My first experience of reflexology
Personally, I’m not one for new age “holistic” treatments. I’ve always been a fanatical adherent to the principles of science, and any medical treatments with unproven effectiveness leave me feeling very skeptical. In the past, I’ve discounted homeopathy, dismissed traditional Chinese medicine, and derided all forms of alternative and complementary medicine. It was a very skeptical man who walked into that reflexology practice yesterday.
Reflexology is an incredibly ancient practice, dating back over 5000 years. The first recorded evidence of reflexology was found in an Egyptian tomb, and thousands of miles away in the east a painting of the Hindu god Vishnu with reflexology charts on his feet was found in India. This, along with a wealth of other evidence, proves that the wisdom of reflexology was widespread in the ancient world, stretching all the way from Egypt to Japan.
The basis of reflexology is the theory that there are areas on the hands and feet that correspond to other parts of the body. When these reflexology points are gently stimulated with specific techniques, beneficial effects are observed in the corresponding areas.
The mechanism of action is firmly grounded in pseudoscience. Practitioners believe that a reflexology massage helps with energy imbalances and blockages throughout the body, and that all kinds of ailments and maladies can be very powerfully dealt with through skillful manipulation of the hands and feet. This goes against conventional medical wisdom, yet reflexology patients often feel that they have received some vast benefit from undergoing the experience. Society is divided on whether reflexology is a genuinely valuable complementary therapy, or a simple foot massage wrapped up in new age quackery.
Despite the skeptical view that medical science holds, there is no doubt that many people claim to experience remarkable effects from reflexology treatment. That alone compelled me to give it a try.
I walked into a very reputable reflexology clinic in West London. I’d done a significant amount of research online and I was determined to have the very best experience possible. I was immediately reassured when I stepped into the clinic, and I was greeted with an atmosphere somewhere between a very plush private clinic and a high-end spa. A gentle and relaxing aroma of essential oils lingered in the air. It was, without a doubt, a very nice place.
When my appointment came, a friendly reflexologist approached me, and she asked me a few questions about my medical history and what I hoped to get out of the session. After telling her that I had no specific problems, she welcomed me into one of the treatment rooms.
The reflexologist explained to me that many of her clients come to her for nothing specific. Apparently, it’s just as common to visit a reflexologist to cope with the stresses of a hectic life, or to try to maintain a balance. She mentioned with a smile that the procedure was so pleasant that often people need very little excuse to arrange a session. A few minutes after the treatment started I began to agree with her.
She firmly massaged my feet with the incredibly wonderful smelling essential oils that I caught the scent of as I entered the clinic, and I began to feel very relaxed. As she applied specific pressure to certain areas of my feet, I began to feel something beyond a mere foot massage. I felt a sensation that was very odd, yet pleasant, and it continued all the way up my legs. The tingle was something I’d never experienced before, and it left me feeling great.
As the treatment continued we had a chat about her client base. In addition to the stressed out individuals we’d discussed earlier, she told me of many successes she’d had with clients. After just a few sessions, she said, most people felt a marked improvement in all kinds of conditions. From chronic back pain to kidney stones, she claimed to have helped all manner of medical problems.
One area she mentioned where reflexology has almost miraculous effects is helping couples conceive children. Apparently the technique is very effective for both men and women, and the results are exceptional. “I’ve helped many little lives come into this world” she proudly stated as she palpated my feet.
As the session continued, I felt even more relaxed, and I began to perceive further intriguing effects. I felt very relaxed and balanced, and I noticed a real shift in my state of mind. This went beyond what you’d expect from a massage. I felt calm, confident and like I’d been reset somehow. I had the overwhelming experience of feeling my batteries being recharged. It was quite something. I’m still feeling the effects right now.
As I left the clinic, I felt full of energy, and full of life. I walked in OK, but I came out of that room feeling something far better. It was quite an exceptional change! After an hour of treatment, I was left in no question about the gentle effectiveness of reflexology treatment to deal with stress. There is something quite special about the technique used.
It’s hard to deliver a comprehensive verdict on the genuine therapeutic value of reflexology from just one session, and this problem is compounded by the fact that I wasn’t attempting to treat any particular condition. I must say, however, that if it was just a massage, then it was the most energizing and healing massage that I’ve ever experienced. The entire experience was deliciously indulgent, and I felt the money I paid was money well spent, even for a completely healthy person.
This session has piqued my curiosity about the power of reflexology. The next time I am suffering from a genuine medical complaint, I’ll definitely give reflexology a try. I’ll be very interested to see if I can achieve the same results as others have claimed. Even if I don’t find a miraculous cure, I’m confident that the relaxing and healing power of the reflexology massage will be enough to make me feel better.
Paul LaRoche
