I have just returned from my first proper reflexology session, it was amazing! really, really relaxing. I couldn't really communicate with the therapist as she spoke only very little English but she did say "pain where?" before she begun. I said "no pain, just to enjoy" and she laughed!
I'll definitely be returning for more. I love the Chinese approach to Medicine and therapy.
So happy to hear you enjoyed Rosie, reflexology is simply wonderful.
I totally agree with you ava, just think the negative aspect will have a bigger impact. 🙁
If a foot massage is thorough, it covers the whole foot and therefore all the 'reflexes' too - so surely this provides the same benefits as a 'therapeutic' reflexology session?
If a foot massage is thorough, it covers the whole foot and therefore all the 'reflexes' too - so surely this provides the same benefits as a 'therapeutic' reflexology session?
Ha! No, Reflexology is not a foot massage - any more than Acupuncture could be compared to a body massage! Reflexology has a specific sequence, and applies specific types of pressures, to specific parts of the foot. It's a bit more than rubbing a bit of oil over your feet a la foot massage. Ha! x
Here's a bit of info about the [url]differences between Reflexology and massage [/url](which is a bit more helpful than what I've said!).
Ava x
Ha! No, Reflexology is not a foot massage - any more than Acupuncture could be compared to a body massage! Reflexology has a specific sequence, and applies specific types of pressures, to specific parts of the foot. It's a bit more than rubbing a bit of oil over your feet a la foot massage. Ha! x
Here's a bit of info about the [url]differences between Reflexology and massage [/url](which is a bit more helpful than what I've said!).
Ava x
I respectfully disagree with your approach 🙂
I am trained in reflexology, and although I was taught a sequence this is not exclusive - I have a couple of reflexology textbooks and both have sequences different to the one is was taught.
I was taught to use a firm pressure, via static pressures and thumb walking, but firm pressures can be applied using a number of different techniques. Also I believe some forms of reflexology ("gentle touch) emphasise a light pressure.
I was also taught that a good reflexology treatment covers the whole foot, (and so cover the 'reflexes' of the whole body) - so I think that a good foot massage can replicate this effect also.
In my practice, I have moved away from basing my treatments on 'reflexes' due to a lack of evidence of their existence, both in research and in my own observations, and moved towards a pure massage approach. I believe that I now provide a better treatment, as I use a wider range of massage techniques rather than just thumb walking/static pressures (better for the client and for my thumbs!). Also the benefits of the treatment I give are more scientifically verified. Furthermore, I think that my treatments give all the benefits a reflexology treatment would give, as my massage covers all the 'reflex points', and if I find any areas of tension I spend extra time working that area.
I have recently started renaming my treatment as 'therapeutic foot massage' rather than 'reflexology' as this is probably a more accurate name, although previously I have been very careful to inform clients of the nature of the treatments before they begin.
Most of my clients are looking for relaxation or relief from anxiety/depression, and I have many satisfied customers. I think that my approach does turn off clients looking for a traditional, 'reflex' based treatment, but I also get client returning who prefer a straightforward massage and do not beleive in the 'reflex' model.
Hi Longvines
I'm perfectly happy for you to disagree with me, especially since you are a fellow reflexologist - who has modified the traditional Reflexology routine to suit your clients' needs. If you offer your clients a 'good foot massage' and they are happy with that, then, well, I have no problem with that. Everyone is happy.
Ava x
Interesting development to this thread as I am currently in the middle of re-defining Reflexology in our practice so that it more reflects my own interpretation of it.
I have come to the conclusion that as an Energy Healer I am actually using my energy consciousness during a session.
I follow the traditional style of using various pressure techniques methodically around the foot, but whilst I do this I am actually creatively visualising each part of the person's body reflected onto the foot. I can then sense the balance and heal the areas which are imbalanced and require it.
ie. these are the areas which I would spend longer on and go back to during the final part of the session.
Like longvine I am now contemplating re-naming it as "energy reflex" or "reflex healing" as I feel that this gives a clearer understanding of what is actually happening during a session. I am also in the process of re-writing our webpage and business booklet so that it gives a clearer representation of both traditional Reflexology but also explains what they would actually receive during their session with me.
Hi
Just read Gaia's, Ava's and LV's posts.
The term "reflexology" is pants. For many years I disliked calling myself a reflexologist. I'm a therapist not a ologist! A better term that describes this system could be Reflex Therapy or something similar like Reflex Healing as Gaia has just mentioned.
Like LV, I have integrated additional massage techniques into a reflex routine, and clients feedback is that they prefer it. But just like LV, if you promote it as a form of foot massage then it puts people off. There seems to be a value system for reflexology over foot massage.
As for reflexology being a massage therapy or not is highly debatable. It does after all use massage techniques. Thumb walking for example is a type of massage, and in fact one of Eunice Inghams early names for her techniques was "compression massage". If you use the term bodywork, then I would include reflexology as a bodywork micro-system. If reflexology is considered a form of energy healing, then it's a energy healing micro-system.
Interesting small scale piece of research conducted a few years ago about reflexology and the treatment of menopause by Exeter University. It used foot massage as a control against foot reflexology. The research didn't show foot reflexology being not that much more effective than foot massage.
May be foot massage performed properly, with a caring pair of hands and a good therapeutic relationship between client and therapist can do wonders! After all doesn't energy follow thoughts?
RP
Hey RosieB,
I live in Barcelona and my boyfriend has a friend (I think she´s quite famous... Lone Sorensen) who does facial reflexology. I askes her the same question cause I´m quite healthy and stuff but wanted to try it out... I love facial treatments!! It was sooo relaxing! I like it more than having my feet done!
Interesting small scale piece of research conducted a few years ago about reflexology and the treatment of menopause by Exeter University. It used foot massage as a control against foot reflexology. The research didn't show foot reflexology being not that much more effective than foot massage.
I heard that study is grossly flawed because they used the same therapists to apply both the Foot Reflexology and Foot Massage portions of the study. I'm a Reflexologist and I wouldn't know how to massage a foot to save my life! 😀 Fine, if you're trained in both modalities and they intermingle and mesh together in a session...call it a 'holistic' massage or something.
As to the original poster - many authors recommend a monthly "tune up" for healthy folks just to combat the day to day stressors of life: pollution, workplace stress, home/family stress, the occasional "junk food" meal, etc... Why not have another tool to conquer the big, and little, stress monsters in life!? 🙂
Hi Barefootamy
Yes this piece of research has many flaws but it didn't stop the consultant reflexologist involved to develop and promote a foot massage protocol for reflexologists. How do I know this? Because I've been on her workshop!
Best Wishes
RP
How interesting RP. So what inspires a Reflexologist to want to perform foot massage too? I don't get it.
Hi BF
Open-mindedness, prehaps? Different protocols to suit different bio-personality types, prehaps? Less repetitve thumbwalking movements that shortens practitioners working life, may be?
At the end of the day it is whatever "floats you and your client's boat". The intention and mannerism to heal is more important than the technique and the label used. Therefore if you really believe that the foot consists of mapping system and reflective pathways for the whole body, homeostasis will occur, regardless of the paradigm and methodology the therapist believes in.
If you didn't know there is no licencing of massage, bodywork and reflexology in the UK, so we can use more of a flexable approach.
Best Wishes
RP