What is Foot Reflexology?
A reflexology treatment aims to restore the body’s natural balance. In this busy world, we spend a lot of time on our feet and they take a daily pounding. We put our feet under a lot of pressure and never give them a thought until they start hurting. This impact is felt throughout the whole body and can even lead to a variety of health concerns. One of those concerns may be pain in your feet.
The feet have 26 bones and over 7,000 nerve endings per foot.
When you go to the Dr., they may check your reflexes. By slightly hitting the knee, your foot kicks out. That is a reflex. We have reflexes that correspond to every organ and system within our body. These reflexes are all over the body. The main areas which are worked during a Reflexology treatment are the feet, hands, ears, and scalp.
Reflexology is a non-intrusive complementary therapy and is based on the theory that by applying gentle pressure on these reflex points, you can stimulate the nervous system and open the energy pathways that may be blocked or congested.
Some of the issues which can contribute to foot pain:
Weight– pregnancy or obesity
Overuse–
- standing or walking for long periods of time especially on hard surfaces
- sudden increase in activities
- high impact activities such as dancing, running, aerobics
Shoes–
- high heels
- inflexible materials,
- lack of arch support and cushioning
- improper fitting shoes
Anatomical Issues-
- shortened, weak muscles in the feet or calves
- flat feet
- high arch
- different lengths of legs
- imbalances in the hip
- thigh or lower leg bones
- impingement of S1 nerve root anywhere from hip to heel
- poor vascular circulation-waste material not moving out of
- body properly
- tight achilles tendon
Other Factors–
- age (as we age our arches flatten)
- medications(interactions)
- diet
Common conditions of Foot Pain
Arthritis– is an inflammation of one or more joints
Bone Spur– is an abnormal growth of bone on top of the bone
Bunion- inflammation, and swelling between the big toe and the first metatarsal on the inside of the foot. It is usually marked by an enlargement of the joint and displacement of the toe laterally.
Contusion– bruise that forms in muscle as a result of a blow to the area.
Corn– is a small hard centered area surrounded by inflamed tissue. Usually in between toes
Gout– is a form of arthritis, acidic crystals have accumulated within a joint capsule. Pain can be excruciating with redness, swelling and inability to bear weight.
Hammertoe/Claw Toe/Mallet Toe– the toes are contracting. They usually result from a severe bunion, wearing high heels shoes that crowd the toes.
Lymphedema– is the result of an obstruction in the lymph vessels. Fluid is retained in the tissue causing extreme pain.
Morton’s Neuroma– caused by a benign tumor compressing a nerve between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. It can develop as a result of misaligning of the bones in the toes.
Peripheral Edema– is a buildup of fluid in the tissue in the ankle or foot. This is an issue in the veins due to heart or kidney dysfunction, liver conditions, pregnancy, medications, excess table salt, immobility or the result of chemotherapy. Symptoms include, burning, shooting pain, numbness, loss of sensation and inability to control muscles.
Plantar Fasciitis – irritation of the strong, thick, broad, inelastic band of connectives that runs from the heels to the toes on the sole of the foot. It is a result of overuse, stress on the fascia, impingement along the S1 nerves and decreased blood flow to the feet. The pain is intense, sharp, stabbing, and burning when weight is put on the feet after an extended rest.
Stress Fracture– is developed from repetitive stress on the weight-bearing bones of the feet. It may present itself anywhere from generalized pain and tenderness, to severe pain.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, please give me a call.
I received training in Vancouver, B.C. from Karen Ball from the Academy of Ancient Reflexology in September 2021, “How to Relieve Chronic Foot Pain”.
There is a protocol that erases muscle memory. The procedure takes between 15-20 minutes. Plus, you will be shown exercises to reinforce the treatment to be done daily.
The remainder of the session is completed with a thorough Reflexology treatment.
Don’t suffer from foot pain when there is help.
Give me a call to book an appointment.