Reflexology Massage: Everything You Should Know[2022]

Introduction

Reflexology massage is a systematic way of rubbing the feet, hands, and ears. It is manipulated Based on ancient Asian and Egyptian philosophies and principles.

the principles are based on the belief that all our body organ systems are interconnected together by different linking channels, and massaging on one or more of these feet/hand pressure points will have an effect somewhere else in the other parts of the body.

These effects come out as a result of the stimulus given to the reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears. Reflexology massage gives us tremendous benefits, these include an increased level of blood circulation, energy boost, heightened relaxation, and keeping overall body homeostasis.

Do you want to know more about reflexology massage? We have discussed it in detail as follows, read on to grab and find out more.

What is reflexology massage?

Reflexology massage is one of the ancient traditional massage therapies, which is believed to be done based on different principles. Ancient Egyptians and Asians were pioneers in introducing developing and practicing reflexology massage.

our entire bodies are interconnected with each other by some connective tissues and nerves. This connected organ system works in harmony and in a coordinated way. To comprehend this, there were/are several perspectives forwarded by different Gurus.

Ancient Asians believe that Within our internal tissues, organs, and systems, there are free-flowing vital energies that help us to revitalize all body organ systems. within our body, If there is a blockage in the free energy flow, we encounter disease and ailments.

In other views as well, our whole body is linked together by small tiny nerves and neurons. these nerves link the peripheral body with the central system, called the mind, and spinal cord. These nerves help us to keep our posture, bodily movements, and total body balance.

As these organ systems are interconnected with the reflex actions of our nerves, when some sort of reflex massage is applied on the feet and hands, it will have an impact elsewhere on the remote body parts associated and connected with these reflex nerves and effects in soothing or healing of that body part.

So, reflexology massage is the process of applying some sort of pressure on the feet, hands, and ears and producing some sort of treatment and healing outcomes somewhere else in the targeted organ system of the body.

To read more on reflexology massage, Click Here.

Origins of reflexology massage

Even though it is difficult to date back the exact date of the origin of reflexology massage, it is known that the history of reflexology massage goes back to ancient times.

There are different dictating narratives regarding the origins of reflexology massage. Some of these are by words of mouth and the others are supported with documented shreds of evidence.

On one hand, it is believed that it was practiced by ancient Chinese for more than 5000 BCE. E.g, In the old Chinese traditional medicinal book, called the yellow emperors classic of internal medicine, which was written around 1000 BCE, and,  in one of its chapters, there was a title designated as “examining foot method” and this serves as the beginning of the discussion in connection to foot massage and life force.

On the other hand, it was stated that ancient Egyptians were the aforementioned pioneers in practicing and introducing reflexology massage which is supported with written/documented pieces of evidence and depictions.

Reflexology massage was considered an Egyptian culture starting from 2330 BCE. In Egypt, there were/are hieroglyphic murals or depictions, in the pyramids of Sagara that indicate the act of foot reflexology.

On the walls of the tombs of ankmahor (known ancient Egyptian physician), located in Sagara, there is/was an image depiction, showing two men working foot massage on another two men.

In the inscription, underneath, the patient says, don’t hurt me, and the reflexologist replies, I shall act, so, you praise me. These are written pieces of evidence supporting foot reflexology in ancient Egyptians.

In Europe, starting from the late 14^th century, reflexology massage was already introduced and used, with another name, called zone therapy. In 1582 a book on an integral element of reflexology called zone therapy was first published in Europe by Dr. Adamus and Dr. Atatis.

Later in 1917, This zone therapy was discovered and developed by Dr. William Fitzgerald(1872_1942). He wrote about ten vertical zones that extended the length of the body. He is also known as the father of modern reflexology. He claims that zone therapy was used by aboriginal Americans.

How does reflexology massage work?

There are different schools of thought on how reflexology massage works. In fact, till now, they are not clinically proven. Even though these are not clinically proven, their benefits couldn’t be ignored.

One of these theories emanates from the ancient Asian doctrines. Especially, Chinese gurus and philosophies were relying on the channeling of vital energy.

According to this principle, in our body, there are free-flowing vital energies called /chi, qi/ which give us life, nourish cells and tissues, keep the body balanced internally and externally.

When these free-flowing energies get blocked, humans encounter illness and ailments. Here, reflexology massage mainly helps to release these blockages and boost a heightened level of health and well-being.

The second theory depends on the interconnection between nerves and our overall body systems. It is known that our body is systematically connected by very tiny and myriads of neurons.

These nerves connect the peripheral part of the skin with the central parts/brain and spinal cord/. Thus, the skin, the spinal cord, and the brain are interconnected by these tiny neurons. These in turn help keep body movement, balance, and structural functioning. To read more on foot massage, Click Here.

When the distal part of the nerves found in our foot, hand, and ear gets stimulated, the corresponding proximal parts of the organ system become relaxed. These nerves act Like electromagnetic effects.

The third theory is of a subjective matter. That is, when humans encounter bad emotional feelings, towards events, thoughts, and other conditions, they get gripped within pains and sufferings psychologically.

To release these bad emotions, pains, and sufferings, reflexology massage is believed to have a tremendous effect in relieving all these tensions and sufferings.

In general, though, these different schools of thought or theories have their own different views, they are related to each other and bring huge healing or soothing effects.

Reflex zone therapy:

In humans, there are ten reflex zones where the body is divided into ten reflex zones longitudinally from head to toe. Which,  each side of the body has five zones. These zones are also termed as reflexology maps.

Practitioners of reflexology massage manipulate their rub therapy following these zones or maps, by expecting some results somewhere else in their corresponding distal areas or organs and systems.

