Reflexology – a natural, holistic therapy for better health and well-being
When I began my healing journey over 20 years ago to recover from my auto-immune diseases (lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and fibromyalgia), reflexology was one of the first holistic modalities I used. Now I’m thrilled to be part of the reflexology profession which has forever changed my life and helped so many others.
Reflexology is a gentle, relaxing therapy done to bring stress relief and promote the body’s natural healing responses by applying specific reflexology pressure techniques to the hands and feet. The entire body is mapped out on the hands and feet, so every part of the body – every organ, gland, bone, joint, muscle, etc. – has reflexes on the hands and feet.
Reflexology sends a message from the reflexes in the hands and feet, to the corresponding areas of the body, telling them to relax and to bring in better circulation, nutrients, oxygen and to remove wastes and detoxify. It opens up the flow of vital energy to that area and allows the body to do its natural processes of building health.
What’s a session like? Even though reflexology isn’t massage, many people say it feels like a wonderful hand and foot massage to them. Just take your socks and shoes off and recline back in my zero gravity chair. I use warm towels and rocks to keep your feet warm. Essential oils and the tranquil ambiance add to the relaxation experience. And, of course, my sweet dog Molly adds another therapeutic element with her presence.
What are the benefits of reflexology?
Because every part of the body has reflexes on the hands and feet, reflexology can help build health throughout the entire body. Its greatest benefit comes from its ability to help the structures and functions of the body naturally build physical and emotional health, wellness, and vibrancy.
Hundreds of studies done on the benefits of reflexology have concluded it to be helpful for stress relief, post-surgical recovery, allergies, pain, arthritis, fatigue, asthma, insomnia, diabetes, women’s health and hormones, thyroid, weight loss, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, blood pressure, the side effects of chemotherapy, anxiety, depression, and much more.
How does reflexology work?
Many ancient cultures around the world discovered the idea of reflexology. There’s even a drawing in an Egyptian tomb that some historians think could be a picture of people doing hand and foot reflexology.
There are theories about how it works, but no definite answer. The best we know is that it probably works through the nervous system.
Each hand contains about 100,000 nerves. And there are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot. Each of these nerves responds to pressure and sends messages back throughout the entire body.
National Board Certified Reflexologist since 2002
My reflexology course with Rachel Lord in 2000 at her school Just for Health Enterprises in Denver, CO was the first holistic schooling I ever did. I had to drive a 1,000 mile round trip for every class over the course of a year to do it, but I didn’t mind at all. I was passionate about learning reflexology and starting a new career with it.
It was during these times that I made the mental shift from being someone who had fought with everything in me to try to just survive lupus and heal to becoming a healer and helping others like I had promised myself I would do. It was the most empowering experience of my life, and those times are some of my happiest memories!
I started a practice out of my home in 2000. I’ve been a National Board Certified Reflexologist with the American Reflexology Certification Board ® since 2002. I hope to still be doing reflexology when I’m 100 years old. Reflexology changes lives. It’s been so exciting to see all the amazing ways people have experienced that in the decades since I first started doing reflexology.
Rates
One Hour Hand and Foot Reflexology Session $60
30 Minute Children’s Reflexology Session $25
(ages 15 and under)
(Photo credit – professional photos on this page were done by Rugged Grace Photography in Cheyenne)
(Reflexology artwork by ENORASIS on Etsy)