Looking for basic massage techniques to use at home? Take a look at this massage video for a demonstration of the basic Swedish massage techniques by massage therapist Gretchen Rivas (www.relaxwilmington.com).

Reflexology views the feet as the map of the body.

Reflexology is an increasingly popular spa and therapeutic treatment that focuses on healing the body through applying specific pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. The goal of reflexology is to achieve a state of internal and external balance in the body through stimulation of the nervous and energy systems.

Reflexology is based on the idea that there is an invisible map on the feet, hands, or ears that corresponds to the health of a certain area of the body, such as the lungs, the lower back, or the liver. By stimulating a certain point on the feet, a specific organ in the body is also affected. Stimulating the reflexes balances the various systems and organs in the body and allows the body’s energy to flow freely.

During a reflexology session, the practitioner will ask you to remove your shoes and socks and lie down on a massage table to encourage deep relaxation during the treatment session. The practitioner will sit on a rolling stool at the foot of the massage table and wash and dry your feet before beginning treatment. Using the thumbs and fingers, the reflexologist will apply gentle pressure to certain areas on the feet that correspond to your health concerns. Depending on the length of the session and your specific concerns, the practitioner may also focus on the hands and ears.

A full reflexology session generally lasts for one hour, although some sessions may be shorter. Reflexology is beneficial for a large number of health concerns. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as a complementary therapy.