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Therascout

Foot reflexology

In foot reflexology, specific points and zones on the feet are massaged with the fingers. According to the method, these zones correspond to different parts of the body and to organs. Many people find the treatment deeply relaxing.

therapists
5
session length
45–60 min

Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. In an emergency: 144

Origin and approach

Today's form goes back to William Fitzgerald's zone therapy and the work of Eunice Ingham in the USA in the first half of the 20th century; in German-speaking countries, Hanne Marquardt made it known. The idea is that pressure on a zone of the foot affects the corresponding part of the body. This link has not been shown scientifically.

What a session is like

Length: 45–60 min
  1. The first conversation covers how you feel, your health and what you would like help with.
  2. You sit or lie comfortably with bare feet, usually under a blanket.
  3. The therapist feels your feet and massages the zones with targeted pressure.
  4. Some spots can be tender; say if it becomes uncomfortable.
  5. It usually ends with a short rest.

Foot reflexology: what is it used for?

  • Stress and tension: many people find the treatment relaxing; there is little research.
  • Sleep problems: a few studies report better sleep, but the results are mixed.
  • Digestive complaints: this use is based on tradition and experience; it has hardly been studied scientifically.
  • Menstrual complaints: here too, the use is based mainly on tradition and experience.

How well is the effect supported?

Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.

We do not have a rating by complaint for this method yet.

Therapists: Foot reflexology

  • Portrait of Corinne Kälin, Foot reflexology in Lucerne

    Corinne Kälin

    Demo

    Fussreflexzonenmassage Kälin

    • 5.0(2)
    • Lucerne
    • Languages: de · fr
    Foot reflexologyClassical massageMedical massage
    EMRASCA
    Price
    CHF 60–130
  • Portrait of Adrian Moser, Sports massage in Köniz

    Adrian Moser

    Demo

    Praxis Moser

    • 5.0(2)
    • Köniz
    • Languages: de
    Sports massageManual lymphatic drainageFoot reflexology
    EMREGK therapist register
    Price
    CHF 63–135
  • Portrait of Andrea Steiner, Medical massage in Bern

    Andrea Steiner

    Demo

    Medizinische Massage Steiner

    • Bern
    • Languages: de · en
    Medical massageClassical massageFoot reflexology
    EMR
    Price
    CHF 63–135
See all 5

Costs and health insurance

Basic insurance
usually not.
Supplementary insurance
often 50–80% with EMR- or ASCA-recognised therapists, often up to an annual maximum.
Your insurer
Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
Practice prices
See prices in each practice profile.
Recognitions explained →

Good to know

  • Often around 5 to 8 sessions, one to two weeks apart, are agreed at first.
  • Foot reflexology does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment; have new or lasting complaints checked by a doctor first.
  • With phlebitis, thrombosis, injuries or infections of the feet, or during pregnancy, talk to your doctor first.

Training and recognition in Switzerland

Reflexology is a method of complementary therapy recognised by OdA KT; there is a federal diploma for complementary therapists (Komplementärtherapeut:in mit eidg. Diplom). Supplementary insurers usually only contribute if the therapist is registered with EMR or ASCA.

Related methods