Reflexology experts believe that there is a "map" of the human body on our hands. Every part of the body, including the internal organs, is connected to a corresponding reflex point on your hand. Applying pressure to a reflex point on your hand will stimulate nerve impulses that travel to the corresponding body part. These impulses produce a muscle-relaxing response. When muscles relax, blood vessels open, increasing blood circulation, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that enter the cells in that part of the body. Although the scientific evidence for reflexology is very limited, some people find it beneficial. Before trying to practice reflexology, you need to learn a number of common techniques as well as the locations associated with different parts of the body.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Learning the Locations Relating to Your Hands
Step 1. Look at the reflexology table
While this section will describe a number of points on the hand that reflexology experts say are related to different parts of the body, some points can be more easily visualized with a real hand reflexology table.
Step 2. Apply pressure to the tops of your fingers to treat head, brain, and sinus problems
From the tip of each finger-including your thumb-to the first joint the fingers represent the head, brain, and sinuses.
The center of the pad of your thumb, specifically represents the pituitary, pineal, and hypothalamus glands located in the center of the brain, which can be useful for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders
Step 3. Apply pressure to the first and second knuckles of the fingers to treat neck irritation
The part of your four fingers and thumb, which lies between the first and second knuckles on the finger, connects to the neck. In addition, the area that represents the throat is at the base of your thumb, parallel to the joint of your thumb.
Step 4. Apply pressure to the second and third knuckles on each finger to treat eye and ear irritation
The part of your finger, which is between the second and third knuckles, represents the eye or the ear, depending on the finger. Your index and middle fingers are associated with your eyes, while your ring and little fingers are associated with your ears.
Step 5. Apply pressure to the tops of your palms to relieve irritation of the upper chest
The chest, breasts, lungs, and windpipe (bronchus) are located just below the knuckles on the four fingers on the palm side of both hands.
Step 6. Draw a line from your middle finger down, to the center of your palm
Just below the upper chest area mentioned above, imagine four areas descending downwards, in line with your middle finger. Each of the four areas is the size of a coin, and the tip of the fourth is at the bottom of your palm. In descending order, these areas represent body parts:
- epigastrium
- adrenal glands
- Kidney
- Intestines
Step 7. Apply pressure to the outside of your palm (pointing towards your thumb)
Starting at the base of your thumb (the throat area described above), then working your way to the bottom of your palm on the side closest to your thumb, you'll quickly find four narrow areas below it. In descending order, these areas correspond to:
- Thyroid Gland
- Pancreas
- Bladder
- uterus/prostate
- Remember that the top outside in the same area represents the spine and spinal column. The sections for the spinal column are located on the right and left sides of the thumb, all the way down, to the wrist. The cervical spine is closest to the thumb, followed by the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral parts.
Step 8. Apply pressure to the inside of the palm
Imagine a line running down the inside of the palm, from the little finger down to the wrist. There are three more regions in this section, each the size of a coin. The tops of the two hands correspond to the arms and shoulders on each side of the body, and the bottoms of the three sections of each hand connect to the respective sides of the hips and thighs. The middle part on the left hand corresponds to the liver and spleen, while the middle part on the right hand represents the liver and gallbladder because these organs themselves are located on certain sides of your body.
Step 9. Apply pressure to the wrist
Just below the palm on the wrist, you'll find three more areas. The lymph system lies in line with your middle finger, where your palm rests on your wrist. Right next to this area (parallel to your pinky), you'll find the area that represents the testes/ovarian. Finally, at the bottom of these two areas, a long thin line, you'll find the location that corresponds to your sciatic nerve.
Part 2 of 2: Applying Reflexology Techniques to the Hand Area
Step 1. Find the right and relevant part
Use the reflexology table or Part One to find the area that corresponds to the body part you want to treat. Or you can simply massage your hands as a whole, which reflexology experts believe can help improve overall health.
- For example, if you have a sinus headache, massage the tips and first knuckles because these areas represent the head and sinuses. This section can also help relieve symptoms of sinusitis, although there is no evidence.
- Another example, if you are constipated, you will need to apply the technique to the area associated with the intestine, which is located on the bottom of the palm, straight down from your middle finger.
Step 2. Use the thumb walking technique
Place your thumb lengthwise on the area you want to focus on. Gently slide your thumb back while stretching the first knuckles of the thumb up. Slowly and steadily, move the knuckles of the thumb up and down, running them over the point of reflection.
Step 3. Use a circular motion
Place your thumb on the area you want to work on. Maintain a steady touch and rotate your thumb in a circular motion over the area while slowly applying more pressure.
Step 4. Apply pressure after turning it
After performing the circular motion, hold your thumb on the reflex point with moderate pressure, promoting relaxation. Hold on to the count of three.
Step 5. Use a variety of techniques
If you have chest tightness, for example, you need to focus on the right area on each hand (the top of the palm is just below the last knuckles on the fingers). Then you can use the thumb technique to walk along the area. Finally, apply a twisting technique to the smaller sections in the area by holding them on the section before moving on to the next section.
Step 6. Press firmly without causing pain
While increasing the pressure on your hand, you need to apply as much pressure as you can (or the person you're working with using reflexology) without causing pain. Firm pressure will make sure you trigger the reflex, but don't let it hurt or make you feel uncomfortable.
Step 7. Give stimulation to the area in both hands
Reflexology experts believe that it is important to stimulate the contact areas on both hands when applying the technique. For example, don't massage your fingertips (in relation to your head) on your left hand only. Instead, work the fingertips on both hands.
Keep in mind that this does not apply to zones that are only represented by one hand-heart, for example
Step 8. Relax yourself and drink plenty of water after the session is over
Just like a regular massage, reflexology experts recommend that you drink plenty of water after a hand reflexology session to help your body get rid of the lactic acid that builds up during the session. As your body gets rid of the lactic acid (24 to 48 hours after the session), increased urine and bowel movements, as well as sweating and changes in sleep patterns are normal.
- Lactic acid secretion is also the cause of a burning or tingling sensation in muscles that have been stimulated (as with massage).
- You can also consume sports drinks that contain electrolytes to help you get enough water.
Tips
- While a dark, quiet room is an ideal place for a reflexology session, you can do hand reflexology while sitting on an airplane or at your desk in the office.
- When giving a reflexology session to a friend, ask him to place his hands on the table in front of you and place a towel under his hands and wrists to keep his hands limp.
- Reflexology experts recommend massaging the reflex points on both hands so you don't lose your balance.
- If you have arthritis and it hurts for you to use your thumbs and fingers, you can use other objects to help apply pressure to the reflex points. Although you can buy reflexology equipment, unfortunately they are quite expensive. You can get the same result by using common household items to apply pressure to reflex points. Try squeezing or twirling a golf ball or any small, round object in your hand, such as a hair curler. If it hurts too much when squeezing, place the object on a flat surface, then rotate the object under your hand, pressing it as hard as you can but still feeling comfortable.
Warning
- Reflexology is a complementary treatment. Do not try to diagnose and treat any serious illness or condition for yourself. Seek advice from a professional medical practitioner in addition to undergoing reflexology treatments.
- Do not do hand reflexology if there is an injury to your hand. Instead, use other forms of reflexology, such as foot or ear reflexology, until your hands heal.
- Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause nerve or musculoskeletal damage.
