Thai Foot Reflexology: What a Foot Massage Feels Like

Thai foot reflexology is a firm massage of the feet and lower legs, done in a reclining chair, using the thumbs, knuckles and a small wooden stick to press points on the soles. Traditional reflexology holds that points on the feet connect to other parts of the body. The research does not show that it treats medical conditions, but many guests find it deeply relaxing and say their legs feel lighter afterwards, especially after a long day on their feet.

That last part is why foot massage is one of the most popular treatments at our shop. Here is what it is, what to expect, and how to get the most from it.

Where reflexology comes from

Reflexology is based on the idea that the feet hold a map of the whole body. Each area of the sole is said to match another part of the body, and pressing a point is meant to have an effect on the matching area.

Thai foot massage borrows from this idea and mixes it with the pressure and rhythm of traditional Thai massage. In Thailand it is usually a sit-down treatment: you stay dressed, roll up your trousers to the knee, and relax in a recliner while the therapist works.

What the evidence says

We want to be honest here, because our old article said more than the evidence supports.

Reviews of clinical trials have not found convincing evidence that reflexology treats any medical condition. A widely cited review in the Medical Journal of Australia concluded that the best available evidence does not show reflexology to be an effective treatment for any condition. You can read it on the MJA website.

What that means in practice: book a foot massage because it feels good, not to fix a health problem. And it does feel good. Many guests tell us they:

• feel less heaviness and ache in tired feet and calves,
• relax quickly, often more than they expected,
• sleep well afterwards,
• enjoy that they can stay dressed and simply sit back.

What happens during a Thai foot massage

1. Foot wash. First your feet are washed and soaked in a basin of warm water. It is a nice moment to slow down.
2. Recliner. You sit back in a reclining chair with your feet raised.
3. Warm-up. The therapist starts gently on the feet and lower legs before working deeper.
4. Pressure points. The main part works along the soles, heels and toes with thumbs, knuckles and a short wooden stick. Some points feel strong, especially around the arch and heel.
5. Lower legs. The calves and shins are massaged too, which is often where people carry the most tiredness.
6. Finish. You rest for a moment, and we serve you water after the massage.

Does it hurt?

Some points can feel sharp for a second, especially if you have been walking a lot. That is normal, but it should never be more than you are comfortable with. Our therapists check the pressure with you, and you can ask for softer at any time. A simple "softer, please" works fine.

Please see a doctor before booking if you have a foot or ankle injury, are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or have blood-pressure or circulation problems. Tell your therapist about any of these before you start.

Which foot treatment to choose

One hour is enough for most people. If you have walked all day or want time on your back and shoulders as well, the foot, back and shoulder combination is a popular choice. Both are on our foot massage page, and you can compare everything on the services list.

A few tips

• Come straight from walking. Foot massage is at its best when your feet are tired.
• Wear trousers that roll up easily, or shorts.
• Drink water afterwards. We bring you a glass, and a little more later helps too.
• Book ahead if you can. Walk-ins sometimes wait 10 to 15 minutes while a therapist is called in.

Henk N. kept his Google review short: "Great foot massage". We like that one.

When your feet have had enough of the city, you can book a foot massage here.