From lowering stress levels to easing pain, reflexologists claim that it is a skill that brings many benefits. Is there any truth in it, though?

Reflexology is a treatment that has been around for centuries. From ancient Chinese and Egyptians to modern day reflexologists, it has long been seen as an ‘alternative treatment’ for common issues. But what is it and what are the benefits?

What is reflexology?

During the treatment, the reflexologist will apply pressure to specific areas of the body, specifically hands, feet and ears.

But it is more than just a pleasant foo rub. The theory behind this ancient practice is that certain areas of the body are linked or correspond to certain organs and systems in the body. And so, reflexologists say, by applying pressure to certain parts of the feet, hands or ears, certain organs and the nervous system can either be stimulated or relaxed.

Do you have to be trained to be a reflexologist?

It is unusual to find someone practising at a reflexologist who haven’t been trained but it is worth checking. Too much pressure can be painful and detrimental, plus when someone is paying good money for a certain treatment, they expect it to be done correctly!

People who offer reflexology tend to be qualified in other areas too, such as aromatherapy or massage. As a beautician, it is another string to your bow and another means of expanding the service you offer/

Benefits of reflexology

Many beauticians are offering reflexology not so much as an alternative medical treatment but as a relaxing therapy. However, many people find that it helps them in many ways.

#1 Improved nerve function

As we age, there is some suggestion that our nerve endings become less sensitive, especially in the extremities like fingers and toes. By placing gentle but firm pressure on feet and hands, reflexologists believe that they stimulate more than 7,000 nerve endings. For the client, this means improved function and reactivity in their nerve endings.

#2 Improved energy levels

For people who find their energy levels lacking, reflexology can give them a boost. This is because various organs and muscle systems need a boost from the body’s metabolism. So a sluggish client may skip out the door after a session!

#3 Improved circulation

Touch is powerful and when combined with knowledge of how to apply pressure to certain parts of the body, circulation is increased to that area of the body. From wellness massages to reflexology, there is no denying that circulation is improved after a session.

#4 Relaxation

We live in an increasingly fast-paced and stressful world, where we are constantly connected if we choose to be. Stress can be a good thing, but an overload can lead to serious health issues, physically and emotionally. From troubling insomnia to constant feelings of jitteriness and anxiety, learning to ‘let go and relax is difficult.

As a result, people are looking to therapies and treatments as a means of helping the body to physically unwind and for the mind to stop spinning to fast too. Again, the power of touch and pressure through reflexology is something that many of us are turning too, happy with the relaxation and relief that it offers.

#5 Releases toxins

From pollution to ingredients in processed foods, there are toxins all around us and to which we are exposed to every day. Our body makes toxins too, such as urine. Some people report that after a reflexology session, they urinate more, a sign that the stimulation of the body has led to the purging of toxins n the system.

#6 Fewer headaches

People seek out treatments for all kinds of reasons and when they find it works, are happy to talk about its benefits. There are occasions when science doesn’t necessarily offer evidence to back their claims and this is one but, many people say that with regular reflexology sessions they feel less tense, less stressed, more at peace and, important for them, suffer fewer headaches.

What does reflexology offer you, as a beautician?

As a beautician, you want to offer the treatment and therapies that your clients want and need. From hot stones massages to reflexology, there are many options that we choose to help us feel better about ourselves physically and emotionally.

The more skills you have, the more therapies and treatments you can offer. But like most skills, you need to fully understand not just how to apply them but understand the theory behind them.

Reflexology is no different so why not find out more about our reflexology course?

Maria Page is both the author and tutor of our great new Reflexology Diploma course. We took some time out for a chat with Maria, we wanted to get to know her and her story. We hope you enjoy!

“I began studying reflexology in 1999 after receiving my first treatment. I visited a therapist following a recommendation to assist me with a health problem. Initially I was skeptical and couldn’t see how ‘playing with someone’s feet’ would reduce their symptoms, however, from the moment my therapist began the treatment I was hooked.

She started by asking me questions about my health and then proceeded to ‘read’ my feet. She could tell that I walked heavily on the balls of my feet before she had even touched them. I expected the treatment to be painful and uncomfortable as I was very ticklish, however, as she placed her hands onto my feet I instantly relaxed.

My therapist began the treatment and in some areas I felt pain or discomfort. She informed me that she could feel crystals under the skin in these areas and that this indicated that the energy wasn’t flowing. My main reason for visiting a reflexologist was to reduce the pain I was experiencing in my shoulder. Half an hour into the treatment, the severe pain had reduced and now was a slight ache.

That night I slept better than I had slept in years and the following morning I awoke early, feeling refreshed, happy and pain-free. I had more treatments which helped to keep the pain away from my shoulder and my mood was lighter too. I felt more relaxed, calmer and was able to think clearer.

It is unimaginable to think that by touching specific areas on the feet, I could feel so much better in so many ways. The whole concept of the subject fascinated me so I wanted to know more about it. I did a reflexology course which taught me about the essentials of massage and reflexology, how to perform a basic treatment on myself and others and how the human body works. I wanted to know more so I continued with advanced courses of study which taught me how to give a full treatment to others and build a business.

I began working on family members and friends for free whilst I studied. The reaction I received from many people was pleasing and I decided that I wanted to do this for a living. I began my new career by renting a room within a beauty therapy business. This worked well to begin with as I was being introduced to new clients.

Whilst working I decided that I still wanted to know more and enrolled on more courses which taught me how to treat people with specific illnesses, terminal illnesses, pregnancy and to work with babies and children.

I progressed and moved to bigger premises. I wanted to incorporate other therapies with reflexology to enhance the treatment. I studied a course of aromatherapy which meant that I could use oils as part of the reflexology session. This intensified the treatment and aided recovery.

I also gave home visits as part of my business to people who were unable to get to the treatment rooms. This allowed me to visit a vast amount of people who wanted my help. I visited nursing homes and gave treatments to the residents to help ease pain and increase their circulation.

Working with so many individuals with numerous health issues, I wanted to increase my knowledge even further, so I enrolled on a nutrition course which taught me what to eat for good health. This continued with more study until I was able to use this knowledge as part of the reflexology business. I could advise clients on the foods and nutrients that they required which complemented their reflexology treatment.

Since then I have been working with people with degenerative conditions and giving them reflexology treatments which are increasing their wellbeing and reducing their pain. I give lectures and workshops to students teaching them both the basics and the advanced techniques used as part of a treatment. I still do some home visits to individuals who are suffering with physical, mental and emotional issues and I author learning materials and self-help guides”.

You can read more about our Reflexology Diploma course, written by Maria, by clicking here.