Reflexology

I have included reflexology as one of my top self-healing methods along with The Emotion Code, EFT and essential oils for a couple of different reasons. Although it is not nearly as easy to do for yourself (working the feet in particular), it is such a wonderful therapy in working with family members and friends. The high value of giving of your time, compassion, and caring along with the benefits of stimulating the reflex points is priceless. Rare is the person who does not like a relaxing foot rub.

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, stretching or 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

Learning where to rub to stimulate certain areas of the body is fairly easy especially if you know human anatomy at all. The toes coincide with the head and the rest of the foot coincides with the torso of the body. An excellent illustration of the corresponding areas of the body to the feet is shown on the website WellHealed Reflexology.

General Guidelines:

The right foot holds reflexes to the organs on the right side of the body. Ex. Liver, Gallbladder, Right Kidney
The left foot holds reflexes to the organs on the left side of the body. Ex. Heart, Pancreas, Spleen, Left Kidney
Spinal reflexes are located along the inside arch of each foot.

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.

Printable Foot Reflexology Chart

Printable Hand Reflexology Chart

Methods of Stimulating the Reflex Points

Short 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”.

Herbs2000.com

Essential Oils and Reflexology

Essential 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.

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

This book has great charts of the hands and feet from all the different angles. It does a thorough job of covering the organs and body systems with specific drawings showing exactly where to work.

Body Reflexology by Mildred Carter and Tammy Weber

I like this one a lot because it gives reflex points all over the body and not just in the hands and feet. It also gives pain control reflex buttons and energy-stimulating reflex buttons.





The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Please consult with a licensed health care practitioner if you are dealing with a serious disease or illness.



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