Many a time, we mistake reflexology for a massage session at a spa. From the looks of it, both massage and reflexology may look relatively similar. While both procedures help you relax your body and reduce stress, they both are independent techniques. We are going to explain reflexology in detail so that it will help you make a more informed decision.
Reflexology is a technique of applying pressure to areas on the feet or hands. The primary motive is to help the body relax and reduce tension. In reflexology, your feet are like a mini-map of your body. Any of our body systems can be accessed and worked upon by stimulating and manipulating the corresponding areas of the foot. Visit this page to know about the mechanism of how reflexology works.
A massage is the use of different types of physical contacts to manipulate soft tissue to relax the body.
Let us understand how both the techniques differ from each other.
Stimulation – Reflex points vs. muscles
Reflexology is a type of treatment that uses hands, feet, and ears whereas massage is a procedure that is done as a part of beauty science. It involves working the muscles, ligaments, and face. A Reflexologist will be focussing on the reflex points of the body. Reflex points are the sensitive areas on the feet and hands. These points are underactive when there is something out of balance in the body. Hence, a trained and certified reflexologist will manipulate these points of your body using various degrees of pressure and movement.
Both techniques involve the use of a hands-on body, for the application of methods involved. That’s practically where the similarities between the two techniques end. A body massage can be supplemented with reflexology but a pure reflexology session includes only the hands and feet.
Treatment tools
Masseurs use diverse methods to massage like kneading, rubbing oils, rolling movements, heated stones, rhythmic tapping, pinching, heat therapy, hydrotherapy, etc. Their objective is to release tension from the muscles.
A Reflexologist will use their finger to focus pressure on one specific trigger point to release blocked pressure points. They believe that life energy streams through the body and heals injuries, strain, and illness.
No need to change clothes
Classically, a massage is carried out on a bare body. So that calls for a change of clothes or no clothes. Because of this many times, people hesitate to undergo this therapy.
On the other hand, a reflexologist will only press certain parts of the feet, hands, and ears to relieve blockages on certain parts of the body to carry on their treatment.
The Holistic benefit over Physical benefits
Visiting a spa for massage therapy might contribute to the physical benefits but a session at the reflexologist will deliver all-around health benefits including physical, mental, and emotional benefits to your body. The immune system also gets better with each session at the reflexologists.
Reflexology is more than just massage and these points prove it. Book yourself a soothing reflexology session and see for yourself.
