I’ve wanted to check out The Foot Spa in Green Hills since they opened up last August. I finally tried it out a couple of weeks ago and was really happy with the results – but I do think a heads up on what to expect is a good thing, as it’s not your typical spa environment.
The Foot Spa: Reflexology in Nashville
It’s best to make an appointment, but feel free to walk right in – if someone is free, they will gladly assist you. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but what I got certainly was not it. I think I expected this dreamy, lovely experience where someone rubbed my feet and calves – a la pedicure style – for 60 minutes with sweet sounds and scents enveloping me. You know, the type of thing that leaves a wonderful memory but no real lasting effects. Wipe that image out of your mind.
The Foot Spa specializes in the traditions of reflexology and Chinese medicine. What is reflexology? The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as “A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears…which correspond to every part…of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes [primarily feet] without the use of tools, creams or lotions…reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.”
Okay, let me state that I in no way think that reflexology can cure a disease. I am not convinced that one area on my foot effects my liver, my heart, my stomach, etc. But, I have friends with chronic ailments who do subscribe to reflexology with rabid earnestness. That said, I really did walk out feeling great – more than great – and slept for the entire week better than I have slept in a long time. So, maybe there is a little something to this.
The Foot Spa, itself, is a large, carpeted room with 10 comfortable lounging chairs. The lights are off, but you can see everyone who is getting their massage. The sweet lady who greeted me walked me through the chart showing the basic premise of reflexology. I asked if everyone was licensed (I had NO IDEA what to expect, but there were questions that needed to be asked!) They are. I was introduced to my practitioner who spoke no English, but was raised with reflexology as a part of her culture and upbringing. (She had also received additional training in California.)
While standing in front of this foot chart, I stated that I have plantar fasciitis in my left heel. I’m not sure what the correct translation of this is, but the term was not understood. I pointed to the area on the chart that hurt. They looked at the chart to see what organ this correlated with….wouldn’t you know, my genitals. Seriously? She says, “This mean you have problem with your… genital. But (tiny smile) perhaps just too tight shoe.”
They explained that my feet might hurt with the pressure points and I would feel a release of energy as the pressure was applied and removed. But, I needed to speak up if the pressure was too strong.
Next, the treatment began. I was seated in the red lounge chair, and while my feet soaked in a huge bucket of hot water steeped with herbs from a virgin forest in southeast China, my attendant began my 60 minute session by massaging my head, shoulders, neck and ears, paying close attention to pressure points. Then it was time for my feet.
Oh my gosh. As she manipulated the pressure points on my feet, I was shocked at how sensitive I was. No fear of the giggles from any ticklish feeling here. Rather, I was constantly thinking, “If she uses one more ounce of pressure, I will not be able to handle this.” But, she never went further, and handle it I did. She worked up and down my calves and shins, too, and in the end, my feet felt better than good. They felt downright great.
As part of the 60 minute service, you basically get a full-body massage, albeit fully dressed. So, I flipped over face down on the lounge chair (which is also a massage table, so there’s a hole for your head, fyi) and my lady went to work. Although I could not see what she was doing from this vantage point, I’m convinced she crawled up on top of the chair, straddling me to bend my shoulder and press down. I was really glad I had asked if everyone was licensed, as I was being seriously contorted in a way I never had been before.
While all this was going on, I did have the fleeting thought that I wanted my mommy and wondered exactly what type of massage I was getting. But I’ll say this, contortions or no, I was amazed by the effect of the massage. Seriously, for weeks leading up to my appointment, I had experienced pain in the left side of my neck that hurt down into my back and prevented me from being able to turn my head fully. Whatever my Chinese super lady did worked that painful kink out and allowed me to walk out of The Foot Spa pain-free with full mobility in my neck. I was simply giddy.
As I left, I was very aware that my whole body felt good. I wished, though, I had been given a heads-up on what to expect, as it’s a bit of a different experience than, say, Escape, where luxury reigns. I encourage you to step outside the box and make an appointment at The Foot Spa for a 30, 45 or 60-minute treatment. This would make a great couples appointment, as well: have dinner, a glass of wine and then a foot massage!
Testimonials:
“Ahhhh…this is the direction our world should be going! (And I think it’s beginning to.) I have studied reflexology for years and was always so happy to find a spa that had it on it’s menu. Â Now, an entire place just for that! The feet reach every organ in your body giving you the most beneficial massage ever! These people mean business. You will find yourself so relaxed…I promise you will keep going back!” – Kemp Buntin
“If you are having a bad day, head to The Foot Spa. You will leave so happy and relaxed.” – Tiffany Fay
The Foot Spa – 615-891-7306
4004 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 120R Nashville, TN 37215
10AM-10PM M-S and on Sundays from 12PM-7PM.
- If you want to ensure a good night’s sleep, make a 9PM appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothes and pants that can be pulled up above your knees.
- A 30-minute appointment concentrates only on your feet; a 45-minute appointment concentrates on head, ears, neck and feet; a 60 minutes appointment allows for the 15-minute full-body massage. Check for smeared makeup after the 45 and 60-minute massages.
- A 30 minute massage is $38. A 45 minute massage is $48. A 60 minute massage is $60.
- I was surprised at how effective this massage was in making my whole body feel really great.
