Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get reflexology?
It depends. For clients wishing to address a specific, ongoing issue, sessions once a week or every other week for the first month or two can help. After that initial, consistent introduction, shifting a once or twice a month maintenance schedule is recommended.
For clients who are otherwise feeling good and healthy and who are just looking to incorporate reflexology into their lives as a means of supporting and maintaining their already established baseline of wellbeing, sessions once or twice a month should prove a good fit.
Will it hurt?
Clients may experience areas of tenderness in what reflexologists often refer to as “productive pain”, but, again, this is a tenderness, and should be akin to that of a sore muscle. The session is meant as an invitation to the body to relax and restore, not bear down and endure. If areas of greater tenderness present themselves, a lighter touch or even avoidance will be utilized.
Ultimately, the reflexologist and client should be working together to determine the protocol for the session. We are always working with and for your body.
Is there a maximum amount of time to leave between appointments?
While there is no definitive answer to this, 6 weeks, would be the recommended maximum.
Recall that treatments have a cumulative effect so the greater the frequency, the better it will be overall as each treatment adds onto the last treatment’s effects.
It’s a little like eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, or learning a new skill. Doing any of those things once is not without benefit, but doing them with consistency and frequency will give much better results.
Is there a maximum amount of treatments I can have a week?
Again, it depends. As a general rule, a maximum of 2 sessions a week is the recommendation however, sometimes a short burst of 2-3 sessions a week can be beneficial, especially for addressing a specific or particularly robust concern. For the most part, a maximum of 1-2 sessions a week is recommended.
In the later stages of pregnancy (37 weeks on) twice weekly reflexology appointment may prove especially enjoyable and supportive for those final demanding weeks on the mother’s body.
What are some of the benefits of reflexology? *
Relaxation - touch is essential to our wellbeing, and caring, intentional touch from a certified bodyworker can help relieve the body of tension and stress. It is an opportunity to stop, breath, and give your mind, body, and spirit a break.
Improved Sleep - the relaxation experienced during and directly after a reflexology session may extend into the night, easing issues of insomnia and other sleep disturbances
Improved circulation - reflexology has been shown to improve the movement of blood in the body. Improved circulation means more oxygen reaching vital organ systems optimizing their functioning. The deliverance of oxygen through the body also results in faster healing and re-growth of damaged cells.
Waste removal - along with improved circulation, reflexology has been shown to increase lymph and fluid movement in the body which helps offload waste materials in the blood and body.
Increased energy - some clients report a boost in energy after a session. This may be the result of a kind of bounce back after a surge of relaxation and restoration or from increased circulation and movement within the body’s systems.
Reduced headaches - a common report from clients is a reduction in frequency and/or severity of headaches.
Relief from menstrual and hormonal discomfort - many clients report a reduction in severity of menstrual cramps as well as a decrease in other hormonal symptoms such as irritability and fatigue. Perimenopausal and menopausal women have reported a decrease in hormonal symptoms such as hot flashes, and trouble sleeping.
* While reflexology and the working of feet, hand, and auricular points have been used for centuries by cultures spanning the globe, including Ancient Egypt, East Asian, and First Nations Peoples, it is important to note that it should be considered as supplemental modality and not as a replacement for formal medical care or prescribed medications.
Can you show me some reflexology techniques I can use at home?
Absolutely!
I am always thrilled to share information and techniques to help my clients to facilitate their own wellbeing in between sessions. I recognize, however, that every client’s interest in such things varies, so please, feel free to ask me questions and pick my brain when you come in for a session.
I am sensitive to smells. Are your creams scented?
I use Flying Wild Reflexology Creams in a variety of scents as well as unscented. I, personally, am sensitive to smells, so I don’t wear scents or use heavily fragranced products on my person or in my cleaning supplies.
I have an essential oil diffusers and many scented oils, but it is up to each client as to whether or not that is utilized during a session.
What’s next for you and Integrating Touch?
I love learning about the body and am deeply passionate about helping support people to feel as vibrant, safe, and happy in their bodies as possible.
I have already begun to incorporate energy work into my sessions, and excited to venture more into Reiki and Chakra work.
I am also fascinated by the limbic system and look forward to continuing to learn more about trauma release work. I am hoping to take some speciality classes on this front in the coming year.