The underlying theory of foot reflexology is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts of “qi”, a life force energy that runs through our body. If you feel tender or soreness when certain parts of your feet are being massaged, it indicates imbalances and blocked “qi” energies within the corresponding body part.
It bears repeating: Reflexologists do not diagnose
If the body is extremely stressed, the reflexologist may refer you to a medical team or another treatment, if appropriate, but at no time will he or she give medical advice or diagnosis.
At the end of the session, I ask my client if the pain changed or stayed the same. In almost all cases, clients report that the areas of tenderness have either decreased or gone away. This is evidence that the body responded to the reflexology work.
Why Do Foot Massages Hurt? Similar to a full body massage, a strong massage for the feet will hurt for the same reason. The massage therapist will use firm pressure to get rid of any toxic muscle knots in the feet which will be sore for a couple of days depending on the types of massage used on the foot.
You will stay fully clothed, except for your feet, if your feet are being worked on. Reflexology sessions are typically relaxing and soothing, but there may be discomfort when some areas are being worked on. Tell your reflexologist if you are feeling pain or discomfort.
So, for many DTM therapists, the answer to the question, “why do deep tissue massages hurt” is pretty simple and straightforward, it is due to the amount of pressure applied to the muscles of the affected body part in order to break away the scar tissues that some people may feel the pain and soreness afterward.
Reflexology can remove some toxic substances from the body very quickly. If they are not released fast enough, or if the treatment is overdone, one can experience some mild toxic effect that usually disappears quickly.
Avoid Alcohol
This is an extremely important substance to avoid after a treatment. Alcohol has diuretic effects, impairs judgment, and can undo the benefits reaped from treatment. Try to avoid alcohol and smoking for up to 24 hours, as the effects are intensified post-treatment.
Clients who report current thrombosis or embolism (which is an obstruction of the pulmonary artery or a branch of it by a free-floating blood clot or embolus) should not receive reflexology therapy. Since reflexology improves circulation, it could potentially cause a clot to move towards the heart or brain.
Toxic overload can cause a number of changes in your body. In the early stages, your body try to expel those toxins by any means necessary. You may experience diarrhea, sneezing or coughing fits, excessive urination, sore throat, heartburn, nasal congestion or runny nose (from mucus overproduction), or vomiting.
If you are otherwise fine and are having Reflexology treatments to maintain wellbeing it would be most beneficial to have an appointment once or twice a month, although there is no reason why you couldn't have a weekly appointment if you wish.
While research is ongoing, the facts seem clear: reflexology may indeed have a role to play in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Reflexology Aftercare
In certain circumstances, you may experience a temporary negative reaction to treatment. This is usually a side effect of the body's natural healing process. You may feel, dizzy, dehydrated, have headaches, changes in energy levels, digestion and sleep patterns.
But you shouldn't have reflexology if you're recovering from an injured foot or have gout. Because it may affect blood flow, it's not for people with blood clots or women who are pregnant.
Practitioners believe that it helps facilitate a deep state of relaxation, calm the emotions, and produce a serene mind. Research studies support many of these benefits. Many people describe a profound sense of relaxation and increased energy following their session.
Reflexologists do not heal clients; the body repairs itself. The reflexologist acknowledges that he or she is a participant in the session, rather than "the healer." This is an acknowledgement that reflexology is offered to help bring the person back into balance so that the body can nurture and repair itself.
Most people experience a sense of calm and relaxation, others find it uplifting and energising. Your body's response to your treatment will be individual to you also. Some people respond to reflexology more quickly than others and notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms.
Reflexology's claim to manipulate energy (Qi) is unsupported by science; there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), "energy balance", "crystalline structures" or "pathways" in the body.
The reflexologist might use lotions, creams, and powders to loosen the muscles and achieve better results. During the session, don't be surprised if you are so relaxed you fall asleep. You may also begin to sweat, cough, feel like you are hot or cold, or even experience slight discomfort.
Different reactions following the reflexology session are normal. You may experience increased energy, relief from pain or other symptoms, tiredness, increased mucus, enhanced sleep, and heightened emotions.
Massage therapists use various tools, such as their hands and fingers, to locate knots within the muscles. They will often start by gently palpating the area to feel for any tight or hard areas. Once they have found an area of tension, they may apply specific techniques designed to release it.
Massage can help reduce the pain of muscle knots by increasing blood flow to the affected area and relaxing tense muscles. When you massage a knot, it often feels like you are stretching a rope or taffy which is stuck in your muscle tissues.
Poor habitual movement patterns or a lack of movement, like sitting all day at your office desk, can cause myofascial tissue to get tight. During a massage treatment, when we stretch this tight tissue you could feel a burning sensation.