ABMP0803To him whose feet hurt, everything hurts.” – Socrates

Whether you are currently experiencing foot pain or just want to keep your feet in good condition you may want to consider adding Reflexology to your wellness plan.

The main goal in Reflexology is to promote global homeostasis, or balance, in the body. It taps into your body’s own self-healing mechanisms and sends a message to each organ, gland and part. Foot Reflexology is the most popular of the three maps (feet, hands, and ears) and makes a good case for receiving regular sessions — experts recommend monthly for general maintenance and more frequent for acute and chronic complaints.

A Masterpiece of Engineering

Leonardo da Vinci proclaimed his amazement for the foot as a “masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” I completely agree!Our feet are designed to carry our entire body weight around – thousands of steps a day, thousands of miles in a lifetime. It’s estimated that the average person will put a whopping 115,000 miles on their foot odometer in a lifetime – that’s enough to walk around the planet four times over! During a typical day the feet will experience hundreds of pounds of pressure, at the end of a the day your feet have had the equivalent of a cement truck of force bearing down on them from all that walking and standing.

Each foot is comprised of 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles. This gives the foot its shape as well as allows the foot and ankle to hold up under the daily stress of walking, running, and standing in place.

Reflexology and your feet

A typical Foot Reflexology session is an hour long and includes a combination of finger and thumb pressure techniques as well as some foot mobilization techniques. The feet benefit from an improvement in circulation during and after a the session – the body removes waste and brings in oxygen and necessary nutrients to this distant region of the body. Stimulation of the nerve endings also support the body’s awareness of the feet in relationship to one’s surroundings thus supporting balance and movement.

While a general foot massage feels good it doesn’t have the same effects on the feet and the body as Reflexology from a qualified practitioner. The attention to every nook-and-cranny of the feet is a pleasant surprise for newcomers to the therapy. I often have new clients remark how detailed a session is and marvel at how I use Reflexology-specific movements to make contact with all aspects of the toes, the balls of the feet, the metatarsals, the instep, the heel, and the ankle area. For a point of reference consider Asian-style foot massage that uses 12 movements to massage the feet, then consider that Reflexology uses dozens of movements specific to each area of the foot and makes intentional contact with hundreds of reflex points.

Making your first appointment

Your first Reflexology appointment will include a review of your health history and a chat about your goals and needs. When we’re ready to begin your session I’ll have you settle into my zero gravity recliner and I’ll greet your feet with warm, nurturing hands. It’s completely up to you to chat, remain quiet, or even sleep during your session. I always welcome questions and feedback on your comfort with the level of pressure or technique used over an area.

Once the session is complete I may give you some self-care suggestions to enhance and prolong the benefits until your next appointment. We may also formulate a treatment plan at this time according to your goals and Reflexology dosing guidelines.

You can find out more about our practice here in Austin through our website at https://www.thebarefootdragonfly.com. Booking an appointment is available through our online scheduler or via phone during office hours at (512)666-9374.