Traditional Reflexology for Foot Spas

These days we find many foot spas coming up in every nook and cranny of Mumbai. It is evident that foot massage is becoming very popular among the masses in urban India. However the question that arises is; is there any foot spa that is completely unique?

Unfortunately, all foot spas are cashing in on the same theme, a mix of Thai foot massage with head, shoulder, hand massage and a bit of reflexology, generally done with a tool. If a prospective client enquires and asks whether Reflexology treatment is available, they are told it is. But what they actually get is quite different from traditional reflexology.

Traditional Reflexology belongs more in the alternative medicine rather than in the massage/ spa category. This is because:

·       In traditional reflexology, oil or cream is not used as it makes the thumb or fingers slip, preventing the therapist from stimulating each point properly. Instead, a bit of talc powder is used.

·       It is not recommended to use any instruments in reflexology unlike what is done in most of the current spas. Fingers and Thumbs are the best tools for reflexology as they help the therapist to feel any possible knots or tenderness in the feet.

·       A few massage techniques are used during reflexology for warming up the feet and relaxing the client. However, these techniques are used only as a starter, a bit in the middle and as dessert during treatment. The actual treatment mainly involves thumb/ finger walking, pivoting and finger rotary pressure.

It is sad that a traditional reflexology spa/ clinic is still difficult to find in a city like Mumbai where almost every single person requires a healing treatment for their stress, tension and the resultant diseases.

Most spa owners believe that there will be more ROI if they offer the ‘popular’ treatments, but the market soon gets saturated with the same kind of services. What we need to realize is that popularity can be created by using the right kind of marketing techniques. And the best bet for survival of any spa is to offer something unique and niche. 

The Body-Mind Connection

Have you noticed that when we are disturbed and thinking a lot, our eyes keep moving around unfocussed and hazy? When we are anxious, we tend to hold our breath. When we are relieved, we exhale slow and long. When we are angry and disagree with someone, our body becomes rigid and closed.

The close connection of body and mind should not come as a surprise. The mind was made to control every part of the body, being the headquarters. The body was made to work well and send warning signals to the mind in case of anything going wrong.

However, we are so immersed in the outside material world, busy making money, partying, indulging in tasty food and drink and other temptations to our senses, that we have forgotten the real reason that our body and mind exist for.

When we focus our mind on too many things and negativity, instead of on taking care of the body and then keep the body busy with all kinds of garbage dumped in it, instead of letting it function naturally, things slowly go awry.

The mind and body are connected through a unique wiring of nerves. And the energy to ‘act’ is transferred through energy channels called meridians. When we abuse the mind and body, problems occur in their connection. Toxins and impurities block the channels and body and mind begin to suffer through gradual suffocation due to lack of nutrients and energy. What results is an expected tirade of physical, psychological and emotional diseases.

There are a few options getting out of this trap. Chemicals in the form of medicines can be resorted to, Ayurveda provides many solutions and along with alternative therapies, we have a chance to heal.

Alternative therapies like Foot Reflexology, Massage, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Scrubs and Wraps help in removing the blockages and in clearing up energy channels. We cannot live a completely ideal lifestyle in this day and age but alternative therapies on a regular basis can help prevent permanent blockages in meridians.

This is how these therapies can help heal a person or prevent diseases. It is simple logic that our ancestors understood years ago and have passed on to us. The solution is in our hands. We just need to choose it.