Last Updated: 12/1/2022

What Are The Possible Reactions To A Reflexology Session?

According to the ARCB, several responses may occur.  Some may take place during the session and others after the session.  A reaction could or could not occur at any session.  It is up to the discretion of the practitioner whether or not to discuss these possible reactions with the client.

1.  Gesture of pain - wincing, drawing away from the practitioner, even laughing;

2.  Contraction of muscle groups because of pain or sensitivity in an area;

3.  Perspiration of the hands;

4.  Feeling cold or chilled;

5.  Feeling faint or queasy.

6.  Crying.  Emotional or psychological release may result in crying.  Reactions which occur between sessions usually last only a day or two and indicate the body is returning to a state of balance.

What are the most common complaints?

• Tiredness - The parasympathetic nervous system has become more dominant in the body.  The body responds by needing more sleep so it can rest and repair.  Tiredness can also be induced because the practitioner has worked too long on the client or applied too much pressure.  Make a note to adjust your time and pressure accordingly.
• Increased Energy - Some clients report feeling energized and have more vitality.
• Change in Sleep Pattern - Some clients find they are so relaxed that their sleep becomes deeper and calmer.  Others report sleep disturbed for a while and dreams may be more frequent.  Increased perspiration or skin eruption - such activity of the body may be a sign of the release of toxins through the skin.
• Frequent Urination - The kidney may excrete more urine to clear toxins.  The urine may also become cloudy with an unpleasant smell.
• Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements - As the digestive tract is stimulated to normalize, or cleanse, it may eliminate toxins by producing diarrhea or frequent bowel movements.
• Increased Mucus - Mucus discharge from the nose may occur which also marks a cleaning process.  Mucus can also be released from clogged sinuses, the ileo-cecal valve, or small intestines.  In women, vaginal discharge may occur.
• Recurring symptoms of previous illness - An illness which has been repressed in the past and never really healed may flare up and cause a fever or some other symptom.  These should go away in a day or so.
• Crying - Emotional and psychological release may result in crying.

What Can I Expect From Reflexology Session?  

The practitioner will:

• Do a visual assessment of the surface of the hands.
• Explain what reflexology is, what the client can expect, and what the tenderness/sensitivity may mean.
• Ask the client to report any sensitivity or tenderness is experienced or if the practitioner's nails are too long and causing discomfort.
• Use relaxation techniques.
• Allow a few minutes after the session is completed to let the client relax.
• Remind the client the importance of drinking water without specific amounts.
• Discuss possible effects of a reflexology session and ask the client to contact the practitioner if experiencing any effects.
• Schedule the next session with the client if desired.

What Contraindications Are There For Reflexology?

Hand Reflexology Contraindications:

• Varicose veins which are dilated, knotty and irregular shaped veins with incompetent valves.
• Severe edema which is an abnormal swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the interfibrillar spaces of connective tissue as this could also be indicative of insufficient venous return and blockages of the venous and lympathic system.  It is also associated with cardiac and nephritic diseases and with protein deficiency.  The client should be referred to a physician.  In some women edema in an arm may be the result of surgery for breast cancer.
• Current fractures, recent surgeries, or severe sprains.  One can usually work safely with an extremely light feathering touch around or on these problem areas.
• Contagious or infectious diseases or anything that appears to be such on the client's hand unless checked out by a doctor first (warts, streptococcus infections, or anything that looks like an infection, etc.)  Likewise on the hands of the practitioner because it is easy to inadvertently pass something along to someone else.
• Lacerations, open wounds and/or sores which are oozing fluids on the hand.
• After an organ transplant until a release is obtained from the physician.
• During early stages of induced labor until a release is obtained from the physician.
• During the first trimester of pregnancy.  After the first trimester, the reflexologist will indicate the areas on the hand to avoid with a yellow, non-toxic marker so the client can observe the practitioner is avoiding the uterus reflex.

The professional reflexologist always uses discretion when working on a client with chronic and/or degenerative diseases like diabetes, sclerosis, osteoporosis, cancer, etc.  or when a client is on blood thinners.  A lighter pressure and shorter session time is called for.

As a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), are you considered a licensed health care provider in the State of California?:       No.  California does not license massage therapy anywhere in the state unlike most states.  California regulates and certifies the practice of massage therapy through it's governing body, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).  Per California state law SB 577, I am to state therefore that I am not licensed by the state as a healing arts practitioner.  It's not a personal reflection on my training or qualifications, it is simply a fact that California does not license any healing arts practitioners. 

For more info, click on this link to SB 577:  http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/01-02/bill/sen/sb_0551-0600/sb_577_bill_20020923_chaptered.html