Common Ailments And Reflexology

Without proper qualifications, it is unwise to treat specific areas of either hands or feet, if someone is unwell. But you can safely use reflexology as an overall relaxing and toning treatment. But before that, you must be completely familiar with the location of the reflexes.

Start with the toes or fingers and work down to the heels, then work on the spinal reflexes on the inside edge of the feet (or hands). Pay special attention to areas of tenderness, but don't press too hard, as overworking a sensitive reflex will cause tension. Certain reflexes demand special techniques.

Head and Sinuses

Reflexes to the left side of the head are on the left foot and vice versa. The toes will all be sensitive to the touch, if someone has congested sinuses, and one particular toe will be painful, if a person has toothache.

Working: Support the toes in one hand (right hand for left foot and vice versa) and use the thumb of the other to 'walk' down from tip to the base of the toe. Start at the big toe. When you reach the little toe, change hands and 'walk' your other thumb along to the big toe.

Eyes and Ears

Reflexology can be very effective for eyestrain and other eye problems, since they are often due to tension. The most direct way to treat these reflexes is at the base of the toes, excluding the big toe (where the eye reflexes are hard to locate).

Working: Hold the foot in one hand, using the thumb to pull the skin taut. Now 'work' your other thumb along the ridge at the base of the smaller toes. Repeat with the other hand 'walking' along the ridge in the opposite direction.

Neck and Throat

The neck, the top of the spine, the tonsils and the thyroid gland are all affected by treating the neck and throat reflex, which is located at the base of the big toe.

Working: Use one hand to support the foot and the thumb of the other hand to work across the base of the toe from the side. Change hands and work back over the reflex zone, in the opposite direction.

Lung and Chest

On the feet you will find the lung and chest reflex between the metatarsal bones and the base of the toes on both the underside and the top of the foot.

Working: Work first on the sole, using the inner edge of the thumb to 'walk' up between the bones to the base of the toes, holding the toes firmly in the other hand. Repeat, changing hands and direction. Then starting at the big toe, use the inner edge of your index finger to work down between the bones from the base of the toes on the top of the foot. Repeat, with the other hand working in the opposite direction.

You can also treat this area with the corresponding reflex on the hands, it lies just above the diaphragm line on the palm and back of the hand. Use one thumb to work down between the meta-carpal bones on the palm, using your other hand to flex and stretch the fingers. Turn the hand over and work the reflex on the back of the hand, using the index finger.

Hip, Knee and Leg

Working on the reflex for these areas is good for backache as well as for hip, knee and leg disorders. The reflex will be very tender if the person has a knee problem.

Working: On the feet, 'walk' across the reflex area with your thumb, or with your index finger. Make sure that you cover the whole reflex area.

You can also work effectively on this reflex on the backs of the hands. Work over the whole reflex with the index finger of one hand, supporting the receiver's hand with your other hand. Then repeat the treatment, changing the working hand.

Caution :

• Don't attempt home treatment on people suffering from various veins, arthritis, thrombosis, phlebitis, or ulceration of the feet, or on those who are generally frail or suffering from an acute illness.
• Those suffering from osteoporosis or thyroid disorders should also refrain from practising Reflexology.
• Reflexology can have quite powerful effects and is therefore, better avoided by pregnant women.

Here are some important reminders before using reflexology

• Avoid reflexology for one hour after meals.
• Within 30 minutes after massage, you should drink at least 500 cc of warm water.
• in cases of kidney and heart disease, you should drink no more than 150 cc of water.
• Do not apply heavy pressure to bones.
• In case of epilepsy, heart conditions or high blood pressure, a physician should be consulted.
• Do not feel alarmed if an ailment seems to worsen or the mouth feels dry, after a session of reflexology. This is normal, especially in the case of inflammation or rheumatism and will pass shortly.