My feet want more reflexology

Is there such a thing as too much reflexology? Can there ever be too much of a good thing? Our bodies respond best when given time to adjust to anything new, and some would argue that waiting 48 hours between sessions is appropriate. Others would say, do this everyday, make it part of your day in some way.

But how often should a new client plan to include reflexology in their wellness routine?

One session interrupts stress.

One session, of any complementary therapy will help you to down-regulate your Sympathetic Nervous System. Taking you out of “fight, flight & freeze” and putting you into “rest & digest”.

You have chosen to step away from daily life for a while, this very act positively affects your body. A deep exhale, a pause, and the opportunity for someone to be present and connected with your needs.

This feeling will last about as long as you let it.

Further sessions condition change to take place

The second time you return to see me, your feet will respond faster to my touch, and be more relaxed sooner in the session than the first time, allowing me to manipulate deeper and further, bringing longer-lasting benefits after you leave the session.

Ongoing application teaches the body to operate more effectively.

Regular sessions teach your feet/body that this is an important part of their routine and rhythm, and the results continue to build the more often you make this a part of your self-care routine.

I see an impactful change in the 3rd-4th session.

Many clients find the first session interesting and want to be talkative to learn about reflexology. The more you understand the techniques the better the feedback you can give me about what you like and dislike.

The 2nd session is different, clients know the routine, have a higher level of trust that the outcome will be positive for them, they breathe easier and more deeply. They are able to put the outside world on pause.

Often the client arrives for the 3rd session and is immediately relaxed as soon as they see the chair. I have had clients report that their feet miss me between sessions. The feet anticipate my touch as much as the brain does.

How often you come will depend on your long and short-term health goals. See some examples below

Example #1 Client with Acute injuries

I have an existing client who broke several ribs and punctured a lung.

This client had weekly home visits for 10 weeks, initially helping with breathing and pain management. Most of the initial reflexology techniques I used were for immediate/short-term needs but included the entire body system. I could provide support without touching the injured area.

As the injury started to heal we worked outwards from the reflex areas of the injury to include a more balanced session over the entire body.

Each session included different techniques depending on the client’s needs. This client continued bi-weekly and then moved to monthly sessions now that physical healing is almost complete.

Example #2 Client wanting relief from stress, either physical or psychological, may include endocrine system balancing, PTSD, Long Covid

The client has decided to have a consistently scheduled appointment and is taking home paperwork of self-help techniques to apply between sessions.

Every 3-6 weeks, depending on the impact of the everyday life situation.

Situational Stress - more than day-to-day, perhaps from a death or other loss, traumatic event, or illness that required hospitalization.

The closer together you start the initial sessions the faster your body will respond and return you to homeostasis and health.

Once or twice a week, until the client starts to feel relief. An ongoing plan might include doubling the time between visits until we reach a schedule that fits each client’s lifestyle.

Example #3 Client with Chronic Health Issues or Feet Problems

What are your Goals?

Perhaps you have a special event coming up in the next few months?

A vacation or a family event that you want to be at your best for.

Weekly or Bi-weekly sessions until your health or mobility goal is reached and then continuing maintenance as needed/wanted.

Chronic Pain or Injury. Consistency is the most important aspect.

What does your schedule/wallet allow?

Keeping each scheduled appointment helps your body anticipate sessions and continue healing between sessions.