Reflexology~ Pathways to Healing
Updated: Jan 11, 2020
During my Master's program, I discovered the practice of Reflexology. I was completely green to this method of anatomical therapy. However, once I read my assigned textbooks I was intrigued! How can points of pressure on the feet and hands create signals sent throughout the body's nervous system, reaching various tissues in such a way that the message is therapeutic??? To amplify my interest, during my hands-on practicum, I saw the magic (or should I say science?) of this mysterious method! I had a lady who expressed shooting pain in her low back when I would add pressure to the kidney reflex point area on one of her feet. Each time I would place my thumb on the reflex-point of the kidneys, she would arch her back off the table. Now, let' be clear, I am not foolish enough to use Reflexology as a means of pure diagnosis. However, I will apply it in a way of considering possible health issues. Therefore, when this lady confirmed the low back discomfort with the correlating reflexology application on the kidney area point, we did some Q & A. I asked her: Do you have pressure or pain when you urinate? Are you urinating more frequently? Is your back pain chronic or is this a new symptom over the past month or less? She visited her primary care provider that week, did a urine test, and sure enough- she had a kidney infection. That is when I became a believer in Reflexology.
What is Reflexology? Manipulation of reflex areas in the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to the anatomy of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves the application of pressure to reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body’s energy flow and nervous system to stimulate self-healing.
Did you know? There are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot! And, "There are a total of 17,000 touch receptors and free nerve endings in the palm." (InformedHealth.org, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › books)
A technique used to help: Reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulates the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illnesses.
Ingham Reflex Method of Compression Massage: In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, used zone therapy on her patients. She mapped the entire body as represented on the feet. Only the hands of the practitioner are used to apply the pressure to the reflex points on the feet. Many practitioners integrate this therapy with other forms of bodywork.
Read on to see an example of applying Reflexology...
1. ANATOMICAL LOCATION OF FOCUS:
Liver- Located under the rib cage on the right side of the body, near the stomach.
CONDITION(S) OF FOCUS:
High Cholesterol
Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and/or Jaundice
Liver enzyme imbalance
Fatty Liver
Cirrhosis
2. HAND REFLEX LOCATION:
On the right palm- With your thumb, go to the center of your right hand, then move about an inch to the outer edge. Move 1 inch down, between pinky & ring finger.
3. FOOT REFLEX LOCATION:
On the right foot- With your thumb, go to the upper-middle portion of your foot. Then move your thumb to about 1/4 inch from the outer edge. You will be lined up between the pinky toe & 4th toe. Refer to image above.
4. APPLY PRESSURE:
Apply pressure to the reflex point areas and massage (such as the motion of thumb circles) to stimulate the liver. You can also use essential oils on the feet that are beneficial to supporting the liver, such as Carrot Seed and Grapefruit.
*PURE ESSENTIAL OILS TO APPLY TO ALL 3 LOCATIONS (TOPICALLY ONLY):
Be sure to use a carrier/base oil to dilute the essential oil.
Example: 1 tsp. of olive oil per 1-3 drops of pure essential oil.
Carrot Seed
Grapefruit
RESOURCES:
"Stories The Feet Tell Thru Reflexology-Stories The Feet Have Told Thru Reflexology,” Eunice D. Ingham https://amzn.to/30dIBbN
"The Reflexology Workout”, Stephanie Rick & Rita Aero https://amzn.to/36JpBnV
“Natural Therapy For Your Liver”, Christopher Hobbs L. Ac https://amzn.to/2tRMmYf
Thera Flow Dual Foot Massager Roller (Large)- Relives Plantar fasciitis, heel and arch pain by using acupressure and reflexology pressure https://amzn.to/2R821KW
Reflexology Quick Study Academic https://amzn.to/2uuCWCn
Electric Reflexology Foot Massager Deep Shiatsu Massage with Heat Therapy https://amzn.to/306nsQW
“Anatomy Workbook”, Edward Alcamo, Ph.D. Princeton Review https://amzn.to/2QGr7Sf
DISCLAIMER: This information is for your educational purposes only, and is not all-inclusive to liver health issues. It is NOT meant to treat, diagnose or cure. Consult your physician if you have any health issues, concerns, or questions. You are responsible for your own health.
May your feet be HAPPY!
In Grace,
Cara