What reflexology feels like
Experiences with reflexology sessions vary from a general feeling of relaxation, to a sense of “lightness” or tingling in the body, as well as feelings of warmth, a sense of “opening,” or “energy moving” from the practitioner’s pressure to the specific body area or organ. There is often a physical perception of energy flowing through every organ, valve, gland, or muscle, as well as a sense of communication between each body system.
Normal reactions
Other reactions during the session range from physical to emotional and may include:
- Perspiration of hands or feet
- Sensation of being cold or chilled
- Feeling light-headed
- Coughing
- Laughing
- Crying
- Sighing deeply
- Overwhelming desire to sleep
- Disappearance of all pain and discomfort
- Loose, relaxed muscles and organs
- Thirst
- Rarely, contraction of muscle groups (pain)
How pain and discomfort is handled
The first thing to understand is that the reflexologist stimulates the nervous system to do the work of balancing and releasing; it is not the therapist who “fixes” discomfort. In other words, “releasing pain” is not the model; the goal is rather to bring the whole body into balance, and then the pain will subside.
If reflexologists find pain, congestion, or tightness during the session, they will apply pressure to work on bringing the body back into balance.
The reflexologist can return to that area or spot at the end of the session, confirming the pain has released. Throughout the session, the reflexologist will stay present, grounded, and in a calm and centered state of awareness.
