Many clients benefit from practising self-treatments with Hand Reflexology along with regular treatments of Reflexology. They can be performed everyday for 10 minutes to help support your general well-being and help relaxation.
Diaphragm Reflex
The diaphragm reflex is worked in all respiratory conditions as well as in any stress-related conditions by encouraging deep breathing and relaxing and calming down the client.
However the diaphragm is not only a muscle important for respiration, in fact its action also plays an important role in regulating lymphatic and digestive system.
The movement of diaphragm improves intestinal peristalsis and therefore digestive processes, furthermore the change of pressure inside the thoracic cavity during respiration favourites the flow of lymph through the lymphatic vessels.
In light of that, working the diaphragm reflex is beneficial in case of constipation as well as low immunity and poor lymphatic drainage such as water retention.
Diaphragm reflex is located on the middle of the palm of both hands, it is a line that runs from the lateral side to the medial side of the hand.
Solar Plexus Reflex
The solar plexus – also called the coeliac plexus – is a network of autonomic nerves located below the diaphragm and in line with the stomach.
The nerves emerging from this plexus innervate the digestive system as well as kidneys, liver and adrenal glands by regulating all autonomic processes of the body. This is the reason why the solar plexus reflex is one of the most powerful reflex point and it is worked in every reflexology treatment.
By stimulating this point we are creating a de-stress, relaxing and calming effect.
In ancient Chinese Medicine, the solar plexus is the 3rd Chakra, the energetic centre of personal power, self-esteem and home of emotions.
In Hand Reflexology the solar plexus reflex is located on the palmar aspect of both hands. It is a point in the center of the palm.
Spine Reflex
The spine reflex is usually worked in every reflexology treatment: it relaxes the client and releases muscular tensions along the client’s back.
Also the spine houses the spinal cord from which emerge 31 pairs of spinal nerves that regulate and control all body’s functions. Muscular tensions along the spine as well as any problem with the structure of the spine may affect the transmission of nerve impulses and therefore the body’s functions.
Working the spine reflex is also beneficial to any disorder of the nervous system and skeletal system.
In Hand Reflexology spine reflex is located on the medial side of both hands and it runs from the top of the thumb to the wrist.
Upper Lymphatic Reflex
The upper lymphatic reflex is worked in any conditions associated with poor immunity such as repeated infections, and with symptoms of lethargy and exhaustion.
By stimulating this area we improve the natural function of lymphatic nodes and the lymphatic drainage of the upper body (chest, breast, head and neck region).
An efficient lymphatic system filters the lymph, destroys harmful substances and produces lymphocytes that function in the immunity response.
In Hand Reflexology the upper lymphatic reflex is located on the dorsal aspect of both hands, in the spaces between fingers, from index to little finger.
Liver Reflex
Considering the multitude of functions, the liver reflex is worked in many conditions.
Liver is a storage of nutrients, is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, takes part in the digestive processes by producing bile. It also has a detoxification action and is an organ of elimination by freeing up the body from toxins and waste products.
Liver reflex is therefore worked to detoxify the body in conditions such as diabetes, blood disorders, headache and migraine, in condition of inflammation and to boost immune system as well as when client is assuming drugs in order to help detoxify the body from drug metabolism waste products.
Furthermore liver reflex is worked in condition where the body struggles to eliminate such as in case of constipation, of skin conditions such as acne, water retention, kidney failure, conditions of respiratory system, etc.
In Hand Reflexology the liver reflex is located on the palmar aspect of the right hand, on the lateral side, four lines down from the middle of the palm.
Lower Lymphatic Reflex
The lower lymphatic reflex is worked in any conditions associated with poor immunity such as repeated infections and in case of poor lymphatic drainage on lower body (water retention, Oedema, Lymphoedema).
By stimulating this area we promote the natural function of lymphatic nodes to filter the lymph from foreign substances and the lymphatic drainage of lower body (abdominal, pelvic area and legs).
In Hand Reflexology the lower lymphatic reflex is located on the dorsal aspect of both hands below the wrist. It runs from the lateral to the middle side.
Stomach Reflex
Stomach reflex is worked when there is any condition that affects directly the stomach such as anatomic disorders (Pyloric Stenosis), inflammatory disorders (Gastritis), ulcerative disorders (Gastric Ulcers) neoplastic pathologies (Gastric Carcinoma, Gastric Lymphoma) and when there is any disorder that affects digestive system in order to help alleviate symptoms such as pain, bloating, stomachache, improve digestion and promote its natural function.
Stomach is also worked in case of stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety is often thought being the cause of gastritis and other disorders/pathologies of the stomach and digestive tract when there is not an organic cause (psychosomatic disorders).
In Hand Reflexology the stomach reflex is located on the palmar aspect of both hands. It is an area that reminds the spokes of a bicycle wheel: it runs from a point located on the webbing between the thumb and finger to the medial edges of the hand.
