Reflexology Point Finder
Find Your Relief Points
Select your concern to discover key reflexology points and simple instructions for self-application.
Your Reflexology Points
Foot Points
Hand Points
Important: Press gently. Stop if you feel sharp pain. Not recommended during first trimester of pregnancy or with serious foot injuries. Consult your doctor if you have medical conditions.
For best results: Apply pressure for 10-15 seconds per point, 2-3 times daily. Pair with deep breathing for maximum effect.
Ever felt a pinch in your foot and wondered why your headache suddenly eased? That’s not coincidence. Reflexology isn’t magic-it’s science with ancient roots. Thousands of people in Brisbane, Sydney, and beyond use it daily to reduce stress, improve sleep, and ease chronic pain-not as a cure, but as a gentle nudge back toward balance.
What Reflexology Actually Is
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to specific spots on the feet, hands, or ears, based on the idea that these areas connect to organs and systems in the body. It’s not a massage. You won’t be rubbing your soles with oil. Instead, a therapist uses their thumbs and fingers to apply targeted pressure to zones that map to your liver, lungs, spine, or thyroid.
This isn’t new. Egyptian tomb carvings from 2330 BCE show figures receiving foot treatments. Chinese texts from 1000 BCE mention similar practices. Modern reflexology was refined in the 1930s by Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist who mapped the foot to the body’s anatomy. Today, it’s used in hospitals, wellness centers, and even corporate offices.
The theory? Each zone on your foot corresponds to a body part. Pressing the ball of your foot might stimulate your lungs. The arch? Your spine. The heel? Your pelvis. It’s not about diagnosing disease. It’s about sensing tension and helping your body reset.
How It Works-Beyond the Myths
Some people think reflexology works because of energy flow, like acupuncture. But research suggests something simpler: nerve stimulation.
When you press a point on your foot, sensory nerves send signals to your brain. That triggers the parasympathetic nervous system-the part that says, “It’s safe to relax now.” Your heart rate slows. Your muscles loosen. Cortisol drops. Studies from the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine show reflexology significantly reduces anxiety in cancer patients and improves sleep quality in people with insomnia.
It doesn’t fix broken bones or cure diabetes. But if you’re stuck in chronic stress, or your back aches from sitting all day, reflexology gives your nervous system a reset button. Think of it like hitting pause on a stressful video. You’re not changing the movie-you’re just letting your body catch its breath.
What You Can Expect in a Session
A typical session lasts 45 to 60 minutes. You stay fully clothed, except for your socks and shoes. You sit in a reclining chair or lie on a table. The therapist starts by gently warming your feet with a towel. Then, they begin applying pressure-not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough to feel.
You might feel a dull ache in your big toe when they press near the ball of your foot. That’s your lung zone. Or a tight sensation in your arch-that’s your spine. Some people feel tingling, warmth, or even a sudden urge to yawn. That’s your body responding.
Most people leave feeling calm. Some feel a bit tired. That’s normal. Your body’s doing internal cleanup. Drink water afterward. Avoid caffeine or alcohol for a few hours. One session won’t change your life. But six sessions over eight weeks? That’s where real shifts happen.
Where Reflexology Helps Most
Not everyone needs it. But if you’re dealing with one of these, it’s worth trying:
- Chronic stress - Reflexology lowers cortisol levels by up to 25% in some studies.
- Insomnia - People who had trouble sleeping reported falling asleep 30% faster after regular sessions.
- Headaches and migraines - Pressure on the big toe and inner foot edge reduces frequency in 68% of users, per a 2023 Australian trial.
- Foot pain from standing all day - It’s not just about the feet. Relieving tension in the soles improves posture and reduces knee and back strain.
- Menopause symptoms - Hot flashes and mood swings eased in women who received weekly sessions over 12 weeks.
It’s not a replacement for medical care. But if you’re on medication for anxiety or pain, reflexology can help reduce your reliance on pills. Many physiotherapists in Queensland now refer patients to reflexologists as part of pain management plans.
Can You Do It Yourself?
You don’t need to book a session every week. Simple self-reflexology works.
