The Relaxation Room

26/08/2026

HOW DOES REFLEXOLOGY WORK?
Some of it we can explain with anatomy, physiology and logic...some of it we can't.
There are approximately 7,000 to 10,000 nerve ending in each of your feet. When they experience touch or pressure, these nerves send information to the Central Nervous System (your spinal cord and brain) to be interpreted. Following that, a response is sent to the appropriate muscles or glands in your body.

The aim of reflexology is to use purposeful touch on specific points on your feet to send signals to the brain that all is well, your body is safe, and now is an excellent time to relax and do some self-repair.

LONGER ANSWER:
Reflexology also supports blood flow. The stimulation on your feet can help dilate blood vessels which assists with oxygen and nutrients getting to the very tips of your toes (which is why we recommend reflexology for neuropathy - e.g people with diabetes). Increased blood flow then supports your immune system by helping with the transport and removal of cellular waste.

Now for the less logical part! I think if you asked a room full of Reflexologists how reflexology works you will get many different answers that range from my logical explanation above to the healing power of touch, and the clearing of energy flow throughout the body.

As a Reflexologist, I tend towards logics, but I have witnessed (and receive consistent feedback) that has convinced me that the power of touch, of having a safe space to truly relax, to have the total focus of a person wishing you well, and the freedom to just 'be', can all have a powerfully positive effect on your body and your sense of wellbeing.

www.relaxation.co.nz
levin Firmly Fit Pilates

12/08/2026

IS REFLEXOLOGY JUST FOR STRESSED PEOPLE?
You don't have to be 'stressed' to benefit from reflexology.

Reflexology is about supporting your body systems to work together for your positive benefit. Your nervous system plays a coordination role in this process, so we tend to notice the symptoms of stress from this system first.
Because reflexology has a big focus on soothing the nervous system, it is a great help with stress - but it's equally important to support your nervous system in times of calm as this can promote long-term resilience.

LONGER ANSWER:
I find the definition of stress to be difficult. My personal opinion is that we have normalised a certain level of stress, especially in the last 10 years. Our thinking brain can explain stress away, but our bodies can't. Our body systems just keep compensating and trying to adapt - with varying degrees of success.
It is estimated that 70-80% of visits to health professionals are related to stress, or stress-related conditions; we just tend not to make the connection between stress and autoimmune diseases or IBS etc.

As a Reflexologist who cares about wellbeing, I am happy to see anyone who is taking a step towards self-care in response to feeling stressed, or as a proactive measure to maintain wellbeing. I suggest to people that they think about reflexology as they would massage; they might book in either as response to discomfort, or as a way to regularly gift their body with an hour of calm.

My preference of course, will always be that a person chooses reflexology - but I would say that, wouldn't I? lol
www.relaxation.co.nz

05/08/2026

WHAT HAPPENS IN A REFLEXOLOGY SESSION?
No two reflexology sessions are the same. That's because your reflexologist works with how you are feeling when you walk in the door.

But a typical session will likely involve taking off your shoes and socks, lying (or sitting) back, taking some deep breaths and then just relaxing. You may choose to talk, to stay silent, to ask questions, or to empty your mind. You might even sleep (yay). You don't need to make small talk or 'be polite'. This is your time for your body to take a break from the world.

LONGER ANSWER:
Most people are just curious, but some people can feel a bit anxious about their first reflexology treatment. They're not sure what to expect, and what if they really don't like it? They might worry if their feet aren't presentable, or if it's going to hurt. What if they discover they're ticklish?!

As a Reflexologist, the most important thing to me is that you feel comfortable and safe. If you have any concerns you just need to let me know, and we can adjust or stop. It doesn't worry me if your pedicure is out of date, or you dropped a hammer on your big toe and it's never looked quite the same since, (although, OUCH!). I'm not here to judge, I'm here to give your body time, space and encouragement to do what it wants to do naturally - to self-repair.

I think of it like being on a swing. Sometimes you just want to sit there with your feet on the ground and just gently sway. You might want to chat with the person on the next swing over. Sometimes you might just lean back and look at the sky, waving your legs in the air. Other times, you might swing high and fast, enjoying the rush of air, the sense of movement, and the sheer exhilaration of feeling like you're flying. If you're like me, you never know what you're going to do until you actually sit on the swing in that given moment.
That's what a reflexology treatment is like.
www.relaxation.co.nz

29/07/2026

IS REFLEXOLOGY SCIENCE OR WOO-WOO ENERGY?
Why can't it be both?
Reflexologists do not claim to cure anything, we do not diagnose, nor do we prescribe. However, our practice is strongly based in human biology - which includes anatomy & physiology, and also how the body produces, transfers and utilises energy to sustain itself and achieve homeostasis (the balance of all your body systems working together as they should).

Reflexologists often get feedback about how 'lighter' the person feels after a treatment, that they feel 'a release' or a 'sense of having more energy'. This is because the focus of reflexology is to support all aspects of your wellbeing - the moving parts and the energy that moves them.

LONGER ANSWER:
Recent research of people receiving reflexology while having a functional MRI shows areas of the brain responding to specific reflexes on the feet. Reflexology dates back to the Egyptians, but we're only now getting the technology to scientifically study it. We also know that every cell in our body has its own little energy source - the mitochondria.

