Reflexology

I am a Certified Hand & Foot Reflexologist through the Academy of Ancient Reflexology in St Augustine.

Reflexology is a natural, drug-free healing therapy that puts the nervous system into a parasympathetic state, which is the only state in which the body can rest and repair. It is based on the idea that there are reflexes in the feet and hands that correspond to every system in the body, such as the musculoskeletal, respiratory, and endocrine systems. Cultures in India, Japan, China, Egypt, and Europe have worked on the feet since the beginning of time. The first records of reflexology were pictures and statues dating back as far as 2500BCE. It was practiced 4000 years ago in China, described in a medical text where it is known as “Examining Foot Method.”

Here is the official definition of reflexology from the Reflexology Association of America:

Reflexology, an integrative health practice, maps a reflection of the body predominately on the feet, hands and outer ears. It uses unique manual techniques to deliver pressure to neural pathways assisting the body to function optimally. (RAA 2019)

The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field. (RAA 2016)

What does it do?

Reflexology improves circulation of blood and lymph, relaxes by reducing tension and stress, promotes normal functioning of the body’s organs and glands, and helps support optimum health.

My role is to support health, not treat disease. I do not treat, cure, or diagnose.

In the state of Florida, reflexologists must also be licensed massage therapists.

What to expect

First, you’ll receive either a warm hand and/or foot soak and scrub, and we’ll discuss your health and goals for the session. Then you’ll lie down in a semi-reclined position on the massage table (supported by wedge pillows) to receive the work on your hands and/or your feet. Feel free to zone out and fully relax, and if you notice any sensitive points, you can let me know, and I’ll stay at that point a little longer while you take some deep breaths, while we allow for change to occur.

Want to know even more? Check out this article I wrote ( Thoughts on Pressure in Reflexology) and a case study I prepared as part of my certification program (The Effects of Hand Reflexology on Chronic Hand Pain—see a few sections below).

Why you might want to try reflexology

Are you having issues related to high levels of stress? Do you have pain in your feet and/or hands? Here are some of the benefits that my recent clients have mentioned:

  • Pain control

  • Flexibility

  • Relaxation

  • Renewed energy

  • Improved sleep

  • Stress relief

  • Awesome-feeling feet (“like they’d feel if they were brand new!”)

  • Better handwriting and reduced hand pain

The Effects of Hand Reflexology on Chronic Hand Pain

During my reflexology certification course, I conducted a case study about how hand reflexology might affect an artist’s chronic hand pain. It turned out to be quite helpful! It was shared in an issue of magazine for the International Council of Reflexologists. I’ve shared screenshots of the first and last pages here (the latter is particularly cool, because it gives the results of the study). If you’d like to read the full study, here’s a link to it in the Academy of Ancient Reflexology’s research archive.

What people have been saying

“Through reflexology, Annalisa provides a vital means through which I can be in a renewed state of lasting energy and at the same time achieve a state of rest that I cannot achieve on my own. I also find that sleep improves along with other bodily functions. I love reflexology!”–Elizabeth B.

“As you probably know fibromyalgia deals with both physical and psychological pains and stresses. Reflexology gives me both the physical stress relief (i.e. pain relief, muscle & joint tension relaxation) and the psychological stress relief (i.e. feeling more relaxed, centered and balanced, less worried and less anxious), both of which trigger and/or exacerbate my fibro. Reflexology seems to calm the nerves so they don’t fire as much, as long or as intense. It can be a seemingly never ending cycle, which your reflexology interrupts.” –Chuck T.

Need some help right now? Try some self reflexology!

Prices:

  • 30 min Hand or Foot: TBD

  • 60 min Hand or Foot: TBD

  • 90 min Combined Hand & Foot: TBD

Each session contains a hand and/or foot soak and scrub prior to the hands-on work.