Reflexology Points In The Hand

Reflexology is a massage technique utilized by practitioners throughout the world. Depending on their geographical location, reflexologists may or may not be required to possess a license, or even a formal education in order to practice. In some areas, a massage license is considered adequate validation to practice reflexology. Some reflexologists are self taught, though schools such as Canada's Universal College of Reflexology, which has been in operation since 1991, do offer certification programs.

According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, the principles behind reflexology are similar to those of acupuncture. By stimulating certain pressure points, reflexologists believe they can treat regions of the body which correspond to those pressure points. As a diagnostic tool, reflexology purports that tenderness in reflex points can indicate pathology in the organs to which those points relate. Most commonly, reflexologists concentrate on pressure points in the hand or foot.

Pressure Points for the Head and Brain

By treating the distal portions of all four fingers and the thumb, reflexologists aim to stimulate the head, brain and sinuses, according to reflexologists Barbara and Kevin Kunz. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that reflexology can to aid in migraine relief and decrease the amount of medication that migraine sufferers must consume to alleviate their pain.

The very center of the distal thumb pad (the end of the thumb) is associated with pituitary function, says Kunz. Stimulation of this endocrine gland is used by reflexologists in addressing health issues such as allergies, including hay fever, and psoriasis.

Pressure Points for the Stomach

Kunz notes that reflexology pressure points for the stomach exist primarily in the center of the left palm, with a smaller reflex area between the base of the right thumb and the wrist. Digestive ailments such as ulcers and nausea are targeted by treatment to these areas, with duodenal ulcers being associated specifically with the right hand reflex area.

Pressure Points for the Reproductive System

Reflex points on the back and front of the wrists of both hands correspond to the male and female reproductive organs, according to Kunz. On the medial, or pinky side, of the wrist are points related to the ovaries and testicles. These can be accessed by stimulating those areas on both the front and back of the wrist. The lateral, or thumb side of the wrist has points related to the prostate gland and uterus, also accessible from the front and back of the wrist. Kunz recommends stimulation of these area in treating such reproductive disorders as premenstrual syndrome and impotence.