Myth # 1: Reflexology really hurts and is uncomfortable.
While it is true that some points on the feet hurt during treatment, it is a fact that we work within the client’s pain threshold. We stay in close communication with the client since sensitivities vary. As a Reflexology therapist, we are attuned to the body’s signals of the client, and we respond accordingly. Not all technique create pain, either: We work a little harder on the skeletal or digestive system, other reflex areas require gentler touch. There are about 30 different techniques in Reflexology including resonance technique, subtle touch techniques or energy techniques, or working gently with the lymphatic system.
Myth # 2: Reflexology treatments are not for people who have ticklish feet.
I have seen quite a few clients with ticklish feet over the last 17 years that I have been practicing Reflexology, but it has never been a problem. In other words, they never felt tickled by the touch. I think this is to do with the fact that the reflexologist’s touch is intentional both in regards to what area to work on as well as what technique to use. Also, Reflexology helps the nervous system to calm and balance, so the client does not get as sensitive and ticklish by the physical touch.
Myth # 3: Reflexology is a massage of the feet.
The distinction between Reflexology massage and Therapeutic Reflexology is not clear in Canada. When you book Reflexology here, it may be a massage, or it may be a therapeutic treatment. I was trained in Germany where we distinguish clearly between Reflexology massage and the so-called ‘Reflexotherapy’ or Therapeutic Reflexology. Whereas Reflexology massage is more preventative and is usually found in spa settings, Therapeutic Reflexology is a medical method addressing illnesses and disorders. The schools in Germany only accept medical and therapeutic practitioners for this kind of training. Therapeutic Reflexology is more than a massage as it addresses physical issues in the body such as back pain, headaches, insomnia, digestive troubles, sinusitis, edema, or chronic pain. Many reflexologists here in Canada also work in a therapeutic way. Best is to find out about their training and back ground.
Myth # 4: Reflexologists work on the sole of the feet.
It is frequently assumed that only the sole of the feet is important in Reflexology as they were usually portrayed in the early charts and diagrams. However, contemporary charts depict the whole foot including the plantar and dorsal surfaces of the feet, the inner and outer area of the ankle and about 10 cm up the leg. A foot can be seen as a seated human form where you find the areas of the head in the toes, the organs and tissues of the torso in the middle of the foot and the pelvic region around the ankle. Reflexologists work on the whole foot including part of the lower leg to address physical issues in the entire body.
Myth # 5: The Reflexology chart is based on nerve endings in the feet.
This is a stubborn myth. Of course, we have nerves in our feet, and we include those in our treatment. But Reflexology is not based on nerve endings! There are the so-called micro-systems of our body which we find in the hand, feet, ears or the eyes. These micro-systems reflect structures, tissues and organs of the whole body. Auricular therapists use the ears to address the body’s issues, iridology practitioner use the eyes to diagnose their patient’s health, and reflexologists use hands and feet for their treatments. For a long time in history, practitioners have worked on feet or hands to relief pain in the body and improve health. The micro-systems are based on clinical experience and old cultural knowledge. Contemporary charts are still changing and developing as more medical knowledge is integrated.
Myth # 6: Reflexology is a bit ‘woo-woo’.
In Germany and other European Countries, Reflexology is integrated in the medical system, and it is a widely accepted therapy. It is prescribed by doctors, used by many different medical professionals, and covered by extended medical. Even though some coverage is available in Canada, Reflexology still struggles to gain a solid recognition here. I am a member of the Reflexology Association of Canada, RAC, the biggest one in Canada. Its objectives are to raise awareness of the benefits of the practice, to set and maintain high professional standards and provide continuing education courses. Moreover, there have been conducted extended Reflexology research for many conditions and disorders. You can find out more about it here.
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