Reflexology: What it is and what are its benefits

Although we don’t give them much importance, the feet play a decisive role in the balance and well-being of our bodies. Reflexology is an ancient technique that, through pressure on certain points of the feet, relieves pain and promotes relaxation. Curious, right?

In today’s article, we talk about reflexology: what this treatment is, what are its benefits, how it really works and we also suggest a special insole to always have this technique at your feet.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a massage technique that is based on putting pressure on certain parts of the feet, thus stimulating other parts of the body. Our feet have about 7000 nerve endings, 19 muscles, 26 bones and 107 ligaments and are directly connected to every organ and system in the body.

To enjoy this technique, just lie down or sit down and relax. Then, a professional will massage the foot and press on certain areas, using or not creams and essential oils. In a reflexology session, which lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, you are not supposed to feel a tickle or pain.

However, when you put pressure on a problem area, you may experience a small, non-intense pain. It is important that you be aware and draw conclusions from reflexology sessions. In other words, if you constantly feel pain at a certain point on your foot, you must be especially attentive to the organ that corresponds to it.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology has no contraindications and anyone of any age can benefit from it. According to the International Institute of Reflexology, it is best to start with 4 to 6 sessions a week and, from there, assess the need to prolong the treatment.

These are just some of the benefits of reflexology:

• Stress and anxiety relief;
• Almost immediate relaxation of the whole body;
• Improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, particularly in the legs;
• Relieves headaches and migraines;
• Lowers blood pressure;
• Helps to detoxify the body;
• Relieves menopausal symptoms and hormonal disturbances;
• Reduces fluid retention;
• It stimulates the natural functioning of the immune system;
• Promotes metabolism.

But beware: reflexology is not a treatment in itself, it is a complementary technique that helps to treat and prevent certain symptoms.

How it Works?

To understand how reflexology works, it is important to be aware of the different pressure points and zones of the foot and how they relate to the rest of our body.

Our body contains several reflex zones, which make it easier to reach the nerve endings, such as the hands, ears and, of course, the feet.

The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body, while the left foot has reflex areas on the left side of the body.

On the other hand, the inner arch of the foot is connected to the spine, the big toe represents the neck and the ball of the foot, under the big toe, is connected to the shoulder and waist area. Finally, the outside of the foot corresponds to the outer areas of the body, such as the ligaments, joints and limbs.

Origins of Reflexology

Reflexology is not exactly a recent technique. In fact, for about 3000 years Chinese culture has benefited from it to prevent and treat some health problems. Aware that the feet are the basis for the natural functioning of the body, the oldest Asian cultures compare the feet to the roots of a tree.

However, reflexology as we know it was born sometime in the early 20th century, when an American doctor defended the idea that putting pressure on certain points on the feet and hands had benefits in other areas.

Only later, in the 1930s, did a physical therapist develop a kind of map that linked certain parts of the feet to certain organs and parts of the body.. The base of this first map is still used today!

Herbi Feet Reflexology Insole

The Herbi Feet insole was developed according to the principles of reflexology. . It is an extra thin insole made of AirFoam material, which ensures thermoregulation and air circulation inside the shoe. which grants numerous benefits.

Loja Ortopédica ® – We know and have what you need!