Reflexology

Learn about this relaxing treatment for stress, pain, and other health conditions

Reflexology involves stimulation of specific points on the feet, hands, and ears in order to promote healing throughout the body. In addition to its significant stress-reducing and relaxation-promoting properties, reflexology offers relief from chronic pain and other health conditions.

How Does Reflexology Work?

According to reflexology charts, various organs, glands, and other parts of the body are represented by reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears. Reflexology is based on the concept that manually stimulating these reflex points releases blockages, improves energy flow, and alleviates health problems.

What Is a Typical Treatment Session Like?

During a typical treatment, the reflexologist looks for tenderness and other symptoms, usually on the feet but also on the hands and ears. You sit or recline comfortably while the reflexologist manipulates these areas, releasing blockages, which restores the proper flow of blood and energy and stimulates healing.

For example, if you have back pain, the arches of your feet are manipulated. If you have a headache, nausea, or insomnia, tender areas in the web between the thumb and forefinger are squeezed or pinched.

The frequency of treatments depends on your condition.

What Conditions Is Reflexology Good For?

Reflexology can help treat a wide range of conditions including:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Circulatory problems
• Constipation
• Corns/Calluses
• Diabetes complications
• Digestive disorders
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Gout
• Headaches
• Foot pain
• Insomnia
• Menopausal discomfort
• Neuropathy
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Sciatica
• Tension

Learn more about how we use reflexology at the Whitaker Wellness Institute.

More Dr. Whitaker Advice on Clinical Therapies

• Dilantin
• Neurofeedback
• Massage Therapy