Massage Tutorial: Reflexology basics, techniques, & routine
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
Want to incorporate some basic reflexology techniques into your massage routine? This is my approach, and it doesn't require any special knowledge of meridians, organs, etc. It's just a unique way of working with the foot for extended periods, providing a very different (and wonderful) foot massage experience.
The main technique used in reflexology (3:00) is a compress/slide tool that I've most often heard called the "inch-worm." As I demonstrate, it's important to keep your thumb reasonably close to the rest of your hand as you do this, allowing your thumb muscles to mostly act as stabilizers rather than prime movers. Apply pressure, straighten the thumb, then apply pressure again, allowing your thumb to inch its way up/across the foot as you do. Feel free to lighten up as you straighten your thumb joint to prevent thumb strain and pain under the thumbnail.
The basic reflexology routine (5:51) starts with strips up the foot, following lines from the heel to each toe. You'll then follow a grid across the metatarsophalangeal joints before working with each individual toe. Follow a line around the arches and heel of the foot, and then work with the dorsal surface, following 4 lines defined by the spaces between the toes. Finally, sink into the ankle as you bring it through a gentle circumduction.
As you sink into the arches and metatarsophalangeal joints, you'll feel an interesting landscape under your thumbs, with lots of "crunchies" and bumps. This is normal for the foot, and is particularly palpable when performing reflexology-style techniques. Exploring these can feel good for the client, but don't feel compelled to "break these up." These aren't knots or lactic acid, etc., but rather normal features of a foot that has been used for walking.
At all times, track your client's face and breathing, and stay in frequent communication to ensure that none of the techniques or areas are painful or unpleasant. While reflexology is naturally more intense than Swedish foot massage, it shouldn't be painful. Many clients will find themselves falling asleep during these treatments, and waking up feeling like a thousand bucks.
Remember, always listen to your body! Switch thumbs before fatigue sets in, and alter or discard any techniques that cause you pain or discomfort. Let me know if you have any trouble in the comments and we'll try to troubleshoot. I recommend starting by practicing on yourself and friends, and to take a workshop or long-form reflexology course if you find yourself interested in this modality! I recommend anything by Karen Ball, who taught me the basics more than a decade ago (my apologies to her for anything I've forgotten or changed!): • Video
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Пікірлер: 921
I have been a massage therapist for over 12 years, I do reflexology as well and you are simply terrific. I love your video it's great information.
@iikuyujosefina9007
2 жыл бұрын
Good evening sir , can you please share the address of the tutorial center um interested
You’re like the Bob Ross of massage and my go-to when I need a quick refresher course. Thanks my dude!
@nimalkarunarathna7481
Жыл бұрын
Good lovely
@se8624hdhs
Жыл бұрын
😂
@dawnrising22
10 ай бұрын
Yes, brilliant comparison 😊
l simply love your honest and down-to-earth teaching style! Thank you!
@xHiiTMalRk3rzx
4 ай бұрын
Someone commented that 7 years ago and you copy and pasted the exact thing 😮😂
I simply love your honest and down-to-earth teaching style! Thank you!
@interact940
7 жыл бұрын
I can definitely agree on that one :)
@lizplata7133
7 жыл бұрын
Sandra Roberts l
@mankee6351
6 жыл бұрын
Books in Our Image, LLC
@corazoncabigting2294
6 жыл бұрын
Image, LLC nn
@ATrainTravels
4 жыл бұрын
Awesome work!
Great tip on how not to strain your thumb as a practitioner. Also nice to see different version of this great practice that I am passionate about. I would say your version of the demonstration was most likely the earlier version known as "Zone Therapy", where you are working your way up in each individual zones. PS: If anyone in Vancouver would like to be demo model reach out to me.
This foot massage looks so relaxing & full with techniques.
My husband is professional massage therapist. I have been bless
@ratqueen3809
Ай бұрын
u r so lucky lol
hi thanks for refreshing my mind I am a Esthetian but not working now i like the way you do the reflexology good job that was so relaxing i love working with feet more than any part of the body thanks for waking me up
I am a student and this right here was the best video and I literally love it. You did a great job sir!
Watching the video I feel relaxed as if I am getting a massage by you!!
