Our feet are hard workers. They carry us through a long day of work as we venture from one activity to the next. But, besides serving our need for mobility, do our feet serve an even greater purpose? Determined to discover the hidden abilities of my feet, I decided to take a reflexology session at the Talise Spa in Madinat Jumeirah.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to parts of the feet to provide beneficial effects elsewhere in the body. Though it is commonly performed on the feet, this treatment can also be applied on the hands and ears.
Neill Culpan, assistant spa manager of Talise and a reflexologist, said: “Your feet, hands and ears are a map of your body.”
How does it work?
There are many theories on how reflexology works. Experts believe the results can be explained by the connection between all the body’s functions.
One explanation is that the feet, hands and ears have nerve endings of other organs. When pressure is applied to them, it stimulates the corresponding organ.
Another explanation, according to Culpan, is based on the concept that our body contains energy zones.
“The body has what are known as meridians, which are energy pathways. The energy will travel through these pathways and create a state that promotes balance between our physical and mental well-being,” he said.
Culpan recommends that people begin with a six-week programme and then move on to a maintenance programme, which is usually one session every month or three weeks.
Does it work?
Previously, reflexologists could only rely on anecdotal evidence to support their claims but now health organisations and associations promote reflexology as a natural treatment.
“The debate about whether reflexology works is a dead argument,” Culpan said.
“In many countries with advanced medical treatment — such as Denmark and Holland — reflexology is used in hospitals as a treatment for many illnesses.”
My experience
The moment I entered the spa, I knew I was in for quite an experience. My therapist, Sian, asked me a few questions about my lifestyle — my allergies, exercising habits and sleeping patterns.
She then informed me that many methods of reflexology exist and that the method she was using was the holistic approach — one that focuses on relaxation and well-being.
The holistic approach, Sian explained, is a type of “massage-reflexology where pressure is placed at certain points on the foot while making massage-like movements”.
When I heard the word “pressure” I immediately asked: “Does it hurt?”
“It could,” Sian said. “If an area feels sensitive, it may reflect that a lot of stress or toxins exist in the corresponding body part.”
She told me I could feel a tingling sensation should she hit a sensitive point and that a re-emerging hard spot or callus in the foot could indicate excessive stress.
The treatment
As with people trying a new treatment, I found the idea interesting but I was still sceptical. However, once Sian began the treatment, talking to me throughout the session, it all started making sense.
At first it felt like a foot massage — just as Sian had described — but as she continued, I began to feel some sensation on the tips of my toes and the centre of my foot.
Truths in the touch
“The tips of your toes pertain to your sinuses,” she explained — a statement I found rather ironic considering I had just caught a cold the day before and hadn’t been able to breath properly through my nose.
“Generally, your toes and the upper part of your feet pertain to the head and neck area.
“The centre of your foot corresponds to your stomach. I actually felt some bubbling in that area — which may mean you’re not digesting properly.
"This could happen if you consume a lot of hard food, such as bread, and then drink cold liquids.”
In that sentence, Sian had just described my typical daily diet — a sandwich or pizza, downed with an ice-cold soda.
She advised me to drink hot liquids after a meal, such as green or herbal teas, which would help dissolve the food in my stomach and stimulate smoother
digestion.
The results
After the session, Sian asked me to note any differences in my body in terms of metabolism and sleeping patterns.
Reactions vary from person to person, she said. Some people may experience a change instantly while others may experience it the next day or after a few sessions.
Sian also advised me to relax for 10 or 15 minutes before driving home, because some people, she said, may experience slight dizziness immediately after the treatment.
The next morning I woke up slightly more energised and did not feel the morning state of nausea I normally do.
After the treatment, I felt every muscle in my feet relaxed. It was almost like they were thanking me. After all, they deserved it.
