Reflexology: Tried & true health hack

WBC

You may have heard before about reflexology and all its health benefits. You may even be wondering, what really is reflexology?

Originating in Egypt as far back as 2500BC, reflexology practitioners in many countries such as India, China and Singapore can be found in every shopping centre, right next door to your local chemist, greengrocer, doctor, beautician or other such everyday service providers. In other places and experiences, the idea may have come via a favourite wellness influencer’s Instagram story, or as recommended by a wellness expert. Although it’s not a proven medical treatment for disease, it’s a long-held, deeply restorative wellness practice and studies suggest it’s helpful for gaining and maintaining physical and emotional balance, and mental wellbeing.

So, what actually is it?

Simply put, reflexology is a form of massage that consists of applying firm pressure to the feet, hands and ears. Reflexologists – professionals who perform the practice – do this because they believe these body parts are linked to organs and body systems, and that applying pressure to them provides an abundance of different health benefits.

The main benefits?

Conducive to restful sleep
Reduces stress and anxiety
Reduces bodily pain
Improves general wellbeing

But it’s not just limited to those three benefits, studies also suggest that regular reflexology can even help:

Boost your immune system
Heal from colds and bacterial infections
Heal from back problems
Regulate hormonal imbalances
Boost fertility
Ease arthritis symptoms

Reflexology is not for everyone but try it out for yourself! Maybe you’re after some stress relief from work, a good night’s sleep or pain relief from pulling a muscle at the gym. Maybe you’re feeling out of sorts for no known reason. Whatever the driver, reflexology might just be the wellness tool that’s waiting for you.

Try it out for yourself at a local reflexologist near you – for Australia see this list by Soul Advisor. Or if living or travelling through Singapore, try our favourite, My Foot, or any of the many at The Fun Empire’s list of the 9 Best Reflexology Places in Singapore. If you find your favourite practitioner anywhere else in the world, let us know!

By Savannah Selimi