I finally visited a foot spa & it was the most efficient, affordable body treatment I’ve ever had

I finally visited a foot spa in Phoenix, and it surpassed my expectations. Here’s everything you need to know about the experience. 

If you live in Phoenix, you know it’s home to plenty of foot spas. I first noticed this while driving around the Valley after moving here over a decade ago, but somehow took me more than 10 years to finally step inside one. Here’s what the entire experience was like, from first impressions to final thoughts.

What the atmosphere of the foot spa was like 

I walked into the Sunshine Footspa & Massage on Indian School Road and 28th Street in Central Phoenix a minute before my 7 p.m. appointment. I called the same day, and the staff made me an appointment for the same evening. Originally, my appointment was scheduled for 6:15 p.m., but the spa called me later in the afternoon and moved it to 7 p.m., which was fine. I was grateful for the spa’s flexibility.

The waiting room included a couch, a coffee table with a stack of magazines and some Chinese décor on the wall—including a striking dragon painted on the wall behind the receptionist’s desk. One room featured massage chairs, and I could see a bathroom down the hall. I went behind a heavy curtain before my 30-minute service began. The room included two reclining chairs side by side that were separated by a small side table that included a plastic laminated card that discussed reflexology. A dragon emblem hung on the wall and was a nod to the spa’s Asian roots. The colors were relatively muted—mostly beige and brown—creating a relaxed spa feel.

What is reflexology, exactly?

Reflexology is when pressure is applied to specific areas of the foot. These specific areas of the foot are thought to correspond to various body parts. For instance, the arch of the foot is thought to be linked to the small intestine. The main idea behind reflexology is that by applying pressure to that specific part of the foot, you can positively affect that specific organ.

What was the foot massage like?

The treatment kicked off with me soaking my feet in a wooden basin filled with warm water. I was able to recline comfortably on this plush chair that was situated at just the right angle. I remained in this position for the entire 30-minute treatment, and my back didn’t hurt once. The provider David then applied pressure using his fingers to my forehead and performed a very brief massage on my cheeks. Next, he proceeded to massage my neck and upper shoulders. He was fast and thorough and really took his time to work out the knots in my tight upper shoulders. At some point, he dimmed the lights and placed a towel over my eyes so I could really relax. Soothing music played over the speakers throughout the entire treatment.

Next, he took a fresh towel and dried my feet before removing the basin and then placing my legs extended long on an ottoman. Next, he got to work on the foot massage. He started by rubbing the upper portion of my foot before moving onto the heel. He then used his knuckles to rub the middle of my foot. I must admit that the arch was so tender—likely due to the fact that there’s no calluses there. I did tense up during this part, but he eased off. We both laughed, even. He did spend the most time focusing on my feet, which felt great. I’ve often felt that feet don’t tend to get as much care as they deserve, especially when you think of how much time and money most of us spend on our skincare routines.

Next up, he also performed a calf massage with lotion that was similar to one you’d get during a pedicure, with him rubbing the sides of my calves and then moving onto the middle part. He then repeated the treatment on my right calf. Next, he retrieved a hot towel and used it to remove all the lotion on my legs. He also wrapped the hot towel around my feet, which felt great.

He then performed a massage on my quads through the towels and the Vouri capris I was wearing. Think of when a massage therapist will feel your legs through your clothes, but more intense than that. He used his hands to apply pressure and performed a short massage on my quads. Prior to the massage, I had taken a Pilates class, and it felt great to have my quads and inner thighs worked on. He finished by focusing on, you guessed it, my feet. He lightly tugged on toes until they “popped.” I don’t think I’ve ever had that done, and it was different.

How did the treatment feel the morning after?

The morning after the treatment, I felt like my muscles had been thoroughly worked. There was a lingering sore spot underneath the ball of foot that I felt after the treatment that had subsided. My shoulder, especially the right one, felt a little tender. But that’s also probably likely due to the fact that I took a Pilates class a few hours before the foot treatment. Overall, I did feel better post foot massage.

My overall experience with reflexology & foot massage

I’d definitely return to Sunshine Footspa & Massage. At only $28 for a 30-minute treatment including tax and tip, this was a steal. Even though it was just 30 minutes, it felt much longer. I was able to fully relax the whole time, and I essentially got a full body massage–with the exception of my hamstrings. I walked out feeling like my legs and feet were brand new.

I’d recommend this treatment if you’re looking for a quick and efficient body treatment. If you’ve spent days on your feet or have just run a race, this would be especially beneficial. I did remember thinking that the provider would explain reflexology during the treatment, but he didn’t—I honestly didn’t mind, though. I walked out feeling better and had a deeper appreciation for a quick body treatment. The foot spa wasn’t as plush as a resort spa, but this was quick, effective, and felt much longer than it actually was. I’m not sure why I waited so long!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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