Reflexology is the application of a certain amount of pressure on specific points of the body with the aim of offering some benefit to the internal organs or to other areas of the body. The principle behind this practice is that the body is able to heal itself when it is freed from unnecessary tension. Reflexology is also referred to as hand acupressure, hand massage, shiatsu therapy for the hands and palms. Pressure is typically applied to the feet, ears, and hands. Its purpose is not to offer a diagnosis or a cure, but to act as a complement to the patient's therapeutic process. Consult a map of the reflex points of the hand to find out what are the benefits for the internal organs and systems.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Reading Different Reflex Point Maps
Step 1. Observe a western map of the hand's reflex points
This table shows the connections between the fingertips and the top of the head, such as the sinuses, eyes, brain and ears. The palm instead contains the reflex points for the large internal organs.
- The reflex points of the organs of the reproductive system such as the testes, ovaries and fallopian tubes are located on the inside of the wrist just below the connection area with the hand.
- The thumb and first two fingers contain more complex connections to the internal organs than those found in the two outer fingers.
Step 2. Read up on the Indian or Ayurvedic map
This map, also called acupressure, has substantial differences compared to the Western one. The main pressure points are located in the palm, while on the fingertips there are the connections with the sinus area. The thumb contains the reflex points of the thumb and pituitary gland.
- The Ayurvedic map connects the inner world with the radial line (the side of the thumb) and the outer world with the ulnar line (the side of the little finger).
- Maintaining this subdivision, the connection with the eyes is located on the radial side of the palm of the hand, under the index and middle fingers. The connections with the ears, on the other hand, are located under the last two fingers (ring and little fingers).
Step 3. Study a Korean map of hand reflex points
This is rarely used and does not include certain areas of the wrist. The reproductive organs are connected to the palm area. The Korean map, or Koryo Hand Therapy, shows the dots on both the palm and the back and makes no difference between left and right hands.
- The vertebral column, according to this practice, is connected to the central axis of the hand, along the line that runs through the middle finger and descends towards the outside of the hand.
- Each finger represents the reflex point of various regions of the body.
Step 4. Consider massaging specific points for specific ailments
For example, by pinching the area between the middle and ring fingers, you can help resolve eye conditions such as eye strain and conjunctivitis. If you suffer from allergies, then you may benefit from gentle pressure on the adrenal area, which is located on the thenar eminence.
- You can grab a golf ball and roll it between both hands by applying pressure to the affected areas.
- If you suffer from stress or anxiety, try pinching the flap of skin between your thumb and forefinger.
Part 2 of 2: Delving into Reflexology
Step 1. Imagine the body is divided into 10 zones
Reflexologist William H. Fitzgerald was the first to divide the human body into 10 zones, 5 on each side. These extend from the tips of the toes to those of the feet and from the back to the front so that no area is left out. Each of them has a corresponding reflex point in the hand or foot.
- Reflexology is based on the specific relationship between the internal organs and the pressure exerted on the hand.
- The map of the reflex points of the hand reveals the connections between the points of the hand and the internal organs.
- There can be considerable variations between the hand maps and the more common ones for foot reflexology.
Step 2. Consider the meridians of the body
The division of the human organism into 12 meridians is an ancient Chinese practice very similar to the Fitzgerald division. To understand this system you must know that the energy of the body (or "chi") flows along the meridians and feeds the soul and the body. If the energy pathways are weakened or blocked, health problems arise.
- Reading a map of the reflex points of the hand helps you understand the relationship between an area of the body and the point of the hand.
- By applying some pressure to the reflex points, you can feel some relief from tension and stress by helping the body find balance and synchrony between the organs.
Step 3. Study the mechanism of the reflex arc
There are two types of reflex arc in the human body: the somatic (or motor) reflex arc, which involves the muscles, and the visceral one, which affects the internal organs. Hand reflexology is based on the latter and involves a reaction of the body to particular stimuli without the intervention of the brain, but only of the central nervous system.
- To better understand the reflex arc, imagine the body's response when you touch a very hot stove. As soon as contact occurs, the hand withdraws before the brain has even recognized the sensation of pain. The hand reacted according to the motor reflex arc.
- Reflexology works by exploiting this principle and thus addressing the problems of the internal organs.
Step 4. Learn the difference between reflexology and massage
Massage directly addresses physical problems. Basically, when there is an injury, the massage focuses on the affected area to promote healing. Reflexology uses a principle based on the ability of the nervous system to transfer therapeutic touch to the diseased area.
- For those areas that cannot be subjected to direct massage, such as the glands, internal organs and those involved in the digestive and waste expulsion system, reflexology is a good therapeutic support.
- For muscle pain, spasms and contractures it is best to rely on massage.
Advice
Drink lots of water. A good level of hydration helps the body to expel the toxins released by the reflexology session
Warnings
- Always follow your doctor's directions regarding reflexology. Diabetic patients need to be especially cautious when using this practice.
- Pregnant women should avoid undergoing reflexology sessions as they may accidentally stimulate a premature birth.
- If you have recently suffered from thrombosis or embolism, avoid reflexology as it may loosen the clot and make it flow to the heart or brain.
