Has it ever dawned on you that the key to staying healthy may actually lie in your feet? Yup, you read that right!

For starters, I personally adore body massages, foot and/or shoulder rubs, but never has it occurred to me that I’ve been getting the good stuff in the wrong parts of my body!

It can help the distribution and absorption of Vitamin D and minerals into the bones, to promote a healthy skeleton. It can also ease aching joints associated with arthritis, improving mobility and helping to heal fractures.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been suffering from crazy muscle aches after my daily workouts that I could barely function. I have researched through all my health resources for all types home remedies, because I don’t fancy conventional medicine — from taking organic honey after a workout, eating four medium bananas and taking a hot bath . . . you name it.

And yes, if you’re still reading, your guess is right; nothing has worked until I discovered the holy grail of what I should have run for in the first place. I can’t emphasise enough how so desperate for relief I’ve been.

I’ve said it more than once how I take rest very seriously but it turns out most of my research dictated that I should work out more and then rest, even if it is in little doses during my “resting days”. So the search continued, which eventually led to an “appointment” with my up-and-coming soon-to-be 11 year old daughter of a masseuse.

I had to get one. Well, more like begged for one. While at it, however, I found out something that I just had to share . . .

Reflexology!


Reflexology is a complementary therapy that is now available at most healthcare and wellness centres around the world. Although best administered by professionals, turns out there are simple ways you can use this effective technique at home on members of your family too – whatever their ages.

I remember how my growing girls used to loved full-body massages after every bath and for the longest time, I just presumed they especially loved “mommy’s touch” on the soles of their feet. Ha!

With its roots believed to date from ancient Egypt, reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet or hands to bring about a state of deep relaxation and to stimulate the body’s own healing processes.

And get this, it is a safe, natural therapy for all ages that can boost energy, help the immune system and create a stronger body and calmer mind. Plus, did you know that when you apply reflexology, you stimulate 7,000 nerves in the feet?

According to London School of Reflexology, however, there’s a step-by-step guide to this natural therapy that stimulates the body to heal itself.

Dr. Helena Reid tells WebMD, “If your feet aren’t healthy, it affects how you function and live your life.”

And while I had heard that reflexology could be used to relieve pain, as with this incredible clothespin ear reflexology method, I never knew that it could be good for healing many different parts of my body too. So I dug in a little deeper.

WebMD’s Ellen Strum writes, “According to the tenets of reflexology, there are areas in the feet that correspond to glands, organs, parts, and systems of the body.”

Scroll through below for an exclusive look at exactly which areas of the feet are connected to which important body parts.

All you have to do is massage each specific area of the soles of your feet in order to reap the benefits.

This method is great for both pain relief and organ health. And while this should never take the place of medical advice, I will absolutely be giving this food reflexology technique a shot — it can’t hurt, and it definitely might help!

According to the ancient practice of reflexology, each of the different areas on the bottoms of your feet correspond to specific parts of the body.

By massaging each area, and applying direct pressure with your fingers, you can relieve pain and promote health for specific organs, glands, and body parts.

Scroll through to find the part of the body that ails you!

1. The Head

According to reflexology, the tips of the toes are directly connected to the head and the brain.

The theory underlying reflexology is that the organs, the nerves, glands and other parts of the body are connected to reflex points on the feet and hands. These areas are found on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, as well as on the top and sides of the feet and hands.

Massaging the bottoms of the toes can help with relieving headaches, and can have a positive effect on your overall brain health, including increased brain stimulation.

2. The Eyes

Eye health can include a wide variety of issues, including vision trouble, soreness, redness, and pain.

Massaging or applying pressure to the area of the foot that is right below the second and third toes can greatly benefit those suffering from eye troubles.

Zone therapy is the foundation of modern reflexology, whereby reflexologists apply pressure to, or massage-specific areas of the feet or hands stimulating circulation and nerve impulses to promote healing throughout the zones of the body.

Reflexologists report a direct correlation between this area of the foot and the eyes.

