Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Book Appointment
Treatment
Ask a Question
Plan my Surgery
Health Feed
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Health Feed
tab_logos
Find Doctors

Reflexology: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Last Updated: Nov 20, 2024

What is the Reflexology?

Reflexology is a term used for a therapeutic massage given to a person on his/her specific reflex points. This is a type of spa massage therapy one can take without taking off his or her clothes or can be said as easily applicable even upon clothes. The term reflexology is sometimes misunderstood as a common spa treatment, but it is a misconception among peoples nowadays. The term actually means to apply therapeutic massage on the specific reflex points.

Reflexology is a deep relaxing treatment and helps to feel stress free. The treatment is generally done on the hand, foot, head and ear of peoples, as these are considered to be the most specific organs specially related to glands in our body. A deep relaxation can be felt throughout the body when it is done by a skilled practitioner, as the therapist will use several skilled techniques which include folds, rubbing, finger pressure, rotation and kneading.

Reflexology is always a preferable massage technique for those who wants to avoid applying oil for massage, and also for those who wants to keep their clothes during the therapeutic treatment.

Reflexology is not just only a foot massage, the purpose and practice of reflexology goes deeper with the deep sense of healing. As the skin over reflex points receives the therapy it starts healing and soothing effect throughout the muscles and glands on the corresponding area of the body. Not only relaxing effects, reflexology do also have some therapeutic healing effect on conditions like headache, sinus, migraine, toothache, stomach issues, sciatic problems and many more. It can also help to clear any blocked channels or energy in our body. Reflexology really have a good effect and will also be very helpful if can be taken from a skilled practitioner therapist.

How is the Reflexology treatment done?

The treatment of reflexology is done by some technical reflex point’s acupressure. Pressing the parts specialized for reflex activities with the help of thumb fingers, rubbing the effected part with simple acupressure techniques and kneading are some specialized techniques used for reflexology.

Reflexology helps in cleansing the body toxins through massages techniques. Toxins or fluid those get accumulated in our body as a result of metabolism are removed from our body by the therapeutic action of reflexology. Reflexology also acts as a booster of the immune system of our body and helps in fight back some of the autoimmune disorders of our body and helps a person to live stress free and healthy life. Reflexology also helps in improving blood circulation throughout the body, and that further helps in carrying more and more oxygen in the body. It also acts as sleep booster. Reflexology when done from, a well-known centre or skilled therapist promotes healing throughout the body. It also helps in maintaining proper balance in our body.

However reflexology mainly deals with therapeutic massage on the reflex points in our body so it always has a limited action on every problem. Nevertheless it is one of the best therapies one can have to get quick recovery from stressed condition.

Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)

There are no such eligibility criteria for this treatment. Peoples performing physical work or having a heavy physical work load can go for this therapeutic treatment. Peoples having severe sinusitis or migraine problems are eligible for this treatment. During pregnancy one must always consult an expert physician before going for reflexology therapy. Peoples suffering from joint pain and back pain are frequently given recommendation reflexology therapeutic treatment. However as this is just a massage therapy so it mainly deals with pains and aches and their soothing effects.

Who is not eligible for the treatment?

Reflexology is not eligible during pregnancy. It is also not eligible for peoples having foot problems or other damaged organ problems. Children below 15 years of age are not eligible for the reflexology treatment. Any physical damage is not curable by reflexology treatment. As these only deals with releasing stress and achieving relief in the body but it is found by researchers that it does not have any recovery effect on any medical conditions.

pms_banner

Are there any side effects?

Reflexology is a type of foot massage therapeutic treatment that has very minimal side effects. It is a massage therapy that eases the systems of our body and helps to maintain healthy conditions and re-energize our body system.

Reflexology generally doesn’t have many side effects if the person on whom it is applied is having normal physical conditions. Earlier in some cases it was found that people having cold and flu was unable to get healing or soothing effect due to releasing of some bad toxins in their body. People who suffer from fatigue conditions are never recommend for reflexology therapy. In case of person having damaged organs or damaged foot might suffer side effects if reflexology is applied on them.

What are the post-treatment guidelines?

Peoples are advice to drink more and more water so that the toxic materials can be flush off from the body thereby initiating the detoxifying process. Alcohol must be avoided for any further harmful side effects. The person must be recommended to take light meals, and heavy meals should be strictly prohibited.

The body starts to response after two or three reflexology treatments in very specific way. Most of the people who goes for reflexology experience a feeling of relaxation and well being, whereas some of them reports a feeling of lethargy, tearful and nausea transitorily which is also a part of the healing process. However, one must always follow a healthy living process to avoid any unwanted weak conditions in their body. Proper sleep and rest are also very helpful throughout the treatment.

How long does it take to recover?

Reflexology though is a therapeutic massage treatment and the time taken for the treatment to be done varies on the intensity and type of treatment done. In some patient it can be a 20 minutes treatment and in some patient it can be as long as 3 hours. In case of some peoples the therapy may go on for weeks to months. So the recovery time generally depends on the type of the treatment and duration of the treatment.

What is the price of the treatment in India?

The cost of treatment of reflexology acupressure varies from place to place. The cost range lies from Rs. 400 – Rs 20,000 depending on the duration of the course. The price range also depends on the type of treatment given to the person and also the intensity of the treatment given to the person.

Are the results of the treatment permanent?

The result of the treatment of reflexology is not a permanent result. The treatment of reflexology generally deals with the therapeutic massage so it can produce healing effect in our body but not for a longer time. And in some cases the treatment is given to a person repeatedly for some times for quick recovery. This therapy can only provide reliving or relaxing effects for a day to two, but cannot show any long term recovery effects.

What are the alternatives to the treatment?

Although reflexology provides a good therapeutic treatment for persons suffering from depression, sinusitis, migraine, menstrual cramps, and many more but still there are some conditions in which a person or a patient become unable to choose a reflexology treatment. In such cases he/she is advice to follow expert’s suggestion to avoid certain hamper or damage in their body. Proper medication might be helpful in alteration of reflexology. However, a person who is going through the treatment and also a person who is not going through the treatment must take healthy foods and proper sleep for a better physical condition.

Popular Questions & Answers

View All

53 years female having psorious arthrities. Cha...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Atulya Chaudhary

Orthopedic Doctor

hello madam, frankly speaking your medication will continue lifelong even in the smallest dose po...

I am a patient of osteo arthritis. Doctor sugge...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Poornanand

Orthopedic Doctor

Hi You can use medications for sometime only , as long as it helps you temporarily. You can try o...

I am suffering from sciatica pain since one mon...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Karuna Chawla

Homeopathy Doctor

Do these Exercises to relieve Sciatica Pain 1. reclining pigeon pose— Pigeon pose is a common yog...

My mother 77 years old, 65 kg, 148 cm suffering...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Anuj Jain

Orthopedic Doctor

At advance stage of arthritis none of the medicines and supplement you are giving is going to wor...

My mother is 54 year old and has been diagnosed...

related_content_doctor

Stani Mathew

Orthopedic Doctor

Mostly looks like advanced stage of rheumatoid arthritis. We need to investigate before restartin...

Table of content

Content Details
Profile Image
Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
Reviewed By
Profile Image
Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
Need more help 

15+ Years of Surgical Experience

All Insurances Accepted

EMI Facility Available at 0% Rate

Find Alternative Medicine Specialist near me

pms_banner
chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube

Having issues? Consult a doctor for medical advice