What is a reflexology session?

 

I will spend a bit of time discussing your health and your goals before your first session begins.

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I will offer you a blanket or a heated herb wrap, as your core body temperature will decrease during the session. I will also prepare you for add-on services you may have requested, such as resting under the Aroma Dome, while you receive reflexology.

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A complete reflexology therapy session uses many different techniques and includes all of the points on both feet (and perhaps the hands). The session generally starts at the fingers or toes, and works down to the heel of the hand or foot, then works the areas on the sides and top.

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By working all of the points, I begin with relaxation, and then address internal organs and glands as well as muscle groups, bones, nerve ganglions (solar plexus, brachial plexus) and nerves (sciatic) during a session.

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If I find congestion or tightness during the session, I will apply pressure, according to your comfort level, to work on bringing the body back into balance. If I find an area of pain, I will work for a short time on that area, and even come back to it several times, until the reflex is calm, and the pain is releived. Remaining on a reflex point for more than 4 minutes has shown to take the body back into a state of fight or flight as the nerve is aggravated.

 

To "cause pain" or to "break up" an active reflex is not the model. The goal is, rather. to bring the whole body into balance by signaling the brain to send extra help to the organ or system in trouble. By doing so, the pain will usually subside. The reflexologist stimulates the nervous system to do the work, but it is not the practitioner who "fixes" it. Many times, by the end of the session, the reflex is calm and the pain is released.

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Will I feel anything in my body when a reflexologist is working on my feet?

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Clients report feeling various things in their bodies during a reflexology session. Some report feeling movement in their digestive tract when a reflexologist is working the digestive reflexes of the feet or hands. Some report feeling a slight twinge of electricity moving through the area of an organ or body system corresponding to the reflexes being worked a that moment. Some feel an immediate release of tension or pain. Others fall quickly to sleep as the brain moves into theta wave cycles: a state of relaxation that allows the body to heal.

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Other reactions during the session, ranging from physical to emotional, may include:

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• Perspiration of hands or feet

• Sensation of being cold or chilled

• Feeling light-headed

• Coughing

• Sighing deeply

• Overwhelming desire to sleep during the session

• Disappearance of all pain and discomfort

• Loose, relaxed muscles

• Thirst

• Rarely, contraction of muscle groups (pain)

• Feeling lighter and energized once they get up and going after a session

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What can I expect at the end of a reflexology session?

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Most reflexologists have some type of calm, peaceful way of closing the session that involves stroking the hand or foot and holding the limb in some manner. The important aspect is for you to feel comforted and nurtured, and to feel that you have had time for yourself during the session.

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Now that the session is complete, you should not feel rushed. Gently bring yourself back into the present moment, and orient yourself. As you feel comfortable, gather yourself and your belongings to leave.

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The practitioner may recommend that you drink water, rest if necessary, and pay attention to your body in the next few hours. If any questions or concerns arise, you should be able to call or text the practitioner.

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What can I expect to experience following a reflexology session?

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Various reactions may occur following a reflexology session. They are usually subtle, and are often not recognized by many people as a result of the reflexology therapy. Many reactions are positive signs that the session is part of a healing process. Other symptoms are indicative of the body's attempts to return to a state of balance and harmony. Symptoms usually last for 24-48 hours and may include:​

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In most cases:

• Increased energy

• Enhanced sleep

• Relief from pain

• More joint mobility

 

Depending on how much toxicity is in your body at the time of the session:

• Tiredness (some clients find that they need more sleep in order for the body to rest and repair)

• Skin rashes, pimples, or spots (due to elimination of toxins)

• Kidney stones passing with ease

• Frequent bowel movements, diarrhea (cleansing, elimination of toxins)

• Increased mucus (nasal discharge, vaginal discharge)

• Flu-like symptoms

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If a client had pent up anxiety or struggled with inability to express emotions:

• Easier emotional or psychological release (crying, laughing, yawning. And, if you don't fall asleep, I can tell a joke or two to get you started :)

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Are there times when I shouldn't have reflexology?

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• Reflexology on the foot is discouraged in patients with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, active athlete's foot or toe fungus, or active gout in the foot. Patients with osteoarthritis that impacts the foot or ankle, or those with vascular disease of the legs or feet, should consult with their primary provider prior to beginning reflexology on the feet. An acceptable alternative would be to use reflexology on the hands.

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• Clients who report current thrombosis or embolism (which is an obstruction of the pulmonary artery or a branch of it by a free-floating blood clot or embolus) should not receive reflexology therapy. Since reflexology improves circulation, it could potentially cause a clot to move towards the heart or brain.

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• For women in early pregnancy (the first 6 weeks), the reflexology session is altered by treating the uterine and ovarian reflex points more gently or by avoiding them altogether. In general, caution should be exercised during pregnancy because of reports that stimulation may cause contractions.

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• Babies and young children will receive benefit from many techniques, but rarely have the patience for a whole session. Thus, sessions are abbreviated in length.

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• If you are using other touch therapies, such as massage, allow at least 48 hours between touch therapy sessions to avoid an overload on your system.

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Is reflexology regulated?

 

Only two states (North Dakota and Tennessee) currently license reflexologists. Washington requires reflexologists to become certified with the Department of Health. Otherwise, cities and states have distinct requirements and regulatory agencies for practicing reflexologists.

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The State of Tennessee requires a minimum of 200 hours of reflexology education and practice. Through the Nashville Academy of Reflexology, I received 320 hours of education and clinical practice, and I am a Registered, Certififed Reflexologist for the state of Tennessee, License #471.

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