Be Comfortable in yourself by
Expressing your Heart's Desires!
Reflexology and Relaxation
Why Do I Like Doing Feet?
By Jean Wehner
As a reflexologist, I cannot count how many clients have asked me why I work on people's feet. I usually respond, "If you had told me years ago that I would be doing Reflexology I would have laughed. Now I laugh when someone reacts as if working on feet is unusual!"
At times I simply answer that I enjoy taking care of people's feet because they do so much for us. Enthusiastically I will share there are 26 tiny bones in each foot, working to carry us as well as connect us to the earth, with over 7000 nerves ending in each.
Also through the feet, via a number of different pathways, there is a connection to every organ and system of our body. It is mutually exciting when work on a client's foot causes a feeling or response in a different part of his or her body. Many clients have shared that Reflexology has helped their overall sense of wellbeing. This is supported by research showing that reflexology helps to reduce pain, creates relaxation, serves as a complement to cancer care, improves blood flow, reduces anxiety and improves circulation.
Most importantly, I love doing feet because it helps my clients relax and feel better in their bodies. This starts with them prioritizing one hour for their self-care. Then I begin desensitizing and relaxing their feet, touching some tender spots, working through some rough patches, clearing out some stagnant energy. The desired reaction may happen during a number of familiarizing sessions, often leaving a client in a state of genuine surprise at feeling lighter or somehow better. Then there are the sessions that end with the clients opening their eyes feeling so relaxed that they need a moment to collect themselves.
Knowing all the possible benefits of Reflexology I am most honored to help clients decrease stress and relax. In those moments of relaxation, I believe, deep healing on a body, mind and spirit level occurs.
Jean Wehner, a National Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Master and Certified Life Coach has her practice, Light the Path, in Elkridge, MD. She practices at the Center for Integrative Medicine at Kernan Hospital and at Patapsco Healing Arts in Ellicott City, MD. Jean's article was requested by the Center and submitted to Kernan Hospital's newsletter. The Center for Integrative Medicine is making efforts to inform and educate people on the benefits of complementary, alternative and integrative medicines, with Reflexology being one of them.
Published in the Fall 2010 MDRA Footprints - Newsletter for the Maryland Reflexology Association