Reflexology is an ancient art of foot massage which stimulates the energy channels in the body known as meridians. Meridians are the channels or conduits through which Qi (or energy) travels in the body. A number of meridians are present in the feet as reflex areas or points, and correspond to the organs and systems of the body. Stimulating these reflex points in the feet with massage helps to restore balance in the body and relieve pain and stress.
Reflex Points of the Spine
According to ReflexologyResearch.com, "The spine reflex area runs down the insides of the feet and hands with reflex areas for the arm and shoulder reflected toward the outside of the foot or hand. The toes and fingers mirror the head and neck as well as the parts of the body they encase." Stimulating these areas can help to ease discomfort in the back and spinal area and help the back muscles around the spine to relax.
The usual technique used by reflexologists is to thumb walk from the inner side of the big toe, following the bones of the instep, to the heel. The process is then reversed by thumb walking back up to the toe. This walk is usually done twice as part of a full comprehensive treatment, but can also be performed alone as a single treatment to ease pain.
Reflex Points of the Pelvic Area
Problems in the spine may be caused by a number of other body ailments. For example, a knee or ankle injury may affect walking and cause bad posture, thus causing back pain. Equally, a problem with the sciatic nerve, which is attached to the spine, can cause pain in the back and legs. To treat this area of the body, a reflexologist will thumb walk over the sole of the foot at the heel, moving in an upward direction parallel to the ankle bone. The thumb or finger walk then continues down the outside of the foot, across the heel, and up the other side of the foot to just above the ankle bone. This is done twice and helps to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and to rebalance the pelvic area.
Reflex Points of the Neck and Shoulders
Stress can cause major problems around the neck and shoulders, as this area tends to become tense and stiff when feeling tired or anxious. Reflexology can help loosen these points of tightness and tension. The area of the foot which corresponds to the neck lies at the base of the big toe. "A gentle thumb walk across the base of the front and the back of the big toe will help any neck problems," says Ali Headeach, a reflexologist from Margate, UK. "To ease related pain and tension in the shoulders, lightly grip the area just below the little toe and gently massage in a circular motion between thumb and forefinger."
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