Did you know that the feet have approximately 15 600 nerves in them? That’s a lot of nerve endings in a small space, compared to the rest of your body. And this means, that everything your feet experience, both internal and external, are always affecting the whole body. How? The sensory communication travels back and forth from the brain and feet through the central nervous system. This in turn helps your body stay alert to any threats that it may need to address such as avoiding stepping on a sharp nail, or jump starting your digestive system, which may be a bit backed up.

On top of that your feet have 52 bones in them, which represent 25% of the 206 bones found in your body. That’s quite a lot in such a small space. But that’s not all! Both feet have a total of 66 joints, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles and tendons. And, let’s not forget the 15 600 approximate nerves mentioned above.

Now imagine, day to day stressors, such as: different foot wear, sitting at a desk for hours on end, or experiencing a health challenge. It’s easy to conclude that your feet truly to do work hard for you. Yet, they are often the most hated, ignored and neglected body part that we possess.

Reflexology and me

I have been a Reflexologist for over 17 years now, and I have to admit, I LOVE FEET. The good, the bad and the challenging; it truly does not matter. And yet, I can’t tell you how often I hear that people hate their feet; that they are ugly, or smell. Yet, I welcome ALL of these comments, because each set of feet are unique, and each tell their own story of what it takes to help their human walk through life.

I have seen many feet, and no 2 are alike. They are almost as different as each of our fingerprints. And unique in expressing what is happening to our bodies on all levels: Physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually!

I have had the privilege to assist people who are stressed, anxious, depressed, have digestive and immune system concerns, neuropathy challenges (diabetes induced and those undergoing chemotherapy), hormonal imbalances, as well as chronic pain in the joints, such as hips and knees.

I have worked with those seeking relaxation while they are experiencing a stressful event in their lives. And I have worked with people who are seeking an alternative route to finding inner peace. I am humbled that so many have allowed me to assist them on their sacred journey through life; its ups and its downs! And I am truly grateful for the opportunity to re-connect people to their roots, aka, their feet. They truly are a wonder, and they work so hard for us, not just to keep us standing straight, but to also help us stay balanced, and well.

The human body is truly unique, incredible, and resilient beyond words. And the power in your feet astounds me. Your body is always striving for homeostasis. And by gently massaging the pressure points found in the feet, I can assist your body to find that sense of well-being again.

The What and How of Reflexology

Reflexology is a way to help your body focus on issues in your tissues!  Through massaging the feet, sensory communication is established with the body, through the central nervous system. By pressing gently on the different zones and meridians around your feet, a Reflexologist assists the body in refocusing on the issues it needs to address.  Think of a Reflexologist as the person sitting at a computer, tapping away on the keyboard, and the body being the computer that translates the keystrokes into information. The computer translates and does the work; as does the body!

Reflexologists do not diagnose, we simply follow the pathways.

Reflexology has been shown to help with many conditions such as improved circulation, pain management, and stress management. And can affect the following body systems:

  • Digestive / Excretory System – break down of food into nutrients starting in the mouth, to esophagus, stomach and the intestines. Also gets rid of waste (colon/rectum).
  • Endocrine System – hormonal system (Pituitary/thyroid/adrenals etc)
  • Lymphatic/Immune System – lymph vessels that carry fluid to rid body of toxic substances/ defends against invaders
  • Nervous System – senses communicate with nerves and the brain
  • Vascular System – circulates blood via heart, veins, arteries by delivery oxygen / nutrients and taking away waste from / to cells and organs
  • Renal /Urinary System – kidneys/bladder – filter blood and remove toxins
  • Reproductive System – sex organs and hormones
  • Respiratory System – lungs, trachea, oxygens, carbon dioxide
  • Integumentary /Exocrine System – skin, hair, nails, sweat etc.
  • Skeletal System – bones structurally support/protect organs/body
  • Muscular System – allows body movement

What’s a Reflexology session like?

The best part of Reflexology is that you simply sit back or lie down and enjoy! Each session is truly unique based on what you need that day. For example, some days there is utter silence, on others, lots of laughter. Requests for music have ranged from meditative right through to some heavy metal.  The key is YOU and your unique needs at that moment in time – what YOU define as YOUR well-being.

And l can tell you, that this translates into some very unique and individual sessions. Almost as unique, as each foot print.

Please know that there is no requirement other than allowing me to work on your feet/hands, and to let me know if something hurts. I truly believe that this is one modality where ‘no pain, no gain’, does NOT apply. There are a variety of sessions that can be provided, based on the needs of the client; some days hand Reflexology is preferred, over feet, or a combination of both is applied. Again, it’s customized to your needs. But rest assured that in every session, the pressure points required to be addressed, are addressed: no matter the length of the session. Usually a session runs about an hour, yet busy time schedules can be accommodated through 30 minute and 45 minute sessions as well.

If you wish to learn more about Reflexology or how I work, please contact me. I do offer free 15 min. mini-sessions for those who are curious and wish to see what all the fuss is about.
Well-being through Happy Feet!

“Natascha is a compassionate, knowledgeable, skillful and a highly intuitive reflexologist, dream guide and nutritionist! She has developed a unique way of approaching well-being to help clients release emotional, mental and physical tension at a very deep level. Not only will you feel more relaxed after receiving treatments from Natascha, you’ll sleep better, you’ll have more energy and you’ll feel better than you have felt in years!!” ~ Mary C. Davis (Guelph)