Common questions

Explore common questions about reflexology to find out more about this ancient modality. Includes the difference between reflexology and foot massage, what to expect during a session and the few times you should avoid getting a treatment.

What should I expect during a reflexology session?

Much like any holistic health treatment, each reflexology session starts with a short consultation to find out about you, your treatment goals, and to discuss any health concerns. Once you're ready, your shoes and socks need to be removed before you lay, fully clothed, on the massage table with cushions for extra comfort. A blanket is available should you need it and calming music is on in the background.

Once you're comfy, I'll use warm, damp towels to freshen up your feet. A foot massage helps to limber up your feet and ankles. You may be invited to do a few deep breaths to ground yourself in the space.

The reflexology itself involves thumb and finger walking techniques, and other advanced massage techniques, to locate and release any imbalances. The whole treatment lasts for one hour. It is an incredibly relaxing experience and you are likely to feel benefits during and after the session.

On those colder days, the massage table is heated with a specialised mat that uses far infrared technology, negative ions and crystal energy to warm your body and reduce any inflammation.

How often should I get reflexology?

How often you get reflexology is completely up to you and your health and wellness goals. Some clients simply come to experience a deep relaxation, booking either monthly or on an ad-hoc basis.   

If you have certain health issues, it can be beneficial to book a block of 4–6 sessions on a weekly or twice-monthly basis. Similar to other modalities like acupuncture, reflexology works cumulatively, and at least a few treatments on a weekly basis can be extremely valuable in creating a positive shift. After that, many clients drop to monthly top-up sessions or they come as and when they like.

We can discuss the options during your appointment so you can decide what's best for you and your budget.

What's the difference between a foot massage and reflexology?

Although a reflexology session involves massage techniques, it's very different to a foot massage. Reflexologists use thumb and/or finger walking techniques (along with many others) to access the hundreds of reflexes on your feet and ankles. These reflexes are intrinsically linked – through fascia, nerves and energy lines – to the rest of your body.

There are other marked differences between reflexology and a foot massage. Reflexology sessions include a consultation to find out about your current health and see how the treatment can be personalised to you. Before starting the treatment, a reflexologist will also assess your feet, looking at the colour, tone, texture and temperature, and review any foot issues or hardened, cracked areas.

Can a reflexologist tell if you're ill?

When a reflexologist works the reflexes on your feet, they are looking to address any imbalances they can feel and encourage the body to return to homeostasis. For example, the stomach reflex may feel completely different on both of your feet, and feel entirely different over a course of treatments. They may also pick-up on energetic or emotional imbalances. Similarly, some reflexes may feel more tender to you than others.

A reflexologist is not a medical doctor and cannot diagnose conditions. However, through a course of treatments, and if there are no changes, there may be recommendations for further investigation.

Who should not get reflexology?

There are a few instances when you should not get reflexology:         
  • If you've had recent surgery within the last two weeks
  • If you've been diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis that has not been medically resolved
  • If you've received certain chemotherapy drugs within the last 24 hours (see below)
 
Chemotherapy drugs – Thiotepa and Cytoxan
If you are going through chemo, there are some instances when you may need to pause on getting reflexology, and other physical therapies, to safeguard the practitioner.

Most chemotherapy drugs are eliminated through urine and faeces, but Thiotepa and Cytoxan (Cyclosphamide) are both – to an extent – eliminated through the skin.

If you've received a dose of these drugs within the 24 hours before your treatment, there is a risk they will be passed on to the practitioner. While I could wear synthetic gloves, this can limit the quality of the treatment. Get in touch if you have any questions.

Is it safe to get reflexology when I'm pregnant?

Yes, it's perfectly safe to receive reflexology while you are pregnant, and there are many beneficial reasons for doing so. Reflexology may relieve pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, morning sickness, swelling in the legs, constipation, bladder problems and high blood pressure.

Let me know at the start of the session if you're pregnant or trying to conceive so I can adapt the treatment for you.

Is reflexology covered by private health insurance?

Sadly it no longer is. A 2019 review removed reflexology, along with many other valuable natural health therapies (including naturopathy, homeopathy and kinesiology) from private health insurance cover.

Give the gift of reflexology

Treat a loved one to an hour of pure relaxation with a reflexology gift voucher.