Self-Treatment for Stress and Anxiety
In this video I am going to show you how to perform a self-treatment for Stress and Anxiety with Hand Reflexology.
I performed the self treatment only on one hand but every single stroke and reflex point needs to be worked in both hands.
Before starting apply a small amount of massage oil (grape seed oil is the most used one) but even a lotion/cream is fine.
The treatment starts with a relaxing hand massage which prepares yourself for the treatment and relaxes and warms the area that you are going to work.
The reflex points to work are:
HeadNeckSpineShoulderAdrenalsDiaphragmSolar PlexusUse a gentle touch and apply the pressure that fits you.
Thumb-Walking is the most common technique used in Reflexology and may require time to learn it but try to imagine the movement of the earthworm—> press and release, make a step forward and press and release and then again.
For small reflex points you need to apply the Pressure Technique (apply pressure for few seconds and then release) and also make circles with your thumb alternatively.
Remember: For small areas you need to use pressure technique and circles with your thumb, for bigger areas thumb-walking.
STRESS, ANXIETY AND REFLEXOLOGY
Stress and Anxiety is a common condition in our modern life and over long period of can lead to serious diseases. Research showed that more than 70% of illnesses are stressed-related.
When we feel stressed and anxious we may feel muscular tensions mostly in our upper body (neck, shoulders…) which affect the transmission of nerve impulses and in turn the proper organs functionality. That is why by relieving muscular tensions we may help our body and organs to work more efficiently and keep it balanced.
Another common effect of stress and anxiety is the feeling of tight chest and short-breath. When we don’t breathe deeply we don’t allow our circulatory system to function properly and to carry on oxygen and nutrients to the cells as weel as to free up the body from waste products and toxins efficiently.
Why working these reflex points?
By working on HEAD and SPINE we boost the Central Nervous System and the transmission of nerves impulses.
By working on NECK and SHOULDER we help relieve muscular tensions.
By working on ADRENALS we promote the action of this gland which is involved in the help the body to cope with stress
By working on DIAPHRAGM and SOLAR PLEXUS we help promote deep breathings, relaxation and calmness by regulating the action of the Autonomic Nervous System.
Self-Treatment for Insomnia
In this video I am going to show you how to perform a self-treatment for Insomnia and for promoting a better sleep.
I performed the self treatment only on one hand but remember to repeat the sequence in the other hand.
Before starting apply a small amount of massage oil (grape seed oil is the most used one) but even a lotion/cream is fine. I use balm/wax which is less slippery than oil and make your hand softer (ideal for dry skin).
The treatment starts with a relaxing hand massage which relaxes and warms the area that you are going to work.
In this video I introduced a new relaxation technique: Zone Walking. It is performed by using thumb-walking technique along our 5 energetic zones which run from the wrist up to each finger. This technique is very calming and balancing.
The reflex points to work are:
Solar PlexusPineal GlandBrainLungDiaphragmSolar PlexusUse a gentle touch and apply the pressure that best fits you. Thumb-walking is the most common technique used in Reflexology and may require time to learn it but try to imagine the movement of the earthworm—> press and release, make a step forward and press and release and then again.
For small reflex points you need to work differently: apply pressure on the reflex point (hold the point for a few seconds and then release, do it at least 3 times) and apply circles with your thumb (like a tornado). You can use one of this 2 techniques or (better) use both of them alternatively.
Remember: For small areas you need to use the pressure technique and circles with your thumb, for bigger areas thumb-walking.
INSOMNIA
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that often affects the mental and physical health. Those who suffer from it for long periods can experience several other disorders such as daytime sleepiness, lethargy, general feeling of being unwell, irritability, mood swings and lack of focus and concentration.
Why working these reflex points?
By working on SOLAR PLEXUS we regulate the autonomic nervous system and promote the action of Parasympathetic and therefore relaxation.
By working on PINEAL GLAND and BRAIN we stimulate and boost the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate biological rhythms such as sleep.
By working on LUNGS and DIAPHRAGM we promote deep breathing and calm down the action of the Sympathetic system.
Sympathetic..Parasympathetic…. but what are they?
They make up our autonomic nervous system. A quick example to let you understand:
When you are running or you are anxious is working the Sympathetic System!
When you are lying down reading a book or you are having a bath is working your Parasympathetic System!
TIPS
1) Make yourself comfortable before starting. You can help yourself with a pillow under your arms, keep your shoulders relaxed!
2) You don’t need to apply hard pressure! Reflexology is effective even with a light-medium pressure.
3) Be careful when practising thumb-walking. You don’t need to bend it too much. Keep it gentle!
4) I know doing in on yourself is not the same as receiving it. Ask your husband and give him something in exchange like cooking his favourite cake?!
5) Remember to deeply breathe in with the nose and to breathe out with the mouth when working on the solar plexus!
6) Do not worry if you think you are not performing the treatment correctly. Just focus on your breath, let yourself go and relax your body and mind!