Frequently Asked Questions about Reflexology

Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific points in the feet and hands ("reflex points"). Auriculotherapy is the application of pressure to specific points (“auricular points”) on the ears. These reflex and auricular points correspond to precise organs, glands, and systems of the body. The principles of reflexology and auriculotherapy are similar to acupuncture (but without needles) and are beneficial complements not substitutes for medical treatment. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle form of manipulation of the soft tissues and bones of the head (cranium) to correct the flow of spinal fluid down its tail end (the sacral area). The beneficial effects of craniosacral therapy can be enhanced greatly when combined with reflexology and/or auriculotherapy.

With age, illness, injury or stress, our bodily organs and systems lose their natural balance and can become dysfunctional. Balance is restored and bodily function optimized when a skilled therapist applies pressure to the reflex and auricular points in the feet, hands and/or ears.

The first session begins after a client completes a brief confidential questionnaire and discusses it with the therapist along with their individual questions, concerns, and treatment objectives. The treatment that follows involves the gentle application of pressure to the appropriate reflex and auricular points. The treatment may also include tender craniosacral manipulation.

Most clients experience this pressure and manipulation as pleasurable and calming. Some clients fall asleep during treatment, while others remain awake and talk about their experience.

Treatment typically involves weekly one-hour sessions for three to five weeks, followed by periodic maintenance sessions.

• Arthritis attaches to the lining of joints and can cause severe inflammation and pain. When treating arthritis, the therapist pays particular attention to the reflex points in the feet and the auricular points on the ear that correspond to the pancreas, adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands. By stimulating these points with thumb and finger pressure, the body is encouraged through the central nervous system to increase oxygen, blood circulation, and lymphatic movement. This brings about relief from the aches, pain, fatigue, and loss of sleep that commonly result from arthritis.
  
  
• Chronic pain in any part of the body including the neck and back can be difficult to bear and is likely to result in fatigue, depression, and loss of sleep. The head, hands and feet are rich in nerve endings that a skilled therapist can stimulate to cause the release of endorphins and movement of spinal fluids that bring relief from chronic pain.

• Diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use its own insulin as well as it should, and often leads to serious health complications including lower-extremity amputations. When treating diabetes, the therapist pays particular attention to the reflex points in the feet and the auricular points on the ear that correspond to the liver, pancreas, and pituitary and adrenal glands. Stimulation of these points improves the functionality these organs and glands.

• Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic, wide-spread pain syndrome that involves muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. When treating FMS, the therapist identifies tender spots and reflex points in the neck, head, and feet and then stimulates them to increase the movement of spinal and lymphatic fluids and to accelerate oxygen and blood circulation. This stimulation produces a release of the body’s own pain relieving chemicals and thus fosters relaxation and positive mental attitudes from which healthy physiological changes occur.

• Headaches from tension or migraine are among the most frequent health problems for adults. When treating tension and migraine headaches, the therapist pays particular attention to the tender spots on the neck and head, and the reflex points in the feet that correspond to the gall bladder, stomach, small intestines, and endocrine hormone meridians. Reflexology, auriculotherapy, and/or craniosacral therapy, are renowned for their ability to help alleviate the pain, nausea, and other symptoms common to severe headaches.

• Heel Pain (Planter Fasciitis) results from inflammation of the fascia, a fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and runs across the bottom of the foot. When treating planter fasciitis, the therapist pays particular attention to the reflex points in the feet that correspond to the colon, liver, kidney, and spleen. Stimulation of these points releases the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals and restores balance to these organs.

• Insomnia includes difficulty falling to sleep, staying asleep, and sleeping without interruption. When treating insomnia, the therapist pays particular attention to the reflex and auricular points in the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to the brain, solar plexus, respiratory and circulatory systems. Stimulation of these points fosters increased oxygen and blood circulation which results in restful sleep, higher energy levels, and more positive mental attitudes.

• Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in interstitial tissue which causes swelling, most often in the arms and legs. When treating lymphedema, the therapist pays particular attention to the reflex points in the feet and the auricular points on the ears that correspond to the affected lymph nodes. By stimulating these points with thumb and finger pressure in a gentle, wave-like motion, lymphatic movement, oxygen, and blood circulation are increased and swelling is reduced or eliminated.