To celebrate World Reflexology Week, we thought we”d give you a few tips on how you can use this wonderful therapy at home – along with some lovely aromatherapy recipes to treat your feet!
Introduction to Reflexology
Reflexology is a modern Western therapy in which gentle pressure is applied to distinct areas of the feet or hands which relate to particular parts of the body. Although the precise methods of reflexology – and the term itself – are new, similar forms of foot massage therapy have been practised in different parts of the world since ancient times. The Chinese practised various pressure therapies at least 5000 years ago and an ancient Egyptian tomb drawing, dating back to 2330 B.C., indicates that the Egyptians also used similar techniques.
Reflexology is a supremely effective holistic healing method as the whole body can be treated via points on the hands and feet, which are called ‘reflex’ points. The technique is based on the existence of a system of longitudinal (vertical) and transverse (cross) zones or channels in the body. Reflexologists access the body’s energy through these zones in order to stimulate the body to clear out any congestion which may be causing imbalances.
During a treatment, a reflexologist will systematically apply firm but gentle pressure to the hands or feet with their thumb or finger. If there is a problem or weakness anywhere in the body, the therapist will feel tiny granules or crystals in the corresponding reflex point. Continuing to apply pressure until any initial discomfort has gone will have a beneficial effect on the relevant body part or organ.
Reflexology has many benefits which include:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving sleep
- Improving brain function
- Boosting the circulation
- Reducing toxins
- Improving immunity
- Reducing pain
Combining reflexology and aromatherapy
Reflexology and aromatherapy are highly compatible and can be combined to enhance the objectives of your treatment. Many aromatherapists use reflexology to either diagnose problem areas and guide the choice of oils and treatment, or to reinforce the effect of the aromatherapy treatment itself. Reflexologists can also apply essential oils to reflex points to enhance their treatment.Â
Simple reflexology techniques to try at home
First of all, everyone imagines that it is going to tickle, but therapeutic foot massage/reflex treatment is firm but gentle. The points should be Reflexology is a fabulous therapy to use at home with family and friends. We recommend that you practice it on the feet though as the reflex points on the hands are a little more difficult to pinpoint.
Before you start, we suggest that you get a good Foot Chart from the Association of Reflexologists or the British School of Reflexology to help you locate the specific reflex points.worked on with firm but not harsh pressure, in light but not feathery ticklish motions. Many schools teach you to use talc or light cream that is quickly absorbed. You can also use an oil but remember to use very sparingly or you will slip off the points and do no good at all!
There are a few easy points to cover – but your first point of action is to relax the foot before you start. Warm your hands up, and if you are using a light cream, lotion, or oil, warm that up too. Get yourself comfortable with your subject also in a comfortable reclined position – their feet should be raised and easy to access so you are able to see the soles easily – as observation is important. Make sure that their back, neck, and legs are well supported too.
- Once you have warmed up your hands and your oil, wrap up the foot you are not dealing with and keep it warm.
- Take the other foot in your hands, supporting the heal with your hand so that the foot is upright – and look at the sole. Take note of any areas of hard skin or colour changes , as these could relate to the reflex points – e.g. hard skin over the ball of the foot (lung reflex) indicates congestion in the lungs (often found in a smoker).
- Then take a little oil, rub your hands together and massage a small amount into the foot to soften the skin but not to make it slippery! Then begin to work up the spinal reflex – which you can start by inching your thumb in small caterpillar movements up from the heel along the inside bridge of the foot (or instep). It is quite clear where tension in the back is found, as there is a sensitive spot on the corresponding area of the foot – i.e. near the heal is the lower spine, mid = middle, and near the big toe is coming up into the neck area. Remember to ask for feedback.
- Another easy to identify area is the shoulder reflex – which is another area that often retains tension and congestion in the corresponding muscle fibres. Work your thumb up into the space – on the sole of the foot – between the edge of the foot and the gap between the next toe – in between the little toe and down – in a triangular zone. This often feels congested if the shoulders are tight or tense, and the congestion is represented by tiny little crystalline deposits on the shoulder reflex point.
- If your friend or family member has a cough or cold – try working on another easy spot – the ball of the foot is the lung area. Work up towards the toes in little caterpillar movements – to help stimulate the release of congestion. Some say you can rub a clove of garlic onto the lung reflex and smell garlic on the breath less than 20 minutes later – try it!
- Headaches often come from neck tension. So, once you’ve worked on the shoulder areas, try working along the back of the big toe – which represents the neck muscles – then gently circle the big toe around to the left and then to the right – the big toe represents the head.
Aromatic Reflexology recipes for the feet
Here are a few therapeutic aromatherapy blends that can be used as part of your reflexology treatment and for day to day footcare.
Refreshing Reflexology Foot Lotion
Take 60ml our Moisturising Lotion and add 2 drops Peppermint essential oil, 10 Lavender, 6 Tea Tree, 4 Lemon and 4 Lime. This will have a light, refreshing scent but also a strong anti-microbial action – helping to prevent athletes’ foot, and keeping the feet cool and comfortable. Lavender and Lemon are both good to help ease aching feet and will also act as a tonic to the venous blood flow.
Softening Reflexology Foot Oil
Take 30ml Sweet Almond Oil, add 5ml Sea Buckthorn Oil, 5ml Avocado Oil, 10ml Jojoba Oil and 10ml Evening Primrose Oil. Then add 2 drops Benzoin essential oil, 6 Sandalwood, 8 Mandarin and 14 Lavender. This combination will nourish and enrich dry skin and cracked heals, whilst providing a smooth, soothing medium for foot massage on the most tired and neglected feet.
Cooling Foot Spray
Take 150ml Orange Flower Hydrolat, add 20 drops Sweet Orange essential oil, 4 drops Peppermint and 6 drops Roman Chamomile. Shake well and spray on to hot, tired and puffy feet when you have been on them all day – especially if they’ve been squished into pointy little shoes that seemed like a good idea at the time!! This is ideal to cleanse and soothe the feet prior to a reflexology treatment.
Joannah Metcalfe
Consultant Aromatherapist
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