People who visit me for reflexology often ask at some point during the session, ‘is it true you can tell things from what you find on the feet?’.
The short answer is yes – when we carry out a reflexology session we may feel or see things on the feet which can reflect something that is happening in the body. However, it’s important to remember your body is constantly changing and we’re not trying to find things wrong or diagnose a health complaint. No one, except a doctor, is allowed to provide a health diagnosis and if you have an undiagnosed health issue you should be making an appointment with your GP before a reflexologist.
Reflexology works the feet (or hands) with different areas corresponding to particular areas of your body. During a reflexology session a reflexologist works each of the areas to stimulate the body or encourage it to relax so it finds its own balance.
That piece of hard skin around the base of your toe? Is it really because of the shoes you’ve been wearing, or is it because you get headaches?
You may have hard skin on particular areas of the feet and while you may be thinking something has been rubbing, a reflexologist may be seeing it as a way to protect that particular part of the body. During a reflexology session we may also come across points which feel hard, grainy or appear slightly different to how they are expected to be. It may suggest there’s a current imbalance in the area, or it could actually be your ‘normal’.
While a reflexologist won’t diagnose, we can tell you what we found while we were working through the areas. Some people find reflexologists do pick up on existing health conditions, or are able to point out if the client has been for a good meal the night before (it’s usually because there’s lumps and bumps in your colon reflex!) Reflexology sessions are a reflection of where the person is at that point – a day later, things can be completely different, as we are constantly changing.
No matter what is found, a reflexology session is ultimately used to support you as a whole person – because it’s about you, and how you feel when you walk out after your reflexology is what is important to us!
Louise is an holistic therapist who owns Therapy Centre, Bristol BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers reflexology, aromatherapy, aromatology, holistic massage, Indian head massage, reiki, baby massage and story massage. She is a mum of two boys and when she is not working she enjoys getting outdoors with her family. For further information about Louise you can visit her website louise-morgan.co.uk