An alternative is a lighter and more subtle approach that offers a rich opportunity for internal body awareness. The older we get, the more we tend to limit our body sense to what hurts and miss the many possibilities of experiencing the vastness and mystery of our personal inner terrain. The gentle articulations of the ankles and toes help the practitioner assess tension and holding patterns while freeing the joint space, reducing pain and allowing more movement potential.

   

Reflexology, working subtly through the nervous system, is deeply relaxing, thereby inducing a slower respiratory rhythm, a slower heart rate, less muscular tension and an increase in blood flow through the visceral and skeletal muscles—along with a more efficient use of available energy.

   

When we are deeply relaxed and tension is released, there is a “waking up”, and an awakened body has many more possibilities, including increased natural movement, less pain and a smoother experience of moving through life.