Let’s Hear It For Your Feet!
- Alison Dawn
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
When you think about the actual pressure our feet are under (!) it's staggering.
For example, when running, up to 4 times of your body weight can be the amount of pressure placed on your feet!
Yet I think I’m right in saying we do all often neglect our feet and take them for granted.
So, before we dive into why they are the ultimate everyday heroes, and why we need to give them more attention, let’s just take a moment to understand our brave friends a little better.
Did You Know?
Our feet are obviously smaller than other body parts, but did you know each foot has 26 bones, which when added together (= 52 bones) makes up roughly a quarter of all bones in the human body?!
Add to that, 33 joints and over 100 ligaments in each, and you start to think ‘hey my little friends are pretty impressive!’.
One of the most fascinating theories for me though is how the feet, hands and ears are connected to certain areas of the body and its systems.
Introducing Reflexology…
I love feet! I’ve always provided foot treatments and build foot care into many of my massage treatments too. My clients know that I have recently been undertaking training to provide Reflexology treatments.
So, what is Reflexology?
It’s a non-invasive complementary therapy which is based on the theory that the feet, hands and ears have ‘Reflex Zones’.
These 10 vertical zones directly map and connect to different organs, systems and glands within the entire body.
During a Reflexology treatment, targeted pressure is applied to specific points within each zone which can help in reducing stress, anxiety and relieve mild pain, while supporting sleep and general wellbeing.
The underpinning belief is that life energy, or “Qi” – pronounced “Chee”, flows through channels in our body, and that an imbalance in the body can lead to illness. So, by applying pressure, gentle manipulation and stimulation to these reflex zones, we can clear blockages in these channels to harmonise and restore balance and health across the organs, systems and glands within the body.
A Reflexology Treatment in Action…
Every treatment begins by warming up the feet to stimulate the circulation and to relax the muscles and joints.
Then following the zone maps, I focus on the different zones on each foot, and at some points both feet together, using pressure and massage techniques to relieve tension.
My full Reflexology treatment lasts 60 minutes.
The Benefits of Reflexology
A reflexology treatment can reduce stress, lower anxiety and tension, while also improving mood and promoting a sense of calm and comfort. It can also provide mild pain relief.
I encourage everyone to try it. Your feet feel lighter with instant relief!
Reflexology FAQs
I hate my feet and I’m not keen on having them touched – what can I do?
I work with so many different feet! All shapes and sizes. So please don’t let the look of your feet stop you from trying it out.
And if you’re not keen on having your feet touched, also don’t worry. The depth of the pressure doesn’t tickle, and it is certainly not painful. If you found you really didn’t like it soon into the treatment, that’s also not a problem as I would work with you to understand which other treatment you might like or might be suitable to try while you are already relaxed on the table. I have many to choose from!
Can I still have reflexology if I have a foot complaint?
Before we go ahead with a treatment, my reflexology clients are required to complete a short health consultation form so that we can understand if a potential complaint is going to prevent the treatment from going ahead or if it is something which is localised and can be avoided or covered over during the treatment e.g. a verruca or corn.
Do you need more than one treatment to feel the benefits?
No. Immediately after one treatment you will feel the benefits. My clients report feeling relaxed, calm, peaceful, more balanced, aligned, nurtured, and looked after. So you would feel a difference and enjoy the benefits after one treatment.
If you’re trying to work towards a particular outcome like easing anxiety and stress, having the treatment on a more regular basis is going to benefit.
If it’s a chronic situation than having the treatment more often would help. If it’s an acute situation, then having a cluster of treatments closer together would be more beneficial.
Can I wash my feet when I arrive?
Yes, you can, however I will also be using wipes to clean the areas before treatment starts.
What can I or can’t I do on the day of treatment?
It's essential to avoid drinking any Alcohol on the day, before and after treatment. This is because alcohol thins the blood and gets stored in muscles. So any form of massage which promotes the circulation and increases blood flow while flushing out toxins from the muscles can then amplify the effects of alcohol and decrease the benefits of the massage.
To maximise the benefits after the treatment, I’d recommend rest and drinking plenty of water.
Also avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day. Focus on eating well and continue that nurturing for the self.
What should I wear?
As this is a treatment where you remain fully clothed with only the feet uncovered, you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. I just need to be able to easily get to the lower part of the leg and feet.
Will you talk or can I talk during the treatment?
Yes of course you can, but I’d recommend focusing primarily on the touch, the music and your own breath flow.
I don’t tend to talk during the treatment, but after the treatment I will let you know if I’ve found any imbalances.
