Does reflexology really work?

Question

I was in Barnes and Noble the other day and saw a reflexology kit on sale. It had the socks and gloves with the graph on them. I'd love to try it if the benefits were real. If it really does work, what is the technique? How long do you massage the area on your foot/hand that you are targeting? Any information on this subject would be useful. Thanks!

Answer 1

For me yes -- it's a great do it yourself alternative medicine, as your feet are probably more sensitive you can start there, pay attention to the painful or sensitive areas of your feet as you massage, you may even increase the pressure and if you know your body as you see the area on the graph you will get to know how to feel it's effect.

a good little pocket book is Natural Health; Secrets of Reflexology

Answer 2

Oh my goodness, no.  It is a ridiculous myth based on 18th century "science" and belief in majick.  It is nothing more than a glorified foot massage.  It might feel good, but it has no healing power at all.

Answer 3

I am personally a believer of reflexology, shiatsu, and massage.

What you saw in Barnes and Noble is probably a really broad and general interpretation of reflexology.

Reflexology and shiatsu are practices based on pressure points on the body. It's accupressure instead of accupuncture (with the needles).

If you go to a real holistic reflexologist/Asian Master, they might be able to tell you what areas of the body might need some work, if you smoke, if you are having liver problems, etc. just by looking at your feet and using the pressure points.

I massage the different areas any where from a few seconds to a couple minutes depending where it is. Your thumb might get sore if you massage with it for too long.

Answer 4

oh my goodness yes my dad has his certificate in that. start rubbing the pressure points on the bottom of you feet and you will see it's amazing

Answer 5

Nope, any effects from it are due to placebo.