Everyone can learn how to do reflexology and read a reflexology chart, it is a universal therapeutic touch therapy, similar to massage.
Below are 11 Reflexology Guidelines every new reflexologist needs to know.
#1
When doing reflexology always do the whole treatment - all of both feet or hands
Try to avoid doing bits and pieces for specific organs or symptoms
This is the same for doing reflexology on the hand, face and ears
Even when doing reflexology with a specific relief in mind it is so important to do the entire area, then, go back over the "Reflexology Helper Areas"
Helper Areas are pointed out through the website to help you target specific areas for mild pain relief
#2
People that are ill have lower pain tolerances and can be very sensitive to touch
All the time when you are learning how to do reflexology, ask frequently if the pressure you are using is ok
And if they have been in bed for more than 24 to 48 hours don't do reflexology at all
#3
Creams and Oils are only used in reflexology for massage relaxation techniques
They make it too slippery to use techniques properly
Oils are great for doing relaxation exercises on hands at the end of a treatment as a massage, or at the end of a foot reflexology session
#4
Talcum/ baby powder is best for doing reflexology on the feet and hands
Sprinkle all over the feet and hands
- to absorb body oil (stop your hands from getting slippery)
- to make it easier to move your fingers and thumbs over the body
It is hard to comfortably thumb walk (reflexology technique) for a complete foot reflexology session without talcum powder or something similar
We recommend a talcum powder with a nice fragrance because it will uplift your mood through the session
#5
When learning how to do reflexology, its best to start on the foot because it provides the quickest results and has the most written about it throughout the world
Ear and face reflexology are great to give to someone that is stressed, that can't sleep or is generally in need of a bit of love
- it is a brilliant gift idea to give someone an ear or face reflexology session!
#6
Reflexology sessions last about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the hands or feet
It is recommended that for ill people, the elderly or very young, that reflexology sessions go for no longer than 30 minutes
#7
Some people have a physical response to reflexology, during or after a session
Physical responses include burps, coughs, unintentional farts, small unexpected spasms, and can happen anytime during the treatment
Crying, an increase or decrease in energy, feeling extremely tired, flu-like symptoms or exhaustion can occur up to 24 hours following reflexology treatment
(this is even more only likely if the person does not drink enough water or its their first reflexology session)
These reactions are short term and should be accommodated by drinking large amounts of water.
The body reacts like this because it is now working harder to create balance within its systems and to get rid of waste
Plenty of water and the person will be back to normal within 24 hours at the most
While learning how to do reflexology keep an eye out for reactions to reflexology sessions (in yourself and the people you give it to) so you can monitor how they get less and less with every session
#8
It is always recommended that diabetics check their blood sugar before and after a session
Blood sugar levels can severely rise or drop during reflexology
#9
When giving or receiving reflexology make sure both people are sitting or lying down comfortably
The person receiving reflexology should be relaxed and sitting on on a comfortable seat or lying on a soft bed
The person doing reflexology should be comfortable also, because it will come across in the treatment if they are not
For good practice, never do reflexology bending over, or at an awkward angle and make sure there is no pressure on your knees
#10
You can use the relaxation or massage techniques anytime during reflexology
You might use it to break up the treatment, to change between areas you are working on and to keep excited while learning how to do reflexology
#11
There are different techniques for doing reflexology on different parts of the body
- Thumb walking is great for the feet as the reflexes on the foot are close to the surface
- The reflexes in the hands are deeper so firm pressure applied with the index finger in a circular motion is more effective
- Massage techniques are great for relaxation during a session too
