Reflexology: Foot Massage Rollers

A foot massage is one of life's simple pleasures. They are incredibly relaxing treats you can give to yourself or a friend. The ultimate foot massage science is known as: "Reflexology". There are over 7500 nerve-endings in the foot that connect to all other parts of our body. A trained reflexologist, by applying targeted pressure at various known places on the foot, utilizes those nerves to act as a conduit to those other parts of the body.

The term "Reflexology" was coined in the 1930's by Eunice Ingham. She took William Fitgerald's teachings outlined in his 1917 book: Zone Therapy, eliminated most of his 10 energy zones and focused on the foot. There are several variations of reflexology including: Pressure Point Massage, Compression Massage, Pointed Pressure Massage, Vita-Flex, Zone Therapy, Reflex Zone Therapy, Reflexotherapy and Vacuflex. While Reflexologists do not claim to diagnose or treat disease, they do claim to "balance" and "restore" a person's energy. Often reflexology is combined with other holistic practices including: acupressure, shiatsu, yoga, and tai chi.

Some of the purported benefits of reflexology include:

Reflexologists believe that there is a part of the foot that mirrors each part of the body. For instance, in reflexology your big toe corresponds with your head; your right foot corresponds to the right side of your body and the left foot corresponds to the left side of your body. By massaging the correct spot on a person's foot aches and pains can be reduced as well as migraine headaches and even sinus problems. Imagine that? Have sinus problems? Get a foot massage! Whether it works or not (and there is considerable debate on its efficacy), one thing that cannot be debated is that foot massages have been and will continue to be popular, for one reason... they feel great.

There may very well be a scientific reason why foot massages are so pleasureable. In 1998 Neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran wrote of an amputee that was experiencing "orgasms": in his phantom foot. "The genitals are right next to the foot in the body's brain maps," wrote Ramachandran. He speculates that this fact may account for foot fetishes!

How to give someone the ultimate foot massage:

1. 1. Clean and prepare the recipients feet using a product like our own recovery foot soak
2. 2. Position the foot comfortably reclined on a pillow
3. 3. Put on some soft relaxing music to set the mood
4. 4. Use an aromatherapy atomizer to fragrance the room
5. 5. Dry the foot then apply a massage oil
6. 6. Stroke the foot using a slow firm stroking motion starting at the toes and moving up to the ankle and then back again to the toes. Make sure you apply lighter pressure towards the toes than the ankle. Repeat this 5 times and then perform the same technique to the sole of the foot.
7. 7. Gently move the ankle side to side to loosen the joint.
8. 8. "Wiggle" your thumb to massage the sole of the foot.
9. 9. Focus attention on the toes. Start with the big toe and move to the others.
10. 10. Gently knead using your thumb and fingertips. Knuckles can be used too.
11. 11. Repeat the process with the other foot.

Remember... BE GENTLE it should feel good!

No one really knows how old the practice of foot massage is. However there is evidence suggesting it was common 5,000 years, both in China and Egypt as well as in India and Native American cultures. The Egyptian wall painting below dated at the 6th dynasty, about 2330 B.C found in the tomb of Ankhmahor at Saqqara appears to show hand foot massages being given.

Interestingly, the Royal Family is reported to be very fond of reflexology. Part of the rift between Charles and Diana was purported to be related to Charles' obsession with the study of reflexology^1,2. Princess Diana was also a believer in a variety of alternative healing modalities including reflexology^{3,4.5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16}

While most of us cannot afford (not to mention, do not have the time) to get weekly foot massages like the royal family, we can still benefit from foot massage. At Black Pearl Botanicals we offer a line of effective affordable reflexology ribbed wooden foot massage rollers. In addition, we have a wonderful recovery foot soak product that is ideal for preparing ones feet for massage. Our line of massage oils are designed to enhance any massage experience. We invite you to explore our online catalog of Natural Skin Spa and Perfume Products.

