Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during a Classic foot reflexology session?
You remove your shoes and socks and lay down on the massage table with a warm blanket if you like. We chat a little bit to identify your goals for the session and so I can answer any questions you may have about reflexology. I start with some flowing moves to warm your feet up and get them loosened, then I work on each foot, one at a time, using my thumb and fingers to press on specific points all across your feet and ankles. During this work, you may feel that some areas of your feet are more tender than others, but you should never experience pain. Many clients experience deep relaxation and some even begin to dream or enter a meditative state. You may feel a tingling or warm sensation in various parts of your body as I work on the reflexive point on your foot. You may feel tension in your neck, shoulders, or back releasing. This focused work on the muscles, tendons and joints of the feet often result in clients stating how great their feet feel after the session ends.
I have ticklish feet. Will I be able to enjoy reflexology?
Yes. Most ticklish people are set off by light and fast movements across the soles of the feet. Reflexology uses a slow, steady and deep pressure. My ticklish clients are not bothered by reflexology at all.
​
What does it mean if a specific reflex area is tender or has a texture difference?
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that reflexology is not a diagnostic tool. A reflexologist cannot diagnose or treat any condition.
In reflexology theory, a tenderness or change in texture could indicate that the associated body part is out of balance in some way - overactive, underactive, tense, etc. Your body knows what the issue is and will try to return the body to homeostasis (balance). Reflexology facilitates that conversation between your brain and body and reflexology helps to promote a relaxed state in which the body's natural self-healing can begin.
That said, one of my teachers always says "it's also just a foot", so some of the tenderness could simply be a minor bruise to the foot, a tight muscle of the foot, or adhesions in the tissue layers of the foot.
How is reflexology different from a foot massage?
The main difference is that massage views the foot just as a foot, but reflexology sees the foot as a vehicle to connect to all the organs, joints and muscles in the body via the reflexology foot map. In general massage will use flowing movements with a flat hand, whereas reflexology uses a specific technique of applying pressure with the thumb (called thumbwalking), fingers or a wooden stick. This focused, pulsing thumb technique is said to sooth the nervous system and ease pain. Massage usually uses oil or lotion to keep the surface of the skin slick but reflexology does not require any oils.
Is reflexology safe during pregnancy?
Yes. I have received special training to perform reflexology for women in all stages of pregnancy. Reflexology can help regulate the ovulation cycle and promote fertility, and can be safely used along with treatments such as insemination and IVF. The best time to receive reflexology for conception support is at menses and ovulation or 0-3 days before a procedure. During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes and reflexology can be very soothing and balancing for hormones. With your doctor’s permission, reflexology can even be used to encourage labor to start if you have passed your due date. Even after the baby has arrived, reflexology can be a wonderful supportive practice as your body changes yet again.
Should I get a pedicure before a reflexology session?
No, a pedicure is not necessary. Come as you are. Reflexologists believe calluses form to protect a sensitive reflex area, so we like to see where they arise. We also note the color and temperature of the feet, as well as the location of deep lines on the foot. The color, texture or shape of toenails can also indicate health or wear patterns from your shoes.
How did you get into reflexology?
It was totally by accident! I was working in a stereo-typically stressful corporate job in a cubicle and I had such pain in my neck and shoulders from slumping over my computer all day, and really suffered from depression and exhaustion. I was seeing a massage therapist on a regular basis to ease the pain and tension in my back (which was a big help). In one life changing conversation, my massage therapist she said “My work heals me”. It was like a light went on and I saw that my work did not heal me. In fact, my work was really hurting me. At that time, my stress level had gotten so high that I was having chest pains. I wanted to be part of the healing profession and just by luck the reflexology school was offering Introduction to Reflexology that weekend. I love work on my feet and had no idea a session could last an hour. My massage therapist was right; this work is healing and I get great joy helping other stressed out people find a little peace.
​