Our feet are usually the last thing on our mind. We tend to take them for granted, never giving them a second thought until they start complaining. Human anatomy is a little peculiar in that a lot of general health conditions first appear in our feet, making those tired dogs an early warning system. Conditions like diabetes, arthritis, circulatory and nerve circulatory disorders often present initial symptoms in the feet.
The theory behind this is that certain areas of your body as well as your organs are linked to specific areas on your feet. It’s based on a concept called “zone therapy” that was developed in the 1930s by American physiotherapist Eunice Ingham. Today, it’s known as reflexology, and one of the most common questions we’re asked is, does reflexology hurt?
Here’s what you need to know…
What Is Reflexology?
Reflexology is so-called because of the theory that certain areas on your feet correspond to specific body parts and organs. Stimulating those areas on the feet causes a ‘reflex’ response in the connected body part. For example:
- The ball of the foot connects to the heart and chest.
- The tips of the toes connect to the head.
- The arch of the foot connects to the pancreas, liver and kidneys.
- Towards the heel connects to the lower back and intestines.
The human foot contains over 7000 nerve endings. A reflexologist can target these nerve endings to assist your body by augmenting the flow of energy to areas that are being affected by stress or illness.
There are specific hand, finger, and thumb techniques applied – usually using deep pressure – to reflex areas that are congested. Reflexology offers a holistic approach to optimizing your blood, nerves, and lymphatic systems, reducing pain and muscle tension while boosting your body’s natural detoxification and healing processes.
Does Reflexology Hurt?
To understand how reflexology feels, it’s important to distinguish between reflexology and foot massages. This is not a foot massage. It’s a treatment designed to improve your bodily functions and relieve issues. As such, it can be uncomfortable while a reflexologist is working on relieving congestion in reflex areas.
Your first reflexology appointment is likely to be the most uncomfortable. You may experience discomfort and pain as areas are worked on. Over time, and a number of treatments, this will improve, and within a few sessions you should expect it to become more comfortable.
The other point to bear in mind is that the whole function of reflexology is to reflect in other areas of the body; so it’s not just your feet that will feel it. The corresponding reflexes to areas that are worked on are likely to be a little sore initially.
The good news is that any pain experienced on a specific reflex is very brief, lasting only as long as your reflexologist applies pressure. Our reflexologists are highly trained to ensure that any amount of discomfort felt is bearable, and they will adapt the level of pressure applied accordingly to ensure you aren’t in too much discomfort. Deep breathing exercises during your appointments is a great way to reduce any discomfort experienced.
Reflexology In Northwich, Cheshire
If you’re looking for a top-notch reflexology clinic in Cheshire, Northwich Foot Clinic is ideally located in the heart of Northwich. We welcome patients from town as well as the surrounding areas of Middlewich, Winsford, Knutsford, and further afield.
