• What is reflexology, and what are its benefits?
• How to use the reflexology hand map
• Different areas of the hand that correspond to different parts of the body
• Reflexology techniques you can use at home
• The importance of relaxation in reflexology
• Tips for avoiding stress and tension during a reflexology session

What is reflexology, and what are its benefits?

Reflexology is a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses pressure points on the hands and feet to improve the health of the body. Hand reflexology is a massage method in which pressure is applied to specific reflex sites on your hands. The assumption is that these points correspond to different body sections and that rubbing them can relieve problems in other parts of the body.

It may also be known as hand reflex therapy, hand acupressure, hand massage technique, shiatsu for the hands & palm therapy. Generally, reflexology is practiced on the feet, ears, or hands. Reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure but rather as a complementary therapy to other healing systems. Consult a hand reflexology chart to learn more about potential benefits to organs and internal systems.

Reflexology is said to provide a range of benefits. It is a treatment that:

• is free from any drugs and chemical
• improves circulation
• can relieve stress (space between thumb and index finger)
• improves digestion
• improves sleep quality
• can relieve symptoms of pain and discomfort
• helps the body to maintain the dexterity and locomotion ability
• prevents any illness
• promotes recovery process from any injury, particularly at any region at hands and feet

How to read the reflexology hand map

One can use the reflexology hand map to improve the health of the body by targeting reflex points on the hands (ex. middle finger, ring finger, the base of the thumb, palm, etc.) To use the reflexology hand map:

• Find a comfortable position and locate the reflex points on your hands.
• Lightly massage each reflex point for a few seconds, using gentle pressure.
• Repeat this process on each reflex point until you feel relaxed.

Divide your body

Consider the body’s partitioning into ten zones. William Fitzgerald, a reflexologist, was the first to split the body into ten zones, five on each side. These zones cover the entire body, from the fingers to the toes and from front to back. Each zone corresponds to a specific region on a person’s hands or feet.

• Reflexology provides a precise interaction between an internal organ and pressure applied to the hand.
• A hand reflexology chart demonstrates the relationship between the region of the hand and the body’s internal organs.
• Compared to the more constant foot reflexology charts, there may be significant fluctuation in hand reflexology charts.

Consider your body’s meridians.

Fitzgerald’s classification of the body into zones is based on an old Chinese technique that divides the body into 12 meridians. The body’s energy (or chi) flows via these meridians and feeds the body and the spirit. Health problems will occur if the routes become blocked or weakened.

• Reading a hand reflexology chart might help you comprehend the link between the afflicted body location and the place on the hand.
• Applying pressure to the reflex zones may assist reduce stress and tension, balance the body, and allow all organs to function properly.

Recognize the automatic reflex arc

In the human body, there are two types of reflex arcs: somatic reflex arcs, which impact the muscles, and automatic reflex arcs, which affect the inner organs. The automatic reflex arc is the foundation of hand reflexology that enables the body to respond to situations without the brain’s need. It is, nevertheless, a function of the central nervous system.

Consider the body’s reaction to touching a hot stove to better comprehend the automatic reflex arc. When your hand comes into contact with a hot burner, it moves away faster than your brain can absorb the pain. Your hand reacts automatically.

Different areas of the hand that correspond to different parts of the body

The reflexology hand map consists of a series of pressure points on the hands that correspond to different body areas. The reflexology hand map is divided into two sections: the left and right hand. Each section includes reflex points for the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and legs.

You can use reflexology to treat a wide variety of conditions.

Massaging reflex points on the hands and feet is said to have a beneficial effect on many different ailments and illnesses, including:

• allergies
• back pain
• arthritis
• asthma
• bronchitis
• nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
• insomnia

Reflexology techniques you can use at home

There are several reflexology techniques that you can use at home to improve your health. Some of the most popular reflexology techniques include:

Thumb walking

Thumb walking is a reflexology technique that involves walking your fingers up and down the reflex points on your hands. To thumb walk, hold your hand flat with your fingers together. Use your thumb to walk up and down the reflex points on your hand, applying light pressure. Repeat this process on each reflex point until you feel relaxed.

