Running is an intensive cardiovascular workout that affects the body as a whole: circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, muscular, integumentary, and lymphatic. Although the entire body is constantly moving during running, the focus of the impact is on the feet. In fact, the force exerted on the feet during running is the equivalent of 10x our body weight! That’s a lot of force on such a relatively small part of the body (we can thank the knees for absorbing some of the shock)!
Many runners may not have considered reflexology as a tool for counteracting some of the effects of running on the feet, but it really can provide some serious foot therapy! The premise behind reflexology is essentially that there are points located on the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to every organ, gland and system in the body. The benefits of reflexology, which utlizes a specific finger technique, include detoxification of the body, stress-relief, the facilitation of homeostasis, and the breakdown and release of lactic acid accumulated in the feet. However, reflexology should not be confused with massage therapy, which increases systemic circulation.
So how can reflexology benefit runners? New Yorkers are hard on their feet in general (think walking quickly on uneven streets, turning on an instant to avoid traffic, and wearing high heels, all of which beat up on the musculature of the feet), but throw a marathon into the mix, and your feet probably want to detach themselves from your body and walk away! Obviously, this can’t realistically happen, but the feeling of tiredness and soreness is your body’s way of saying, “Hey! Can I get a little more attention and a little less abuse here?!” Runners should give their feet some attention. Because reflexology affects the body as whole, by working on specific points that impact the lungs, sinuses, and heart it can used to help a fatigued runner relax, excrete toxins more rapidly, and promote a feeling of overall wellness.
If you’re a runner, we definitely recommend your trying out a DASHA Reflexology Session. The ING NYC Marathon is just around the corner, and it will do your body good. 🙂
DASHA wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
