Elementary dear Watson...

One of the most asked questions that actually come across a Reflexologist is often: “What is the difference between Reflexology and Foot Massage?” Yes, very common, yet a good question since it turns around to clear substantial differences between the two techniques.

Let’s explore them more in depth.

Foot Massage.

Foot Massage is a great technique that focuses on relaxing the muscles and tissues of the feet which primary goal is to relieve tension, improve circulation, reduce local pain, promote relaxation throughout the body. It doesn't necessarily target specific reflex points, although certain techniques may still indirectly affect these points. It has expectations of making your feet feel better and ready to get on the go in a better shape with reduced discomfort and fatigue feelings.

Techniques used to perform it are quite various. They range from gentle stroking and kneading to deeper tissue manipulation, depending on the preferences of the individual receiving the massage and the goals of the Massage Therapist whose intent is to restore their maximum function and well-being. Different techiques make of this practise a fantastic experience for all those who go for it.

Foot Reflexology.

What is Foot Reflexology? Going through some studies, the word itself suggests something that has to do with reflexes, right? Right! And its end “ology” is something we always hear here and there, one way or the other when speaking about fields related to Medicine, (psychology – radiology – endocrinology – virology – bacteriology). Easier? Definitely! Surely enough the end “ology or logy" at your discretion, is found in other words that aren't directly related to the Science of Medicine itself, but in this brief study we'll focus on that only. Hey! What a long story just to say that the small end stands for “science”which we all know already. Thus, Reflexology is the “science of reflexes”, finally! Those reflexes Reflexology refers to when explaining its fantastic theory based on the fact that from our feet, through nerves roots located there, an expert practitioner is able to start a powerful wave of impulses that “reflexes”, reaches, heads to the point of interest for treatment. In other words, the concept is that different points under the feet, actually very many, correspond to specific organs and systems in the body. Isn’t that amazing? Well, it in fact it is honestly speaking! Reflexology is the ultimate science of healing the body from within using those parts of it (feet-hands-ears) where nerves roots end. These parts, if stimulated properly, are able to positively affect our general health both physiologically and emotionally. Lie down wherever you are, don't take my words literally :) and imagine now all this flow of energy circulating throughout your body. Picture it into your mind as a thunder light enlightening your whole body bringing it back to a heathy state with sparks that generate vitality, rebalance, reestablish new equilibrium. A force that erupts from the roots, travels across the entire system heading up to your head spreading shins of life.

After such quite stunning premise, one question merges to the surface: “I know, I understand this is an amazing progress in science and unbelievable process, yet, how many and which health issues can we solve then having such an extraordinary tool in our hands? Here the answer comes... uncertain in the best way: “Who knows? I mean really, who knows?” We know for certain that Reflexology has super extended relief properties with its healthy waves that reach every point of our body. We know that it works! In particular instances quick and fast. Also, we acknowledge how effective it is when used as a Complementary to Medicine Therapy. But my question goes much deeper: “Given as a matter of fact that spots of organs reflexes placements are quite smaller in the feet than they are in our real body, and being our finger-tips capable to cover way more than the area of a single spot when pressuring down, how many yet unknown other great adjustments do we benefit from that we still don’t realize of?"

 Elementary my dear Watson, that is the real question!