Foot reflexology proceeds from the idea that each person is a complete and unique whole being. At times, the person’s system gets out of balance, causing discomfort, distress or illness. Foot reflexology facilitates bringing the system back into balance, thus restoring health.

Outside influences such as microbes, stress or poisons can disrupt the body’s equilibrium. The body diverts and expends energy to deal with the onslaught, and in the meantime, some other functions such as rest or nutrition can suffer. If this continues, it can lead to illness. Foot reflexology works gently to enhance the function of the bodily glands and organs, helping the body to deal with unhealthful influences, get some rest and start on the road to recovery.

Sometimes, a person’s reaction to outer stress is to internalize it. This can lead to an overactive sympathetic nervous system and a continually “hyped-up” feeling, with an inability to relax. It can also put a burden on the adrenal glands. Foot reflexology calms down the sympathetic nervous system, allowing the parasympathetic nervous system, in charge of rest, relaxation, digestion, and regeneration of cells, to come to the forefront. A calming reflexology session is a healthful balm to the entire body.

Sore feet disrupt a person’s function by making it difficult to move around. Foot reflexology soothes soreness, eases tightness and facilitates circulation, so feet feel and function better. Regular foot reflexology can prevent foot pain from returning.

Foot reflexology is a therapy that works well with other forms of healing such as Western medicine, physical therapy, massage, chiropractic and energy healing, because all these therapies aim to help bring the body back into balance and wholeness.

Denise Held, RN, a certified Reflexolo-Chi foot reflexologist, has office hours at the Natural Healing Center, 2002 Hogback Rd., Ste. 14, in Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734-649-2891, or visit A2Reflexology.com.