How you start a reflexology session greatly influences the rest of the treatment. Most reflexologists develop their own pre-established program only after many sessions. This article outlines some of the steps that reflexology professionals go through to start a massage.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the venue for the session
Step 1. Make sure the room is adequately heated so your client doesn't feel cold
Remember that it will have to lie down for at least an hour, so the room you will be working in will need to be warm.
Step 2. Always have a blanket on hand in case your client feels cold
Step 3. Prepare additional blankets or wipes to use to keep the client's feet warm between each step of the massage
Step 4. Keep the lights dim to create atmosphere
Step 5. Play some melodic and relaxing music
Try to avoid the songs, as the lyrics could lose focus.
Step 6. Make a bottle of water available for your client
Step 7. If necessary, trim and trim your nails and then wash your hands
Method 2 of 3: Prepare a warm foot bath for your client
Step 1. Pour hot water into a basin
Step 2. Add ¼ cup (about 56g) of Epsom salt (English salt)
When absorbed by the skin, the magnesium sulfate contained in the salt eliminates toxins, calms the nervous system, reduces swelling and relaxes the muscles.
Step 3. Stir the salts until dissolved
Step 4. Place the basin at the foot of a bed or chair so that your client can easily immerse their feet in the water
Step 5. Let him soak his feet for at least 10 minutes
Step 6. Lift her feet one at a time and dry them carefully using a sponge towel
Step 7. Remove the basin and empty it while your client searches for the most comfortable position for treatment
Method 3 of 3: Perform a preparatory massage for reflexology by exerting even light pressure on the entire foot
This will help circulation and make the client relax further.
Step 1. Grab the client's left heel with your left hand and place the right on the instep, near the ankle
Step 2. Press gently on the instep and sole of the foot
This pressure will help break down the uric acid crystals that tend to develop in the feet and, as a result, promote circulation.
Step 3. Place one hand on your client's ankle and rest the heel on the palm of the other hand
Step 4. Gently pull your foot towards you
It will be enough to bring it closer by about 3 cm.
Step 5. Place your right hand horizontally on the instep and the left hand vertically along the sole
Step 6. Now apply downward pressure with your right hand and upward pressure with your left
Step 7. Repeat three times
Step 8. Use both hands to grab and rub your client's foot in the same motion you would squeeze a wet rag
Be gentle, but firm.
Step 9. Tap the sole of your foot with the back of your hand
Start at the toe level and give light slaps along the sole of the foot to the heel, then back to the toes. Be careful not to hit hard enough to make your skin red.
Step 10. Start massaging your leg from the ankle and work your way up the shin to the knee
Step 11. Starting at the back of the knee, work your way back towards the ankle while continuing to massage along the calf
If you have large enough hands, you can massage the front and back of the leg at the same time.
Step 12. With your hands placed on either side of your leg, rub your shin with your thumbs and your calf with your other fingers
Step 13. Using your thumbs, apply pressure to the reflex points on the foot corresponding to the diaphragm
Step 14. Wrap the client's left foot in a towel and repeat the same steps on the other leg
Step 15. The actual treatment begins
Advice
- If you want to use scented candles, remember that they emit heat and lighting a lot of them could cause the room to become excessively hot or too fragrant.
- If you don't have the ability to adjust the lights, get your client a mask for the night.
- Ask your client if they would appreciate adding a few drops of essential oil (lavender, for example) to the foot bath. Try different fragrances and consider integrating aromatherapy into your treatments.
- Make this preparatory massage as relaxing as possible. Those who try such a treatment for the first time may be tense or uncomfortable with the idea of their feet being touched. The rhythm and tone you set will work to dispel any kind of anxiety and distrust.
