Reflexology is a natural healing art that activates through touch. I recently had the opportunity to interview Sandy Edwards, a certified Reflexologist registered with the Reflexology Registration Council of Ontario. During the interview, Sandy and I discussed the principles of reflexology and its health benefits.

Sandy is the owner of A Sense of Sole in Waterloo, Ontario. She has been practicing reflexology since 2013. You can learn more or book an appointment on her website. http://www.asenseofsole.com

This post was originally published in February 2021 and updated in April 2024.

Interview with a reflexologist

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural therapeutic healing art that activates through touch. It was first recorded as far back as ancient Egyptian times.

Reflexology is based on the premise that there are reflexes in the foot that map to other parts of the body.

As you can see on the image above, the inside of the foot, running from your big toe along to mid-heel, represents the spine. The outside, from your little toe to your heel, represents the reflexes of shoulders, arms, legs and back. The reflexologist applies a series of various and specific techniques to areas of the foot that connect to different organs and body systems. This activates healing.

Can you tell me a little bit about the science behind reflexology?

Like many other holistic healing therapies, there is limited scientific research to validate the effectiveness of reflexology. However, there is development with progressive scientific research studies conducted in Europe and Asia that are providing evidence-based results. 

You can read more about other scientific studies at reflexologycanada.org.

In an interesting study in Denmark, municipalities employed reflexologists to do treatments with employees. This study resulted in a reduction in sick leave and absenteeism.

What conditions does reflexology help with?

Reflexology is helpful for pain management. It can also reduce anxiety and stress, improve circulation, reduce swelling and fluid retention. It also cleanses the body of toxins and can restore the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

It’s important to know that there are contraindications for reflexology treatment if certain medical conditions exist. Examples include blood clots, fungal infections, or a recent stroke and heart attack. For this reason, the reflexologist takes a medical history and reviews it before every appointment.

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How does someone train to be a reflexologist?

Specialized schools provide reflexology training. It starts with an intensive training program followed by completion of clinical hours. To become certified, a reflexologist must successfully complete a practical exam and also a written theory exam.

Upon certification, a reflexologist must continue to adhere to upgrading their skills on an annual basis in order to meet industry standards. Sandy regularly attends training with people around the world, and she currently sits on the board of the Reflexology Registration Council of Ontario.

What would I expect at a first visit to a reflexologist?

The appointment starts with the completion and review of the health history form.  In order for the reflexologist to understand the client’s current health, if a client is experiencing any discomfort or pain, they are asked to rank it between the levels of 1-10.

Then, the reflexologist asks the client to position themselves comfortably on the treatment bed. Sandy’s treatment starts with a spa introduction. During the treatment, the reflexologist uses a series of techniques as thumb walk, pressing in and up to the reflex points as well as moving fluid out of tissues to reduce swelling. It is not always the best approach to have significant pressure applied to the feet. Depending on the health of the client, medium to gentle pressure is sufficient. Sandy is trained in a technique called Gentle Touch Reflexology.

During the 45-minute session, the reflexologist records observations on a map of the foot, taking special note of the colour, any sensitivities, texture and temperature of the feet. They discuss any findings with the client after the session.

The colour and texture of the feet can tell the reflexologist a lot. For example, cold feet or feet with a blue tinge are signs of poor circulation. White feet are signs of fatigue or exhaustion.

The client remains fully clothed during the treatment. It’s important to dress comfortably for a reflexology appointment. The treatment goes up to the knees, so the client needs to be able to roll up their pant legs. 

How can reflexology complement western medicine?

Like a lot of alternative or complementary therapies, not all doctors embrace reflexology and its healing potential. It is, however, helpful for pain management and circulation issues and there are some indications it can help alleviate discomfort from cancer treatment, diabetes, kidney disease and a number of other ailments. Visit this site for more information on the various studies that have been done in these areas around the world.   

In some situations, the reflexologist notices issues that may be a sign of a medical condition. In that case, they recommend the client see their doctor.

Do private health insurance plans cover reflexology treatments?

It depends on what your employer offers in their benefit package. Some plans do cover the treatments under paramedical coverage.

Is there anything else you think is important for me to know about reflexology?

If you’re curious or interested, seek out a reflexologist and try a treatment. If your workplace benefits don’t cover the treatment, encourage your employer to add the coverage to their plan.

My first reflexology treatment

Since my interview with Sandy, I’ve been wanting to try reflexology but never got around to it. I included it on my 60 before 60 list and recently booked an appointment with Sandy for a treatment.

The experience was wonderful and so much more relaxing than I expected.

Sandy started by reviewing my medical history and asking about any specific areas of concern. The treatment started with an initial scan of my body. Sandy identified tightness in my upper back, neck and shoulders. At the end of the treatment, she focused attention on those areas. I was amazed that applying pressure to my feet could help relieve aches and pains in other parts of my body.

I left the treatment feeling relaxed and refreshed. I’m normally not the best sleeper, but I had a wonderful sleep the night after the treatment, and still felt terrific the next day. I highly recommend reflexology to anyone experiencing pain or discomfort, or just in need of a little pampering.

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