{"id":25400,"date":"2023-12-01T23:08:13","date_gmt":"2023-12-02T04:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zeel.com\/blog\/?p=25400"},"modified":"2023-12-01T23:15:01","modified_gmt":"2023-12-02T04:15:01","slug":"what-is-reflexology-and-how-is-it-different-from-massage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zeel.com\/blog\/massage\/types-of-massage\/what-is-reflexology-and-how-is-it-different-from-massage\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Reflexology \u2013 and How is it Different from Massage?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Reflexology is a practice often associated with massage. One can find it offered as a distinct modality, or as an add-on to a regular massage<\/a>…but what is<\/em> reflexology exactly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflexology<\/a>, sometimes referred to as \u201czone therapy,\u201d is a bodywork practice that involves applying specific pressure on certain reflex points or zones of the foot<\/a>, hand, or ear. The hands, feet, and ears reflect an image of the body and applying pressure to specific points causes a change in part of the body targeted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mechanism at work during a reflexology session is unknown. Some reflexologists posit that the flow of \u201cQi\u201d becomes unblocked due to their manipulations, similarly to the philosophy of acupressure<\/a>. Others think that the body sends a signal to the body to balance the central nervous system. Science has not been able to identify the mechanism of reflexology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who perform reflexology may describe themselves as \u201creflexologists,\u201d but more often than not, reflexology requires a massage license and is thus performed by a massage therapists. Reflexology practitioners sometimes use a precisely placed thumb or finger, and other times they use tools (small bamboo sticks, for example). Pressure is usually quite firm, but not painful.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflexology is generally considered a complementary treatment and should not replace traditional medical interventions for serious health conditions. While not formally proven, studies<\/a> suggest<\/a> that reflexology can boost feelings of well-being, reduce anxiety, and help lessen pain and fatigue. Massage is similarly positioned but has more clinical research backing its efficacy, particularly for muscle pain. Both are non-invasive and do not use chemicals or medications.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is Reflexology Different from Massage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Massage and reflexology have several distinct differences: <\/p>\n\n\n\n