Sentir, Se Sentir, Ressentir

Question

Hello.
First question: in the lesson 'Describing senses with 'sentir' -- the different meanings of sentir in French', these examples are provided to illustrate that sentir can refer to an overall feeling: je ne sens rien; est-ce qu'elle sent ça?

Why are these not je ne me sens rien; and est-ce qu'elle se sent ça?

Do we use the reflexive form only if there is a specific adjective or adverb being used to identify the kind of feeling, as opposed to the more general rien or ça? So, whilst you would say je ne sens rien if you felt nothing, you would use se sentir if sensation came back to your toes: oui, je me sens les orteils! ? Is that correct?

Second, can ressentir ever be reflexive?

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour I.,
In French, you can't say "je me sens les orteils". Rather use this rule of thumb:
- If you are referring to a specific object or body part, use sentir.
Je sens les fleurs qui sont dans le vase = I am smelling the flowers which are in the vase
Je sens mes orteils = I am feeling my toes
Je sens la pluie sur ma peau = I am feeling the rain on my skin
->  Describing senses with "sentir" - The different meanings of the verb "sentir" in French
 
- If you are describing your mood or health, use se sentir.
Je me sens bien = I am feeling good
Je me sens mal = I am feeling unwell
Je me sens joyeux = I am feeling happy
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !