Reflexology
The other reason I include this technique is that you can use it at any time without cost. It is easily learned and carried in your memory. I have had several personal experiences with using reflexology that have proven to me the value of this modality. There is no question in my mind as to its effectiveness. The feet are considered to be the best place to work on reflexes however there are reflex points in the hands, on the face, in the ears and all over the body. The feet are what I will mostly be referring to. 
What is reflexology?Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretchingor movement to the hands or feet in order to energetically stimulate certain corresponding areas of the body to promote healing. What is reflexology used for?Probably the most common use is for stress relief. You don’t have to know anything about this modality to realize that just having someone rub your feet in an aimless fashion brings on a very relaxing effect. The same can be said for a hand massage.This technique is also used to support systems of the body and to encourage the body to heal itself. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical care, but it can be a complementary support for various ailments. How do I know where to work the foot?Map of the Feet/Hands = Map of the Body
Charts: I have found that charts differ a little from one to the next. For example, some charts show the sinus reflex points to be at the top of the toes and the eye reflexes being just under the toes at the top of the main part of the foot. Other charts will show this as reversed. My feeling is that it doesn’t really matter – just work all of it and if you hit a really tender spot then work that area even more. The eyes, ears and sinuses are so closely connected that where the exact reflex points are located just isn’t a big deal – you will be affecting one by working on another. For free printable versions of the following foot and hand charts click on the link or on the picture.
Methods of Stimulating the Reflex PointsShort fingernails are needed for working the reflexes. Too long of nails can be quite ouchy for the person being worked on. I use the following 2 techniques the most although there are several other techniques which I will give a link to after these two.It is important to watch a person’s face while working on them as reflex points at times can be surprisingly tender and painful when worked. You will be able to tell when you hit a tender spot and when you need to lighten the pressure by watching the person’s face expressions. Thumb Walking Technique: This technique is just as the name suggests. Starting with the thumb laying flat against the person’s foot you then apply pressure while flexing the thumb up to around a 90 degree angle. Then you continue by sliding your thumb slightly into a straight position again. The sliding as you straighten your thumb moves your thumb forward in a walking motion. Continue with this movement over the area you wish to cover. Vita-flex Technique: This technique does not require the exertion of pressure. It is easy on the hands for that reason yet is still very effective. The technique is performed by starting on the pads of the fingers and rolling up onto the fingertips and over onto the nails. As your hand returns to the pads of the fingers to start again it slides your fingers in a walking motion similar to the “thumb walk.” For more information on how to do Vita-Flex click here:
Vita-Flex Technique Demonstrated Other Reflexology Techniques: Here is a link to a site which tells how to do several other applications such as finger walking, rotation, holding, hooking and pulling back, and others. Scroll to about 2/3 of the way down the page where it says “Basic Reflexology Techniques”.
Essential Oils and ReflexologyEssential Oils are an excellent match to use with reflexology. Both methods are awesome in and of themselves, but used together they are outstanding. Any oil can be used on the bottom of the feet. Just put 2 or 3 drops on the tips of your fingers and work them into the feet as you rub or apply 3 or 4 drops to the bottom of each foot and rub them in. More information on what oils to use is on the vita-flex page (soon to come).Reflexology Books:You can do a lot with just the information available from the internet and what I have written, but if you want to go further in learning then you might consider buying a book or two. I would guess that there are many good books available about this subject. The two that I have and can vouch for are the following:
Reflexology for Every Body by Joan Cosway-Hayes with Judy Law
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