What is the Difference Between Massage and Reflexology

The main difference between massage and reflexology is that massages can be done to many parts of the body while reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on feet and hands.

Massage is a type of manual therapy that involves rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body to relax the muscles, relieve tension, and improve circulation. Reflexology, on the other hand, is a type of massage that relieves tension and treats illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet and hands connected to every part of the body.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Massage
     – Definition, Features, Benefits
2. What is Reflexology
     – Definition, Features, Benefits
3. What is the Difference Between Massage and Reflexology
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Deep Massage, Massage, Muscles, Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Trigger-point Massage

What is Massage

Massage refers to rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body, especially to relieve tension or pain. In other words, it is a kind of manual therapy that involves holding, moving and applying pressure to muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. In fact, we use the term massage to describe a wide variety of techniques that differ according to the use of touch, pressure, and intensity. Given below are some common types of massages:

• Swedish massage – a gentle form of massage that involves kneading, long strokes, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping, which help to relax and energize you.
• Sports massage – although similar to Swedish massage, this is more suitable for sportsmen and sportswomen to help prevent or treat injuries.
• Deep massage – A common way to help muscle damages from injuries, this uses a slower, but forceful strokes to aim the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
• Trigger point massage – focuses on areas of tight muscle fibres that generally form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.

Massage therapy is one of the oldest healing traditions in the world; in fact, it was prevalent in many ancient cultures like Ancient Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, and Indians. Given below are some healing benefits of massages

Benefits of Massage

• Relaxation
• Improves circulation
• Reduces stress hormones
• Increases joint mobility and flexibility
• Reduces muscle tension
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Improves recovery of soft tissue injuries
• Creates better mental awareness

 What is Reflexology

Reflexology is a type of massage that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the feet and hands. This is actually an alternative medical practice based on the theory that these body parts (feet and hands) are connected to certain organs and body system. Therefore, applying pressure to a point in feet or hands can bring about a physical change to the allegedly related areas of the body (for example, heart, kidneys, brain, lung, etc.). Reflexologists are people who use this practice. They apply pressure to various points of the feet or hands using a specific thumb, and finger massage techniques without the use of any oil or lotion. Moreover, this treatment usually focuses on the feet.

Reflexology can supposedly help with anything from headaches to sinus problems to stomachaches. Moreover, reflexologists say that it can clear any channels of blocked energy. Other potential benefits of reflexology involve boosted immunity, cleansing the body of toxins, increase in circulation, as well as, balanced energy.

Difference Between Massage and Reflexology

Definition

Massage is a type of manual therapy that involves rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body to relax the muscles, relieve tension, and improve circulation while, reflexology is an alternative medical practice that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands or ears.

What Happens

Massages involve holding, moving and applying pressure to muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia in order to relax the muscles, relieve tension, reduce muscle pain and improve circulation. Reflexology, however, involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands, which are supposedly connected to other organs and body systems.

Body Parts

Massage can be done to any part of the body while reflexology is done mainly to feet.

Oil and Lotions

Masseurs use various lotions and oils in massaging while reflexologists do not typically use oils or lotions.

Movements

Furthermore, massage involves large muscle movements using the hands and elbows while reflexology mainly involves thumbs and fingers, applying small muscle movements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, massage is a type of manual therapy that involves rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body to relax the muscles, relieve tension, and improve circulation. Reflexology, on the other hand, is a type of massage that relieves tension and treats illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet and hands connected to every part of the body. Massage can be done to any part of the body while reflexology is done mainly to feet and hands. Thus, this is the main difference between massage and reflexology.

Reference:

1. Cirino, Erica. “What Is Reflexology and How Does It Work? Benefits, Research, Safety.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 July 1993, Available here.
2. “Massage: Get in Touch with Its Many Benefits.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Oct. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “HD wallpaper: person massaging woman, massage, shoulder, human, also, relaxation” (CC0) via Wallpaper Flare
2. “3781174” (CC0) via Pixabay