reflexologist seats the patient and analyzes the shape, texture, color and other characteristics of the foot. Thanks to experience, by touching certain points, you will be able to realize the strengths and weaknesses of that person.

It will then begin with a warm-up of the foot and finally with the actual reflexology session. Based on the symptoms and requests presented by the patient, he will evaluate the most suitable massage by stimulating the corresponding organs. Generally the session lasts about 30-40 minutes and can be repeated several times a week until a cycle of about 10 meetings is completed (it is evaluated on a case-by-case basis).

Benefits of foot reflexology

Foot reflexology offers several benefits and can be used in many different situations. Having this treatment regularly by an expert is useful for:

To chill out: foot massage is most of the time relaxing even if the stimulation of some points could create some discomfort. However, it is generally an excellent way to release tension from the nervous system. For this purpose there are massages aimed at relaxation and psychological well-being.
Purify: foot reflexology helps purify an intoxicated body. In fact, the massage acts on the excretory organs, i.e. those responsible for the elimination of toxins from the body.
Improve lymphatic and blood circulation: this massage is able to stimulate the circulation of liquids in our body with benefits that affect the whole body.
Fighting the pain: many people choose to go to a reflexologist to treat pain. It is in fact an excellent system which, thanks to the action on the nervous mechanisms of our body, is able to relieve and treat pain by also stimulating the production of endorphins.
Rebalancing energy: according to oriental philosophies, vital energy flows in our body which in some situations and points can become blocked. Foot reflexology and its massages are able to restore balance in this sense with great benefits for the whole organism.

Thanks to the advantages that foot reflexology offers, it is a treatment that can be recommended in case of:

Headache
Back pain and other pains
Gastro-intestinal problems
Asthma and breathing problems
Eczema and dermatological problems
Anxiety
Insomnia
Problems related to menopause
To help you quit smoking

Foot map

Under the sole of the foot, but also in some areas of the back, a sort of map is drawn that the reflexology operators know and to which they refer in order to carry out their treatments.

Basically, according to the knowledge of this technique, the left body part (with all its organs) is reflected on the left foot while the right part of the body can be found on the right foot. To give examples understandable to all: the heart is on the left foot while the liver on the right, the lungs which are on both sides are reflected both to the left and to the right (each in its correspondence).

As you can see from the images below, trivializing a little, the upper part of the body is represented in the upper areas of the foot while going down the reflex areas of the lower part of the body.

Mrs_Bazilio/Shutterstock

Foot reflexology: how it works, benefits, foot map and points to massage

Photo: Sciatica and Body

Points to massage

Of course, what a reflexology practitioner can do is not the same as what we can do alone with a self-massage. Surely, however, taking care of our feet every night can still be of great help.

15 minutes a day before going to sleep would be enough to carry out a massage on your own which can be very useful for promoting psycho-physical well-being.

Just sit comfortably with your back straight, rest your ankle on your thigh and use your thumbs to massage the most important points on the foot.

You can start from the internal lateral part which, as you can see from the images, corresponds to the spine to be massaged with the thumb 3 times back and forth (at the heel to the big toe and back) and then focus on the internal areas where they are. present the various organs (see map).

For example, you can try to reproduce the massage proposed in this video, perfect for those suffering from back pain:

You can also choose to give light strokes and massage the heels in a circular manner to stimulate sexual functions and gently pull the fingers back and forth, very important to gently massage and press the tip of the big toe which corresponds to the area of the head.

However, even a generic full foot massage can help improve circulation and instill well-being and relaxation.

Remember to pay the same attention to the left foot as to the right foot.

Contraindications: when is it not indicated?

Foot reflexology has some contraindications. Never undergo a foot massage if you have a fever, acute inflammation, extensive mycosis, during the first days of the menstrual cycle (especially if you have abundant), pregnancy, degenerative diseases or are at risk of thrombus or emboli.

Only by a very experienced person, who will assess the situation specifically, can you follow foot reflexology sessions in case of diabetes, depression or mental illness, if you use drugs, drugs or alcohol.

A self-massage, especially if it is sporadic, cannot do any particular damage and on the contrary, in most cases, it helps to relax. What is certain is that the crooked position of the foot does not favor the correct position to be able to act. For this it would still be better to exchange a massage with your partner or a friend.

On other types of reflexology and on the well-being of the feet and consequently of the whole body, read also: