Sole to Soul Well-Being at Jasmin Reflexology

Reflexology, a complementary therapy with ancient roots in Egypt and Asia, has the potential to promote systemic balance via firm but gentle pressure applied to reflex points on the feet, hands and ears. “What most people find remarkable is how the foot actually reflects the health in the rest of their body. For example, the kidney reflex can indicate dehydration, the adrenal reflex might indicate inflammation in the body, and the pineal reflex can indicate poor sleep patterns, without the client even telling the reflexologist,” she says.

Unlike therapeutic massage and acupuncture, reflexology centers on nerve endings—7,000 of which are found in the feet alone. Jahal says the therapy can have far-reaching effects, including helping to reduce symptoms of nausea, pain and anxiety in some cancer patients. 

“I started working at the Cancer Wellness Center, in Northbrook, in 2019 and immediately found great reward,” says Jahal, who currently works at the Cancer Survivorship Center of Lutheran General Hospital, in Park Ridge, and her private practice in Norridge. She emphasizes that reflexology never interferes with a doctor’s treatment or diagnosis. “It can help you manage your symptoms, improve your health and bring your body to optimal levels of function.”

Most reflexology sessions leave clients feeling calmer yet more energized. “When the central nervous system begins to calm, it can balance hormones, lower blood pressure to normal levels, assist the circadian rhythm to improve sleep, improve circulation and lymph flow as well as digestion,” explains Jahal, who specializes in Western reflexology based on the Ingham Method, the pioneering work of physiotherapist Eunice Ingham. 

With the client seated in an anti-gravity chair, a typical session lasts 60 or 90 minutes and can include the feet, hands or both. While reflexology is considered safe for most people, it is not recommended for those with infectious or fungal diseases such as athlete’s foot and is contraindicated for those diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. 

“In the past it was believed that reflexology should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy, but in the last few decades that has been debunked. Reflexology cannot induce labor or cause a miscarriage. In fact, it helps the baby as well as the mother to stay healthy and reduce complications,” she attests. 

For those wishing to study the modality, Jahal’s Professional Reflexology School is nationally accredited and runs a 300-hour program twice a year. The course offers flexible in-person and online classes for students with full-time jobs or family obligations. Certified reflexologists are in high demand, and learning the modality offers opportunities for self-employment as well as working in hospital integrative programs, senior facilities, podiatry offices and chiropractic clinics. 

Jahal hopes for a world where integrative health care becomes more mainstream, but she remains passionate about doing her part “one foot at a time.” Her favorite aspect of the work is meeting people of all ages and backgrounds that remind her of what truly matters. “I see that no matter our differences, we are all human beings who want the same things: inner peace, health and quality of life. Together, we can make healing possible.”

Jasmin Reflexology is located in Norridge. For more information, call 773-979-5351 or visit JasminReflexology.com. Holiday specials include a $15 discount for first-time reflexology sessions and a 10 percent discount on student registration at the Professional Reflexology School for the January 2026 course. Discounts apply to all deposits submitted on or before December 15. 

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.