Reflexology: Choosing the Right Reflexology Sock

Other than the hands, the feet are the most nerve intensive part of the body. They are the first parts to have a physical reaction in response to "fight or flight" stimulus. The nerves then send signals to the other organs and glands of the body so the whole body is able to respond to the stimulus. As a result the body's reflexes can respond to stimuli. After the message is sent through the body it activates a reflex. It is the study of these responses and reflexes led to the study and science of reflexology. Reflexology is based on the idea that if certain points on the foot or hand are stimulated, there will be an impact on the associated part of the body. For example, the right foot regulates the right side of the body, while the left side focuses on the left side of the body. When you apply pressure to a specific reflex point on the foot, such as your toe, it is meant to stimulate the nerve endings in you head. The primary use of reflexology is to reduce tension, but it has been found to be a natural supplement to traditional medicine. The biggest problem is learning reflexology, because the average person does not have the knowledge of the reflex points. However, many stores now carry reflexology socks to help any person learn reflexology whether they are a beginner or expert.

Reflexology sock are very different than traditional socks. These socks are meant to help those who are learning the basics of reflexology by using a visual tool. Diagrams are very hard to follow when learning reflexology because you have to estimate where the section is based on your interpretation. I have tried using different diagrams ranging from basic pictures to flashcards and have found them very difficult to follow. Reflexology socks create a visual representation of the reflex points so there is no guesswork involved. Once I was able to see where the reflex point was located, I had much better results. Learning reflexology has not been a miracle cure for everything, but has helped in reducing stress related tension and easing some problems I encounter; such as headaches. Eventually you will be able to find the points without the use of the diagram on the sock, but they provide the groundwork for learning reflexology. They are perfect for the beginner and prevent the frustration that you will experience if you try and follow a diagram.

Keep in mind that reflexology is not a replacement for traditional medicine, but rather a supplement. Conventional treatment and medicine often use prescriptions to treat conditions such as stress, anxiety, and the list of other endless medical issues. Reflexology focuses on the idea that through the proper stimulation the body has the capacity to heal and relieve stress on its own with the stimulation of reflex points.

Earth Therapeutics
For those who are experimenting in reflexology, these reflexology socks are basic, colorful, and inexpensive. These socks are perfect for beginners because they only label the major reflex points on the foot as opposed to others that are extremely detailed. Also instead of using a range of colors and words, these socks use brightly colored pictures for each point. This is beneficial because once the socks have gone through a bit of wear and tear, and the print starts to fade - with pictures marking the points there is no guesswork even though the writing may have faded.
http://www.earththerapeutics.net/prodinfo.asp?number=9519

Body Body
A slightly more expensive version of reflexology socks, but you do get what you pay for. These colorful socks come in pink or blue, with different shades marking the different areas. They are better for those who have learned the basic reflex points on the foot and want to get into the more complex details. The only downside is that the reflex points are marked by writing, which may eventually fade so you will eventually have to rely on the colors as being your guide.
http://www.bodybody.com/reso.html

Moisture Jamzz
A contemporary design for a reflexology sock marking reflex points and labels them with a decorative font. One downside to these is that they are lacking in color. They can be easily followed but I found the colored socks made finding the reflex points on the foot a bit easier. Choosing the right reflexology sock is based on personal taste however. So what does not work well for me might work well for you. The other downside is that they are writing based, so if you are like me and tend to avoid the delicate cycle on your washer, these may wear out a bit faster than you would like.
http://www.moisturejamzz.com/pc-36-6-reflexology-socks.aspx

Express Spa Shop
Created a reflexology sock that I found was the best in the group, and is one that I use. They are extremely colorful and clearly marked so there is no mistaking the reflex points on the foot. These socks make reflex points easier to identify than other socks because they do not use shades of the same color. The font is basic and easy to read, plus the website allows you to get a close up look of the socks before you decide to make the purchase. It also comes with a case to keep your reflexology socks in so they are easy to find and do not get mixed up with your regular socks.
http://www.xpresspashop.com/detail.aspx?ID=1791&CategoryID=51

Reflexology Moisturizing Foot Sock
A slightly different take on traditional reflexology socks. Reflex points are marked with different shades of color and basic font. However, before you put the socks on you are supposed to apply lotion on your feet. After you target all the marked reflex points you are meant to keep the socks on for the remainder of the night. They were designed to allow the lotion soak into your foot overnight, so you get the additional benefit of softer feet.
http://www.urbanezen.com/remofoso.html