Very relaxing, educational, and interesting video on reflexology
lovely seeing this touch.there is TLC with it while comforting the client
You really did a good massage technique Sir. I learned a lot!
My feet hurt and I’m jealous that’s not me omg looks amazing
Thank you for showing this!!!!! Great refresher on techniques!
Very brilliant tutorial and excellent hand work there!! Wow... this is truly amazing.
Important to note that that is a reflexology style as he said defiantly not the traditional way. We raise the foot with a bolster it makes it easier to access the foot and takes the strain off plus you can see the foot better. Lot of opinions of wether it works or not but I do think that it's a great way to massage a foot and covers a lot more area in detail than just a regular foot effleurage
There is nothing better out there than getting a foot massage. Soooo relaxing :3
@briangillies1566
11 ай бұрын
I'm also a massage therapist and esthisian
@cipnec
Ай бұрын
@@briangillies1566 you can try
I', really impressed with your none textbook method, highlighting the importance of how to hold the foot and how the techniques are applied, always being mindful of the client and yourself x
@zensekar
3 жыл бұрын
Good
Im just started to learn that type of reflexology massage and found thumb work is very heavy for joints. Thats video changed my life! Thank you!
@HighlanderFrag4Life
3 жыл бұрын
try also knuckles if you get tired, saves stamina
You introduced me reflexology in concise and simple teaching. I will follow your routine in next treatment.
Wow, I have been doing this not inorder tho but I didn't study it just a gift. I'm glad of your generosity Sir. Thank you.
❤I love your massages! they make me learn so many things!❤
LOVE IT! Thank you this was extremely helpful for my massage classes
Thank you this was so helpful
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge freely. May God bless you more and more.
Love this! I too have forgotten the one class of Reflexology I had. I do remember the thumb work, which our Instructor called Thumb Walking. I like your version better!
@nemelytamsi9656
3 жыл бұрын
I love massage very much
This massage is a work of art.
I give food reflex massage but this gives me Some new ideas! It is always super interesting to find out some new way ‘s to do this job! Thanks for the update
@wolfie1027
2 жыл бұрын
Food?
I don't have time to view your whole video but I thank you whole heartedly for your vocal disclaimer. Awesome job!!!
I've been trying to think of add-on services and this will be perfect! Thank you Ian!
You're a great teacher
Really it's amazing practice,I learnt a lot from one only video ,your way of technique clear,simple,direct.you are trusted professional massage therapist,I will follow your videos as I can.
Modern Mom, I like your teaching video on doing reflexology for stress. Thank you.
I have learned a lot, now I will be able to pamper myself more effectively and also my spouse. Thank you so much.
Ladies! Imagine if this man was your husband!!!! Omg!!! I'd be skipping home from work daily lol
@humphrey4976
5 жыл бұрын
*waddle
@RenaeRowena
4 жыл бұрын
genie121 right?!😩😁
@ATrainTravels
4 жыл бұрын
Yup😂👍
@DonavanMcdabb
4 жыл бұрын
But your feet crusty. And you never paint your toes
@InfinityLRDL
4 жыл бұрын
What if he’s gay?
Me encantan esos masajes se ven tan relajantes. Se los hago a mi hija y le vienen de maravilla. Gracias por la buena información. Bendiciones para todos. 🌷🌷
This really a satisfying massage ,one of my best way of releasing my stress ... Thanks for this video i learn some of your techniques 👍👍👍
@Marina-ft7wm
2 жыл бұрын
Когда смотрю, уже расслабляюсь. Спасибо.
Thank you for showing a more down to earth way. I can use this for my next reflexology session.
This is awesome!! So relaxing & really knowledgable.
I cringe when I see therapists smash their thumbs into clients, love the comment on keeping it neutral. Super informative as always!
@Whoismya_
6 жыл бұрын
HM Massage ě
@laurenr2852
5 жыл бұрын
Hikj M. $… Massage Fox
@observinthelaws
5 жыл бұрын
HM Massage you rock!!
@jamesa.pavlovlmt
5 жыл бұрын
Facts
@popeszter5915
3 жыл бұрын
@@Whoismya_ romana
thank you. I love your simple and effective stayl
What an interesting and informative channel. I'm very pleased to have found you. All the very best to you.
