What do reflexologists see when they work on your feet?

These images may help to explain what reflexologists visualise when they are giving a foot reflexology treament.  Many people don’t understand what we’re doing when we knead, press and touch various areas on your feet, and how we can tell ‘like magic’! what might be going on within your body.

We’re not magicians – we’re trained health professionals

A professionally qualified reflexologist is trained in anatomy and physiology so that they understand the underlying structures and systems of the body.  They use that information together with things like the colour, texture, temperature and tone of your skin to assess what they can see and feel going on, and may be able to identify issues from their observations.

How does this knowledge help reflexologists?

The images above show how reflexologists relate to the skeletal, systems and zones of the body as they appear on your feet.

1 – the skull and spine. These are key areas relating to the parasympathetic nervous system – responsible for what we like to call the ‘rest and digest’ activation that happens when the body is AT REST – which we aim to work on within a reflexology session.  Working the spinal reflexes is often key to beginning a reflexology treatment, as they really help your body to understand it’s time for a bit of a gentle shut-down.  Many of my clients noticeably slow their breath and become quieter as I work up and down the spine on their feet.

2 – the systems of the body. In reflexology we ‘map’ organs and systems of the feet. Each system can be worked as a whole, individually or together with a related one – the reproductive and digestive for example.

Many maps are available, reflexologists tend to take these as guides, and work with what they can feel.  I use a variety of maps to guide me when I am working with clients.  If you’d like to see how they work, this one from the Association of Reflexologists is fun to use.  It’s important to note that we DO NOT diagnose*, but work alongside allopathic/conventional modern medical techniques.

3 – Vertical zones of the feet, from 1 – 5 working from the instep outwards. Each zone reflects a vertical ‘slice’ of the body, with organs and systems located in that zone. Working in Zone 1 would stimulate or sedate the trachea, heart, pancreas, bladder and some of the reproductive organs.  Zone Theory orginated with Eunice Ingham, who researched, developed and wrote a book on how the reflexology zones could be used to support health and wellbeing.  You can read more about her work at the Institute of International Reflexology website.

So, what we see on your feet are pieces of a puzzle!

As you may now understand, there are many layers to consider during a reflexology treatment – this article is merely a brief representation of 3 aspects a reflexologist might consider when looking at your feet.  Of course, we haven’t even delved into other factors which as holistic therapists we would also think about – the emotions, your life, family and work, and larger still – issues like worldwide health crises!  They all have an impact on your overall wellbeing – so don’t be surprised if your reflexologist asks you some of those deeper questions within the treatment space – we like to puzzle out all the pieces.

Ready to try it?

Whether you want to have refexology for the very first time, or are coming back after a break, I will be delighted to see you!  Book a discovery call (it’s free) today here.

*A professionally qualified reflexologist (in the UK) will have anatomy and physiology qualifications as part of their nationally recognised certification, as well as at least 100 hours of practical experience before they can work.  They will usually be a member of a professional association such as the Association of Reflexologists (as I am), be registered with Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, have Public Liability insurance as a minimum, take part in mandatory CPD (updating their knowledge) and will be happy to show you all their certificates!  Do make sure that your chosen therapist is a professional in their field – you’ll be looked after and have the reassurance of their knowledge supporting your wellbeing.

When are the best days to get pregnant? This question is one that comes up frequently during conversations with people who are trying for a baby. I suspect that any education you may have had around pregnancy was probably about prevention, and not about promoting it! The advice I received at school made me believe that any sexual activity had a high risk of pregnancy – without any discussion of how the monthly cycle is actually designed to prevent it most of the time.

However, what we’ve learned, or been taught in the past often misses out the important point that you can only get pregnant in your ‘fertile window’ – which is just about 6 days per monthly cycle.

In this blog I’m going to help you to understand what the fertile window is, and how you can find out when yours is. What happens next is up to you!

What is a ‘fertile window’?

This is the time in your cycle when pregnancy is possible, and is calculated by adding the maximum life span of sperm (about 5 days) + egg (1 day) together. Thus, technically your fertile window is about 6 days per month. That school ed – not much use, eh?  Not the whole month, two weeks, just six days. However….

Wait! The fertile window is only 6 days?

Yep. Sperm live for about 5 days in fertile cervical fluid, and eggs a mere 24 hours. You can see it’s critical to be able to get sperm in place at least a couple of days BEFORE the egg is mature enough to hatch (called ovulation), to give the best possible chances of them meeting up.

Here’s that however from the last point above… my warning is – that although technically your window could be around six days, the three days including ovulation and the two days previous are likely the best fertile window when you should be trying to conceive.

But how do I know when ovulation happens?

Great question – the answer is you won’t know unless you are tracking your menstrual cycle. In fertility reflexology we need information to see what is happening during your cycle (unless you have a magic window into your ovaries, we have no way of knowing).

We get information by using a combination of tracking basal body temperature (BBT) using a simple digital thermometer and a temperature recording chart (or app), together with noting changes and types of cervical fluids, and keeping track of any significant symptoms (a rise in libido, feeling more energetic, etc.).

Put it all together

Altogether this information really helps as a good guide to the natural ebb and flow of your cycle, as well as helping to pinpoint the most likely time when you ovulate.  This in turn helps you to time when to try for a baby. Remember, ovulation and the 2 days BEFORE are the magic spot in your cycle.

Understanding that you have a fertile window, and being able to see when it is coming so that you can time your baby making activities is likely to dramatically increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

Want more help?

If you want to know more about tracking your cycle to pinpoint ovulation, I’ve made an easy to follow Guide to your Fertile Window which you can download here, together with a bonus file – 4 Types of Fertile Fluid to help you spot ovulation.

If you want to know more about how fertility reflexology can help you prepare for conception and pregnancy, book a discovery call with me now to start your journey.  Support packages start at £90 and can be tailored to YOUR needs.