Reflexology: More Than a Fancy Foot Rub
Since I left healthcare and have gone full force into the holistic wellness sphere becoming a national board-certified reflexologist and reiki practitioner, it has become clear to me that, although the world seems to be moving toward a more holistic approach to wellness, there are still many folks out there who don’t understand what some of their options are. I am here today to talk with you all a bit about reflexology – what it isn’t, what it is, and approach to the practice.
Let me begin by saying that reflexology is so much more than a fancy foot massage – in fact, it is not a massage at all. We, as reflexologists, learn completely different techniques than massage therapists, AND we as reflexologists are working one area of the body with the intention of effecting change in other areas of the body. What does that even mean??
Massage therapists work with the fascia and soft tissues of the body to facilitate a change directly on the area of the body where they are working. They utilize gliding techniques, compression techniques, and rolling techniques to bring blood flow, move lymph, and release adhesions within the soft tissues they are physically touching.
Reflexologists use completely different techniques, such as thumb-walking, finger-walking, and hook-and-backup techniques, also called micro-palpation techniques, on reflective maps of the body that appear on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, the face, and outer ears. These palpations carry signals via the nervous and circulatory systems to the areas of the body that we are working reflectively. In this manner, we are manipulating the human energy field to effect a change elsewhere in the body. Cool, right?
So, what do I mean by “reflective maps”? Just as an atom is a microscopic reflection of our solar system – a nucleus of protons and neutrons (like the sun) orbited by electrons (like the planets) – the anatomical maps on the feet, hands, face, and ears are also microscopic reflections of our organs, organ systems, and our bodies as a whole. So, when reflexologists stimulate the maps on your feet, hands, face, and ears, we are working with the microcosm of your body to stimulate and cleanse the actual organs themselves!
My general approach to this work is simple – to bring relaxation and a sense of safety to my clients, stimulating their parasympathetic nervous systems, that “rest and digest” side of the autonomic nervous system, slowing the “cortisol dump” to reduce inflammation, which reduces the risk of disease within the body. This brings a cascading effect – as one thing comes online, so do the others follow, bringing true healing over time. Since this work has a cumulative effect, I encourage people to schedule this care for themselves regularly, not just when they are in crisis.
My goal as a reflexologist is to help my clients access their abilities to heal from the inside out. I truly believe that if we can allow ourselves the time to pour into our own cups, to regulate our nervous systems, to come back to center, then we can find true wellness on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Nikki Kornegay
Owner, Golden Ginkgo: Holistic and Restorative Wellness, LLC
National Board-Certified Reflexologist
ARCB# B01936
Usui Reiki Practitioner
I must state that I am not a medical doctor and nothing that I do is intended to replace anyone’s traditional medical therapy. I do no diagnose and I do not treat; I do, however, work with my clients to bring relief to areas of concern.
My work has successfully helped clients with acute and chronic migraines, digestive issues, musculoskeletal pain, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, anxiety, stress, and grief. I have found that much of my work has involved holding space for people just as much as it has involved working with the techniques I have learned in my studies, and this fills me up just as much as the people who trust me to care for them. So, I invite you all to come spend some time on my table so that you, too, can heal from the inside out.
