How to Perform Reflexology

Reflexology involves massaging certain parts of the foot (and also usually hands) to ease stress away and to heal particular illnesses. If you are learning to be a reflexologist, remember that you have to properly perform the massage and accurately target the pressure points that are connected to certain organs of the body. Massaging these pressure points will eliminate the blockage and allow the energy to freely flow in your body. This in turn will lead to healing. If you want to perform reflexology, let this guide help you.

• Wash the feet. Make sure to start with clean feet. Prepare a footbath and soak both feet for around 10 minutes. Dry them afterwards. If you prefer, you can apply essential oil to the feet.
• Start with one foot. Carefully hold one foot with your hand and begin to massage starting from the toe area using the thumb of your opposite hand. Then slowly, move to the heel, pressing your thumb onto the foot. Make sure to ask your client if she feels tenderness anywhere on her foot. When you get to that tender point, apply more pressure, but make sure not to cause further pain to your client. If she feels discomfort any time during the message, apply gentle pressure.
• Work on the side of the foot. Now, run your thumb on the side of the foot, starting from the top toward the heel area. Again, press the thumb hard onto the foot, but make sure to note of your client’s signs of discomfort. Repeat the same thing to the other side of the foot.
• Massage the toes and the ankle. The toes should be individually massaged. Start with the sides of the toes, applying gentle but steady pressure using your thumb and index finger. Then move on to the middle area of the toes. Don’t forget the ankle as well. From the heel, move your thumb and index finger to the back of the foot and finally to the ankle.
• Repeat the massage on the other foot. Get the other foot of your client and do the reflexology massage. Start with the toe area and move your way to the heels. Massage the sides of the foot, the toes, and the ankle as well.
• Perform hand reflexology. Hand reflexology is an alternative to foot reflexology and is done if your client is not comfortable being touched on the foot. You can also perform this in public locations and anywhere a foot reflexology is not possible. Do the massage using your thumb and index finger, applying pressure to the fingers and the spaces in between them.

A reflexology session usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour. Before starting, remember to ask the medical history of your client, so you know which pressure points you need to concentrate on. Keep in mind, however, that you are not a medical doctor. So avoid offering medical advice to your client. Instead, just work on her pressure points to help her feel a lot better. After the session, your client should feel relaxed and comfortable.