Beauty Folio

Author: Helen Little at Natural Beauty with Baby

Are you looking for reflexology-inspired foot care you can do at home? Many people appreciate the ancient healing art of reflexology. This traditional practice involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet that are linked with different areas of the body. 

Let me ask you this. How many times have you truly cared for your feet this week? Our feet are the most overlooked parts of our body – and yet, they support us and work so hard every day. 

You don’t need to leave your home to reap the benefits of reflexology. With a few beauty products and a little time, you can work this foot care magic at home. 

You already have a foot care routine? Perfect! You can just add in these simple reflexology techniques to bust stress, boost circulation, and improve your wellbeing. 

Did I mention this routine is perfect for winding down? So what are you waiting for?  Give your hard working feet some much needed tender loving care today. Whip off those socks, and let’s begin! 

What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears. These points are known as reflex points. All of the reflex points of the feet are mapped out onto a reflexology chart, and correspond to different parts of the body. 

The basic premise of reflexology is that by stimulating the reflex points, you can bring about relaxation, while supporting healing, and restoring balance to the body. Reflexology practitioners work with energy flow, or chi, to manipulate zones of the body via your feet.

Many ancient cultures used some kind of reflexology in their practices, including China, India, Egypt, and some native American tribes.

The benefits of reflexology include stress relief, improved energy, and better sleep. Some reflexologists believe they can detect imbalances in the body through observing the feet.

It’s important to note that reflexology is a complementary practice and should not replace medical care.

Why Foot Care Matters

Oftentimes, our feet are the most neglected body part. Yet, they do so much for us all day. Sometimes, it’s only when problems arise with our feet, that we take action to remedy it. 

But what if we could include our feet in our daily wellbeing routine? Regular foot care, including reflexology, brings us better skin, improved circulation, and a better sense of relaxation. Not to mention, foot care complements other beauty treatments wonderfully and gives a sense of holistic care which boosts our wellbeing.

There’s a definite link between stress, tension, and foot discomfort. The first thing many of us do when we take our shoes off is to give our feet a good rub – it’s instinctive. There’s something so comforting about touching the feet to bust the stress of the day.

What You Need for Reflexology-Inspired Foot Care

You don’t need any special tools or equipment to try reflexology at home, but they can help. Here are some to consider:

• A reflexology foot chart: Charts are available to print via websites if you search for “Reflexology foot chart”. This will help you to get specific with problem areas. 
• Warm foot soak basin: Or your bath will do.
• Epsom salts or magnesium flakes for soaking.
• Essential oils: try lavender (relaxing), peppermint (invigorating), tea tree (antiseptic) or eucalyptus (refreshing). Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil.
• Natural pumice stone or foot scrub to prep the feet.
• A massage oil to aid glide and slip while you massage.
• To finish, a nourishing natural foot cream: I like to use a diy urea cream which deeply moisturises and exfoliates at the same time.

Your Reflexology-Inspired Foot Ritual

Begin in a calm and comfortable space where you can relax without any distractions.

Start by soaking your feet in water mixed with epsom salts and your essential oil blend. This helps to relax your body and mind, and soften the skin on your feet.

Next, prep the skin by exfoliating your feet with your pumice stone or a gentle foot scrub. Make sure your feet are dry before applying your massage oil to prepare for your reflexology massage.

Where to Apply Pressure?

Oftentimes, reflexology foot charts can be completely overwhelming for beginners. So try these common areas to apply pressure:

• Toes for head and neck issues
• Inner foot for the spine
• Outer foot for the hips and legs
• The ball of the foot for chest organs
• Heel for pelvic organs, bladder, colon, and reproductive organs
• The centre of the ball of the foot corresponds to the solar plexus and is great for general stress relief
• Just above the ball of the foot and below the big toe for the thyroid

Pay attention to any numb or sore spots, and use more or less pressure accordingly. 

The Reflexology Techniques

To kick off your massage, start with some foot rotations. Simply rotate the foot in one direction, and then the other, to help with circulation.

Pressing the toes: Press/squeeze each of your toes in turn. Use firm but gentle pressure and hold for a few seconds. This simple practice warms the feet and gets energy flowing. 

Cat walking: “walk” your thumb up and down to apply pressure to the areas you want to work on.

Heel pressure: Use your hands to cup your heel and gently squeeze to positively affect the pressure points for the pelvic area, reproductive system, and lower back and hip area.

Arch massage: Apply gentle pressure to the arch of the foot to eliminate tension in the pressure points for the spine.

Knuckle massage: While tensing up your foot, use the knuckles of your hand to massage areas of tension or soreness.

Toe tips massage: The end of the toes relate to the head and sinuses, so if you want to relieve pressure there, try pressing the balls of your toes.

The Wrap Up

To finish your reflexology-inspired foot care session, massage a rich natural cream, balm, or oil into your feet. If you like, you can use cotton socks to keep the moisture in your feet overnight.

Try the reflexology massage once or twice a week, or whenever you feel stressed or literally run off your feet. It’s a perfect beauty routine for slow weekends, or after a long day on your feet.

You will sleep like a baby – and wake up with baby soft feet – along with a new sense of grounded calm after these massage techniques!

Final Thoughts

Reflexology is worth trying to restore balance and relax your body and mind. And if you can’t make it to a practitioner, then reflexology inspired foot care at home is an easy way to unwind as part of your wellness and beauty routine.

Why don’t you try it this evening, and see how it feels for you?

Author: Helen Little at Natural Beauty with Baby posts about natural ways to feel good with your little ones.