Reflexology: Helping the Body Heal Itself

These days, more and more people are discovering the benefits of reflexology. This gentle practice of massaging specific areas of the feet that correspond to the inner organs is a healing therapy that helps to detoxify the body. Catherine Bello, of Sole Revival Reflexology, in River Edge, calls it “natural detoxification.”

“Reflexologists use their fingers and thumbs on the bottom of the feet to break up toxins that collect there,” she explains. “These toxins then flush through the purifying systems of the body—the spleen, gallbladder, bladder and kidneys—and are expelled naturally.”

Reflexology can soothe and relieve such temporary ailments as headaches, stomach aches, cramps and sinus problems, but it cannot heal chronic issues such as cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s disease or lupus, Bello says. “It can provide comfort to people with those conditions, though, especially if they take care of themselves in other ways,” she adds. “Many doctors believe if you get reflexology sessions it will prevent illness. It’s like a vitamin for your body.”

Often, Bello says, someone may seek reflexology for a certain complaint, but because they receive treatment on the whole foot, which affects all of the internal organs, they feel better all over. “All of a sudden the headache will be gone, and the intestines feel better too,” she explains. “Or their back is better even though they came in for a sinus problem.” She describes the process as rejuvenating and reviving, much like the restoration of cells during sleep.

“Reflexology helps the body heal itself,” Bello says. “We’re just helping it along.”

Sole Revival Reflexology is located at 790 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge. For more information, call 201-261-0003 or visit SoleRevivalReflexology.com.