Stimulating circulation and the autonomic nervous system helps eliminate toxins, strengthens the immune system and improves circulation, restoring energy and balance. Refer to the reflexology charts to help you pinpoint the correct reflex points. The following steps explain how reflexology can improve blood circulation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Circulation Reflexes in the Feet
Deposits of granular crystals are deposited under the surface of the skin of the foot where the nerve endings are located. When you have excess acidity in your bloodstream, the deposits build up and hinder the circulation of blood flow. Foot reflexology, through the pressure applied to the reflex points, helps to break down these deposits, improving circulation and removing toxins from the body.
Step 1. Press the heart reflex point on your left foot using both thumbs
This reflex point is quite large, so run your thumbs over the entire area in a clockwise direction.
Step 2. Work on the smallest reflex point of the heart located on the right foot about 1.5 cm below the big toe
Step 3. Apply pressure to the lung reflex point on the right foot
This reflex area is even larger than that of the heart. Use both thumbs to press and release each part of this area. You can also use your knuckles to apply pressure.
Method 2 of 3: Circulation Reflexes in the Hands
If you find yourself in a situation where it is not easy or sensible to take off your shoes and socks in order to do foot reflexology, you can easily practice hand reflexology. It is an ideal alternative if you are in the office, on the plane or are in any situation where taking off your shoes is not an option.
Step 1. Use your right thumb to press on the pad under the little finger of your left hand
The heart is on the left side of the body, but extends a little into the center of the chest, so press and massage the entire area under the little finger, not just a very small spot.
Step 2. Look for sensitive spots when you press in this reflex zone
If you find sore spots, work them - keep pressing and massaging until there is no more pain left. Those painful spots are saying there is congestion in those areas.
Step 3. Press and massage the entire length of the little finger on the left hand
Do this for at least 2 minutes. As in the pad under the little finger, if the finger has sensitivity points, continue massaging until the sensitivity is gone.
Step 4. Work on the lung reflex on the right palm
With your left thumb, work the entire area between the diaphragm line and the base of the fingers.
Step 5. Make sure you massage the reflexes in both hands each time you apply reflexology
Method 3 of 3: Circulation Reflexes in the Ears
Practicing ear reflexology to help circulation is another option. It's not as discreet as hand reflexology, but it works just as well. Each ear represents your whole body, so be sure to work with both ears.
Step 1. Pull your hair back, if it is long and cover your ears, and remove any jewelry you are wearing over your ears
Step 2. Locate the heart reflection
It is just outside the entrance to the inner ear canal. This reflex point is very small, so it is likely that you will press close to the reflex points of the adrenal glands and the diaphragm at the same time, but this is fine.
Step 3. Massage, squeeze and press all areas on both ears if you are not sure where the reflexes for circulation are
Every inch of your ear, inside and out, contains reflex points, so a total "ear massage" will target the correct reflex points to improve circulation.
Advice
- Tell the reflexologist if any discomfort occurs during the session. Sometimes when a reflex point is pressed with crystal deposits under the skin, you can feel a sensation like a pinprick. This does not necessarily indicate a problem, but it is probably a sign of an energy obstruction or imbalance.
- Look at a foot reflexology chart before you go to your appointment. Note where the reflex points of the circulatory system are located. Those are the areas the reflexologist will focus on the most.
- The number of treatments you may need vary based on a number of things: lifestyle, age and sensitivity to treatment. Many people take so much pleasure in the sense of well-being caused by the therapy that they continue the treatments on a regular basis to keep their body in a healthy state of natural balance.
- Foot and hand reflexology is not the same as foot and hand massage, although some massage techniques are incorporated into all reflexology treatments.
- Consider asking your reflexologist to use alternative forms of reflexology, such as ear or hand therapy, if you have any doubts about which areas of your feet your doctor will focus on. For example, the reflex points of the heart and lungs are located on the plantar arches. If you have wounds or cuts there, it is advisable to work on the reflex points of the ear or hand.
- Try applying reflexology to your circulation reflex points when you visit the doctor.
- Reflexology can often work well in support of conventional medical treatment and is, in fact, practiced in many hospitals as an adjuvant treatment before and after surgery.
- When you have had a professional reflexology session, the reflexologist can be expected to evaluate your individual needs during the treatment.
- A full reflexology session includes all pressure points for the circulatory system, but if you have any particular concerns, talk to your doctor at the start of the session.
Warnings
- Reflexologists do not diagnose medical conditions and do not prescribe medications.
- Drink plenty of water during the first 24 hours after treatment to help your body eliminate toxins.
