What Is Reflexology?

Overview

Reflexology is a therapy based on the principle that there are small and specific areas of innervation in the hands and feet that correspond to specific muscle groups or organs of the body.

The image illustrates how in this system, the nerve endings in the extremities provide a “map” of the rest of the body.  With the application of pressure on particular areas of the hands or feet, reflexology helps promote relaxation, reduction of tension, improved circulation, and support of normalized function in the related area in the body.

What you can expect during a session

At Balance, a typical reflexology massage can last 30 to 60 sixty minutes.  Reflexology can be incorporated into any massage session, or a client can request a specific session centered around refloxology.  In these cases, a client’s shoes and socks are removed, and the client is made comfortable on the massage table. Pressure is applied in thumb-and-finger “walking” patterns, resulting in gentle stretching and massaging of specific zones of the hands and feet that are thought to correspond to body organs.  Home care suggestions may be discussed at the end of the session.

Resources

• Read more about reflexology from the Mayo Clinic.
• The University of Minnesota has a thorough writeup of reflexology points and its origins.