The idea of having a masseuse cup your feet and massage tired, cramped, aching muscles is undoubted, the ultimate in luxurious pampering. But what if we told you that a foot massage could do more than soothe away a day of pounding the pavement.
Did you know that your eye is nestled comfortably under your second toe? That your brain is nestled in your big toe and your lungs are cushioned by the ball of your foot. Sounds whack! but this what reflexology works with. Every major organ in the body is connected to an are on the foot and it is from here that reflexologists will set about healing the body.
A brief history
The practice of foot massage spread from Egypt across the Mediterranean to Europe during the reign of the Roman Empire while it is further believed that in the 14th century, Marco Polo translated a Chinese massage book into Italian thereby introducing foot massage to Europe. The westernisation of the practice then falls under dispute with both Germany and the United States laying claim to introduction reflex healing into modern medicine. Either way, we’re happy to have it as a menu item at Langaro.
What is reflexology?
It is no mystery that touch heals. The fundamental theory behind reflexology is that there are reflex areas on the foot, hand and ear which correspond with organs in the body. And through the healing power of touch, various aches and pains can be relieved by massaging specific areas of the foot.
- Ankle – reproductive area
- Arch of the foot – abdominal area i.e. the liver, stomach, pancreas and kidney
- Ball of the foot – thoracic area i.e. the lung, heart and thyroid.
- Heel – pelvic area i.e. sciatic nerves, lower back and intestines
- Inner foot – spine
- the outer foot – the outer body i.e. arms, knee and hip
- Tips of the toes – head and neck area i.e. ears, eyes, nose and mouth.
In the treatment room
Feel comfortable enough to discuss your ailments with a therapist as reflexology is known to treat and relieve, allergies, stress and anxiety, physical pain like headaches or toothache, as well as colic, teething, asthma, and mumps in kids. Furthermore, a trained reflexologist should also know how to create an energy flow to treat a chemical or hormonal balance when treating depression. They’re also taught how to encourage the body to secrete endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers and stimulants? This is essential in treating chronic back pain, migraines and tension headaches. Cancer patients, in fact, any patient will experience pain relief through touch. A reflexologist is taught all of these emotionally charged skills as part of the service they provide.
Our therapist Lee Tsamperis is certified, experienced and compassionate when it comes to reflexology. Call us for a booking and let her sort out all those niggly aches and pains; gently and empathetically.
