We depend on our feet to support our weight, no matter how many kilos we are. We rely on our feet to carry us places by walking, jogging, running and dancing. Without feet our lives would be difficult. It makes sense to take good care of these very important parts of our wonderful bodies.
Most people neglect their feet, ignoring the nails and skin on the bottom of the feet. One excellent way to care for our feet is with reflexology. Reflexology is a natural, holistic therapy based on the discovery that there are points on the feet and hands which correspond to organs, systems and structures within the entire body. This corresponding relationship is called a “reflex”. A reflex is when a stimulation at one point brings about a response in another point or area. In reflexology, by using special pressure techniques to stimulate the points on the feet and hands imbalances in the tissues, organs and systems of the body can be both detected and effectively treated to restore balance and well-being.
Reflexology does not diagnose diseases nor attempt to treat or cure specific medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease and other diseases. This is for doctors to treat. However, reflexology can assess imbalances in a person as a whole and attempt to help the person’s own healing energy to resolve these imbalances.
It’s fascinating to look at the map of the feet and hands with the points corresponding to parts of the body. These points act a mirror to the body. If pressing on the lung area or liver is painful it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a problem with your lungs or liver. It could be there are excessive toxins in these organs.
Reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation and since it is estimated that about 75% of disease is stress related this is a major contribution to the return of health. It also stimulates the freer flow of blood and lymph to cells and tissues. Good circulation is of upmost importance in nourishing cells and eliminating waste from the body.
There are literally thousands of foot massage or reflexology places around Bali. Usually you’ll see a row of comfy chairs just inside the shop door. Many of them offer good treatments, with primarily men performing the massage because they have stronger hands. I was drawn back to my favourite reflexology place called Chill, which has been around for about 20 years. The concept hasn’t changed and the décor is much the same, a stylish spacious room with ten beds separated by sheer curtains. The room is cool in a soothing way. The therapists have been working there for many years with tremendous experience.
After checking in at reception and choosing a ninety minute The Holistic Chill treatment I put my belongings in a locker and had a seat behind the foot washing station. I was offered a cup of either cold or hot lemon tea. My therapist greeted me and knelt down to gently wash my feet and then dry them. Then he placed slippers on my feet and escorted me inside the treatment room. Chill’s set up is different from other foot massage places, the beds are flat or they can be adjusted for you to sit up for sixty minute treatments.
For the treatment I was handed earbuds for my personal music selection and asked to lie face down. After settling into a comfortable position he began working on my feet pressing reflexology points. This was relaxing and never caused me any discomfort for half an hour, then he pressed up the back of my legs and worked up to my gluts and lower back pressing into acupuncture points. Moving up to the back he spent a long time meticulously pressing points over my back and along the spine. Some of these were intense but I could feel the release of tension in the area afterwards.
After I turned over he worked on the front of my legs and moved up to the arms and arms with more reflexology. There are points in the hands like the feet. To finish my treatment he worked on my shoulders, neck, head and face. At the end of the treatment I felt so relaxed with all the sore muscles in my back relieved.
There are many styles of reflexology, Chinese, Thai or the standard North American, which is used at Chill. This offers treatment without pain, which often is part of the Chinese style. I learned that it’s not necessary to suffer a painful treatment to get results. Check out Chill for a relaxing and effective treatment to improve your health in a comfortable and beautiful spa. They offer a discount on ninety minute treatments. How does it get any better than that?
Chill Reflexology
Jl. Kunti 118X, Seminyak.
T: 361-734701
E: chill@chillreflexology.com
W: www.chillreflexology.com
It’s always a good idea about once a month to have a pedicure. Have your nails trimmed and shaped to prevent hangnails or broken nails. Removing calluses and rough skin on the sole of your feet allows your feet to breathe and feel soft. Your feet will look and feel better.
If you want to have pretty toes have polish added. Regular polish is fine or for long lasting shellac or gel. Eco Bali Spa does a great pedicure which includes hot paraffin wax to soften the skin. This is the only place I know of that uses paraffin, which feels wonderful on the feet. And they also give a nice foot and leg massage, which is a bonus. Make sure that the spa you go to sterilizes their equipment to prevent fungal infections.
Eco Bali Spa
Jl. Camplung Tanduk (next to Kimia Farma) Seminyak
T: 361-738730
E: eco.balispa@yahoo.com
FB Eco Bali Spa
W: www.ecobalispa.com
By Shari
Copyright spa inspirations 2020
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