At Healing Hands Massage in Hampden, we provide professional reflexology services that reduce stress, improve circulation, and restore balance throughout your body. Our licensed massage therapists use targeted pressure on specific points in your feet and hands to promote healing and relaxation that affects your entire system.
Reflexology is more than just a foot massage. It's a specialized therapeutic technique based on the principle that specific points on your feet and hands correspond to different organs, glands, and systems throughout your body. By working these reflex points, we can help your body function better and feel more balanced.
Reflexology is a therapeutic practice that applies targeted pressure to specific points on your feet, hands, and sometimes ears. These reflex points correspond to different parts of your body—your organs, glands, and systems.
The theory behind reflexology is that your body is mapped onto your feet and hands. Your toes relate to your head and neck, the ball of your foot relates to your chest and lungs, the arch relates to your digestive system, and your heel relates to your lower back and intestines. By applying pressure to these areas, reflexologists can help stimulate the corresponding body parts.
During a reflexology session at Healing Hands, your therapist uses thumb and finger techniques to apply pressure to specific points on your feet and hands. The pressure is firm but not painful—most clients find reflexology deeply relaxing.
Reflexology provides both immediate relaxation and longer-term health benefits:
Stress Reduction: Reflexology activates your parasympathetic nervous system, triggering your body's relaxation response. Most clients feel deeply calm during and after their session.
Improved Circulation: Pressure applied to reflex points improves blood flow throughout your body, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and organs.
Better Sleep: Many clients report improved sleep quality after reflexology sessions. The deep relaxation and stress reduction naturally support better rest.
Pain Relief: Reflexology can help reduce pain throughout your body by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and releasing endorphins.
Enhanced Energy: While reflexology is relaxing, many clients report feeling more energized afterward. Better circulation and reduced stress naturally improve energy levels.
Digestive Support: Working reflex points related to your digestive system can help with bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues.
Headache and Migraine Relief: Reflexology points in your feet and hands correspond to your head and neck. Many clients find relief from tension headaches and migraines.
Immune System Support: Regular reflexology may support immune function by reducing stress and improving circulation.
Hormone Balance: Some practitioners believe reflexology can help balance hormones by working points related to endocrine glands.
Your reflexology session at Healing Hands begins with a brief conversation about any health concerns, areas of pain, or specific issues you'd like addressed.
You'll remain fully clothed during reflexology—you only need to remove your shoes and socks. You'll sit in a comfortable, reclined position with your feet elevated.
Your therapist begins by examining your feet, noting any areas of tenderness, tension, or irregularity. They may also check your hands if you're receiving hand reflexology.
During the session, your therapist uses thumb and finger techniques to apply firm, targeted pressure to specific reflex points on your feet and hands. The pressure should feel good—not painful. Some areas may feel tender, which can indicate tension or imbalance in the corresponding body area.
Your therapist works systematically through all the reflex points, spending extra time on areas that feel tender or correspond to your specific concerns. Most clients find the experience deeply relaxing—it's common to fall asleep during a reflexology session.
After your session, your therapist may recommend drinking plenty of water to help your body flush toxins released during the treatment.
30 Minutes - $50
Our most popular reflexology session. Focuses primarily on your feet with time to work all major reflex points. Perfect for stress relief and regular maintenance.
60 Minutes - $95
Extended reflexology session that includes thorough work on both feet and hands. Allows more time for each reflex point and deeper relaxation. Ideal if you have specific health concerns or want maximum therapeutic benefit.
Both session lengths provide professional reflexology from our licensed massage therapists. The 60-minute option allows for more comprehensive work and time to address multiple concerns.
While both work on your feet, reflexology and foot massage are different:
Reflexology:
Foot Massage:
At Healing Hands, our reflexology sessions are true reflexology—not just foot massage. Our therapists are trained in proper reflex point locations and techniques.
Reflexology helps people dealing with:
Chronic Stress: If you live with ongoing stress, regular reflexology sessions can help activate your relaxation response and lower stress hormone levels.
Sleep Issues: Many clients with insomnia or poor sleep quality find reflexology helps them sleep better.
Digestive Problems: People dealing with bloating, constipation, IBS, or other digestive issues often find relief through reflexology.
Headaches and Migraines: Reflexology can help reduce frequency and intensity of tension headaches and migraines.
Hormonal Imbalances: Women dealing with PMS, menopause symptoms, or other hormonal issues may benefit from reflexology.
Foot Pain: While reflexology isn't focused solely on feet, people with plantar fasciitis, general foot pain, or tired feet benefit from the focused foot work.
Anyone Seeking Relaxation: Even if you don't have specific health concerns, reflexology provides deep relaxation and stress relief.
People Who Don't Like Full-Body Massage: If you're uncomfortable undressing or being touched on most of your body, reflexology is a great alternative. You stay fully clothed and only your feet and hands are worked on.
