Foot Reflexology Could Change Your Life
September 16, 2011, By Jim Higley 0 comments
The next time you play footsie with your honey, you just might be stimulating their small intestine. Tickle some toes? Go for it. It’s the first step to a happier head and brain.
Seriously. I’m not pulling your leg.
I’m talking about reflexology—a centuries old form of natural healing that believes every part of your body—including muscles, bones and organs—correlates to a specific spot on your feet. A little bit of pressure and stimulation to those identified areas on the feet can, according to followers of reflexology, result in benefits to various body parts. Constipated? There’s a spot for that. Got a nagging sciatic nerve? Let me get my hands on your heels, pal.
Living with cancer for several years, I’m a huge disciple of western medicine. I wouldn’t be alive today without it. But over the years, I’ve also become increasingly open to other forms of healing. Acupuncture and cupping (and if you don’t know what “cupping” is, stay tuned for another story) got me through a couple bouts of kidney stones. Yoga and meditation? Check. And massages have long been part of my self-help regime.
So began my recent journey with reflexology as I let my feet lead me to an appointment with Nancy Cole, a certified and trained reflexologist with Third Coast Reflexology in Chicago. Surprise number one was the location of her office—which was part of a medical center aligned with a highly reputable Chicago hospital. Any preconceived images of incense, beaded doorways and tie-died curtains were instantly squashed.
During the fifty-minute session, Nancy methodically worked her way through my feet while I sat in what looked like a high-end dentist’s chair. I was expecting (and hoping for!) the world’s greatest massage on my feet because, candidly, I like a good pounding on my paws. But reflexology is more about methodical pressure from the intuitive hands of a reflexologist, through the feet and onto target points in the body.