Hes really good , even his voice us relaxing
Thank you, you are so relaxing...even just your voice! I am practicing reflexology on myself and onto is willing to act as my model. Very useful and pleasant video😃
I love reflexology and I support this☺
Excellent instructional video. Thanks for your help
Love this so relaxing
I love your videos, I am going to pay to keep you going. U are exactly what I need for information. You are a pleasure to watch & listen to. Thanks so much, keep them coming... :)
@MassageSloth
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, I greatly appreciate that! :)
I want to thank you for your demonstration, it was easy to follow and understand. 😀😃
Excellent, really need this simple with good results.
Im also a therapist, I really admire what your demo sir and helps me a lot to know mpre knowledge about Swedish, foot, whole body, reflexology and more massage techniques. I wish i learned more about you.
Nice video, nice reflex. I love it. I enjoy watching.
This help sir for people in need,thank you!GOD BLESS.ALHAMDULILLA
Thank you for this! As a student, I was wondering about other strokes I could do with the feet! This is perfect!
@nazmulalam172
Жыл бұрын
I like
Enjoyed video great explanation going to try it out straight away!
Thank you for your tips!
I could not handle his calm soothing voice and a foot massage at the same time. I would have been beside myself
Thank you for this video I am sure this will be helpful to our students studying our reflexology course
@MassageSloth
7 жыл бұрын
Cool beans!
THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THIS KNOWLEGE EVERYBODY SHOULD KNOW. YOU ARE BLESS. BUT IT WILL HELP MORE PEOPLE IF WE CAN GET IT IN FRENCH ALSO. THANK
@GeetarajeeGeeta
3 жыл бұрын
So relaxing.
Quiero contarle algo importante que descubrí, mi nena le estaba comenzando un ataque de pánico y conenze a hacerle estos masajes y en un lapso de minuto se le quitó el pánico, estoy super feliz de haber descubierto esta maravilla. Gracias por la buena información. Bendiciones para todos. 🌻🌻
“Do this on yourself” oh I have been! Easiest way for me to remember. ❤️
Thanks so much Ian! This came just in time. You're amazing
Maravilhosooo!...só de olhar já me dá um prazer enorme...Parabéns massagista...abraço,Katia de São José do Rio Preto-SP.
Thanks. I didn't know exactly what reflexology is and now I have some idea of it. I hope to have a session with a specialist soon.
@fug_momo3729
4 жыл бұрын
It’s only foot massage, that’s ALL !
professional work, thanks for showing such skill!!!
that looks so goooood!!! I want a full body massage for 3 hrs
@eriktangdilintin5057
4 жыл бұрын
Halo
@mp.dr786
3 жыл бұрын
Tamilnadu dr. M.andian 9750047001
@chickensayang3969
3 жыл бұрын
Come I am a massage therapist
@almaglenparker2686
3 жыл бұрын
Haha omg 3 hours lol I need a break 5mins maybe
@victorrodriguez2523
3 жыл бұрын
3hrs is the best
Good morning! I watched your video on basics massage I'm inspired watching the way you massage i wanted to be a good therapist too someday you are a good therapist! More techniques to watch i love the you massage more power and Godbless you always
What I find is you never find that same touch if you do it on yourself. Nothing like someone else's comforting touch.
THE LESSON WAS RATHER NICE. THANKYOU
Excellent demonstrations. How could you do the foot message n reflexology on yourself? Is it possible to do for self? Thanks.
Do you have a technique for self massage for metatarsalgia? I can't hardly walk and have been told I need to have the nerves in my feet cut--which I can't imagine.
That looks so comforting 🦶😌
Thank you for this video. I appreciate it. 🙏
Thanks. You make it really fun. Love the pop up comments lol. Lovely soothing voice also :-)
Best video for foot massage. That really helps.Thank you so much for your help
Thanks for this. I have my first reflexology client tomorrow, and, I have to admit, I rolled my eyes through this entire unit of my massage school’s curriculum. I mean-seriously, if different parts of your foot corresponded to different parts of your body, wouldn’t you have to be extra careful about avoiding the “genital” area of the foot (which, mysteriously, doesn’t show up on any of the maps). Anyway, this is a good, practical way of delivering a reflexology treatment without all the mumbo-jumbo.