Rubbing

The rubbing method is a reflexology technique that involves massaging your hands with circular motions. You can use your palms to massage each reflex point on your hand with circular motions, applying light pressure.

Circles

The reflexology hand map includes a reflex point for the liver located on the back of the hand. The “circle technique” is a reflexology technique that can be used to massage this reflex point. Use your fingers to make circles around the reflex point on the back of your hand, applying light pressure.

Petrissage

Petrissage is another reflexology technique you can use at home to improve your health. To perform petrissage, use both hands to massage each reflex point on your hands with circular motions, applying light pressure. Petrissage can be used to treat various conditions, including digestive problems, sleep issues, and infertility.

Vibration

The vibration technique is a reflexology technique that involves vibrating your fingers over a pressure point on your hands.

The importance of relaxation in reflexology

It is important to relax and massage the reflex points on the hands and feet in reflexology. This will help to improve the health of the body. Reflexology is a relaxing massage that can be used to treat various conditions. It is important to take your time and relax while performing reflexology therapy.

Breathing exercises can also help you benefit from hand reflexology. This will help you to relax while performing reflexology therapy.

Tips for avoiding stress and tension during a reflexology session

There are a few tips that you can follow to avoid stress and tension during a reflexology session:

– Make sure you are in a comfortable position.

– Take your time and relax while performing reflexology therapy.

– Breathe deeply and exhale as you work on reflex points.

– Avoid tense muscles by relaxing your entire body.

– Avoid this therapy if you have a health condition that prevents you from having a reflexology session. For instance, talk to your doctor before trying hand reflexology if you have:

• blood circulation issues
• inflammation or blood clots
• gout or joint issues
• thyroid issues
• epilepsy
• low platelet count
• diarrhea
• bacterial or fungal skin infections
• open wounds
• hand inflammation
• fever or any infectious disease

In addition, make sure you don’t stop following any other treatments prescribed by your doctor unless they tell you to do so.

Hand reflexology may be a useful tool for reducing pain and stress symptoms. Remember that many hand reflexology benefits don’t have any scientific backing. However, having a hand massage is going to be relaxing. Reducing stress and being in a calm state can help your immune system function better. And you’ll likely feel better. Keep up with any ongoing treatment plans recommended by your doctor, and stop applying pressure if your symptoms seem to get worse.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/hand-pressure-points

https://www.healthline.com/health/hand-reflexology

https://www.aor.org.uk/custom/handmap/index.php?obj=rh

https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Hand-Reflexology-Chart

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411015000905

The post The Reflexology Hand Map: A Guide to the Pressure Points on Your Hands appeared first on NYSRA Web.

Those who prefer nonchemical alternatives opt for a massage, acupressure, and reflexology. There is actually a hand reflexology chart that targets the problem areas you may be complaining about. By locating the reflex points, you are able to relieve symptoms without directly touching the affected area. Let us look at how an example of alternative medicine can relieve a specific health problem – hand reflexology for constipation.

Hand reflexology: The Art of Massage

As an ancient alternative medicine, hand reflexology is closely related to acupressure, acupuncture, and massage. There are some people who actually use these terms interchangeably. However,  reflexology, as a whole, is different as this is a technique that is, more often than not, done on the hands and feet. Its main goal is to help the body heal itself, not necessarily curing or treating a specific symptom.

The reflexologist applies pressure to particular reflex points in order to bring back the balance of the body. This step, in turn, allows the body to function properly so it can repair itself. Also called zone therapy, hand reflexology uses the thumb and index fingers to put pressure on target points found in both hands and feet.

Is Hand Reflexology Effective?

