Soleful Serenity - Reflexology, Cayman Islands. How can it be that rubbing your big toe can relieve a headache, gently kneading the ball of your foot can calm your breathing and pressing into the central whorl of your thumb-print can help you sleep?
Our bodies are weird and wonderful, intricately interconnected organisms. Reflexology is based on the theory that different areas of the feet, hands and ears represent different parts of the body. By manipulating these reflex points, one can alleviate symptoms in the corresponding body part.
It’s a practice that can be traced back thousands of years, probably originating in China. Whilst reflexology does not claim to diagnose or cure disease, the theory is that ill-health is the result of blocked ‘qi’ or vital energy, and massaging key points on the feet or hands helps clear the blockage which in turn enables the body to heal.
In the West, reflexology has become a popular complimentary therapy in recent decades and can help with everything from stress and anxiety to pain relief, high blood pressure, digestive issues, kidney function and sinusitis.
Given that our feet carry the weight of our bodies throughout our lives, walk thousands of steps each day and are frequently squeezed into tight shoes, even the simplest of foot rubs feels good. But when you consider that there are some 15,000 nerve endings in the feet, it is hardly surprising that a professional foot massage is such a delightfully soothing and relaxing experience.
Although it is perfectly possible perform a little reflexology on yourself by rubbing and pressing the area of the foot or hand that represents the affected body part, it’s far more effective and enjoyable to have a trained therapist do it for you. Even if you have no particular aches and pains, your feet – as well as your mind and body - will thank you for this little indulgence.
BOTANIKA UNION
Grand Cayman Marriott
Freshen up your lower extremities with a 'Mighty Mint Foot Therapy,' an energising peppermint and horse chestnut massage that will energise the whole body and stimulate circulation.
Facebook: botanikaunion
No.11 SPA
Cayman Technology Centre
No.11 Spa now offers Dien Chan Facial Reflexology, a Vietnamese version of acupuncture that promotes energy flow, blood circulation and releases tension without the use of needles.
www.no11spa.com
THE SPA AT SEAFIRE
Seven Mile Beach
Indulge in a traditional reflexology foot massage in the sublime surroundings of The Spa at Seafire. Therapists apply pressure to reflex points in the feet, which rebalance the body, release toxins and ease tension.
www.seafireresortandspa.com