What Is Reflexology?

Ivy Han is the General Manager of Liangzi Health Oasis and one of the treatments offered there is reflexology. While reflexology has been around for a long time, not everyone would be aware of the potential benefits.

We asked Ivy to chat about all things reflexology, and her answers will certainly make you want to book your feet in for a treat!

What is reflexology?

Reflexology, although it’s often combined with massage, is technically not a form of massage. It’s a separate practice that applies pressure to reflex zones on your feet. The basic theory is that applying pressure to reflex zones will affect the nerves, which then carry signals to other parts of your body. Reported benefits include relaxation, improved lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. These benefits help relieve the effects of stress, which in turn helps your body find balance and heal itself.

What can be treated with reflexology?

Reflexology is beneficial for restoring balance and harmony in the body and releasing tension. It can help facilitate a deep state of relaxation, calm the emotions, and calm your mind. Listed below are some conditions and problems that reflexology can help:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, MS
• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Digestive disorders
• Fertility
• Hormonal imbalances
• Migraine
• Pregnancy related conditions
• Preparation for labour
• Relaxation
• Sinusitis
• Sleep disorders
• Sports injuries
• Stress
• Stress related conditions

What does it feel like?

Experiences with reflexology sessions vary from a general sense of relaxation and rest to a conscious awareness internally of the area of the body where the therapist is working through the foot.

Many people experience a “lightness” or tingling in the body, as well as feelings of warmth, a sense of “opening,” or “energy moving” from the therapist’s pressure to the specific body area or organ. There is often a physical perception of energy flowing through every organ, valve, gland, or muscle, as well as a sense of communication between each body system.

(Ivy Han)

Will reflexology help sore feet or is it mainly for other ailments?

Yes, it will definitely help sore feet. People who stand for hours at work may feel achy and swollen at the end of the day. By having a reflexology treatment they can help speed up the circulation around the sore area and relax the feet.

Reflexology can do more than simply treating ailments; it can also help chronic disease, anxiety, migraine, back pain, digestive disorder and even fertility.

How much training is required to perform reflexology?

There are several reflexology courses available. Reflexologists are required to have a complete understanding of anatomy, physiology, body systems, reflexology theory and practices and professional ethics. In additional, they also have to do a number of required hours of hands-on work with qualified supervisors before becoming a qualified reflexologist.

What can you tell us specifically about the reflexology foot treatment you offer at Liangzi Health Oasis?

At Liangzi, you will be led to our special reflexology room and into a soft electric massage chairs which can be easily adjusted to the most comfortable position. You will be asked to put on our comfortable massage clothes during the reflexology.

You will enjoy a hot foot spa in Chinese medicinal herbal water; the therapists will wash your feet and then start the treatment. The session generally starts at the sole, and works up to the toes then works the areas on the sides and top of the foot. A complete reflexology therapy session uses many different techniques and includes all of the points on both feet.

By working all of the points, the therapist addresses internal organs and glands as well as muscle groups, bones, nerve ganglions and nerves during a session. The patients will feel the result immediately after the treatment instead of just feeling relaxed.

How often should you get this treatment?

How often you come depends on your health and wellness goals. Clients with chronic conditions can benefit from bi-weekly or weekly sessions. Usually, the time between visits increases, as the body begins to regain a state of natural balance and vitality. Monthly visits can help keep stress in check and build immunity. The duration of each session depends on the age, and condition of the client.

Is there anyone who isn’t a suitable candidate for reflexology?

While reflexology is an extremely safe healing practice, it is important to be aware of a few times when reflexology might not be a wise choice. These contraindications include:

• Reflexology on the foot is discouraged in patients with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout in the foot.
• For women in early pregnancy (the first 6 weeks), the reflexology session is altered by treating the uterine and ovarian reflex points more gently or by avoiding them altogether.
• Clients who report current thrombosis or embolism should not receive reflexology therapy.
• Babies and young children cannot have reflexology.

Tell us a little bit about Liangzi Health Oasis…

Liangzi Health Oasis combines the East and West, residing in a 150 year old historical architecture building with a European-style dome ceiling shining natural light down onto the poetic-style Chinese extensive facility incorporates 11 luxurious private treatment rooms and a tranquil main meeting room with signature Chinese dragon beds, where guests can unwind before or after their treatment.

The name Liangzi comes from two words: ‘liang’ meaning ‘good’ and ‘zi’ meaning ‘children’ signifying a welcoming home-like atmosphere for patrons to escape from their busy lives and indulge in relaxation. The spirit of Liangzi Health Oasis reflects the natural purity and pristine beauty of traditional Chinese culture. By combining the intelligence of traditional Chinese medicine and the power of touch, the signature body treatments will comfort and lead you to find your own peace of mind.

Through the range of ancient and modern massage and therapeutic techniques provided, the Liangzi experience is a natural and holistic extension on mainstream medical philosophy. Treatments include:

• Traditional Chinese Full Body Massage
• Foot Reflexology
• Foot Repairing
• Back Massage
• Head Massage
• Neck & Shoulder Massage
• Waist & Hip Massage
• Cupping
• Scraping
• Ear Coning

As is traditionally seen in the 500 Liangzi locations across China, the Health Oasis has become a hot spot for business men who hold regular business meetings over a foot massage. With the trend catching on in Australia, more and more business deals are being done in the private rooms. Communication without stress is always effective and inspiring, and is a preferred practice in traditional Chinese culture, now infiltrating into the Western world.