12 STEPS TO TREATING LOWER BACK PAIN WITH HAND REFLEXOLOGY…

Most people know ‘reflexology’ as something that is done to your feet but hand reflexology is definitely another technique that is becoming just as popular. Hand reflexology certainly provides some benefits compared to foot reflexology. The obvious example is that our hands are far more easily accessible compared to our feet, which makes hand reflexology the most usable self-help tool for both adults and children. Hand and foot reflexology has actually been used as part of medical care since as far back as the ancient Egyptian and classic Chinese times. The basic assumption used by the reflexologist is that each organ, gland and part of the body is reflected in both the hands and the feet. Stimulation of the so-called ‘reflex points’ promotes relaxation, improves circulation and encourages the body to heal itself. This explains why hand reflexologists sometimes use the axiom: “Health is at your fingertips!” Hand reflexology is also brilliant as a relief from the new stresses technology has placed on our hands. For lower back pain, in particular, press the point where the centre of your hand joins your wrist and stimulate it. Always take medical advice if you don’t know what the problem is. This is a perfect antidote to a backache caused by sitting at a computer for too long. Follow the basic steps seen below while working on these points A great site Reflexology Map that explains in detail how to start a hand massage.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS TO START YOUR HAND MASSAGE:

Step 1:  Sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet room. Step 2:  Enter a state of relaxation by adding a few favourite oils or creams to your hands. Oils and creams are normally not used in professional reflexology sessions, but will not hurt to use them in an informal session.

Step  3: Rub the cream on your hands for several minutes until completely absorbed. This will relax your hands and increase flexibility in preparation for applying reflexology. Be sure not to use a cream or oil greasy your hands are not slippery.

Step 4: Close your eyes and focus on any area of your body where you feel an uncomfortable pain. Sometimes you just feel as if some part of your body feels misaligned. Step 5: Consult a hand reflexology map like the ones above and below or watch this YouTube video (there are lots available) to identify the points of reflection in your hands that correspond to the parts of your body you want to work. For example, if you have pain in your left shoulder, you have to query the map and see that the points of reflection for your shoulder are located on the little finger of the left hand. Step 6: Firmly press the reflex point. You can gradually increase the pressure to make sure you’re “activating” the reflex, but loose a little if you feel some pain. Step 7: Hold the pressure for 30 seconds and release. Step 8: Wait a few seconds and repeat. You can press either 30 seconds or you can press and release the point of a pulsed for 30 seconds. Step 9: Use your thumb to apply light pressure technique pressure if you are uncomfortable. To do this, use a circular motion over the same point of reflection for about 5 seconds, then rotates in a circular in the opposite direction for 5 seconds. Repeated several times for each point of reflection. Step 10: Reflexology applies to all areas in both hands, but pay more attention to problem areas. Step 11: When you’ve finished your reflexology session sit quietly for at least 10 minutes. If possible, lie down and rest well for half an hour. Step 12: Drink several glasses of water after applying reflexology. Water will help to drain the toxins released from your organs and muscles during the session.