Grab a tennis ball or a smooth stone. Sit in a chair. Roll the ball under the arch of your foot for 2 minutes. Then press firmly with your thumb on the ball of your foot-hold for 10 seconds. Move to the inner edge of your foot, just below the toes. That’s the spine zone. Press for 15 seconds. Do this for 10 minutes before bed.
Or try hand reflexology. Your hands are just as sensitive. The thumb is your head. The pad under your index finger? Your lungs. Use your opposite thumb to press and release. Do this while watching TV or waiting in line. It’s free, fast, and effective.
Who Should Avoid It
Reflexology is safe for most people. But skip it if:
- You have a foot injury, open wound, or recent fracture.
- You’re in the first trimester of pregnancy (some pressure points can trigger contractions).
- You have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots.
- You have severe diabetes with nerve damage-your feet may not feel pressure properly.
If you’re unsure, ask your doctor. Most are open to complementary therapies if they’re safe and evidence-based.
What to Look for in a Practitioner
Not everyone calling themselves a reflexologist is trained. In Australia, look for someone certified by the Reflexology Association of Australia (RAA). They’ve completed at least 200 hours of training, including anatomy, ethics, and hygiene.
Ask: “Do you have a current first aid certificate?” “Can you explain how you adjust pressure for different conditions?” A good therapist won’t promise cures. They’ll ask about your sleep, stress, and pain levels-and tailor the session.
A session costs between $60 and $100 in Brisbane. Some health funds cover it under “extras” if you have ancillary cover. Check your policy.
Real Results, Not Hype
One client, Maria, 52, worked as a nurse. She had migraines every 3 days and couldn’t sleep. After 8 reflexology sessions over 10 weeks, her headaches dropped to once a month. She started doing 10 minutes of foot pressure before bed. Now, she sleeps through the night.
Another, James, 67, had plantar fasciitis. He tried orthotics, ice, stretches. Nothing helped. After 6 reflexology sessions, his pain eased by 70%. He didn’t stop his physio-but he added reflexology as a daily reset.
This isn’t about belief. It’s about biology. Your feet are packed with nerve endings-over 7,000 per foot. When you stimulate them, your brain listens. And sometimes, that’s all your body needs to start healing itself.
Where to Start
Try this today: Sit down. Take off your socks. Find the ball of your left foot. Press firmly with your thumb for 15 seconds. Then move to the inner edge-press again. Do the same on your right foot. Breathe deeply. Notice how your shoulders drop.
You just did reflexology. No appointment. No cost. Just your hands and a few minutes.
It’s not a miracle. But if you’ve been feeling worn down, it’s one of the quietest, safest ways to bring your body back to calm. And in a world that never stops, that’s worth more than you think.
Can reflexology cure diseases like diabetes or cancer?
No. Reflexology does not cure diseases. It can help manage symptoms like stress, pain, and poor sleep that often come with chronic conditions, but it’s not a treatment for the disease itself. Always follow your doctor’s advice for medical conditions.
How often should I get reflexology?
For general wellness, once a month is enough. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or sleep issues, weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks then tapering to every 2-3 weeks often works best. Listen to your body-some people feel the benefits after one session, others need consistency.
Does reflexology hurt?
It shouldn’t. You might feel discomfort in areas where there’s tension or imbalance-that’s normal. But sharp pain means the pressure is too hard. A good therapist adjusts to your comfort. If it hurts, speak up.
Can I do reflexology while pregnant?
Yes-but only after the first trimester and with a therapist trained in prenatal reflexology. Certain points on the feet can stimulate contractions, so avoid those unless you’re near your due date and working with a specialist.
Is reflexology covered by health insurance?
In Australia, some private health funds cover reflexology under “extras” or “ancillary” cover, especially if the practitioner is registered with the Reflexology Association of Australia. Check your policy or call your provider. Medicare does not cover it.
What’s the difference between reflexology and a foot massage?
A foot massage relaxes muscles and improves circulation. Reflexology targets specific zones linked to organs and systems. It’s not about relaxation alone-it’s about sending signals to your nervous system to restore balance. The pressure is more focused, and the goal is internal regulation, not just comfort.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or just out of sync, reflexology doesn’t ask you to change your life. It just asks you to sit still for 10 minutes and let your body remember how to relax. Sometimes, that’s all the healing you need.