Around the world, is Reflexology considered a therapy? This article is intended to offer clarity to this question and discuss how to enhance the therapeutic benefit of Reflexology. Therapy is defined as “treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.” 1 When this definition is applied to Reflexology, it is easy to recognise that Reflexology is therapeutic.
It is up to the Reflexologist to create a safe (physically & emotionally) space for all receivers of Reflexology. This is achieved through a quiet, peaceful and clean room. Setting the ambience with lighting and music enhances the experience.
To be an effective therapist:
- Be totally present with the client – put your mind and personal stuff aside. They are paying you for your time.
- The session is about them, not you. Listen with empathy and understanding.
- Acknowledge and validate feelings with gestures. Short simple statements may be affirming but not always necessary.
- Allow the body to let go (also known as “Healing Reactions” 2 ). We know the body let’s go through: talking; crying; sighing; screaming; flicking; vibrating; and other bodily responses.
According to Geller (2013), “Therapeutic presence is a way of being that reflects therapists’ full engagement in the moment-to-moment encounter with their client. This level of being with the other allows the client to open up and explore painful issues in their lives. Therapeutic presence is essential in developing a highly attuned and mutual relational connection that can lead to effective therapy.” 3 Reflexology facilitates the opportunity for the receiver of Reflexology to explore their own body and internal world and honours the Reflexologist by being witness to such sharing.
Reflexology aids the receiver to let go of any painful emotions from their past that is stored in the body’s tissues. As the recipient relaxes, their emotions – the physical blockages are freed in the reflexes; this enables changes to occur. It is important to allow this process to occur from a Reflexology treatment by being fully present with the client.
Davenport (2019) states: “Empathic listening affords tremendous therapeutic value for someone struggling with a problem, as it allows them to solve their own difficulties in the company of a caring, empathetic listener.” 4 The receiver of Reflexology has the answers for their own lives. When they have the opportunity to talk out what has been happening for them in their own body, as happens in a Reflexology treatment, the answer they have been seeking may come to them.
Providing a Reflexology treatment in a therapeutic way includes acknowledging and validating feelings with gestures. Short simple statements may be affirming but not always necessary, a nod of the head or simply listening and staying present often provides the affirmation necessary. Chernyak (2019) states: “Validating feelings involves recognizing someone’s feelings and acknowledging them as important. Start by listening and responding in simple terms. From there, try to empathise as much as you can. Remember, you don’t have to agree with someone’s feelings or choices to acknowledge their emotions are valid.” 5
As Reflexologists we are on our own journey and a Reflexology treatment becomes more powerful when the Reflexologist has developed the skill of listening with empathy and understanding. Importantly, before adding your own experience to the situation, it is wise to reflect first and check your own personal agenda. Is it about you or the client? Talking whilst the receiver’s body is releasing can restrict the flow of the release.
Being a Reflexologist includes being an effective therapist. Being present, listening with empathy and understanding, acknowledges and validates feelings and provides the space for the body to release and heal. When the skills outlined above are developed and utilised, a therapeutic relationship is built between practitioner and client, enhancing the Reflexology session for the client. This, in turn, influences the return of the client for regular and future Reflexology treatments.
I look forward to seeing you at your next session at Heel to Heal.
Many Blessings
References
- https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/therapy
- Stories the Feet can tell through Reflexology, Eunice Ingham
- Geller, S. M. (2013). Therapeutic Presence: An Essential Way of Being. In Cooper, M.,Schmid, P. F., O’Hara, M., &’ Bohart, A. C. (Eds.). The Handbook of Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling (2nd ed.), pp. 209-222. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
- Davenport, Barrie (2019), The Power of Empathic Listening. https://liveboldandbloom.com/06/self-improvement/empathic-listening
- Chernyak, Paul, July 18, 2019 (Licensed Professional Counsellor), https://www.wikihow.com/Validate-Someone%27s-Feelings