Foot reflexology is a form of massage that involves pressure on certain points in the feet that correspond to different parts of the body. It may help reduce pain and stress, boost circulation and improve sleep.
A reflexologist uses their hands to apply gentle or firm pressure on the areas of the foot called reflex zones. These zones are based on the theory that the entire body is represented in the human foot, with each zone corresponding to a different part of the body. The zones are numbered and run from the center of the foot toward the toes, with Zone 1 on the inside of your big toe and Zone 5 running along the outer edge of your pinky toe. There are a number of different charts available, with each therapist using their own method for locating the zones.
In a small 2000 study, researchers found that cancer patients who received a half hour foot reflexology massage Putrajaya before their medical treatments experienced less anxiety than those who didn’t. Another study, in 2014, showed that women undergoing heart surgery were less stressed and more relaxed when they were given a foot reflexology session before their operation.
Reflexology is generally relaxing and can improve mood and energy levels, but it’s important to find a licensed practitioner who’s trained in the method. The Reflexology Association of America (RAA) requires that its members have at least 300 hours of training, 160 of which must be accrued in a classroom setting with an instructor. This includes learning about anatomy, physiology, client consultation, and techniques. The RAA also offers an exam for its professional-level members.
If you’re interested in trying foot reflexology, get a referral from your doctor or try an online search for practitioners in your area. A certified reflexologist should have a diploma and liability insurance. They should also ask questions about your health, including any chronic conditions you have, to determine where they need to focus their attention during a session.
A new study analyzed 31 years of research on Urban Bliss foot reflexology to better understand how the practice is developing globally. The study used a bibliometric analysis to examine the growth of foot reflexology research and the international collaborations in the field. The results were visualized in a network map, where the nodes represent countries and the connections between them indicate their knowledge collaboration in the field. This visualization reveals that the United States is the leader in foot reflexology research, followed by Iran and Turkey. Other top countries include Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, and Australia. The researchers hope this study brings more attention to the growing global interest in foot reflexology, which can be an effective way of improving the quality of people’s lives around the world. Foot reflexology is one of the most popular complementary therapies that can be used in place of medication and other traditional healthcare treatments. It can also be incorporated into people’s daily routines to improve their overall wellness.