Reflex areas of central organs such as the spinal column and stomach are in both feet; the organs on the right side of the body (e.g. the liver) are on the right foot, those on the left side (e.g. the spleen) are on the left foot; lungs and kidneys are on both feet; the toes correspond with the brain and its organs.
The tibial nerve enables the lower leg to receive messages from the brain. It starts above the knee in the back of the leg. The nerve connects to 21 muscles that make it possible to move your leg, foot and toes.
This spot, also known as Liver 3, is on the top of the foot. Find it by locating the spot on the webbing between the big and second toes. Then move down so the hand is level with the knuckle, and stimulate for several minutes. It can help ease headaches and tension, as well as low back pain and stress.
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. The reflexologist may spend more time working on that particular area to unblock the meridian energy channels.
Like those other therapies, though, reflexology is complementary to medical treatments. It can be done alongside traditional care, but it's not an alternative to it, and reflexologists don't diagnose or treat illnesses.
Reflexology helps flush out toxins from the body by stimulating the energy flow through the important organs that are involved in detoxification including the liver, kidney, colon, lungs and skin. The benefits of reflexology are innumerable and periodic detoxing is vital if our bodies are to function properly.
Generally, reflexology appears to be safe and doesn't cause many side effects. Because most people feel relaxed after a treatment you might feel a bit light headed. Some people say their feet feel tender afterwards, others can have an emotional response or need to pass urine more often.
It activates your nervous system, which increases feel-good brain chemicals like endorphins. In one study, people who got foot massage after surgery to remove their appendix had less pain and used fewer painkillers.
Your teacher will show you how to find the radial, brachial, femoral and popliteal pressure points.
The liver and spleen meridians both start in the big toe.
Many of your internal organs sensory nerves are in your feet. Through massage, a skilled practitioner can use your foot as a kind of detailed body map, and can help treat health ailments by applying pressure on the meridian points that correspond to specific organs.
The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls the right side.
“Although often overlooked, your feet can provide an excellent warning of potential health concerns,” said Dr. Peter Chioros, a board-certified podiatrist with Swedish Medical Group. “Sudden changes or chronic symptoms such as pain or inflammation can signal illnesses and other potentially harmful conditions.”
And they serve as the foundation for your entire body in terms of support, balance, posture, and overall well-being. You can experience pain in your knees, hips and lower back when you have ongoing foot problems. Foot issues can also cause imbalance, poor posture, and even problems with organ function.
The heel had the highest detection thresholds for touch but was very sensitive for vibration stimuli. Compared to the dorsum, the plantar foot was substantially more sensitive, especially for vibration detection.
Just like your neck, back, and shoulders, your feet can also benefit from a regular rubdown. Foot massage improves circulation, stimulates muscles, reduces tension, and often eases pain. It also gives you a chance to check out your feet so you can get a jump on treating blisters, bunions, corns, and toenail problems.
The Foot Brain Connection
However, feet do not function independently of the body or brain. In fact, extensive research points to a definitive foot-brain connection, which is so dynamic that when activated, it allows us to move with calm, certainty, and security.
Patients with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout in the foot should avoid reflexology. Patients with osteoarthritis that impacts the foot or ankle, or those with vascular disease of the legs or feet, should consult with their primary provider prior to beginning reflexology on the feet.
A deep tissue massage usually leaves the muscles feeling sore, as if clients have done intense exercise, and when there is muscle soreness, the immune system naturally activates T-Cells to try to repair those muscles. As such, this immune system response can make some clients feel as if they are ill.
Some reflexologists claim that by treating people using the points from a reflexology foot chart as a guide, they can treat a variety of medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and cancer, but there is no robust scientific data to prove these claims.
Reflexology Aftercare Advice
Try to rest for the rest of the day as this will help the treatment work to its full potential and will allow your body to begin the balancing/healing process. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as these are stimulants and will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Treatment for foot problems such as corns, calluses, bunions and ingrown toenails is not in the scope of practice of a reflexologist and should be treated by a doctor or podiatrist.
However, there are times when you might feel sensitive and this could lead to feeling chilly, faint, restless, shaky or even nauseous. Remember, any negative feelings you experience are usually only temporary and will subside quickly.