Foot reflexology: what it is and how it influences emotions.

Foot reflexology is important because it is connected to emotions. The practice has emotional health benefits, and it has been shown that foot reflexology can reduce pain, tension, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

This article answers the most frequently asked questions about foot reflexology and its uses. Is it effective? What parts of the body are reflected in the feet? What illnesses can be treated with foot reflexology?

What is foot reflexology, and what is it for?

Foot reflexology is a holistic practice that is performed on the feet. The concept explains that there are meridian points on the feet that correspond to various organs of the body.

Research shows reflexology can improve quality of life in several ways, including reducing stress and balancing the body, energy, and mind. This makes it a tool that is closely linked to emotions.

Although reflexology took its present name at the beginning of the 20th century in the USA, it is an ancient medicine that we can read about as far back as 2330 BC.

 Foot reflexology: benefits

Foot reflexology can help in the following cases:

Stress and anxiety.

Pain management.

Digestion.

Visual fatigue.

Insomnia or poor-quality sleep.

H2 Which illnesses can be treated with foot reflexology?

According to research, foot reflexology can have a positive influence on the treatment of various health problems:

Low back pain – [5 effective stretches to relieve pain].

Migraines and headaches.

Stress.

Hypertension.

Sleep disorders.

Muscle diseases: In these cases, it is advisable to consider taking an organic silicon supplement such as G7 Original Dynamised, as it is an essential element in synthesising collagen, which is vital for nourishing muscles and tendons and giving them greater elasticity.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include increased muscle tone and stiffness, urinary problems, and muscle weakness.

Peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes.

Asthma.

Depression.

Anxiety – [Is it dangerous to suffer an anxiety attack?]

How effective is reflexology?

Foot reflexology has not been scientifically proven to cure or prevent any medical condition or disease.

Research trials have shown various results, suggesting that this practice can positively treat the pathologies or conditions listed above, including pain relief, relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional well-being.

Certain factors can influence the effectiveness of reflexology:

Ambience: Reflexologists often use relaxing music, lighting and aromas during foot reflexology sessions, which can help facilitate relaxation, stress, anxiety and pain relief.

Specialist support: During the session, you can talk to the therapist and share your concerns, overcome personal challenges or gain clarity. This psychological support, especially with relaxation therapy, may improve overall well-being.

Foot massage: Human touch has been shown to function as a tool to provide comfort and promote healing. Reflexology sessions involve foot touch and manipulation of the foot tissues.

Placebo effect: As with many therapies, the expectation and hope for positive results play an important emotional role through the power of suggestion. This is not to say that positive results are not real, but simply that they may not have occurred just because of the foot reflexology treatment per se.

Whether or not foot reflexology techniques are directly responsible for the improvement results, they may benefit some people and are worth trying as they have virtually no risks or contraindications (if they do not interfere with standard medical care).

In addition to physical symptoms and sensations, people attending foot reflexology sessions often describe feeling emotional and adopting a more reflective stance after the sessions.

When not to do foot reflexology?

Reflexotherapy may not be appropriate if any of the following conditions are present:

Circulation problems in the feet.

Inflammation or blood clots in the veins of the legs.

Drop.

Foot ulcers.

Fungal conditions on the feet (e.g. athlete’s foot).

Low platelet count (as you may bruise or bleed more easily).

When should reflexology massage not be performed?

There are some cases where foot reflexology is not usually recommended. To be safe, it is best to ask a health professional and a reflexology expert, who should be informed of any medical conditions present, treatments being undertaken, and medications being taken.

Foot reflexotherapy: pressure points

According to foot reflexology specialists, several pressure points on the foot affect the health of organs or systems in other body parts.

The various pressure points on the foot, from the top of the toes to the ankle, are thought to affect health in other areas, such as:

Which parts of the body are reflected in the feet?

Top of the fingers	Head/brain
Middle of the toes	Face and sinuses
Bottom of the toes	Teeth, gums and jaw
The base of the little finger	Collar
The external lateral side of the foot	Arms, elbows, knees and legs
The medial outer side of the foot (near the Centre)	Neck, brainstem, thymus, spine, spinal column, and bladder
Side of the ankle	Lower back
The medial side of the ankle	Lymphatic glands, fallopian tubes, and groin
Middle of the upper part of the foot	Lungs, chest, breasts, upper back, and waist

What does the right foot mean emotionally?

On an emotional level, the right foot is related to masculinity, rationality, action, and the past.

Foot reflexology and emotions: Did you know your feet can show your emotional state?

Foot reflexology is a therapy that can contribute positively to treating many health problems or emotional imbalances.

Foot reflexology – emotions? The two are closely connected. The feet are an important reflection of the person, their body, and their emotional condition. In this way, the work of certain points on the feet can help in a holistic way to make the person feel more balanced and experience a greater sense of well-being on a physical, corporal, mental and emotional level.

When we experience the same emotion repeatedly, it can create physical changes in our bodies- in our feet—changes that a reflexologist knows how to interpret. The colour, the toes, the state of the heels… everything has a meaning that reflects the emotions.