Treat Your Feet

Every time I drive by one of the local reflexology foot massage salons, I feel an intense urge to stop in for a little TLC. Being an avid runner, I’m known for spending upwards of $80 for a deep-tissue sports massage, but every once in a while, for the low-price of $20 to $25 (which is what most salons charge for a one hour foot massage), I am willing to leave my comfort zone and get a quickie foot massage that almost always leaves me with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step.

What exactly is a reflexology foot massage, you ask? Besides feeling like a little slice of heaven, reflexology, also known as zone therapy has a deeper purpose. It is an ancient scientific technique based on the notion that each body part is represented on the hands and feet and that applying pressure on specific areas on the hands or feet can have therapeutic effects in other parts of the body and an increase in health and wellness of all internal body systems. So, you press on spot A on the sole of the foot, and healing takes place in, say, internal organ B.

Reflexology proves to be very stimulating as it opens the circulatory and electrical channels to the organs and areas of the body where crystallization of waste materials or other blockages have formed. Regular practice of reflexology breaks up this waste allowing the body to carry it away and receive the nourishment it needs for optimum health and wellness.

A reflexology foot massage can also relieve stress and tension within the body helping it heal itself. It can help balance emotions, reduce pain, improve range of motion, relieve insomnia and restore circulation throughout the whole body, while also increases spiritual awareness. It’s common to experience several different emotions during a reflexology massage.

During a reflexology session, you can expect to be seated in a lounge chair where your feet will be soaked in warm water infused with aromatherapy oils for about 10 minutes.

Once your feet are cleansed and towel dried, your therapist will ask you questions to determine your present state of health. He or she will then commence the massage by covering your eyes with a warm hand towel, and then apply pressure to the hands and feet according to a reflexology foot map.

Special attention will be focused on the areas that you have expressed a concern. After the foot portion of the massage, your therapist will end the session with a brief head, neck and back massage while you sit upright in a chair so no need to remove any clothing!

Whether or not it will cure your ailments—that’s for you to determine, but I can tell you from my own personal experience, reflexology foot massages always help me relax after a stressful day!

Most Reflexology salons offer massages to individuals, couples and families with children. Walk-ins are usually welcome but appointments are recommended, especially Friday through Sunday.

Here’s a list of a few local reflexology spas:

Happy Feet Foot Spa, 1045 S. De Anza Blvd., San Jose/Cupertino border

Longevity Foot Spa, 1145 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino

Cupertino Foot Spa, 20357 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino

Come and Go Foot Station, Los Gatos

Spring Feet, Campbell