Is the foot a microcosm of the entire body? Reflexologists say it's true--and press on various "reflex points" along the foot to relieve symptoms elsewhere in the body. They do believe that their technique can alleviate a wide variety of stress-related problems, as well as headache (both tension and migraine), premenstrual syndrome, asthma, digestive disorders, skin conditions such as acne and eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis and sciatica. Reflexology is also sometimes used for neurological symptoms, such as those seen in multiple sclerosis.

Unlike massage, which involves a generalized rubbing motion, our reflexologists use their hands to apply pressure to specific points of your foot. Typically, you remain fully clothed, sitting with your legs raised or lying on a treatment table. Our reflexologist may powder your foot or use lotion to make manipulating it easier.

After gently massaging your foot, our reflexologist will begin applying pressure to the reflex points thought to correspond to your health problems. Our reflexologists work not only with the feet, but also with the hands upon request. Remember we do not treat foot disorders.

Treatment Time: Sessions typically last from 30 to 60 minutes.

Treatment Frequency: Treatments are best advised once a week, at least initially. After the first few weeks, as your body feel better, it may be scheduled upon your request.

You will see a chart in the our office showing the parts of the body that correspond to the various zones of the foot. Reflexology teaches that the toes correspond to the head and neck, the ball of the foot to the chest and lungs, the arch to the internal organs, the heel to the sciatic nerve and the pelvic area, and the bone along the curving arch of the foot to the spine. The right side of the body is reflected in the right foot, the left side in the left foot.

In its early years, reflexology was thought to work in much the same way as traditional Chinese acupuncture. Practitioners maintained that a life force, or vital energy, flows along channels from the feet to all the organs of the body, and that any blockage in the flow will eventually lead to disease. Stimulation of reflex points in the foot could, they believed, break up blockages in the flow further along the channel.

Today, there are new explanations for the therapy's effect. Some say that manipulation of the feet reduces the amount of lactic acid in the tissues while releasing tiny calcium crystals, accumulated in the nerve endings of the feet, that hold back the free flow of energy to corresponding organs. Others speculate that pressure on the reflex points may trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that naturally block pain. Some practitioners ascribe the therapy's benefits to a relaxation response that opens the blood vessels and improves circulation. Others credit a detoxifying effect, suggesting that manipulation dissolves crystals of uric acid that settle in the feet. 

As an adjunct to other forms of treatment, reflexology is generally considered quite safe. However, if you have a foot injury or clots, thrombosis, phlebitis, ulcers, or any other vascular problems in your lower legs, you should discuss reflexology with your doctor first.

Be sure to let the reflexologist know if you have a pacemaker, gallstones, or kidney stones, since he will need to avoid stimulating certain points in the feet. And if you're pregnant, make a point of discussing the treatments with both your obstetrician and the reflexologist, since some evidence suggests that vigorous stimulation of the feet may induce uterine contractions.

There are no known side effects.

Reflexology treatments may be continued as long as you find them beneficial.

Reflexology is not a substitute for regular medical care. You'll need to see a doctor for a reliable diagnosis of the symptoms for which you're seeking treatment, and for any new symptoms that appear.