Reflexology & unwinding the autonomic nervous system

on location, language: English or German

In this two-day hands-on training, you will explore how reflexology can support the unwinding of the autonomic nervous system and help restore balance in clients living with stress-related complaints. Stress is not only something we experience mentally; it is a physiological state that shapes how the body functions. When the stress system remains activated over time, it can affect breathing, digestion, hormonal balance, immune function, and emotional resilience, and these patterns are often held in the body in subtle, deeply influential ways.

A central theme of the course is the autonomic nervous system and its natural rhythm between sympathetic activation and parasympathetic rest and recovery, that is between doing and being. You will learn to recognise signs of dysregulation and how reflexology can gently guide the system back towards safety, regulation, and balance.

Special attention is given to the vagus nerve. As a key pathway within the parasympathetic system, it plays an essential role in regulation, recovery, and the capacity to settle. We explore how vagal tone can be supported through exercises and reflexology.

The diaphragm is approached not only as a breathing muscle, but also as an important bridge between physical and emotional tension. Restrictions here often reflect long-held patterns of holding and protection, adaptation and control. Through reflexology, you will learn to meet these patterns with sensitivity, allowing release to emerge rather than be forced, and supporting both integration and resilience.

Throughout the training, we slow down. Theory and practice are closely interwoven to refine how you perceive and how you touch. You will develop hands-on skills that help calm the nervous system, deepen relaxation, and support the body’s natural ability to regulate and unwind, with presence, attunement, and respect for the intelligence of the nervous system.

This course is intended for reflexology therapists who wish to deepen their work, refine their awareness, and gain a more embodied understanding of stress and recovery. Working with the autonomic nervous system asks for presence, trust, and a willingness to listen to the language of the body, supporting clients as the system finds its way back to balance.

Level: Higher Level

Duration: 2 days of 6 hours

Goal: After this course the participant can use several techniques on the feet that will unwind the autonomic nervous system. The praticipant also is able to influence the entire body system by using the knowlegde of the course and the exercises and the new techniques.

Starting level: a finished reflexology education

Pre-education: a finished reflexology education

Self-education: No self-education is required, however the participants will make notes and experience all kinds of exercises, as well as go over the reader and the techniques. This will cost about 12 hours.

The hands-on course includes reader, certificate of attendance, coffee, tea, water and lunch is excluded.

After attending the course, you’ll receive a certificate of attendance.