Reflexology: The perfect foot massage

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Reflexology: The perfect foot massage
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[h=2]The benefits of reflexology[/h] In Chinese medicine, the feet are thought to reflect the body’s general health. Imprisoned in our socks and shoes all year, we often forget to give feet the TLC they deserve. Reflexology pampers your feet and is also key to the body’s wellbeing.*
[h=2]Walking barefoot[/h] To start with, reflexologist Jean-Louis Bertholotti advises walking around barefoot as often as possible. On lawns, the beach, in the house, at the office...you can massage your feet wherever you are. Free your feet and take off those shoes so they can flex and support your balance better. To really improve your posture, our reflexologist advises flexing and extending those toes regularly throughout the day. Point your toes and then stretch out your heels.
[h=2]How does reflexology work?[/h] As well as supporting our weight all day long, feet also contain 7,500 nerve endings connected to different organs and areas of the body. Applying pressure to these reflex points frees energy which can then stimulate and sooth the different parts of the body.
Jean-Louis Bertholotti reminds us that massaging the feet brings a sensation of deep relaxation, and de-stresses us completely. Reflexology isn’t a medical treatment, but “it’s still a preventative cure that can be used by reflexologists to spot signs of health problems and direct their clients to a doctor.†With massage at home, you won’t be able to spot any health problems yourself, but you’ll still be able to relax and feel the benefits for your wellbeing.
Remember that while podiatrists work on the muscles and tendons in your feet, a reflexologist will work on the meridians that are invisible to the eye. The concepts of reflexology haven’t been proved scientifically, but medical professionals agree that this technique can still improve mild health problems. It shouldn’t be used in place of medical treatment, however, especially if symptoms persist.
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[h=2]The perfect foot massage[/h] In reflexology, the whole of the foot is treated. You can check a reflexology chart to find the right zone for tackling a specific problem, but you’ll still need to massage your whole foot to really feel the benefits. “If you only focus on one zone, you’ll only have a small impact on the problem,†says the reflexologist.
Start by sitting down comfortably. If you’re more flexible, you can cross your legs over so the sole of your foot touches your thigh. Start by rubbing your foot to begin relaxation and ease into your massage. Massage your big toe first, then your other toes before moving down towards the centre of your foot, the heel, the inside and outside of your ankle, then the sole of your foot. Finish off by massaging your foot all over.
A foot massage should last at least 10 minutes. Indulge your feet once a week in either the morning or evening, depending on your preference.*Remember that in reflexology, one hand holds the foot and supports it while the other works on the pressure points by massaging the different meridians.*
[h=2]What’s the right way to massage your feet?[/h] As a rule, you should use your thumb to exert pressure on the meridians. This works by pressing the reflex point repeatedly, moving a few millimetres forwards each time. You can also “take time massaging the sole of your foot with a closed fist. Use your knuckles to rotate and apply pressure. The pressure should be constant and firm — massage isn’t supposed to be gentle!†our expert explains.
After a few sessions, fans of this kind of massage can buy a small reflexology stick to target the smaller pressure points. Be careful not to overdo it, though. Keep the pressure firm, but not too strong.
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[h=2]Using essential oils[/h] While a dry massage will allow you to work on the reflex zones best, using a fragrance-free moisturising cream with essential oils will boost the relaxation benefits. Jean-Louis Bertholotti recommends three different essential oils for treating everyday woes:

• Aching feet at the end of the day? Mix 10ml of sweet almond oil or pure grapeseed oil with three or four drops of marjoram oil.
• In need of a *boost? Add four drops of peppermint oil to 10ml of sweet almond oil.
• Stressed out? Three drops of roman chamomile oil with a dash of sweet almond oil should do the trick.

You should also make sure you drink enough water. “When you go for a reflexology session, either at a centre or at home, you need to be drinking more than normal,†the reflexologist says.*
[h=2]What do health professionals say?[/h] Reflexology is not subject to any official regulations in the UK, but is generally accepted to be a safe and gentle practice for wellbeing. Nicolas Forcet, a physiotherapist and podiatrist, says that reflexology must only be used as a complement to traditional medicine, as with other alternative therapies.
He points out that studies on the effects of reflexology on the body are not comprehensive. The benefits of reflexology should be explored further but, for the moment, scientific research isn’t substantial enough to prove its true potential as an alternative treatment.
Nicolas Forcet advises it’s really important to check that your reflexologist is properly trained, even though there are very few cases where reflexology isn’t advisable. You should only consult a reflexologist if you're seeking benefits for wellbeing and relaxation, and not for treatment of any medical illness.
The aim of reflexology is to relax the body and trigger a feeling of wellbeing in patients. Many people ask about reflexology or consult reflexologists to complement a course of physiotherapy. This technique can help relieve problems like insomnia and headaches. In all cases, medical advice is essential, but getting a fully rounded treatment for health problems by complementing medical treatment with reflexology can work really well for some people.
Finally, there are very rare cases where reflexology is strongly inadvisable. Those who should steer clear are:

• Patients with cardiovascular problems such as arteritis in the lower limbs or phlebitis. Massage can actually lead to pulmonary embolisms in these cases.
• Women who are three months pregnant.
• People who have been diagnosed with cancer in the last few months. Reflexology could kickstart blood circulation and the lymphatic system, which could cause the metastasis to spread. On the other hand, using reflexology once treatment has begun can help to relieve the side effects (vomiting, headaches etc.)
• Patients with skin conditions connected to the feet, such as psoriasis, verrucas and mycoses. Treating these illnesses means maintaining strict hygiene.
• The elderly and young children.

Thanks to Jean-Louis Bertholotti and Nicolas Forcet.*

Jessica Xavier
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