Foot Reflexology

If a long foot treatment sounds good to you, then reflexology should be your first choice at the spa. This style of massage focuses primarily on the feet; it uses pressure points on the feet to release tension throughout the body. Read on to learn more about the foot-focused therapy.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a massage technique based on the principal that all parts of the body can be accessed through “reflex points” in the feet, hands, and ears. The treatment is based on the zonal composition theory of the body, which states that our bodies can be divided into 10 horizontal-based zones, and that all of these zones can be reached through areas in the feet. A reflexology therapist will massage your feet in a way that is meant to release tension and improve the energy flow in the corresponding body zones. A skilled therapist can help you feel relaxed all over your body, but there is no hard evidence to suggest this is related to reflex points. Whether or not you believe the theory behind the practice, however, you can get a lot of a reflexology treatment. At best, you’ll leave the session feeling relaxed and stress free all over. At worst, you will enjoy a lengthy foot massage, which is relaxing in and of itself.

What happens during a reflexology treatment?

During your session, you will either sit in a reclined chair or lie down on a massage table. Your therapist will begin by asking if you have any problems you’d like to address with the treatment. Then, she’ll start gently pressing the soles of your feet on their reflex points. If you do have any problems that need to be worked out, your practitioner will spend more time on the reflex points that correspond the areas that need help. Some reflexology treatments work on the hands and ears in addition to the feet, but not all do. Regardless, your feet will be the main focus of your session. Reflexology is performed with your clothes on, so it can be an ideal treatment for people nervous about spa nudity. There’s no massage oil involved in the session either. During the treatment, you can choose if you’d like to talk to your practitioner or remain silent; most people like to be quiet during reflexology sessions, but you may want to know all about what your therapist is doing. The level of talk involved is up to you, and your therapist should follow your lead. If you want a step-by-step account of what’s going on, just ask. No part of a reflexology session should be uncomfortable for you. If you find that you don’t like the way your practitioner is performing your treatment, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for a change! That goes for other things about your treatment too; if you don’t like the room’s temperature, the music in the background, or are uncomfortably positioned, it’s okay to ask for things to be changed.

Who should get a reflexology treatment?

Reflexology is suitable for anyone who wants a relaxing spa session, especially if you appreciate a good foot massage. The treatment is a good choice for people who want to try something new, instead of getting a traditional Swedish massage. It’s gentle enough to be okay for first-time spa patrons as well. Since reflexology doesn’t require nudity, it’s an ideal service for people who are uncomfortable being naked during their spa session. Reflexology is one of the gentlest fully-clothed treatments, which makes it a foolproof choice for antsy patrons. It’s also a good option for people who are in a hurry; you can get a full reflexology treatment in half an hour if you like and there’s no massage oil to clean off afterward.

Where can I get a reflexology treatment?

Most day spas and other facilities offer reflexology services. Some small day spas may not provide the treatment, however, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead. If you have many options available, ask your friends and family members if they’ve had a good experience with a therapist. The success of a reflexology session depends in a large part on the skill of the practitioner. Find the best practitioner available and you’ll get much more out of your treatment.

How much will it cost?

An average, half-hour reflexology service will run you about $50. Longer treatments will obviously cost more, as will sessions as more exclusive spas.

Take-away tips:

Reflexology uses reflex points in the feet to soothe the entire body. You may or may not feel the results of the treatment throughout your body, but you’ll at least enjoy a nice foot massage. You can remain fully clothed during a reflexology massage treatment No massage oil is needed and the treatment can be performed in half an hour; it’s a great option for spa patrons in a hurry!