Foot reflexology: what it is, benefits, its uses, how to do it

Foot reflexology is a therapeutic technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet with the goal of balancing the body’s energy and helping treat health problems such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain, or constipation.

Reflexology is performed by a reflexologist who applies pressure with his thumbs to various areas of the foot to identify energy imbalances, which can manifest themselves as acupoint tenderness or a sand-like sensation under the skin.

It is important to note that foot reflexology is not intended to cure disease, nor is it a substitute for traditional medical treatments.

Benefits of Foot Reflexology

Foot reflexology works by using the therapist’s fingers to apply controlled pressure to acupoints on the feet, which contain nerve endings that correspond to various organs in the body.

By stimulating these nerve endings, foot reflexology has the benefit of promoting self-healing and promoting increased production of nitric oxide, an important compound in the body that has vasodilatory and analgesic properties that help treat a variety of health problems.

What is this for?

Foot reflexology can complement the following treatments:

• stress and anxiety;
• frustrated;
• Migraine;
• Insomnia;
• constipate;
• Labyrinthitis;
• Pain in the back;
• Peripheral neuropathy.

Additionally, foot reflexology can help treat circulation problems, hormonal imbalances, asthma, high blood pressure, muscle disease, sinusitis, and even abdominal pain. Also learn how to relieve abdominal pain with reflexology.

Key points of foot reflexology

Acupuncture points on the feet refer to specific organs or parts of the body, which is why foot reflexology can help treat a variety of health problems.

Foot reflexology should always be performed by a doctor or other professional who specializes in this type of treatment, after analyzing the symptoms and determining which points on the feet should be stimulated.

How to perform this technique

Step-by-step examples that a reflexologist can use in foot reflexology include:

1. Pinch the big toe between the fingers of one hand and push up from the base to the tip of the toe with the thumb of the other hand. Repeat with parallel lines for 1 minute;
2. Hold your big toe between the fingers of one hand and make a cross with the thumb of your other hand to find the center of the toe. Then, place your thumb, apply pressure, and move in a circular motion for 15 seconds;
3. Bend your foot back with one hand and use the thumb of your other hand to make a lateral motion as shown. Repeat this action 8 times;
4. Bend your foot back and use the thumb of your other hand to move up to the base of your toes. Perform this action with all fingers and repeat 5 times;
5. Place three fingers under the arch of the foot, gently press the acupoint with two thumbs, and press the acupoint in small circles for 20 seconds;
6. Slide your thumb along the side of your foot and repeat 3 times.

In addition to reflexology, to manage anxiety, it’s important to do activities you enjoy, engage in physical activity (such as walking), and avoid negative thoughts. Learn other ways to control anxiety and nerves.

Contraindications

Foot reflexology is contraindicated in women in the first trimester of pregnancy or in people with inflammation of the lymphatic system, blood clots, foot skin wounds or infections, skin cancer, aneurysms, or leukemia.

Additionally, this therapy should not be administered to people with fever, infectious diseases, or heart failure.

Foot reflexology should be performed with caution and only when medically indicated in persons with gangrene or fungal diseases of the feet, severe eczema or dermatitis, acute attacks of rheumatism, or psychosis.