Reflexology therapists in the UK

Reflexology applies firm finger and thumb pressure to specific points on the feet (and sometimes hands or face) that practitioners link to areas of the body. Many people find it deeply relaxing and book it to unwind and ease stress. It's best seen as a relaxing complementary therapy rather than a medical treatment — it isn't a cure for illness and shouldn't replace medical care.

You stay fully clothed apart from bare feet and sit or recline comfortably while the therapist applies pressure to points across your feet with fingers and thumbs, sometimes moving to the hands. It's usually calming rather than painful, and sessions are commonly 30–60 minutes.

Foot reflexology is the most common; hand reflexology applies the same idea to the hands and suits people with sensitive or injured feet; facial reflexology works gentle pressure on points of the face. All share the same targeted-pressure approach, just on different areas.

They overlap but aren't identical. A foot massage focuses on relaxing and easing the muscles of the feet; reflexology applies targeted pressure to specific mapped points and is a distinct therapy. Many people find both very relaxing — if you mainly want your tired feet soothed, a foot massage or foot-focused treatment may be what you're after.