By Amy Williams, Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician at Vitality Unlimited Spa
Reflexology feels amazing, but it is so much more than a great foot massage!
In a Reflexology treatment, pressure is applied to specific trigger points on the feet or hands to stimulate and heal other parts of the body. There are millions of nerve endings in our feet and hands. The idea behind Reflexology is by putting pressure on specific areas, the connections in the nervous system can be used to relieve tension and restore the natural flow of chi, the invisible life force, around your body.
Reflexology promotes healing by stimulating the nerves in the body and increasing blood flow. In the process, Reflexology can help relieve the sensation of pain, as well as the source of pain. Reflexology is often recommended in conjunction with Massage Therapy.
Benefits of Reflexology:
- Helps Manage Anxiety: Stuck in an anxiety spiral? Foot Reflexology might be just what you need. One study noted that pain, anxiety, and fatigue levels decreased significantly in patients after several sessions of Foot Reflexology.
- Helps Improve Digestion: Foot Reflexology may be the solution to put your digestive tract back on track. In theory, by stimulating the specific reflex points on your feet linked to your stomach, you promote circulation and healing in that area, which may help improve digestion.
- Helps Ease Back Pain: Another study suggested that patients on bed rest often experience back pain. Researchers found that patients who received Foot Reflexology afterward had less intense back pain than those who did not receive treatment.
At Vitality Unlimited Spa, we have Massage Therapists trained in Reflexology, as well as a designated Reflexologist, Emmanuelle Ruen-Hayes. Emmanuelle was trained in Reflexology in France and has over ten years of experience. If you are interested in seeing if Reflexology is the right self-care plan for you, give us a call at 314.968.1808 or drop in and see us at 29 Moody Avenue in Webster Groves.