Reflexology is a treatment aimed at relieving stress by applying pressure on the hands or feet, which corresponds to the rest of the body. Industry experts discuss how reflexology can reduce stress and tension.
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Reflexology is a treatment aimed at relieving stress by applying pressure on the hands or feet, which corresponds to the rest of the body. Industry experts discuss how reflexology can reduce stress and tension.
What are the benefits of reflexology?
Michelle Ebbin, touch therapy expert and author of The Touch Remedy: Reflexology is an ancient Chinese practice of stimulating the feet to reduce stress and improve health and well-being. More than just a fabulous foot massage, it’s been used for centuries to stimulate organs, restore the body’s natural equilibrium and jump-start natural healing. The soles of the feet each show a map of the entire body, and understanding this map will allow you to relieve tension and clear energy pathways. By stimulating specific reflex areas, you encourage blood flow to that nerve pathway and the corresponding area of the body.
There are numerous benefits of reflexology massage, including stress relief, muscle relaxation, pain relief, improved circulation, detoxification, balanced body systems and increased energy, in addition to feeling great. It can help with insomnia, chronic fatigue, stomach problems, migraines, back pain and many common health problems that are linked to stress.
Brynn Bowman, lead spa trainer, therapist manager and massage therapist at CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona: Reflexology can reduce states of stress and anxiety, alleviate pain, enhance mood, encourage circulation, decrease inflammation, boost immunity, improve digestion, promote lymphatic drainage and, in some cases, ease hormonal imbalance.
What are your favorite reflexology techniques?
Briana Richardson, treatment supervisor and lead esthetician at CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona: We provide an interesting application of this practice in our Pure Radiance Facial. It features both an Ayurvedic kansa wand face massage and balancing foot bowl massage, and guests are transported to a place of deep relaxation, balance and flow. The treatment was developed as part of our partnership with Chopra (chopra.com/retreats/health-retreat) as the home for their signature retreat.
Bowman: Each guest shows up with different needs and intentions, and the practice of reflexology can be adapted to heal any body. Whether a client is experiencing tension in their head, neck, chest or stomach; has trouble sleeping; or is aware of blockages in their subtle energy body, the types of pressure and sequencing of the locations can be customized to transform. Even something as simple as being mindful of which side of the body you start on can have a profound impact on guest healing.
Ebbin: For overall stress relief, I opt for stimulating the solar plexus, located in the center of the chest behind the diaphragm. It’s the nerve center of the body, and in reflexology it’s located in the middle of the foot. Pressing here can relax the entire body and restore a sense of calm and wholeness; press for 15 seconds, release and repeat.
For headaches, the main reflexology area is the area to the brain, located on the big toes, in the fleshy part behind the toenail. To relieve headaches, pinch both big toes with your thumb and index finger for 10 seconds; release and repeat.
You can also make small circles with your thumb in the flesh of the big toe. Pressing here will release congested energy, ease an aching head and send healing energy throughout the guest’s entire body.
How can reflexology be incorporated into spas?
Bowman: The first thing to look for is a therapist who is highly trained. Reflexology is a specialized expertise, requiring study on pathology and assessment, auriculotherapy and anatomy, plus hands-on training, ideally in excess of 300 hours, and more. With the right practitioner, reflexology can be both a stand-alone treatment and integrated into bodywork, energy healing and esthetic services.
Ebbin: Reflexology is a fast and effective treatment for clients who are looking for stress relief but may not have time for a full-body massage or do not want to take their clothes off. It can easily be incorporated as an add-on to facials, massages and pedicures. Really, any spa treatment can benefit by offering an extra 15 to 20 minutes of reflexology. Every spa-goer should be offered a reflexology add-on and educated (very quickly) on how it can relieve stress and relax the entire body.
What training is needed to add reflexology to a spa or wellness practice?
Bowman: While reflexology is an excellent addition to a massage therapy certification, it does require specific training. Full programs generally take between 3 and 12 months to complete, and practitioners benefit most from applying 300 hours of study combined with hands-on learning. In the U.S., requirements vary by state, so be sure to consult the state board for further information on rules, regulations and proper licensure.
Ebbin: There are many different reflexology training programs available, and the number of required hours and certification for reflexologists differs from state to state. I suggest checking with the Reflexology Association of America to find out what is required in your state. A certification from the American Reflexology Certification Board requires training, experience and passing an examination based on actual practice.