From my perspective as a Reflexologist, I see my treatments as being a blend between what I know of the structure of the human body - the systems and the cells; and the role that energy levels play in driving these systems and contributing to a positive sense of wellbeing.
I guess it's a bit like when I would fall off my bike as a child. My mother would stop the bleeding, apply an antiseptic cream and put on a bandaid. Then she would give me a hug and cuddle. Science? Woo-woo? or Both?
www.relaxation.co.nz

Appointments available in Levin at The Health Hub and in Feilding at Firmly Fit Pilates

22/07/2026

IS REFLEXOLOGY JUST A FLASH NAME FOR A FOOT MASSAGE?
No! Reflexology involves applying precise pressure to reflexes using thumb, finger, or hand techniques that target specific points on your feet based on your health concerns.

So while you're left with the feeling that you've had a lovely foot massage, you've actually had an individualised treatment that has stimulated and encouraged self-healing.

LONGER ANSWER:
In New Zealand, both massage and reflexology are unregulated. This means that anyone who feels they have the ability to do so, can offer and advertise massage or reflexology services. In many cases, you will find both services advertised in the same place, which can lead to the assumption that reflexology is mostly a foot massage.
From my perspective as a Reflexologist, the biggest difference is that when I'm giving a reflexology treatment I am utilising my full knowledge of anatomy and physiology (A&P is a significant component of reflexology training). As I work on your feet I am considering how each reflex connects to your different body systems (e.g. lymphatic, endocrine, digestive etc.), I'm mentally mapping to see if one system is more represented than others, and I'm adjusting my treatment as I go along, depending on what I discover on your feet :) I'm also aware of the bones, tendons and muscles in your feet - they can also be tense or tired - and I soothe them where needed.
When I'm giving a foot massage, my focus is on general relaxation and muscle work, easing feet that may have been in tramping boots all day, or feet that are wanting to absorb supportive lotions or creams.
www.relaxation.co.nz

02/07/2026

Great tips from Sarah Jane Reflexology

01/07/2026

I also find it hard to practice what I preach 😂👣. Sending my friend and colleague lots of healing thoughts 💙

Three weeks ago I broke my ankle in six places.

Surgery followed, and since then my world has shrunk to one room, two elevated legs - one broken, the other badly sprained, - and a lot of time I didn't plan for.

I won't pretend the stillness has been easy. But here's what I've been doing with it.

Every day I work on my good foot - gently, carefully, the way I would with any client who needed something while tender and still healing. The sprain on that side is improving and I can feel the difference that gentle, consistent attention makes.

And my broken ankle? My toes stick out of the cast. So I work those too. Carefully. With the intention of keeping circulation moving and supporting blood flow to a limb that can't move on its own right now. It's slow, and sometimes awkward - but it feels important.

I'm eating as well as I can. Resting properly. Letting healing be the only job.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I ask my clients to do - to slow down, to let the body lead, to trust that rest is doing something even when it doesn't feel productive. It turns out that's easier to say than do.

But I'm living it now and it's reminding me why this work matters.

I'll be back in the treatment room in August. In the meantime, I'm here learning what my own body has to teach me.

Sarah

03/06/2026

You don't need to 'believe' in reflexology to experience the benefits. Feeling better can start with something as simple as taking off your shoes, lying back, letting out a sigh of relief, and putting your feet in my hands 👣.
Appointments available at Firmly Fit Pilates in Feilding on Tuesday 16th June, 2026. Visit www.relaxation.co.nz for details and online booking.

30/05/2026

Reflexology is a non-invasive treatment that works specific points on the feet, hands, or ears.

Stimulating these points sends signals through the nervous system to encourage deep relaxation, improve circulation and lymph flow, and support the body’s natural healing and immune response.

People often have reflexology to support:

⭐️ sleep and relaxation
⭐️tension and fatigue
⭐️hormonal transitions
⭐️emotional overwhelm
⭐️digestive comfort
⭐️pain relief & nausea
⭐️mobility & ease of movement

Many people leave feeling deeply relaxed

A 2023 meta-analysis of 17 trials found reflexology significantly reduced pain and anxiety and improved relaxation and wellbeing.

Reflexology activates our parasympathetic nervous system. This lowers stress hormones and blood pressure, relaxes muscles, and supports our body’s natural repair and recovery processes.

Reflexology is for EVERYONE. Suitable for all ages, it can support those experiencing stress, poor sleep, chronic pain, low energy, hormonal changes, and digestive concerns.

It can also offer gentle comfort for people navigating serious illness, cancer treatment or palliative care.

Curious whether reflexology could help you? I’d love to answer any questions in the comments, or you’re welcome to message me directly💛

28/05/2026

Absolutely recommend 😀😀👣

Hi, I’m Sarah, a clinical reflexologist based in Lower Hutt.

My own experience of injury is what first led me to reflexology. I now support others looking for relief, balance, or a chance to slow down through holistic practices.

I work with the nervous system - and when it’s supported, the effects can be felt throughout the body. Sleep, pain, digestion, hormones, stress levels, and overall wellbeing can all be affected by how regulated or dysregulated our nervous system is.

Whether you’re looking for better sleep, less pain, more calm, or just to feel more like yourself again, feel free to follow along or get in touch to learn more about how I can support you.