Many reflexologists would attest to the efficiency of using hand reflexology for constipation, headaches, anxiety, and abdominal pain, among many other symptoms that it can address. However, some skeptics would still doubt them since there is very limited information and studies to back up this technique. It may be considered as a branch of acupressure in order to gain popularity and supporting analyses or research to serve as evidence of its benefits and use.

While many would question its efficiency, no patient has ever claimed that their hand reflexology session caused them any harm or problem. In fact, of the little information and study that were done about hand reflexology, none of them mentioned any negative effects or adverse reactions that one should watch out for when doing this alternative medicine option.

Constipation Problems

Let us admit it; all of us have experienced constipation at a certain point in our lives. We may be trying to lose weight, trying on a new diet, or under a lot of stress that our digestion is getting affected. Constipation may also be caused by hormonal changes, age advancement, metabolism changes, and intake of certain medications. This health problem is also a common sign that we have an underlying health problem, like a neurological or digestive disease.

Constipation may be characterized as having a dry, hard stool that is painful and difficult to pass. Some would complain that they have the urge to defecate, but their poop is too hard and painful to push. Those who were able to defecate may notice that their stool is blood-tinged, and this may be from a tear in the anus because of the hardness of your bowel and the pressure you may have exerted to pass it down.

Hand Reflexology for Constipation

Now that we are well aware that hand reflexology can also be performed to help alleviate your constipation, you may be wondering what are the effective reflex points that you can use to address this discomfort.

For hand reflexology, therapists use the pressure point called Large Intestine 4 (LI4). This is located in the area between your thumb and index finger. Your reflexologist may do it for you, but the advantage of practicing reflexology is that you can do it on your own. So to target this reflex point, apply pressure on the area using your own thumb and index finger. Do this on the left hand, and repeat it on the right.

Hand reflexology: Should I Go to a Specialist?

You may be wondering, why should I go and get the services of a reflexologist if I can do it myself? The truth is, reflexology can be done in the comfort of your own home, but that doesn’t mean that you can always do it without help. Therapists are educated and equipped with the knowledge and technique to ensure that each pressure you apply on your hand or foot will elicit comfort and relief.

Wouldn’t it feel nice if you are relaxing while having someone experienced to help you relieve your complaints? What’s also great is the fact that your reflexologist can develop a health plan or strategy that can address your symptoms better and achieve your health goals successfully.

Hand Reflexology for Constipation and other Health Problems: What to Consider

Hand reflexology sounds less intimidating and easy to perform compared to other massage and alternative medicine like acupuncture. However, it is also important for your therapist to know your health history and your current condition. Though hand reflexology does not cause any harm, you may have an existing health problem that can be affected by your session. Talk to your reflexologist if you have one or more of the following:

• Issues with your blood circulation
• A tendency to develop blood clots
• Thyroid problems
• Hand or foot infection caused by bacteria or fungi
• Fracture on extremities (history of fracture, dislocation, or osteopenia)
• Inflammation (infection or edema) on hands or feet
• Body weakness

Hand reflexology is a good alternative in tackling body discomfort and ache, especially when compared to taking medications or undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures. It is also a recommended option for people who want to relieve stress and anxiety.

Many still doubt its effectiveness since it does not have enough scientific studies to back it up; Those who have experienced this alternative medicine technique swear by the help and relief from the pain and stress. So if you know a health provider that offers reflexology, why don’t you give it a try?

The post Is Hand Reflexology for Constipation Effective? appeared first on NYSRA Web.

What is hand reflexology?

Like regular reflexology, reflexology to the hand involves massaging it in certain places to relieve aches, pains and specific conditions related to other parts of the body. There is limited research that can back up the benefits to hand reflexology, but many patients who have tried it say that it is an advantageous method to help alleviate pain.

Hand reflexology can be used to relieve pain, anxiety and stress. It can also be used to help issues related to the mouth. There are also pressure points that can alleviate pain in teeth and around the mouth.

Is it safe?

