The Power of Touch Through Reflexology Keeps Clients Coming Back To Bucca

In a quiet room, soft music plays as practitioners of the healing art of reflexology lay expert hands on clients. By stimulating pressure points along the feet, neck, hands and head, reflexology is thought to send signals directly to specific parts of the body to help heal ailments, reduce stress and offer relaxation and renewal. 

Ancient remedy

Like many practices, reflexology has roots in several cultures. In ancient Egypt, paintings of reflexologists dotted the walls of prominent high priest Ankhmahor’s tomb. People in ancient China and India believed the practice helped balance the body’s energies. Some indigenous North American tribes used a similar form of foot therapy as part of their healing practices. The Cherokee, for example, believed the feet connected them to the earth — and therefore to the universe.

But it is Dr. William Fitzgerald who is credited as the father of modern reflexology, thanks to his discovery of zone therapy while studying several indigenous North American tribes. Through his research, Fitzgerald found that applying pressure in specific parts of the body can target and relieve pressure in others.

Modern Application

Tucked away in the Stanford Square shopping center on Harding Road is the quiet oasis of Bucca Reflexology and Foot Spa. “At Bucca, the philosophy is clear: Wellness isn’t a one-time luxury — it’s a lifestyle,” says Nina Kuzina, who owns Bucca and the Nina Kuzina Gallery. During its 14 years in Nashville, Bucca has cultivated a loyal fanbase — with some clients searching for a deeper form of relaxation and others seeking the healing power of reflexology. 

Over the years, clients have come through the doors doubled over in some sort of agony. By massaging pressure points, the team is often able to pinpoint the issue, apply targeted pressure and alleviate the pain. Nina says Bucca has helped clients experiencing anxiety, sleep deprivation, migraines, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, and more.

Nina believes everything in a body starts with the feet. So that is how the experience begins at Bucca — with a relaxing, herb-infused foot soak. Then, practiced hands apply gentle pressure to the feet to better understand the whole body. “The practice is rooted in ancient traditions and maps specific pressure points to organs and systems throughout the body,” Nina says. 

Soft, lilting music soothes tired nerves. Practitioners conclude the session with a five-minute head and facial massage or a 15-minute hand and facial massage, depending on the package. This practice continues the healing process and helps clients transition back into their everyday lives.

The years-long relationships Bucca enjoys with its clients is a testament to reflexology and its power. Some clients travel just to be treated by the Bucca team, while others book weekly sessions they view as “nonnegotiable” calendar entries. 

“In the end, the lesson is simple but powerful,” Nina says, “At Bucca, each session is more than a moment of relaxation — it’s an investment in your future self.”