By Dr. Christine Gonzalez (PharmD, HHC)
While I am no expert in the field of reflexology, I am certainly open to the experience from both a patient and holistic practitioner mindset. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy getting their feet rubbed? During a recent to trip to San Francisco, I found myself at a small, yet professional "beauty health center". While I was primarily seeking relief from fatigue and sore muscles after a long drive up the coast the previous day, I was curious to see what this experience would reveal. I consider myself an undercover scientist when it comes to new holistic experiences…
Immediately, I was drawn to a conveniently placed chart that mapped out what body parts the different areas on the feet corresponded to. From the brainstem on the big toe to the reproductive organs on the heel, I was intrigued at the correlations. I also perused the brochure which touted the many benefits of their “massage”. This included relief from stress, various pain conditions, insomnia, anxiety, and allergies. They also purported improved circulation, cleansing of toxins, and improved digestive and organ function. Wow, I was ready to get started!
Through the methodical massage and purposeful stimulation by my practitioner, I experienced an immediate unlocking of different channels in my body. This manifested as a tingling and warm energy surging through my body. For a rare moment, I was at a loss for words and allowed myself to soak it all in. There was no doubt that it was both relaxing and energizing. I emerged refreshed and renewed, happy to have taken the time in the name of self-care and research.
Afterwards and not surprisingly, I did a quick online query for research on reflexology. I found articles discussing the use of this modality as treatment for nausea and vomiting (especially cancer and pregnancy-related), fibromyalgia, other pain conditions (chronic and acute), bronchial asthma, constipation, and IBS. While the results were mixed or inconclusive for some conditions, it indicates the need for larger-scale studies on the effectiveness of reflexology. Just from my personal anecdote, there are obvious results from even a single treatment. I would love to hear about your experiences with reflexology, especially if you utilize this as a regular healing modality. I can tell you this for sure, I am going back for another session as soon as I can! Visit http://TheHolisticOption.com for more information on holistic medicine, natural remedies, or to find a practitioner or school in your area. And don't forget to check out our podcast, Holistic Health & Wellness. 
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While I am no expert in the field of reflexology, I am certainly open to the experience from both a patient and holistic practitioner mindset. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy getting their feet rubbed? During a recent to trip to San Francisco, I found myself at a small, yet professional "beauty health center". While I was primarily seeking relief from fatigue and sore muscles after a long drive up the coast the previous day, I was curious to see what this experience would reveal. I consider myself an undercover scientist when it comes to new holistic experiences…
Immediately, I was drawn to a conveniently placed chart that mapped out what body parts the different areas on the feet corresponded to. From the brainstem on the big toe to the reproductive organs on the heel, I was intrigued at the correlations. I also perused the brochure which touted the many benefits of their “massage”. This included relief from stress, various pain conditions, insomnia, anxiety, and allergies. They also purported improved circulation, cleansing of toxins, and improved digestive and organ function. Wow, I was ready to get started!
Through the methodical massage and purposeful stimulation by my practitioner, I experienced an immediate unlocking of different channels in my body. This manifested as a tingling and warm energy surging through my body. For a rare moment, I was at a loss for words and allowed myself to soak it all in. There was no doubt that it was both relaxing and energizing. I emerged refreshed and renewed, happy to have taken the time in the name of self-care and research.
Afterwards and not surprisingly, I did a quick online query for research on reflexology. I found articles discussing the use of this modality as treatment for nausea and vomiting (especially cancer and pregnancy-related), fibromyalgia, other pain conditions (chronic and acute), bronchial asthma, constipation, and IBS. While the results were mixed or inconclusive for some conditions, it indicates the need for larger-scale studies on the effectiveness of reflexology. Just from my personal anecdote, there are obvious results from even a single treatment. I would love to hear about your experiences with reflexology, especially if you utilize this as a regular healing modality. I can tell you this for sure, I am going back for another session as soon as I can!