The foot reflexology map shows the reflex points found in the feet. Thanks to acupuncture and massage, a certain amount of pressure can be applied to it, which in turn triggers the healing of certain ailments in the rest of the body. With a little patience you can learn to read one of these tables that show you the reflex points located in the feet and the parts of the body to which they are connected.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learning the Basics
Step 1. Get familiar with the foot reflexology basics map
To get started, learn what the main areas of a foot map are. This highlights the reflex points of the most important organs.
- First you need to remember that the right foot is associated with the right side of the body and the left foot with the left. The stomach, for example, is mainly located on the left, so by massaging and applying pressure to the corresponding foot you can relieve gastric discomfort.
- The fingers and toes are connected to the neck and head. If you massage your toes using reflexology techniques, work on your neck and head.
- The inner part of the foot is connected to the spine.
- The area just below the fingers corresponds to the chest.
- The thinnest area of the foot, which typically lies towards the center, refers to the waist area. The reflex points of the stomach are located along this section, while those of the intestines are located immediately below.
- The sole of the foot is connected to the pelvic area.
Step 2. Learn the foot map
This is pretty simple to understand. If you are just starting out in the study of foot reflexology, then you need to focus mainly on the map of the plant, as it provides some more detail about the points of the feet connected to other areas of the body.
- As for the toes, the second and third toes following the big toe are related to the eyes. If you suffer from eye fatigue, you can apply some pressure to these areas to find some relief. The other fingers, on the other hand, are connected to the teeth, the sinuses and the upper part of the head.
- The pressure points may differ between the right and left foot; however, there are some similarities. The ears are affected by the area just below the toes on both feet. The points that lie below the waistline and slightly to the left are connected to the lungs in both feet. The heels are related to the legs, while the area below the waist line (both in the right and left foot) acts on the small intestine. The reflex points of the lungs, in both feet, are located approximately 2.5 cm below the toes, excluding the area of the big toe.
- If you look at the map of the right foot, you can see that the liver is connected to the area above the life line and is located slightly to the left. If you move further to the left, hit the reflex point of the right kidney.
- As for the left foot, however, the part that is just above the waist line acts on the stomach. If you move downwards, massage the reflex point of the left kidney. The spleen is affected from the point to the right of that of the stomach and the heart area is approximately 5 cm below the midpoint of the fingers.
Step 3. Read a toe map
If you want more details about foot reflexology massage, you need to study this map. The toes contain what are called meridian points, small areas of pressure that are connected to specific parts of the body. There are five meridian points on each foot.
- There are two meridian points on either side of the big toe. The external one acts on the spleen, while the internal one acts on the liver.
- On the second finger, you can find another meridian point, precisely on the left side. This corresponds to the center of the stomach.
- On the left side of the fourth finger is the meridian point for the gallbladder.
- On the fifth finger, also on the left side, you can find the reflex point of the bladder.
Part 2 of 3: Reading the Internal and External Maps
Step 1. Consult an external map
This shows the areas of the body that correspond to the outer side of the foot and you can also find the reflex points of the back of the foot. If you want to practice a very detailed massage, you need this map.
- The highest part of the foot corresponds to the lymphatic system. This is part of the immune system and has the function of filtering out toxins and other waste products.
- The area above the toes is connected to the chest, while the side of the foot above the heel refers to the hips and knees.
- Also on the outer side of the foot you can find the elbow reflex points, just below the waist line. If you move slightly lower, just below the fifth toe, you find the shoulder point.
Step 2. Learn to read the internal map
Here you will find the description of the reflex points located on the inner side of the foot and can prove very useful during a detailed reflexology massage.
- The bottom line that starts from the toe of the big toe and reaches the heel represents the spine. The inner part of the foot has a very similar shape to that of the spine, with the same curves and sinuosity.
- Just below the waist line there should be an oval shaped bulging area just down the side. This is related to the bladder.
Step 3. Take your time to study the table
Remember that the internal and external maps are intended for people who already have good experience with foot reflexology. Wait until you master the basics of this practice before attempting to understand how such maps work. You should talk to some foot reflexology specialists or sign up for a course if you are interested in learning about these particular maps.
Part 3 of 3: Applying Your Knowledge in a Foot Reflexology Massage
Step 1. Start with your fingers
To begin a foot reflexology session, you must start with the fingers. You should apply some pressure by twisting your thumbs. According to this technique, the thumbs should rotate, lift and move slightly, only affecting a small area of the body at a time.
- Start by working on the base of the big toe. Then slowly move towards the tip. When you have finished, switch to the other fingers always following the same criteria.
- Rub your index fingers and thumbs on the webbed areas between your fingers, focusing on them first.
Step 2. Massage the left foot
When you have manipulated the toes of both feet, focus on the left one. Grab it with your hands cupped around the back. Rub both sides with your thumbs moving from left to right. Then stimulate both sides of the foot by moving from top to bottom.
Step 3. Now focus on your right foot
When you have finished the massage on the left one, repeat the same process on the right. Remember to use both thumbs working from top to bottom and then left to right on both sides.
Step 4. Stimulate the backs and soles of the feet
Move to the top and sides, this is when your knowledge of reflexology proves most useful.
- If you have abdominal problems, focus on the arch of the foot and the waist line. Remember that the stomach is mostly related to the point on the left foot.
- If you have liver or gallbladder problems, focus mostly on your right foot.
- If you have kidney problems, work on your ankles and heels.
Advice
- If you have trouble reading a foot reflexology map, you can purchase reflexology socks that have pressure points colored on them. They are a great visual tool in addition to the map.
- Ask a reflexologist to give you some advice on which map to choose for your personal use.
