Although a little of what might be considered massage happens at first, to warm up the feet, the actual reflexology process is different than a massage of the feet would be.
In foot reflexology, there are very specific reflexology points for all the organs and each reflex is pressed in on and worked in a full session. The heart, the liver, the spleen, the colon, the lungs, the kidneys, the bladder and other areas of the body are represented in the feet and stimulating the reflex point for a specific organ can help bring more cleansing blood and increased circulation into that area of the body.
With any chronic health condition, it is quite common for the reflex governing that area of the body to be very sore. This is one way the reflexologist can determine if there is congestion in any area of the body.
....Is reflexology like Reiki?
Additional Information: Lymph Drainage, Fatique and Foot Reflexology
Question on health care and spiritual healing with reflexology: I have a few questions about reflexology. Is reflexology connected in any way to Reiki? Is reflexology considered spiritual healing and can you show how God uses this technique to heal? Besides the feet, directly related to the whole body, is there any other part of the body that can be massaged that will bring healing to the entire body? AND Is the patient hypnotized through reflexology?
Healing facilitation response: As far as I know, there is no connection between foot reflexology and Reiki. However, I find that the two work particularly well together. I usually hold a person's feet for a few minutes and do Reiki or other balancing energy work, which seems to make the session go much smoother and with deeper results.
Is reflexology a healing modality?
However, even someone with no beliefs in that direction can benefit through the purely physical effects of reflexology, which include increased circulation and relaxation.
Back to the spiritual perspective....There is a connection between what our body manifests and what is out of balance on emotional, mental, and spiritual levels so as the body comes into better balance, many experience more peace. I believe God will work thru any modality, including modern medicine, to help a person heal if that is the way that person chooses to accept the healing.
How reflexology works:
Pioneers in the foot reflexology field, most notably Eunice Ingham, determined that there were reflex points in the feet that corresponded in quite a direct way with other areas of the body. By mapping out these reflexes, and working with them over decades and with countless numbers of people, proof of benefit has certainly held consistent for a wide range of conditions.Other forms of reflexology:
Hand Reflexology: The hands have similar reflex points and this can be learned thru a study of Hand Reflexology. Hand reflexology is totally non-invasive and is perfect for working with elderly people in nursing homes, for example. Just by holding their hands in a comforting way, while talking to them, and reflexing the points in the hands, you can help them feel better.Ear Reflexology: Amazingly, another field of reflexology involving reflex points in the ears is gaining a great deal of attention lately. There are over 300 reflex points in the ears and many, myself included, have seen wonderful results with this therapy called Auricular Therapy. In my case, auricular reflexology and accupressure therapy helped greatly with inflammation, hormonal fluxes of perimenopause and eyestrain.
Does reflexology involve hypnosis?
A patient is never hypnotised as part of a reflexology session (unless that reflexologist might also be a certified hypnotist and then, I suppose it might be an interesting combination but I've never heard of it) but the experience can be profoundly relaxing.
That's an interesting question because I have had people routinely go into deep, meditative states and they may assume that I'm doing something additional but really it's just the remarkable, whole body effect of the reflexology session plus whatever Reiki energy is naturally there as well, by virtue of my being a Reiki Master.
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Health Care Disclaimer: Foot Reflexology is a safe, noninvasive way to stimulate better circuation and the body's natural healing impulses. However, reflexology is not presented as a substitute for medical care, if needed. Any action taken based on the contents found in this or any educational health information on this site at the sole discretion of the reader. Please consult with your chosen healthcare professional on matters relating to your health and well-being.