What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a hands-on practice that applies slow, precise pressure to points on the feet, hands, ears and head. It follows reflex maps that link each area to other parts of the body. People have reflexology to relax, to slow down and for a general sense of wellbeing. It is complementary care, not a medical treatment.

How reflexology works

Reflexologists work from maps. On a foot map, for example, the toes are linked to the head, the arch to the middle of the body and the heel to the lower back. The hands and the ears have maps of their own.

In a session the therapist works through a map in order, point by point, with the thumbs and fingers. The pressure is firm but slow, and it is adjusted to you as the session goes on. Some points can feel tender; the session as a whole should feel calm, never painful.

Where reflexology comes from

Working on the feet and hands to feel better is an old idea that appears in many traditions. Modern reflexology took shape in the early twentieth century, when the American doctor William Fitzgerald described “zone therapy”, which divided the body into ten zones. In the 1930s the physiotherapist Eunice Ingham developed it into the detailed foot maps that reflexologists still use.

The five maps at COVE

COVE works on five areas, alone or together:

• Feet, the most detailed map, in Foot Reflexology.
• Hands, a smaller map with finer work, in Hand Reflexology.
• Ears (auricular reflexology), head (cranial work) and the neck and shoulders, together in Cranial, Neck & Shoulder.
• All five in one 90-minute Complete Package.

Reflexology, massage and spas

Massage works on the muscles over large areas of the body, usually with oil and often lying down undressed. Reflexology works point by point on specific maps, mostly on the feet and hands, and you stay dressed in a chair. A spa offers a wide range of treatments in one place; COVE does one thing. We call it a reflexology studio, not a spa.

What reflexology can and can’t do

Many people find reflexology deeply relaxing. Some say they sleep better that night, or that they leave feeling lighter. Research on reflexology has mostly looked at relaxation and comfort; it has not shown that reflexology diagnoses, treats or cures any illness.

That is why we describe it as complementary care: something you do for yourself alongside, never instead of, medical care. Keep seeing your doctor for any health concern.

Who should check first

Tell us before your session, and check with your doctor if you are unsure, if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery, have blood clots or circulation problems, foot injuries or wounds, diabetes-related foot problems, or any other medical condition. We may adapt or decline a session if it isn’t suitable for you.

Reflexology in Ahmedabad

COVE is a dedicated reflexology studio in Ambli, Ahmedabad, opposite DoubleTree by Hilton, with 10 chairs for feet and hands and 6 for head, neck and shoulder work. We are open every day, 10 AM to 9 PM. Sessions start at ₹1,499. See what to expect on your first visit, or call us on +91 63592 06060.

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