How to get the most out of your reflexology treatment

Whether you’re a reflexology regular or just dipping your toe for the first time, this soothing therapy is a great choice for reducing stress, getting better sleep and reducing overall tension.

But did you know there are ways to maximise the benefits to make you feel great for even longer? Read on to get a better understanding about reflexology as a treatment, and find out some simple steps to get the most out of your session.

Reflexology is a calming treatment that uses pressure on specific points of the feet and lower legs. 

In reflexology theory, these points (also known as reflex zones) all correspond to other parts of the body. It’s a holistic approach to healing that’s also incredibly relaxing. See our infographic for a better insight into which areas are believed to target which part of the body.

The beauty of reflexology is the impact it has on your whole body, with the main benefits including:

• Anxiety and stress reduction – a reflexology session can be your ticket to instant relaxation. By targeting stress-related reflex points, it can release tension and promote a sense of calm.
  
  

• Pain relief – whether it's chronic pain or headaches, reflexology may help with discomfort by improving blood flow and releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers
  
  

• Better circulation – improved blood circulation means oxygen can reach your cells quicker to support overall health
  
  

• Balanced energy – reflexology increases the body's energy flow, which helps to restore balance and improve wellbeing

There are two types of reflexology treatment, hand and feet, and they have their differences. At Urban we only offer foot massage reflexology which is the more popular treatment of the two, since the feet have more reflex points than the hands.

Although hand reflexology has fewer reflex points, it's such an easy treatment to deliver and you can even do it yourself for quick and effective relaxation and relief.

Read more about Urban’s reflexology treatment or book a session now.

To make sure you get the most out of your reflexology session, consider these tips:

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water before and after your session to help flush out toxins, this’ll help with supporting the body's natural healing processes so you can get better results.

While a single session can provide relaxation and relief, regular sessions can help keep anxiety at bay.

Add the power of aromatherapy to your reflexology session for an extra sense of calm. Relaxing scents like lavender or uplifting ones like citrus can help you feel more present during the treatment. Ask your reflexologist if they offer aromatherapy options or bring your favourite essential oil to your session.

Our favourite reflexology massage oil is Elemental Herbology’s Soothe Bath & Body Oil. It’s formulated with neroli and rose damask which are beautiful aromatherapy oils for aiding sleep. The oil has a lovely texture and can be used alone to deeply stimulate muscles and help increase blood flow, and can also be used in the shower or pumped into the bath or foot bath.

Soak your feet in a warm herbal bath before your reflexology session for deeper relaxation. Herbs like chamomile, peppermint, or Epsom salt can help relax muscles and prepare your feet for the treatment.

If you want to make reflexology a regular thing, purchase some equipment like wooden foot rollers to improve your experience. You can use these yourself at home between sessions or ask your reflexologist to use them during your treatment for added benefits. They can help reach deeper into specific reflex points for extra relief.

During the treatment give mindfulness a go by focusing your attention on the sensations in your feet. Tune into the pressure, warmth and energy flow, and let yourself fully connect with the experience.

After your session add some gentle stretching exercises to release even more tension in your body. Focus on the areas that were addressed during the treatment, such as calf stretches.