The difference between foot massage and reflexology

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

I’m often asked what the difference is between foot massage and reflexology so thought it would be interesting to write my answer down!  I’m not attempting to say one is better than the other as I believe that people can derive many benefits from a good foot massage as they can from reflexology, this is just to try to point out the differences.

I am not a massage therapist so only have a rudimentary understanding of massage so feel free to comment if you think I’ve got something wrong.  I do, however, incorporate foot massage into my reflexology treatments to encourage the client to relax and because clients enjoy it.

Aims of reflexology:

The aim of reflexology is to balance the flow of energy around the body by stimulating reflex points on the feet / hands.
Reflexology is based on a theory that energy flows throughout the body and that so long as this energy can flow freely that your body, mind and spirit will be balanced and in harmony.  However, if there are perceived energy blockages a reflexologist sees this as an energy imbalance that may result in illness if left.

Aims of foot massage:

Foot massage aims to relax the client and relieve pressure by rubbing  the muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and joints of the feet.

Reflexology techniques:

Reflexologists use a variety of techniques during reflexology treatments, for example:

  • thumbwalking (pressing into the feet with the thumb in short measured movements over an area)
  • pinpointing (pressing deeply into a specific, deep-rooted foot reflex)
  • hook in and back up (pinpointing and then ‘hooking in’ and moving the thumb upwards)
  • linking (very lightly holding two separate reflex points in order to balance the energy between them – this may be done in contact with the skin or even just above the skin)

Foot massage techniques:

Massage techniques, involve effleurage (sweeping, stroking, flowing movements), kneading, stretching, rotating, rocking movements.  Foot massage also involves thumb-walking.

Reflexology mediums

Many reflexologists do not use any type of medium for the reflexology treatment.  Some use a small amount of wax, oil, cream or talcum powder but only enough to enable them to work easily over the skin as reflexologists do not want the foot to become too slippery as they need to be able to hold specific reflexes.

Foot massage mediums

Usually a good amount of wax, oil or cream is used in a foot massage.

Reflexology routine:

A reflexologist follows a specific routine in order to ensure that they cover all reflexes of the feet so that they can be sure to identify any imbalances.  They spend more time in areas they consider to be imbalanced in order to try to restore balance.

Foot massage routine:

A foot massage may well be a set routine and more time may be spent in certain areas if the therapist considers there to be tension there, however the routine will be purely that of massage and not carried out with any intention of restoring energy flow.

One Response to The difference between foot massage and reflexology

  1. breathe says:
    August 24, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    Thank you, this is a great summary explaining the differences between reflexology and massage. I work as a reflexologist and massage therapist and do feel there is a cross over between the therapies as my reflexology routine involves a degree of massage too, but reflexology does stand as a therapy significantly different to massage alone.
    thank you.