A reflexology treatment is a wonderful experience. It not only feels remarkable, it holds the promise of health and healing. Every treatment should begin with a short consultation between the reflexologist and their client to determine the best course of action for the session. A treatment is usually about one hour in length.
If it is the clients first reflexology treatment, discussing general health and medical history is important, as is the client’s health and wellness goals. And finally, a brief description of what will transpire during the session is prudent, as it conveys compassion and inspires confidence.
What To Expect From A Reflexology Treatment
Once the initial consultation is complete, the client is invited to immerse their feet in a bowl or tub of warm water – with or without essential oils. The reflexologist then kneels in front of the client, puts their hands in the water and begins to give reflexology to the client’s feet. Symbolically, the reflexologist is honoring the client by kneeling in front of them and providing reflexology.
After a minute or two, the reflexologist invites the client to remove their feet from the water and place them on a towel adjacent to the water bowl. The client’s feet are dried and the client is invited to lie down on the reflexology table. Once the client is lying on the table, has been offered a blanket to stay warm and their feet are positioned correctly, the reflexologist begins to “address” the feet.
It is the reflexologist’s responsibility to handle the feet in a manner that is authoritatively firm, yet respectfully yielding. It is important for the client’s feet to recognize that the reflexologist is doing something that is meant to help and not hurt.
During a reflexology treatment, it is quite common for the client’s feet to tense and even try to “help” the reflexologist. Our feet are always serving us, so when it comes time for them to be served, it’s a bit counter-intuitive and they automatically react by trying to participate in the session instead of just receiving.
The reflexologist will typically begin this stage of the reflexology treatment by applying finger and thumb pressure techniques, first to the left and then to the right foot. This takes approximately 20-25 minutes per foot and, the foot that is not active is wrapped in a towel so it remains warm.
If the reflexology treatment is designed to incorporate the hands, both feet are wrapped in a towel and the hands become the focus. First the right, then the left hand. This is the reverse of the feet. There is a reason for this. By conducting the session in this fashion, the reflexologist creates a circle of reflexology, which provides a natural sense of completion and fulfillment for the client.
In most cases, the client will have experienced a deep state of relaxation or may even sleep during the treatment. This being said, I have had clients who will become very verbal and will talk non-stop for the entire treatment! Everyone is different and will respond differently to a reflexology treatment. However, the one consistent element is the “feel good” factor that seemingly everyone experiences from reflexology.
Reflexology Treatment Completion
Once the reflexology treatment is complete, the client is encouraged to breathe deeply and begin moving slowly. Once the client can sit up, the reflexologist should offer a glass of water. Hydration is important and approximately 80 – 100 ounces of water should be consumed in the twenty-four hours after receiving reflexology.
Lastly, alcohol should be avoided for the same twenty-four hour period, as it is dehydrating. Additionally, there is a euphoric effect from reflexology that is best experienced without the influence of alcohol.
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