@jeremiahcollins5155
2 жыл бұрын
They are absolutely are on my map.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge ❤
Loved this. Thank you so much.
You remind me of the Bob Ross of massage... I dig it.
@MassageSloth
7 жыл бұрын
That... is exactly what I want to be. Or the Alton Brown of massage. Thanks :)
@jascharl
6 жыл бұрын
Massage Sloth Well if you want to be like Alton, you need sock puppets in your videos somehow.
@jargyi695
6 жыл бұрын
Angelica Wegman That is exactly
@Rm-hx5wm
5 жыл бұрын
Wow my son painted a picture that Bob Ross did 😃
@ATrainTravels
4 жыл бұрын
Wonderful massage!
This is very relaxing specially that i have a restless leg syndrome.
I follow your indications in some points of my feets and i feel a different sensations, i use a stick, thank you!🙏
As usual, you did an excellent job. I would even go on to say that you teach reflexology better that the reeeeal instructor. Thank you.
@MassageSloth
6 жыл бұрын
Ha, I appreciate that, Barbara :) My way isn't quite proper reflexology, but I think it's a darn fine foot massage.
@barbarajordan1175
6 жыл бұрын
It sure made me want one
It is sooo nice i apreciate your work to do it thanks it is so helpful😁😁
@kamelsafsaf7842
5 жыл бұрын
Yeah!!
@user-xp1ew4eg3t
2 жыл бұрын
هلأ
I treat massage as a workout, i do 3 to 7 massages a week for my lil treasure. Full body. Since i started everything improved. Do it.
I am diabetic ,age 40 years everyday legs ache I'm facing I couldn't even put down on the floor and walk. Even I don't know even my slippers are leaving my feet while walking . Now I am doing this method now I am quite ok . thankyou so much. That too in this pandemic time .if not I would have faced gangrain in future. Thankyou . By god s grace I ve seen the video of yours and following you. Thank you
@MassageSloth
2 жыл бұрын
Take care of yourself, and please consider talking to your medical team about your slippers not working for you! You deserve a stable, comfortable surface to walk on, and protection for your feet. Be well!
@ipurpleyoubts797
2 жыл бұрын
@@MassageSloth thank you so much considering my health. Every day twice I am doing this massage so that I am feeling a little bit relief. God is great. Once again thanks
It is always good benifits from foot massages and reflexogy or not, you doing great
شي مريح جدا شكرا لجهدك المتقن 👌
I would love to have this done right now..... wow
This massage is very good I like it❤😊
My friend is a ballet dancer she always says it’s hard finding the right person to massage her feet hard! lol I’m going to give it everything I got. I have have a double xxl hand she’s a size 6.5 foot i feel confident I’m going to satisfy her after watching this video. Thank you❤
Bravo for this video. Explane everything very simply. Can you tell me do you have a web site with more your videos ?
@user-jf8qq4ol9v
5 жыл бұрын
zoranc67 نهنه
@sabrinahasan720
5 жыл бұрын
Do you have any clinic in Toronto? If so please give me a phone number
Excellent work! Very professional. Wish you were in Georgia. Id take a class from you. Thanks Ian.
Brilliant, well taught!
Very good tutorial I am learning a lot. I just starting to work at the Thai massage
@almaglenparker2686
2 жыл бұрын
@OG POPEYE no sorry we're professional remedial massage only
He’s voice he’s hands ... he’s the perfect man 🤣
@Kira-jz9yr
3 жыл бұрын
His*
God I need me a session right now 😩😩
the best foot massage on youtube!
Hello there I really love your calm and self confidence you poses, I am a mt in Peru and I would love to start recording, in English I feel pretty confident but in Spanish I totally get stuck, would you link me your first video you released. Thanks Ps The video about mixing shoulder blade elevator tendon for a knot... You saved lots of my clients I really did not know about it.
WOW! This looks absolutely relaxing .. Wish you could use my feet in your demo. Love your soothing gentle voice ...