Foot reflexology is “pressure therapy” and involves applying focused pressure to certain known reflex points located in the foot to cure or prevent disease.
Foot reflexology is based on the premise that our nerve zones or reflex points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way.
A trained reflexologist can put pressure on different meridians or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.
The information below is a guide to foot massage. Some benefits of reflexology will happen automatically simply by virtue of massaging the soles of the feet but the main objective is to help tired feet feel better.
Preparation for Foot Massage:
If you are giving a foot massage to your partner or friend than ensure that the massage foot is comfortably reclined on a pillow or a sofa. There are various creams and oils that can be used for a foot massage.
However, we recommend the use of essential massage oils to achieve an ultimately relaxing foot massage. To begin with make sure the feet are clean, a foot soak with epsom salts is a wonderful way to de-stress before a foot massage. Make sure that your feet are completely dry (including in between toes) before you start.
Foot Massage Techniques:
Stroking- This technique stimulates the blood vessels in your feet and promotes gentle heat. Hold the foot in your hands and begin to massage the top surface of the foot.
Use your thumbs in a slow, firm stroking motion, starting at the toes and moving up to the ankle. Once you have reached the ankle follow the same line back to the toes. Make sure you apply lighter pressure towards the toes than the ankle.
Ankle Rotation- Firstly gentle move the ankle side to side to loosen the ankle joint. Hold the heel of the foot in a cupping motion and hold the ball of the foot with the other hand. Rotate the foot clockwise and anticlockwise three or four times to relax the foot from the ankle joint, reversing the directions will calm and destress your senses.
Wear clean socks and shoes that fit you properly. Right shoes helps you put off injuries and soreness. If you feel your feet sweat more than others, go in for leather or canvas shoes but not synthetic ones or plastic shoes. Plastic or vinyl shoes do not stretch or breathe. Sandals are also a good option. Use foot powder daily. – Random Tip
Pivoting – Gently hold the foot in your hand and use the other hand to massage the sole of the foot with your thumb. Begin with the area directly below the large toe and slowly move to the other toes. After initial pressure, roll the thumb back and forth. It may be seen as wiggling the thumb. Release pressure, and move.
Some handy and valuable tips on Foot Care:
a) Check your feet daily for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling and infected nails.
b) Do not cut corns and calluses (hardened or thickened part of the skin). Consult your doctor if you have developed corns and calluses rather than cutting them off using razor, corn plasters or some liquid corn removers.
c) Make sure your toe nails are trimmed properly. Trim them straight across and smooth them using a nail file.
d) If you are diabetic, consult your doctor. Diabetic patients are at more risk to developing foot complications and wounds which do not heal easily. There are three major problems which a diabetic person faces if he develops some foot disease.
Earn Your Reflexology Certification From Home!
There are many vital components to regaining and maintaining health. Natural therapies can be a crucial part of a healing journey and you can learn how to help yourself and others achieve whole body wellness through holistic healing.
Centuries ago, man mapped out a healing energy that circulates through the body on specific pathways. This energy we call “life force” or “vital energy”. This force can be “tapped” at more than 800 points in your body.
Ancient medical philosophy teaches that to obtain and maintain health, which is the balance and maintenance of harmony within the body, there must be a free and unimpeded Circulation of energy flowing through the body’s organs.
For the Reflexologist, the feet are a microcosm of the human body and every organ and body part is represented in the feet. This type of drugless therapy creates a physiological change in the body by naturally improving your circulation, which reduces our body tension and enhances relaxation. It aids in the elimination of the body waste and restoring the body functions to better health.
If you would like to learn Reflexology at your own pace in your own home, please check out Alternative Healing Academy’s Advanced Reflexology Practitioner Course.
This is a perfect continuing education course for therapists/practitioners of other modalities such as aromatherapy, energy medicine, color/crystal therapy, massage therapy, Reiki, herbal medicine, sound therapy, homeopathy, etc., or for those just beginning their journey into using color and crystals to heal.
We offer a wide range of comprehensive holistic health courses at affordable prices. Take a minute to read our FAQ and our Testimonials – you’ll be glad you did! The Alternative Healing Academy even offers payment plans! You are also welcome to contact us with any questions.
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