World Reflexology Week: the benefits of foot reflexology treatment

This week we celebrate World Reflexology Week. During this time reflexologists around the world organise events to promote the benefits of reflexology therapies. It is a good opportunity for us to bring awareness about reflexology as it is one of the complementary therapies we offer at ellenor.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a non-intrusive complementary therapy which is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body, these are called reflexes. A typical foot reflexology treatment involves applying pressure to the reflexes of the entire foot.

How does it work?

According to the theory of reflexology, the human body is divided into 10 zones, which run from the top of the head to the feet and hands. These zones contain different body parts and organs. In foot reflexology, the zones that are reflected in feet are called reflexes. Stimulating any zone or reflex of the foot by applying pressure with the thumbs and fingers affects that particular area of the body. It encourages the body’s energy channels to clear, open and re-balance.[1]

Reflexology is based on a concept in which the entire human body is reflected in its individual parts. According to this theory, none of the organs functions in isolation but cooperates with others for the health of the whole body. Therefore, the accumulation of toxins in one part of the body leads to the fact that the other must work harder to compensate for energy disorders. By working on foot reflexes, the reflexologist aims to remove toxins blocking energy channels and bring the body into a natural state of energy balance.[2]

What are the advantages of reflexology and who can benefit from it?

According to our Senior Complementary Therapist, Sally Baker, reflexology sessions have many benefits for both patients and their carers:

“It helps patients ease their symptoms which many of them suffer from while receiving chemotherapy or from taking other medication which helps with their medical conditions but may cause side effects. We offer reflexology to patients who are under our home care team; these patients come into the hospice specifically for reflexology sessions, patients who attend our Day Therapy and Living Well sessions and patients who are in the inpatient unit. We also offer reflexology to the carers who can benefit from easing their stress and anxiety levels when caring for their loved ones. The difficulties and challenges of being a carer can have a big impact on their level of stress. The reflexology can help them cope with the situation they find themselves in. All our therapies are adapted to the patients' needs and only light pressure is used”

The complementary therapies offered at ellenor are used alongside conventional treatments to provide psychological and emotional support through the relief of symptoms. We aim to improve physical functioning, quality of life and support patients’ wishes to remain living their lives to full potential.

If you or a relative would like to access our care, please visit our website: www.ellenor.org/therapies

[1] Kunz, Kevin; Kunz, Barbara (1993). The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology. Reflexology Research Project. Page 14.

[2] Wills, Pauline (1995). Reflexology Manual: An Easy-to-use Illustrated Guide to the Healing Zones of the Hands and Feet. Page 7.