Hand reflexology is a massaging technique which works by applying pressure to reflex points within the hands. These reflex points are believed to be connected to other parts of the body. When massaging these points, the whole body is treated during the reflexology session.
One of the best reasons to try using hand reflexology is the total relaxation you will feel.
Hand reflexology is very safe but there are a few cautions to be aware of before having a session. For example, reflexology is not recommended during pregnancy as it can trigger early contractions.
Get yourself comfortable before trying any of these techniques by sitting in a comfortable chair in a quiet room. Start to relax by using some of your favourite oil on your hands.
Rub the oil or cream on your hands for several minutes until completely absorbed. This will help to relax your hands and increase flexibility in preparation for applying reflexology.
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.
Press firmly on the reflex point and gradually increase the pressure to make sure you’re “activating” the reflex but stop if you feel some pain.
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.
You can then apply on the other hand then sit quietly for at least 10 minutes. If possible, lie down and rest well for half an hour.
Drink several glasses of water after applying reflexology. Water will help to drain the toxins released from your organs and muscles during the session.
Before you try any of the reflexology points below or if you’re unsure if it’s safe for you or you have any concerns, you should discuss this with a professional reflexologist or with your doctor prior to trying it.
For headaches try the following. With your thumb and index finger, hold the centre of the webbing in your hand between the thumb and index finger, on your left hand and apply pressure for at least a minute. Switch hands and repeat. Another way is to place the pads of your fingertips on the sides of your forehead, then move them in small circular motions clockwise or anticlockwise. Using a drop of lavender oil on your hands before massaging can enhance this treatment. Finish with slow strokes across your forehead, from the centre to your ears, keeping the pressure gentle.
For a tension headache hold your index finger to the point located between the eyebrows where the nose and brow join, in the spot sometimes referred to as the ‘third eye’. Apply pressure for at least a minute.
For a migraine hold your thumb and index finger or two middle fingers, whichever is easier against two points located on the back of the neck, on either side of the spine, at the base of the skull. Apply pressure for at least a minute.
You can buy books or charts with the hand reflexology points if you find this beneficial. Hand Reflexology and Acupressure: A Natural Way to Health Through Traditional Chinese Medicine by Chen Feisong (Author), Gai Guozhong (Author) is on Amazon for £12.99 – Though practices like acupuncture have become popular in the West over the last few decades, they have been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Hand reflexology and acupressure are two techniques that can achieve similar results to more complicated practices like acupuncture but can be done at home, on yourself, without any tools. This book acts as a beginner’s guide to these pressure-based practices. Through illustrations and easy-to-understand language, readers can learn a variety of useful pressure points, how to properly utilize them and daily care that can be done to address certain health concerns. Through recent studies, hand reflexology and acupressure have been shown to help with a variety of issues, including, Nausea; Stress, tension and anxiety; Insomnia; Headaches; Chronic pain; Digestive issues; Muscle and joint injury. The safe, reliable techniques outlined in this book are easy for anyone to master and, importantly, can be used anywhere.
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