Everybody loves a good foot rub. But did you know foot massage dates back to ancient Egypt and China? That’s right, over 5,000 years ago our ancestors were rubbing each other’s feet. In the late 1800s, Europeans invented reflexology: applying pressure to a person’s feet (or hands) in order to affect a physical change to the body. Placement of pressure is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that correspond to other parts of the body.

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Also called “zone therapy,” this mixture of healing art and science is based on the premise that an energy channel encompassing 12 vital organs exists from our feet to the tops of our heads. Applying pressure with his/her hands, a reflexologist unblocks that channel to restore proper health and organ function.

Because the principles of foot massage are not in alignment with Western science, reflexology did not come to the United States until the 20^thcentury. Since then, it has become an increasingly popular alternative therapy – due in part to the current holistic medicine trend. Today, over 20 countries across the globe support reflexology associations. Reflexology is particularly popular in Denmark and the UK.

Benefits of Reflexology Massage

Think about how much stress your feet go through each day. No body part is more abused than your feet. Standing, running, jumping – our feet do it all! Reflexologists believe that overall health begins in your feet and travels up. The benefits of foot massage are endless – not to mention it feels downright great! Although there are no “hard facts” to prove what a foot massage can really do, practitioners and patients alike claim that reflexology can:

Cure colds/minor ailments
Prevent/cure diseases
Increase energy
Relieve stress, pain, and anxiety
Improve blood and lymph circulation
Prevent injury
Relieve pain from MS and chemotherapy
Stimulate activity of internal organs
Successfully treat liver dysfunction, constipation, IBS, chronic headaches, and skin allergies
Relieve pressure on legs and feet in pregnant women

The benefits aren’t purely physical. A good foot massage can also improve your mental and emotional state. Most of those who seek out a reflexologist are looking for relaxation and stress relief. With less stress in your life, your chance of heart disease drops considerably.

Hot foot Bath

A hot foot bath is the immersion of both feet and ankles in hot water for 10–30 minutes. It is an excellent way to draw blood from inflamed or congested areas of the body. Indications for use are foot and leg cramps, sore throat, cold, flu, nausea, insomnia, and chest or pelvic congestion.

Hot Foot Bath Procedure

Wrap the upper body in a blanket to avoid chilling. Using a large dishpan or the bathtub, immerse both feet and ankles in warm water. Keep adding hot water until it is as hot as can be tolerated. Place a cool washcloth on the forehead (keep the washcloth cool during entire treatment by wringing it out in cool water). Keep feet in the water for 10–30 minutes, depending on tolerance. As the water cools, add more hot water to maintain the hot temperature. After removing the feet from the water, rinse them with cool water and dry them thoroughly.

Hot Foot Bath Variations

If using a hot foot bath for a cold or sore throat or to intensify treatment, add 1 tablespoon mustard powder to the water.

Hot Foot Bath Contraindications

Peripheral vascular disease (arteriosclerosis, deep vein thrombosis, Buerger’s disease)
Diabetes
Loss of peripheral sensation
Unconsciousness

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Foot & hand reflexology