Reflexology is one of the oldest modalities of massage there is. It can be seen in pictographs on the Egyptian tomb of Ankhamor in 2330 BC. This massage is performed while you are fully clothed. Reflexology uses points on your ears, hands and feet that relate to every boney structure, gland, and organ in your body. People have reported great success getting relief in all areas of their body, simply by having pressure placed on these points.
Most people don’t expect to leave a Reflexology session in the same relaxed state as they would after getting a traditional massage. I can tell you from experience that I have never been more relaxed from a massage before in my life. Most Reflexology clients report similar results to their traditional massage sessions, better sleep, and more relaxed. Of course, like all massage, it is important to remember that Reflexology affects each person differently; there are no guarantees that you will experience what I just described.
I practice Integrative Reflexology™ by Claire Marie Miller. When receiving a Reflexology massage, you want to come in loose fitting clothes, as you do not need to get undressed. I will wrap your feet in hot towels, while working on your hands for the first 5 to 10 minutes. After that I will spend the rest of the time working on your feet.
I also use a special lotion called Sweet Feet Cream, that I make in house. It contains shea butter and castor oil. While both are extremely moisturizing, castor oil can moisturize deep into the body, up to 6 inches and is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial.
Like every massage, there are times when you shouldn’t receive Reflexology. For example, you should not receive Reflexology if you are having an acute flare of a chronic disease, acute inflammation, athletes’ foot, atrophy of the feet, if you have a blood clot, if you are receiving chemotherapy, have uncontrolled diabetes, fever, and/or pitted edema. I am always trying to look out for your health and safety first and foremost and I won’t do any work on you if it’s contraindicated.
Given the fact that Reflexology is non-invasive approach, this would be a great introduction to massage. It is also a great massage to recommend, or gift to those that are nervous to receive massage.