What is it?

According to Integrative Healing Institute‘s website and training materials, Reflexology is the scientific study and application of specific techniques that affect the reflexes to normalize, balance and encourage homeostasis within the body. According to author, Mark Beck, “…reflexology is based on the principles that reflex points in the hands and feet are related to every other organ in the body. By applying pressure to a reflex point, the practitioner can effect certain beneficial changes.”

If you search the internet, you can find all kinds of things that claim to be reflexology. We are not here to debate which one is or is not reflexology. You may have heard of the kind that uses tools to access spots in your feet and hands that another person’s hand cannot reach. This type of reflexology appears to be associated with an ancient Chinese or Thai system of therapy that is said to be extremely painful.

Jason was trained in reflexology at Integrative Healing Institute in San Antonio, TX, using a non-invasive, non-painful set of techniques. The reflexology we do here in our studio is not painful.

What are some of the benefits?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “several studies funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health indicate that reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and enhance relaxation and sleep. Studies also show that reflexology may have benefits in palliative care of people with cancer.”

What should you expect on your first visit?

Hopefully, you will not be filled with anxiety about your first reflexology session with us. We have been told our studio is extremely peaceful and relaxing. Our reflexologists truly care for you and want you to have a great experience with us.

You should arrive five to ten minutes early on the day of your first appointment, which will allow you to fill out the client intake form without cutting into your session time. After filling out your intake form, your therapist will read it over and discuss your current issues with you. The therapist will dim the lights, and quiet music will be playing in the room. We can offer you a pleasing aromatherapy oil of your choice from what we have available to help you relax if you wish.

How does the session progress?

This depends on the length of your session, which can be thirty(30) or sixty(60) minutes. In either case, the table will have sheets on it. The longer reflexology session normally begins at your knees and progresses down to your feet. No clothing needs to be removed for your session unless you are wearing pants that do not allow you to expose your knees. If that is the case, you may remove your pants and get under the top sheet while your therapist is out of the room preparing themselves for your session.

Light pressure is used around the knees, in a circumducting(circular) motion targeting the lymphatic drains to make certain they are open. We work on the patella next, working to free up the movement for those of you who feel “stuck” or “tight” there. The session moves down the lower leg, with your body “telling” the therapist where to go next, and then down into the feet. Pressure can be increased on the feet. We will be working your feet, with a focus on the areas relating to your current issues that you discussed with us at the beginning of the session.

Will you fall asleep?

Sleep is not an expectation the therapist has for you, but most of our clients do fall asleep in the sixty(60) minute sessions. Sleep has also occurred when a client has booked a massage session and a reflexology session back to back. We do have some clients who talk through their entire sessions, but they also report feeling so much more relaxed and at ease after their sessions. Again, we have no expectations for you sleeping or not, so it would be good to have no expectations yourself.