Reflexology: a treatment for the feet that benefits mind and body

Andrea Aguilar, a recent arrival in Merida, is sharing her experiences as a new member of the community. Here is her third installment for TYT readers:

I remember noticing the big sign on Paseo de Montejo for UK Massage Reflexology Clinic. It caught my attention because I have always been drawn to alternative therapies. I tried acupuncture treatments when I quit smoking. I have also tried different therapeutic massages and Reiki meditation. It wasn’t until after receiving blood lab results in Merida that I decided to try reflexology. I asked a few questions and scheduled an appointment via email. I believed that adding a Foot Reflexology treatment, along with making some diet modifications and exercise adjustments, would reduce a few elevated numbers shown on my lab results. (This is my approach only, not a professional recommendation.)

Foot Reflexology, developed by Eunice Ingham in the 1930’s, is a therapy based on applying pressure to the specific parts of the foot that correspond to a specific part of the body. It is said to help balance your body, eliminate toxins, improve circulation, and reduce stress. (Cited from: Reflexology-USA/history, and Livestrong article/benefits- reflexology-massage)

So I walked into the small, air-conditioned office and was greeted by Mariana who offered a bottle of water. After cooling down I met the owner, Samantha Wilson, and we entered the tranquil, aromatic massage room. Once I was flat on the massage table (with a small lavender-scented pillow resting over my eyes) my intention was to be present, and to breathe. My feet were indulged with essential oils while the massage stimulated the reflexes in the feet creating a state of balance, and reducing tension.

When Samantha applied pressure to different parts of my feet, at times I felt a little more aware of that particular area but not pain. For example, when I felt the pressure at the base of a toe, she said it was connected to my eyes. “That’s interesting, I had been experiencing some eyestrain and thought my new glasses might be a little bit too strong,” I shared. (I later had my eyes rechecked confirming the previous prescription was indeed too strong.) When my hour was up, I felt relaxed and a little tired.

I recently returned for a second reflexology session. This treatment was just as enjoyable, relaxing, and balancing. The difference was that afterward my feet and legs felt revitalized, and I was energized instead of tired. Sometime later, I had my blood retested and it showed an improvement in lowering most of the numbers I was concerned about.

Samantha is very professional, knowledgeable, and loves what she does. Meeting people like her always inspires me. This quote comes to mind, by Howard Thurman:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”

For more info:  http://ukreflexology.com/index.html

By Andrea Aguilar for TYT

Andrea Aguilar is an American expat. She spent a year traveling the world with her husband while they searched for a new community to call home after having lived in San Francisco for 20 years. Her interests typically include yoga, writing, reading, and once she leaves the house, discovering a new adventure.  Follow more of Andrea’s adventures on her blog andrea*poem, or Instagram (andreapoem).