Reflexology can be performed at any age, starting from birth! Depending on the person’s age and sensitivity, the touch will be more or less deep and last for varying lengths of time. For babies and children, it’s often helpful to encourage parents to have a session, because, as we know, children are like sponges, and sometimes allowing the entire family’s nervous system to calm down helps the child.

Stress is the most common reason for seeking consultation in children and adults. It manifests and affects each person differently (sleep disturbances, constipation, muscle pain, exam anxiety), but it is often the underlying cause of various symptoms. For women, painful periods and menopause are common reasons for seeking treatment. For infants, digestive issues, fussiness, teething, and sleep problems are the most common reasons for seeking treatment.

Reflexology is a manual technique that stimulates reflex zones found on the feet, as well as other parts of the body (hands, ears, head, face, etc.). By stimulating these nerve endings, the brain receives a signal regarding a specific area and responds by restoring balance, focusing on the targeted zone. Our body always strives for balance, but sometimes our environment and our pace of life cause us to lose sight of that balance. Reflexology is therefore a way to guide the body back to the balance it already knows.

During the session, the state can be similar to what we experience just before falling asleep, when our brain produces alpha waves (the waves of relaxation). The body relaxes, as does the nervous system, which is why it is not uncommon for body temperature to drop slightly. That is why I always offer a blanket. Blood circulation is stimulated, which can generate a sensation of warmth in the area being massaged (feet, hands, ears…).

You may feel the benefits as early as the first session. Sometimes the body needs a little more time for the nervous system to feel safe and let go. Regular sessions can help ensure that the results last over the long term, especially when stress (or other symptoms) has been present for a long time.

Signs that the nervous system is constantly on high alert (hypervigilance, insomnia, extreme fatigue but difficulty sleeping) are good indicators that reflexology may be beneficial.

Reflexology can be helpful for issues related to sleep, severe anxiety, or digestive discomfort. During times of major change, such as starting daycare or school, or moving to a new home, the sense of grounding that reflexology provides is a valuable asset.

It’s perfectly fine to get a reflexology session when you’re feeling fine, as a preventive measure. This helps keep stress levels low. For certain symptoms, such as painful periods, it’s actually better to schedule sessions 10 days before your next cycle. The reality is that many people only book a treatment once they’ve reached a very high level of discomfort in their daily lives. The pain has set in and become routine. I obviously don’t recommend waiting until this stage, but it requires listening to your body, recognizing the signs, and making the choice to take care of yourself, which isn’t always easy to do when life is moving at a breakneck pace.