Reflexology – Everything You Need to Know

By CNY Healing Arts Published on
Reflexology – Everything You Need to Know

Our CNY Healing Art Center in Syracuse New York specializes in Reflexology services offering Reflexology to the greater Upstate New York community. If you are constantly on your feet, whether from work, exercise, hobbies, or just a hectic lifestyle, Reflexology is the treatment for you!

Our practitioners are highly skilled and we offer both a 30- or 60-minute Reflexology session! Prices are $60 for 30 minutes and $90 for 60 minutes.

Call our Syracuse office at 315-671-5755 to schedule your Reflexology treatment today!

To learn more about why Reflexology is so great, read on!

Fast Facts

  • Reflexology acts as a healing method for pain causing change and benefits in the body
  • Reflexology helps remove energy blocks using specific pressure points such as in the toes, ball of the foot, arch of the foot and heel
  • Reflexology can help with: stress, headaches, pain, sleep problems, PMS, digestive issues and more
  • Being light headed after treatment or having sensitivity are possible side effects
  • Treatments are typically a half hour to one hour and range in cost from $40-$100

What is Reflexology

Reflexology in Syracuse is under the category of massage and acupuncture. It is where pressure is applied to different points in the hands, feet and ears that correlate to different parts of the body such as organs or body systems. Applying pressure to these pressure points have specific health benefits. In Syracuse and Rochester NY, we have trained practitioners who will help ease your pain and tension with a customized reflexology treatment.

Understanding a foot reflexology chart

Therapists use a foot map to determine which pressure points correlate to the specific body parts. The right foot applies to the right side of the body and same goes for the left foot and left body.

When pressure is applied to specific parts of the foot, it directly correlates to other parts of the body.

  • Toes = Head
  • Ball of Foot = Heart, Chest
  • Arch of Foot = Liver, Pancreas, Kidneys
  • Heel of Foot = Low Back, Intestines

Additionally, pressure points have been known to help balance the nervous system. A balanced nervous system can result in endorphins which help aide in the recovery from pain or stress.

How Reflexology Works/Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reflexology has roots in traditional Chinese medicine and the belief of “Qi” which means “vital energy”. According to the traditional Chinese medicine background, Qi flows through each of us and when a person is stressed or under pressure, their Qi is blocked which causes the body to be out of balance leading to possible injury or illness.

Difference between Foot Massage and Reflexology

Reflexology differs from a foot massage because of the different techniques used. A foot massage manipulates muscles to improve circulation and results in over all relaxation. A foot massage does not focus on pressure points but focus on the foot and tissue as a whole.

A typical foot massage is performed by hands but sometimes can use sticks or rollers to better stimulate the muscles. Practitioners use kneading techniques from the soul of the foot up through the arch and to the toes. The use of kneading helps release any tension you hold in your body.

A foot massage not only helps rejuvenate your feet, but also brings an overall relaxation to the entire body.

It is said that even a 10 minute foot massage before going to sleep can greatly help with sleep patterns and release tensions on the feet and lower body by improving blood circulation.

Since there are so many pressure points in the feet, even if it is a strict foot massage and not reflexology, the manipulation of muscles helps with lowering anxiety, blood pressure and helps with people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.

This is a great treatment to get if you are pregnant especially when they are in the last trimester. Foot massage can help decrease water retention in the feet and ankles.

Overall , the main different between a foot massage and reflexology is the techniques used. Reflexology focuses on pressure points which correlate to specific part of the body, where a foot massage focuses on just the foot as a whole.

Differences from other treatments

Massage and Reflexology differ in the fact that regular massage manipulates large areas of muscle tissue often the full body whereas reflexology is only pressure points in the hands, feet and ears.

Reiki differs by applying light to no touch on the physical body. Reiki relay’s on energy work being transferred from the practitioner’s hands to the body of the client.

Like acupuncture, reflexology uses pressure points to influence other parts of the body system. They differ since acupuncture uses points on the entire body where reflexology uses pressure points only points in the hands, feet and ears.

Benefits of Foot Reflexology

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Help relieve pain
  • Helps to brighten your mood
  • Improves over all well being
  • Can lead to improved sleep and enhanced relaxation
  • Help with health conditions:
    • Boosting immune system
    • Helps fight off common colds or infections
    • Helps with allergy relief
    • Can correct hormonal issues or help PMS symptoms
    • Improve digestion
    • Ease arthritis pain

What to expect

During a treatment at our Syracuse CNY Healing Arts, you will initially discuss your health history with your practitioner. From there, your practitioner will choose specific pressure points to relieve pain, reduce stress or aide in the goal you are looking to achieve with a reflexology session. Sessions are typically a half hour or one hour treatment. For best results, your practitioner might recommend multiple sessions. This varies per person.

Reflexology should not be painful. Most people find it to be a relaxing session. Areas that feel tender might need extra work. Your practitioner may spend extra time on these points. If at any point it is too uncomfortable, always let them know. The use of pressure will decrease the soreness you may feel.

A common question is, what if you are tickleish? Practitioners use firm pressure on the feet. Generally this means you will not have that tickle feeling.

Safety & Side effects

Reflexology is generally a safe treatment to receive. It is categorized under the acupuncture or foot massage category. It is noninvasive and comfortable to receive. If you do have the following issues, it would be best to check with your doctor before receiving treatment as well as provide an accurate health history to your practitioner prior to receiving treatment.

  • Circulatory problems in the feet
  • Blood clots
  • Gout, foot ulcers or fungal infections
  • Open wounds on hands or feet
  • Thyroid problems
  • Epilepsy
  • A low platelet count that could cause you to bruise easily

*If you are pregnant, be sure to let your therapist know as some pressure points can induce contractions

Some side effects might include lightheadedness, tender feet or emotional sensitivity. These will subside shortly. Like any massage, it is important to drink plenty of water following your treatment and make sure you are well enough to drive afterwards. Taking a few moments to sip on water and relax before moving quickly is recommended.

Costs

The cost typically ranges from $40-$100 per session.

Foot Reflexology at CNY in Syracuse NY

Foot Reflexology restores strength and balance to your body through its use of pressure points. Reflexology is a powerful Asian healing tradition using special massage techniques to heal the body and restore balance within your system.

The treatment starts with a warm foot soak to promote circulation and blood flow to your pelvic organs. Next, we examine the feet to look for clues regarding what might be happening in the rest of your body. Finally, experience a relaxing foot massage aimed at the areas of your body you want to focus on. This treatment can stand alone, or be added to any other treatment selection.

Like mentioned above, it is important to prove your practitioner with a full health history prior to treatment. We offer free consultations at CNY Syracuse if you would like more specific details pertaining to yourself before treatment.

30-minute session $60

60-minute session $90

At CNY, every treatment is an escape. With our spa amenities such as the aqua terrace, steam showers and dry sauna, we invite you to arrive 1 hour early to your appointment to begin relaxation. Self care is an aspect we don’t take lightly here at CNY in Syracuse. We are here to treat you, relieve pain, and ease tension.