Several frequently asked questions about Reflexology: Is Reflexology painful? Is there a difference between Reflexology and massage therapy? Are there self help tools? Can Reflexology help couples with fertility issues?
Is Reflexology painful?
Reflexology should not be painful but tenderness may be felt as a result of any number of things currently affecting the body or which happened in the past. Any tenderness will be felt only while the reflex point is being worked on and it ends as soon as the practitioner moves away from the reflex point. It’s really a way for the body to let us know that some work is needed to free up and improve the energy flow. Other factors such as general tension and stress, traumas such as surgery or injury, specific disorders of the feet such as bone spurs, bunions, corns and calluses, and low pain tolerance can trigger tenderness.
The trained Reflexologist can sense sensitive areas and adjust the pressure. However, it’s also important for the client to share with their practitioner past and present medical concerns. Many physical problems have to do with persistent tension and stress. Reflexology is a very effective therapy for stress reduction.
Is there a difference between Reflexology and massage therapy?
Yes. Absolutely. They are two separate and distinct modalities. Reflexology is the application of specific pressure to the reflex points in the feet, hands and ears. Some Reflexology techniques combine the five elements theory, and the meridians. Massage, by definition, is the stroking, rubbing and kneading of muscles generally applied to the entire body.
The techniques used by the reflexologist are limited to the application of alternating pressure, thumb walking, finger walking, hook and back-up, and rotation on a reflex.While the techniques used by the massage therapists include tapping, kneading, stroking, friction, and shaking.
Are there self help tools?
Stimulating the reflexes using, for example, a foot roller or golf ball is beneficial. Walking barefoot and walking on uneaven surface is also helpful. Many websites offer excellent information about Reflexology and there are over 100 books available as well as a number of DVDs and tapes.
However, seek the services of a professional reflexologist for maximum benefits. The trained reflexologist knows how to apply pressure and emphasize the various reflex areas that relate to specific symptoms. Professional Reflexology sessions combined with self help techniques will produce the best results. It’s like having a personal trainer once a week and doing some exercises on your own the rest of the week. You’ll get results!
Can Reflexology help couples with fertility issues?
Many studies show that Reflexology is an effective complementary therapy for couples with fertility issues. Infertility affects women and men equally and it is believed that an estimated one out of six couples attempting pregnancy will have fertility challenges. That’s 15 million people in the US annually!
Studies from Europe show that Reflexology "is helping women overcome stress, anxiety and depression associated with infertility problems..."Reflexology is commonly used as a fertility aid in Denmark where one in four women will undergo sessions. Reflexology helps couples with high stress levels either as a lifestyle issue or as a result of the disappointment of not being able to conceive.