Benefits of Reflexology

by Maria DeMayo

Many people ask about the benefits of reflexology when I tell them that I am a Reflexologist. Typically, they have questions about what it is, what it does, and how it feels.

Reflexology is based on the principle that the entire body is reflected in the feet and hands. Applying a specific type of touch to pressure points in the feet helps to reduce stress and bring balance to the body.

For more information about reflexology, check out this helpful interactive reflexology chart.

I've asked my clients to help me explain the benefits of reflexology because I've found that the best information comes from their point of view.

Here's what one of my clients wrote about her experience...

"As I enter the office the environment is soothing. As we talk I tell Maria that I am a type A personality. I keep myself busy. My mind is always working. My work keeps me on my feet all day and my feet and calves hurt.

I get on the table and the session begins. Music is softly playing in the background and sometimes an aromatherapy blend is diffused in the room.

Maria begins working on my feet. I can feel the tightness in my feet release. As she continues I find myself relaxing, my mind calms, my thoughts float away and my body feels the tension release. At the end of the session I feel so relaxed that I could take a nap. I sometimes schedule my appointments so that I can nap right after. Once I take a nap I feel my energy level increase.

For me reflexology has a calming effect, I feel less stressful, it relieves the pain in my feet and calves, I sleep well.

I receive Reflexology on a regular basis because I realize that it is like taking vitamins or exercising, doing it just once isn't going to get you balanced."

Another client told me that reflexology...

"... feels like a booster shot to my overall well-being. I can live without Reflexology; I just don't want to."

If you're new to Reflexology, you might be interested in what this client wrote about the benefits of reflexology...

"The first time I tried reflexology I wasn't sure what to expect. Would it be like a foot massage? I've always been apprehensive about having someone touch my feet, but I gave it a try.

As pressure was applied to various points on my feet I could actually feet the sensation in the corresponding parts of my body. As Maria worked through the tight spots I could feel the tenseness leaving my body.

I was relaxed and rejuvenated.

Prior to another session, my nasal passages were blocked and I was very stuffy. At first it felt like my feet were being poked with a pencil. The more she worked the points, the more I could feel the relief from the pressure in my sinuses.

It is the feet that hold up and balance the entire body. In essence, Reflexology is not just therapy for your feet, but it's healing for the total being."

Maria DeMayo practices reflexology, aromatherapy, and energy balancing at the Center for Embodied Consciousness in Columbia, MD.

For more information on the benefits of reflexology, visit Maria DeMayo's page.