What is Reflexology Foot Massage?
You may have heard the word ‘reflexology’ used in the context of foot massage before, and wondered what it meant. The concept is simple enough- stimulating points on the foot are supposed to have an effect on other parts of the body associated with the foot, the foot “reflects” the entire body.
The theory of reflexology comes from TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, and in this system each part of the foot is associated with some part of the body. For instance, the big toe represents the head and neck, while the center of the foot represents the kidney. Each organ system in turn has specific characteristics and functions according to TCM theories, and massaging the area on the foot associated with the organ is supposed to have a certain effect and relieve specific ailments. Without getting too much into discussion of the theory, which fills books, let’s just say that the foot from toes to heal roughly correspond to the body from head to foot.
If you are skeptical, and you have the right to be, maybe you should try it for yourself. Find a qualified reflexology practitioner and give it a go- let him or her know if you have any specific ailments. Reflexology has a good reputation when it comes to treating headaches and problems with digestion, for example. But either way, if you are able to relax and the massage therapist knows what he or she is doing, you should have a near heavenly experience.
When the treatment is done, you can expect to feel lighter and relaxed, with more of a sense of well-being. Keep in mind that reflexology, as well as other forms of massage therapy, aren’t usually going to work in one try. These ways of healing are usually carried out over several treatments, so give it the old college try before pronouncing judgment. In the end, whether it works according to TCM theory or not, it’s silly to try to deny the therapeutic effects of a good foot massage.