Most of the time, hand reflexology is safe to be performed on most patients. However, people who are suffering from certain diseases like circulatory problems, gout, open wounds, are pregnant and have other conditions.

Before having any reflexology done, it is a good idea to see your doctor first. They will be the best person to tell you if you will benefit from hand reflexology or not. There are specific reasons why people with certain conditions will be put at risk if they get hand reflexology treatment done. For example, with pregnant people, stimulating pressure points may induce labor.

For children, it is safe for them to undergo this type of reflexology. However, it is still a good idea for the parents of these children to verify with their doctors if they are also suffering from other medical conditions.

Benefits for children

There are many ways by which children can benefit from hand reflexology.

For anxiety

Children can be anxious about various things. Dental anxiety, in particular, is not something new. Many children feel anxious and even afraid to go to the dentist. Hand reflexology can be used to relieve this kind of anxiety in children.

For pain

If the children experience pain related to a dental procedure, specific pressure points can be used to alleviate the pain. Pain associated with the head can be relieved with the help of hand reflexology.

Final thoughts

If you have an anxious child who is apprehensive about going to the dentist for dental procedures, it may be a good idea to have them undergo hand reflexology before the dental appointment. As long as they do not have any chronic illnesses or open wounds, they stand to benefit from this type of treatment. If you are unsure about if it is safe for your child to undergo hand reflexology, consult their pediatrician before doing anything.

Reflexology was developed in China long ago. It is meant to benefit to improve the lives of people who have aches, pains, and for them to cope better with anxiety. Consult a doctor if you are interested in using this treatment in conjunction with your medical or dental issues.

The post Having An Anxious Child? Hand Reflexology Can Help appeared first on NYSRA Web.

There is a belief that has been existing for a long time, where the points are connected to various parts of the body, and massaging these points can help alleviate symptoms that are disrupting the person’s way of life.

However, there are experts who still don’t support the information provided on the hand reflexology chart. Some studies reveal that the results of these massage techniques are inconsistent.

Hand Reflexology Chart

The good thing though is that studies found on the chart didn’t seem to pose any negative side effects to the body, although this is not recommended to pregnant women. A lot of individuals also claimed that they did experience the beneficial effects of reflexology. That’s why this field still exists today.

Here are some interesting points you can find about the chart; points that even you can try.

Relief for Anxiety

Did you know that there was once a study conducted to prove if hand reflexology can relieve anxiety? This was conducted last 2017 where individuals who are about to undergo coronary angiography will receive hand reflexology sessions. After the implementation, most people claimed that they were less anxious about the treatment.

If you want to try pressure to relieve anxiety, apply it just below the crease of your outer hand’s wrist. There’s a little dent that you can feel, massage that area for a minute and apply the same pressure on the other hand.

Relief for Constipation

A study was also conducted if reflexology can also provide relief for constipation. It was in 2010 when more than 90% of participants claimed to have lessened episodes of constipation, six weeks after undergoing a reflexology session.

Aside from constipation, a lot of them also experienced improvement from depression and anxiety. The downside here though is that there were only 19 participants. Hence, it does not totally support the proven results.

If you want to try it, just find your large intestine point, which is located between your index finger and your thumb. With your fingertips, apply pressure on this point for a minute. Do the same on the other hand. Many individuals said that this point can also relieve general pain.

Relief for Headache

Especially if it’s triggered by anxiety or stress, a lot of people believed that reflexology can allay headaches. A study in 2015 indicated that this method is effective in relieving headaches. Six months after getting the treatment, more than 50% of the participants provided positive feedback. More than 20% had their headaches fully stopped and approximately 10% stopped taking medications.

To experience this relief, apply pressure on the pericardium 6 point. It’s a few inches below the crease of your wrist, between the two tendons. Massage that point for one minute and apply the same pressure on the other wrist.

The post Learning from a Hand Reflexology Chart appeared first on NYSRA Web.