Reflexology Massage
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What is Reflexology?
This complementary health therapy uses pressure-points on your feet, lower legs and hands, to correspond with different areas in the body. These areas can be stimulated to restore balance, decrease stress and reduce tension.
Reflexology was first practiced thousands of years ago in ancient China, and is still used around the world today to encourage the flow of Qi, the body’s life force.
Who would benefit from a Reflexology treatment?
This general treatment can be tailored to address your specific health concerns. Everyone from children to people having palliative care can experience the benefits of working with a trained therapist. Consult a healthcare professional first if you are using Reflexology to support treatment of an existing condition.
People who may choose to select this treatment:
- Experiencing general tension or anxiety.
- Of all ages.
- Suffering from pain and want targeted relief.
- Undergoing other healthcare procedures and need relief from symptoms and side-effects.
- Often have tired or painful feet.
- Have poor circulation to their extremities, as a result of illnesses such as diabetes.
- Struggle to fall asleep, or have a sleep disorder.
People who should not choose a Reflexology massage:
- Have open wounds on their feet and hands, or skin conditions such as verruca’s, athletes foot and eczema.
- Showing fever, flu or cold symptoms, which can be amplified by massage.
- Looking for a face or ear treatment. This is a separate specialisation that therapists booked through Urban Massage typically will not practice.
Reflexology treatment potential benefits
- Relieves tension.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Encourages natural healingalongsideconventional medicine.
- Temporary pain relief.
- Helps with sleep problems.
- Stimulates the nervous system and clears energetic pathways.
Treatment
During your Reflexology treatment
Your therapist will begin with a health assessment, which will cover your medical history and any current conditions. They will typically ask you to sit on a stool or table, before cleansing your feet and using a wax or oil to perform the massage. They may also work on your hands.
Reflexology techniques
This ancient technique is based on knowledge of specific points on the feet and hands which correspond to the rest of the body, and can be targeted based on your health concerns. Your therapist will begin with massage to warm up the area, before applying pressure to these points. Most practitioners will treat one foot at a time, but some may work on both together.
After your Reflexology treatment
You’ll feel relaxed, calm and balanced. You may also feel energised, experience slightly heightened emotions, and notice improved circulation and digestion.
FAQ
What is the difference between Acupressure and Reflexology?
Acupressure is a full body treatment, which requires you to get undressed. Reflexology takes the same amount of time to focus on your feet and hands, while you remain fully clothed. The aims and results are very similar.
Does Reflexology hurt?
This kind of treatment should not hurt, but certain areas can feel tender, particularly when your therapist is working on reflex points corresponding to problem areas. You should always let your therapist know if you would like more or less pressure.
What type of therapists specialise in Reflexology?
A professional Reflexologist will be knowledgeable about anatomy and treat you holistically, adapting each treatment to your changing needs.
This page describes the most common techniques for a specific type of treatment. Your practitioner will tailor your treatment to your individual needs based on their expert knowledge and experience.
