What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a science and art that has been used for thousands of years to promote health and well-being.  Feet are mini-maps of the entire body (also known as a microcosm of the body) and used as a portal to make wholistic improvements for better health and vitality. Thumb and finger compression techniques are traditionally used to stimulate organs and glands.

How does it work?

Reflexology alleviates pain and stress while creating deep relaxation directly through the nervous system.  When the body is relaxed the circulatory system opens, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach stressed areas in the body and rejuvenate them.  As a result, organs and glands can function more optimally, and the immune system is strengthened. Reflexology also works through Zones that run vertically and three dimensionally from toes to head.  Stress in any part of a Zone effects everything in its path (i.e the kidney and eye fall in the same Zone).

Five Zones on each foot are divided by the toes. Illustration by Geraldine Villeneuve©

Can anyone do Reflexology?

Yes!  All it takes is your thumb or finger to compress reflex areas.  For best results, use a pressure that is both comfortable for the recipient and you. Reflexology should be relaxing.  Deep work is not necessary.

Here’s how:

Place the palm of your hand flat on your lap.  The position your thumb rests is the way to position your thumb on the foot.  Slightly bend the thumb at the first joint and inch your way toward your knee, maintaining contact with the surface of your lap (similar to clicking a pen on and off).  Now try this inching motion moving your thumb in the direction from the heel to the top of each toe.  This is how to reflex feet!

**Tools, other than using thumbs and fingers, are not recommended when reflexing feet because you can easily bruise muscle tissue, possibly overstimulate the body, and you won’t develop the intuitive gift that comes from using your thumbs as you learn to understand the feet as a microcosm of the body.

You’re ready!  Have fun and please let me know how you did! 🙂

All Illustrations belong to Geraldine Villeneuve ©