Reflexology can be beneficial during pregnancy, but certain precautions apply.
Some reflex points should be avoided during pregnancy as they may stimulate contractions. Our therapists are trained to work safely with pregnant clients, avoiding these specific points while still providing relaxation and relief from pregnancy-related discomfort.
If you're pregnant and interested in reflexology, inform your therapist. We can provide pregnancy-safe reflexology that helps with:
For General Wellness and Stress Relief:
Monthly reflexology sessions help maintain balance and manage everyday stress.
For Specific Health Concerns:
Weekly or bi-weekly sessions may be beneficial if you're addressing chronic pain, sleep issues, digestive problems, or other specific concerns. Your therapist can recommend a treatment plan.
For Acute Issues:
Some clients schedule several sessions close together when dealing with acute stress, illness recovery, or intense pain.
As Part of Regular Self-Care:
Many clients incorporate reflexology into their monthly self-care routine, alternating with full-body massage or other wellness practices.
All our massage therapists at Healing Hands are licensed by the State of Maine and trained in reflexology techniques.
Heather Gilbert, LMT (Owner)
Experienced in reflexology and understands the body's reflex zones and therapeutic applications.
Leigh S., LMT
Skilled in gentle yet effective reflexology techniques for relaxation and healing.
James R., LMT
Trained in precise reflex point location and pressure application.
When you book online, you can choose your preferred therapist. Each brings knowledge and care to your reflexology session.
Reflexology works well alongside other treatments:
With Massage Therapy: Many clients combine reflexology with full-body massage. Some get monthly massage and monthly reflexology. Others add 30 minutes of reflexology to a 60-minute massage session.
With Medical Treatment: Reflexology complements conventional medical care. It doesn't replace medical treatment but can support your body's healing alongside it.
With Chiropractic Care: Reflexology and chiropractic care work well together, both supporting your body's natural healing abilities.
With Physical Therapy: Many people in physical therapy use reflexology to support recovery and manage pain.
Always inform all your healthcare providers about any complementary therapies you're using.
Does reflexology hurt?
No. Reflexology should feel good, not painful. The pressure is firm but comfortable. Some reflex points may feel tender—this can indicate tension or imbalance in the corresponding body area. Tenderness should feel like "good pain," never sharp or intolerable. Always communicate with your therapist about pressure.
What should I wear to my reflexology appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing. You'll remain fully clothed during reflexology. Wear pants or a skirt that can easily be rolled up to your knees so your therapist can access your lower legs and feet.
Will you massage my whole body during reflexology?
No. Reflexology focuses specifically on your feet and hands (primarily feet for a 30-minute session). While the therapeutic benefits affect your whole body, the actual hands-on work is on your feet and hands only.
Can reflexology diagnose health problems?
No. Reflexologists are not doctors and cannot diagnose medical conditions. Tender areas during reflexology may indicate imbalances, but this isn't a medical diagnosis. Always consult a physician for health concerns.
How will I feel after reflexology?
Most clients feel deeply relaxed after reflexology. Some feel energized. You may feel slightly tired as your body processes the treatment. Drinking plenty of water helps. Any tiredness typically passes within a few hours.
Can I get reflexology if I have diabetes?
Yes, with caution. People with diabetes should inform their therapist, as circulation issues and neuropathy require modified pressure. Always check with your doctor first.
Is reflexology safe if I have foot injuries or conditions?
Generally yes, but inform your therapist of any foot problems, injuries, or conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or arthritis. They'll modify techniques to work safely and comfortably.
Can children receive reflexology?
Yes. Reflexology is gentle and safe for children. Sessions for children are typically shorter (15-30 minutes) and use lighter pressure.
While reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years, modern research is beginning to understand how it works:
Nervous System Response: Pressure on reflex points sends signals through your nervous system that can affect the corresponding body areas.
Relaxation Response: Reflexology activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which controls rest, digestion, and healing.
Improved Circulation: Physical pressure improves blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients throughout your body.
Endorphin Release: Reflexology triggers the release of endorphins, your body's natural pain relievers and mood enhancers.
Gate Control Theory: Pressure sensations may block pain signals from reaching your brain, providing pain relief.
While more research is needed, studies have shown reflexology can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, decrease pain, and support overall wellbeing.
Healing Hands Massage is conveniently located in Hampden, Maine at 586 Main Road North, Suite A. We serve clients throughout the greater Bangor area including Hampden, Bangor, Brewer, Orono, Old Town, and all of Eastern Maine.
Our peaceful environment provides the perfect setting for your reflexology session. Free parking, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible scheduling make it easy to incorporate reflexology into your wellness routine.
Discover how focused pressure on your feet and hands can improve your entire body. Book your reflexology session online now or call (207) 573-1404.
