Reflexology 101!

Reflexology, is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the hands, ears, feet, with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. It is based on a system on zones and reflex areas that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body. The bottom of your feet could effect whats going on in other areas of your body. On each foot there are over seven thousand nerve endings, called reflexes which connect to every organ and system within your body. By pressing on those reflex points, you stimulate the nervous system and open energy parthways that may be blockeed or congested.

Digestion-Digestion issues are the most common issue treated with reflexology. The reflexology points you want to focus on are the soles of both feet. This is called the solar plexus – it’s the nerve center of the body that can help relieve your stomach stress.The easiest way to do this is with a dryer ball or golf ball – or any small, hard ball you have at home will work. On the soles press down on the ball along the inner edge of the middle part of the foot. This relaxes stomach and improves circulation in this area. By stimulating this area of the middle of the foot, you're actually opening the energy pathways to the organs related to digestion so the stomach, colon, and intestines. This helps blood flow and circulation to these organs, can help digestive problems.

Head Pain-For head pain, you want to focus on the big toes of the right and left foot which are connected to the head and neck areas. Many people get headaches due to neck tension so by increasing circulation to the neck, you can effectively relieve a headache.There are 2 different techniques you can do for your headaches:The first technique is when you feel a headache coming on. You want to make small circles with your thumbs on your big toes. The second technique is when you already have a headache. I want you to take a wet a paper towel or cloth with very warm water, wring it out, and snake it between your toes, like you were getting a pedicure. Make see-saw motion to stimulate the nerves between the toes and activate the reflexes for your head and neck. Stimulate the big toe for 30 seconds 2 to 3 times a day.

PMS-Target the inner and outer reflex areas on each side of your ankle. These are the reflex areas to the hot spots of the body – the uterus and vagina for women. Stimulating these areas can improve the circulation to the reproductive organs and help to regulate and balance you during that time of the month. It may be easier to take a warm spoon and press. New research shows reflexology decreases intensity and duration of menstrual pain – better than ibuprofen.Try this exercise for 10-15 seconds. Take the spoon off, rub the area gently, then repeat for another 10-15 seconds. Do this 2-3 times a day during your period.

As always its your job as a smart healthy person to make sure to do some extensive research on whats right and healthy for you. As far as reflexology is concerned its noninvasive and will not change your health in a negative way, because you are not digesting or consuming anything.