The next organ that can benefit from foot massage is the small intestine.

Simply massage the area between the heel and the ball of the foot for improved digestion and a healthier intestinal tract.

This may do wonders for those who suffer from severe gas or indigestion.

3. The Lungs

The lungs are said to be directly connected to the middle area of the balls of the feet.

Focusing on this area can be great for those suffering from asthma or are simply trying to improve their overall lung health.

While reflexology can have short- and long-term benefits, if you are ever experiencing difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.

The feet are most commonly worked on because practitioners feel they are normally more responsive to treatment than hands. As they contain a larger treatment area, the reflex points are easier to identify and the feet are more sensitive to treatment because they are usually covered by shoes.

4. The Lower Back

According to reflexology, there is a correlation between the heel and the sciatic nerve and lower back.

The body is divided into ten ongitudinal zones that provide a simple numbering sequence. Each toe falls into one zone and there are five zones in each foot – see diagram. Zones are distributed up the body like slices, and when you work on the feet you are automatically working through the whole body.

For those who suffer from sciatica or chronic lower back pain, massaging the heels can help provide some much-needed relief.

5. The Neck

Neck aches and pains are extremely common. However, the connection between the neck and the area just below the big toe can go a long way to ease this pain and discomfort.

Within these zones, energy runs upand down between all parts of the body. This energy connection should be free-flowing so that all parts of the body – organs, muscles, nerves, glands and blood supply – work in harmony and at the the

optimum level for good health.

Simply massage this and the rest of these areas with your fingers to reap the 12 health benefits at the bottom.

6. The Heart

Heart health is something that should be taken very seriously. Anyone experiencing heart palpitations or chest pain should always see a doctor right away.

If there is a block of the body’s energy, it will have an effect on any organ or part of the body within that particular zone. If a reflexologist finds sensitivity in one spot of the feet or hands, this indicates an imbalance in the entire length of that zone.

That said, massaging this specific area on the right foot can promote heart health, and have long-term benefits for the circulatory system.

7. The Knees

The outside portion of each heel has a direct correlation to the knees.

Stress, tension, poor posture andbadly fitting shoes all restrict blood flow, creating a sluggish circulatory and lymphatic system. This could mean an infection such as athlete’s foot or a foot or a leg ulcer may take weeks to clear.

Those suffering from knee soreness or chronic knee pain should try massaging this area to help alleviate some of the soreness.

8. The Stomach

While there are plenty of dietary adjustments you can make to help cut down on stomach problems, you can also use foot reflexology.

When blood flow or lymphaticcirculation is poor, it is hard for oxygen-rich blood, nutrients and white blood cells to reach various areas of the foot to fight infection, digest germs and remove toxins. Regular reflexology can help to develop healthy feet as well as improve overall body circulation.

You can improve your digestive health by massaging the inside areas just below the balls of the feet. Like with the small intestine massage, this can be good for indigestion, bloating, or gas.

9. The Thyroid

Thyroid problems are quite common, but foot massages can be used to increase the overall health of the thyroid gland.

Simply massage the inside portion of the balls of the feet in order to experience the maximum benefit for your thyroid.

10. The Liver

Reflexologists differ somewhat in the exact location that is best for the liver.

Some report that the middle outside of the right foot is best. Others say that the middle outside of both feet will work.

In any case, massaging this area of the foot can promote better liver function and keep the organ healthier.

The 12 benefits of reflexology

• Encourages the body to heal disorders

• Relieves the effects of stress

• Improves the immune system

• Assists post-operative recovery by decreasing pain and increasing healing

• Encourages better circulation

• Improves bowel movements

• Eliminates waste products from the body

• Relieves pain

• Clears the body of toxins

• Improves nerve stimulation

• Promotes general relaxation

• Creates stronger bonds with children

These simple foot massages can have a large impact on your pain levels and overall health.

Will you be giving any of these a try? Let us know which ones in the comments.

Please SHARE this vital health information with friends and family!

You are possible! I am possible! Let’s be possible together as we seek better health!