TEN TIPS: for Better Health Through Reflexology - by Lori Wimbish
The definition of Reflexology according to The International Institute of Reflexology is: A science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands organs and parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of using thumbs and fingers on these reflex areas .
Reflexology brings the body back into balance and when applied regularly helps to maintain that stability. Reflexology can help the body spark back into healing itself as it naturally is designed to do…Homeostasis.
Reflex areas on the foot, hand, or along the 10 zones that imaginary lines divide the body into from head to toes, correspond to/mirror the area found on the body. For example, reflex areas for everything in the skull, sinuses, brain, head are found on the thumb or big toe. The reflexes for the chest/breast are found at the base of the finger/toe connection to the top portion of the hand / and ball of foot. The organs and all within the waistline are found in the middle of the hand and the arch of the foot. The pelvic area is represented in the heel of the hand and foot. The spine is included in each section.
See Diagram from Laura Norman’s book, Feet First: A Guide to Foot Reflexology .
Mildred Carter and Tammy Weber, in their book , Body Reflexology…Healing at your Fingertips takes Reflexology a step further with the wonders of Body Reflexology including the face, head, and pressure points directly related to the targeted spot of concern in the body. However, the benefit of Body Reflexology is that it can release the healing power of the lymph fluid, nervous system energy, and circulatory system by opening up the flow through and or to blocked or damaged parts. Blockages along these lines or systems may be broken up with these techniques to allow that flow again. A tender spot on the body could indicate a point of congestion in the energy lines, and could indicate that there is a trouble spot that is even far removed from the place where the tender point is…its on the circuit .
General: squeeze of the hand or foot for stress relief and general circulation
Sinus Conditions: press fingertips or toe pads…rotate and milk or coin rub, out each finger.
Press center of thumb or big toe pad with a hook and back up technique with index finger of other hand or something like a pencil eraser. This is the reflex to Pituitary Gland and Pineal. Master glands for all endocrine glands such as Thyroid, Adrenals, Thymus, Reproductive organs, Parathyroid, Pancreas, and Pineal. This process can help with Fainting, High Fever, Seizures, Sleep regulation and Melatonin. This area can also help with excess cell growth/ tumors, Calcium Balance , Blood Sugar.. Metabolism…Headaches. All the areas listed are functions associated with endocrine glands…… which, promotes balance.
Pinch or “inch” along thumb side of hand or inside of foot from the great toe down to the inside of the heel for Spinal Reflexes.. Impulse little finger side of hand and pinky toe side of foot for hip knee and shoulder points.
Rub between webs of 2nd and 3rd fingers and toes and on ridge where fingers and toes connect to hand and feet. For Eye reflexes …rub palm and sole side of hands and feet.
For Ear Reflexes: rub between webs of 3rd - 4th and 5th fingers and toes and on the ridge on the palm side and sole side of feet and hands.
Digestive Reflexes… Circular motion with thumbs or knuckle and twist in palm of hand or in arch area on sole side of foot. Left side stomach and pancreas .. also on heel of hand and heel of foot for Intestines.
Stress Relief, Pain Relief…Headaches, Inflammation … “Pinch” at bottom of “V” on web between Thumb and Index Finger. This is the Adrenal Reflex or Ho-Ku Acupressure Point.
Foot Rollers. Golf Balls , Tennis or Rubber Balls with “give” work well to rotate ankles and wrists, stand on tip toes, stretch fingers by clasping hand and pushing and pulling above the head.
For reading, research, charts, maps and tools to utilize for reflexology practices, you may want to review information at the following: International Institute of Reflexology, Ingham Method www.reflexology-usa.net,
References:
Books from IIR: Better Health with Foot Reflexology by Dwight C. Byers and Stories the Feet Can Tell -Stories the Feet Have Told by Eunice Ingham
Feet First by Laura Norman (Simon and Schuster) wwww.lauranorman.com email : info@lauranorman..com
Body Reflexology – Healing at Your Fingertips by Mildred Carter & Tammy Weber