The left foot/hand is related to the left side of our body’s organ system, and the right foot/hand is related to the right side of our body’s organ system. Next, we will elaborate on all these reflex zones and their correspondent organ systems. To learn more on reflex zone therapy, Click Here.

Foot, hand Reflex points and their Corresponding organs

	Reflex zones	Corresponding organs
	Left thumbs and big toes	Pituitary, pineal, brain, hypothalamus, thyroid, sinuses,                       larynx, nose, trachea, tongue, esophagus, thymus, heart,                     spine, pancreas, breast, small intestine, and large                                 intestine, prostate
	left index finger and 2nd toe	Brain, eye, adenoids, lungs, heart, stomach, spleen, pancreas,          breast, small and large intestine
	the left middle finger and 3rd toe	Brain, eye, lung, breast, stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidney,               adrenal gland, small and large intestine
	the left ring finger and 4th toe	Brain, eye, lungs, breast, large intestine,                                  ovaries
	the left little finger and 5th toe	ear

Precautions and contraindications

There are some instances where foot reflexology is not recommended or needs special attention and precautions. These are categorized under precautions and contraindications

Precautions include:

First-trimester Pregnant mums

Contraindications include

• history of blood clots/thrombosis or embolism/

• Foot fractures or open wounds

• Deep Venous Thrombosis

• Vascular diseases of the feet and legs

• Localized Injury or wounds at hands, feet, or ears

• Sign of inflammation or swelling on feet, hand, and ears

• Any systemic or localized infection accompanied by fever

• Osteoarthritis on the foot or ankle

• Osteoporosis of the foot/hand bones

How to give reflexology massage?

Before we directly dive into reflexology massage, we have to confirm that, we have an enticing environment that is well rejuvenated and energized

The use of Soft music, aromas, and dim light with comfortable beds add some sort of relaxing effect to a reflexology massage.

Like As the other massage techniques, in reflexology massage, we don’t need to remove our clothing, except, our shoes and socks. Reflexology massage is done with the help of our hands, thumb, finger, and knuckles.

Moreover, in order to achieve heightened relaxations and have smooth interactions, you should begin by warming the foot/hand by soaking them in warm water or using warm towels, then dry them.

Even though reflexology massage could be done without lotion, using lubricants, oils or gels is recommended to have and, achieve a smooth, comfortable, and relaxing massage.

While doing reflexology massage, we use a light touch and deep massage in combination. Some books may recommend you to do only light touch in your first and second visit/treatments. but, if your client feels okay with deep massage, you can go ahead and perform deep reflexology massage, it is blissful and awesome.

Though we may apply multiple reflexology techniques, let us see the four basic foot reflexology techniques used commonly throughout the reflexology massage.

One common rule of thumb in reflexology massage is that, when one of your hands is manipulating, the other hand should be used as a supporting one to keep balance and fix and hold on the foot from to and from movements. To learn more on how to give a foot massage, Click Here.

Thumb walking technique:

This is one of the most common and fundamental techniques done throughout the procedure. It is done by applying light to firm thumb pressure across the plantar side of the foot and hand.

This technique covers all organ systems which are related to these zonal maps across the entire body. While doing this, the other hand will support and hold the foot/hand on the top side.

Repeat this technique on the other foot/hand with the same thumb walking technique. While walking, if your thumb becomes tired, you can use your fingers instead to walk through.

Finger and thumb massage:

This is massaging the fingers and toes of both hands and feet. First, you should massage the big toes and thumbs, then continue massaging the little toes and fingers simultaneously.

This technique will cover the whole organs and systems connected with it somewhere else in the body. Repeat it on the other hands/feet to encompass all targets.

Knuckle or thumb pressure:

This technique is used to massage the heel of the foot. You can use your knuckle to press and knead the heel area. Or You can also use your thumbs/fingers to pinch and hold then release to relax these focus points.

Repeat this work on the other part of the feet. During this technique, all the corresponding areas in the remote organ system will be relaxed and released.

Arch and spine:

These areas could be rubbed either with thumb walking or with the help of knuckles. This helps to release any tensions and pains with their remote corresponding areas.

Repeat this on the other side of the foot and hand.

Expected feeling of reflexology massage during the session

• Feeling of relaxation
• lightness,
• warmth,
• laughing
• the feeling of the opening of energy blockages

Side effects of reflexology massage

During or after a reflexology session, there are different feelings we may sense which seem abnormal side effects but, actually, they are normally experienced by patients who undergo reflexology massage.

These include:

• Feeling of light-headed
• Crying
• Coughing
• The sensation of being cold or chilled
• Perspiration of hands or feet
• Thirst
• Desire to sleep
• Contraction of muscle groups or pain

Benefits of reflexology massage

Reflexology massage has many benefits. As it encompasses the whole body, its effects cover the entire body. Some of these benefits include:

• Increase blood circulation
• Improve energy circulation
• Boosts body relaxation and mood
• Decrease body stress, anxiety, depression
• Relieves body pain
• Improves immune system
• Relieves Post-Menopausal Syndrome
• Relieves headache and migraine headache
• Soothes Asthma
• Relieves cardiovascular diseases
• Improves Diabetes mellitus 2
• Boosts Health and well being
• Improves Quality of life
• reduces heightened Blood pressure. To learn more about the benefits of foot massage, Click Here.

In a nutshell, reflexology massage is one of the oldest foot reflex methods practiced starting from antiquity. it works by stimulating the reflex acupoints in the foot and producing a fruitful outcome in the corresponding body parts somewhere else in the body.

reflexology massage has several benefits. these include reducing body aches, enhancing relaxations, and, relieving stress and stress-related problems.

Having this all, dear visitors/readers, if you have any questions, suggestions, and critics, you are welcome, and you can leave a comment.