ANNOUNCER:
This may look like a simple foot massage – but this reflexologist is focusing on much more than the feet.
ROB GONZALEZ, REFLEXOLOGIST:
I believe that there are roughly 3000 to 7000 nerve endings in each foot and so applying the reflexology to the foot is stimulating the different nerves and different zones in the body.
ANNOUNCER:
A reflexology treatment like this involves applying pressure to certain points on the feet in order to affect other parts of the body.
NICOLAS RONCO, OWNER, YELO:
By pressing these nerve endings, which are directly related to your organs and glands, you can actually almost work directly on these organ. It's almost like massaging your liver or massaging your, you know, pancreas, for example.
ANNOUNCER:
While there isn’t much scientific evidence to back up the theory behind it, studies indicate reflexology can reduce anxiety and stress. And that can be good for your health.
MARY JO DIMILIA, MD, ASST. PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, MOUNT SINAI:
Any kind of illness can have a direct correlation to stress. And stress can make it worse. So as a stress release, I think it’s a great tool. We don’t have enough evidence to say, “Oh, yes, this works for this disease or that disease.”
ANNOUNCER:
Reflexology isn’t limited to the feet – therapists can also work on the hands and ears.
ROB GONZALEZ, REFLEXOLOGIST:
The same reflex points that are on the hands are also in the feet and in the ears. They're just arranged differently, of course, it's a different layout.
ANNOUNCER:
For the best treatment, be sure to go to a therapist who has the right training.
MARY JO DIMILIA, MD, ASST. PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, MOUNT SINAI:
You want someone who has some kind of credentials, they’ve gone to some kind of training, and they do know what they’re doing. There are people who think they can diagnose illness from reflexology, and I really would stay away from that kind of thought process.
ROB GONZALEZ, REFLEXOLOGIST:
It can help people to relax and to promote their own healing, but it's not to replace medical care. Reflexology is great because it's a safe sort of area to work on a person and they can still get all of the effects of a full massage and relax.
ANNOUNCER:
Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.