Copyright 2005
BlackPearlBotanicals LLC

1. 1. Unknown, 1985, National Enquirer, "Charles & Di's Royal Rift: He's Become Obsessed with His Health, She Goes to Parties Alone" by Dan Schwartz, A review of Prince Charles' health pursuits. " 'At the palace he has virtually ignored Diana during evenings to study books on reflexology - a fad therapy which involves 'clearing the body's 10 vertical energy channels by massaging different areas of the feet. Charles is hooked on it.'"
2. 2. July 15, 1986, The Sun, p. 6, "How Prince Charles uses strange cures to stay healthy" by David Molina, "reflexology is a more recent practice the Prince has explored in his quest to stay healthy. It holds that the feet contain thousands of nerve endings which, when massaged, lessen pain or even promote healing."
3. 3. Aug.1988, Ladies Home Journal, p. 162. "All about Fergie," by Susie Pearson and David Thomas, The Duchess of York, the former Sarah Ferguson, is profiled. Included is a description of the Duchess and Princess Diana as clients of Joseph Corvo, "practitioner of the so-called discipline of Zone therapy. The treatment involves massaging fifteen specific nerve endings on the face which are said to revitalize eleven areas of the body."
4. 4 . Mar. 6, 1989, Today (British newspaper), p. 26, "These feet were made for talking" by Sandra Parsons, A newspaper columnist samples the services of reflexologist Michael Keet. The Duchess of York, the Queen and Princess Diana are cited as converts to reflexology.
5. 5. Oct. 7, 1990, National Enquirer, p. 37, "As Marriage Crumbles & Pressure Builds ... Princess Di Becomes a Human Pincushion - in Bizarre Battle to Beat Stress," In a desperate bid to beat stress, Princess Di has turned to several far-out treatments - reflexology, aromatherapy and a back-crunching form of Japanese massage called shiatsu . . Charles - a strong believer in holistic medicine and natural cures - suggested Di try an acupuncturist Besides the acupuncture and Japanese massage, Di also undergoes aroma therapy and foot massage, called reflexology."
6. 6. May 28, 1991, Inside Edition (television), The British Royal Family is reported to have an interest in alternative health practices. reflexology services are cited as giving Diana her energy.
7. 7. Jul. 22, 1993, Evening Standard, "Confessions of a therapy junkie" As Princess Diana visits yet another alternative therapist, Caroline Phillips looks at why she, too, feels compelled to try every new treatment that comes along - no matter how bizarre," Listed in a side bar "Diana's Guide to Alternative Therapy" is reflexology "Yesterday it was revealed that the Princess has been having her feet massaged, stimulating the blood supply and nerves and relieving tension."
8. 8. Jul. 22, 1993, Today, "Body and Sole, Why Di's feet are made for healing everything from backache to asthma" by Dominic Midgley, "reflexology is the medical term for the secret tootsie-tickling session (Princess) Di had undergone when she was pictured leaving the Oriental medical centre in Knightsbridge yesterday." A reflexology chart is included as well as comments by customers and practitioners. p. 7
9. 9. Jul. 22, 1993, Daily Express, "Princess puts her best foot forward at a clinic" by Jack Lee and Annie Leask, Princess Di escaped from the cares of the world yesterday with a soothing foot massage. She went to a plush London clinic for a session of her favorite alternative - reflexology."
10. 10. Aug. 17, 1993, Globe, How Di's Toe Jobs Heel All Her Ills," A full color reflexology chart and a photo of a bare-footed Princess Diana accompany an article about the Princess and reflexology. "The thirty-two year old royal has been hot-footing it to her local reflexologist, who manipulates pressure points on her feet to find what ails her "'Diana swears by it,' said a palace insider after the Princess was spotted trotting out of the Oriental Medical Center in London's posh Knightsbridge section after a two-hour session. "Reflexologists boast they can cure anything from a bad back to bulimia - both of which have plagued Di. Within minutes of touching your feet they can diagnose exactly what's wrong with your body. "But Diana's not the only one getting the rubdown - Fergie and the queen have tried it also." p. 23
11. 11. Aug. 29, 1993, Star, ""Di Blows Her Top," An incident with a photographer and Princess Diana is reported. Included is the comment, "She also has reflexology treatments where therapists manipulate pressure points on her feet."
12. 12. June 7, 1994, Star, "Secret Shopaholic, How Di blows $227,000 a year on clothes, hairdos, vacations and massages," Princess Diana is estimated to spend $2,657 a year for weekly reflexology sessions. By comparison she is estimated to spend $24,446 a year for manicures. p. 6
13. 13. June 21,1994, Star, " Dashing Di," "(Princess) Di had just come from a regular visit to a Chinese foot massage clinic in Beauchamp Place when she noticed she was attracting a crowd," so she made a run for her car. p. 2
14. 14. Nov. 1994, Vogue, It is reported that Princess Diana visits a reflexologist weekly. Jan. 16, 1996, Star, " How She Got the Body to Die For," "In her quest for overall health, (Princess) Di has also become a keen fan of New Age techniques, including foot massage, back manipulation and aromatherapy." p. 5
15. 15. Mar. 1996, Luxury Life-styles of the Rich and Famous, "Special Issue: Natural Health Remedies Stars Use - And They Really Work!, Plus the healing power of massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, teas, reflexology and meditation," "reflexology - Getting to the root of the problem," Sub heading: Princess Di' Walking on air' after royal rubdowns" "Princess Di believes that the way to good health is through her feet. She's reportedly sought the treatment of a London Reflexologist to help her with recurring back pain and with her bulimia battle. 'She's been walking on air since she's been getting the treatments for her aching back,' said a palace insider." p. 39
16. 16. June 11, 1996, Star, Learn Di's Beauty and Health Secrets from head to toe - inside out" by Judy Wade, "reflexology: For more than five years Diana has visited a Knightsbridge clinic run by Chryssie Fitzgerald for a foot massage to stimulate the blood supply and nerves to relieve tension. Cost: $50 an hour." p. 25