Reflexology is a complementary therapy that can be used in conjunction with medical treatment to provide relief from certain ailments. It is based on the belief that certain zones on your feet, hands, lower legs, face and ears correspond to different areas and organs throughout your body. According to the Association of Reflexologists, pressing on these reflexology points can stimulate the organs and help ease certain conditions by promoting circulation and muscle relaxation.
Performing Reflexology
While reflexology is no substitute for medical advice or treatment, a trained reflexologist will know the points to manipulate in order to help alleviate symptoms and assist with pain management. Most reflexology techniques are based on the idea of applying pressure to each reflexology point. You should feel pressure and possibly a tingling sensation, but if you feel pain you’re pressing too hard, says Naomi Coleman on the Daily Mail website. While a qualified reflexologist is considered to be the best person to administer this therapy, you can also perform therapeutic techniques on yourself at home.
Effleurage
Effleurage involves gently stroking the target body part -- usually the feet or hands -- with fluttering movements to prepare it for further treatment. The practitioner may use oils to further aid relaxation, although they are not standard to reflexology. They may also revert back to this technique throughout the session to relieve tension in the targeted reflexology zone and corresponding body part.
Creeping
For creeping – also known as thumb walking – press down with the fat pad of your thumb and slowly move forwards across your hand or foot. On the AllReflexology website, reflexologist Ann Gillanders suggests using the creeping technique to move up and down each toe on both feet to help relieve sinus-related congestion.
Rotation
According to Coleman, this technique is often used when manipulating the web between your thumb and first finger, which corresponds to your kidneys and adrenals glands. You can also use the technique halfway up your first and middle fingers to access your eye and ear reflexes, respectively. Press on the reflex point with the fleshy part of your thumb and firmly rotate the finger in towards your body. Apply pressure for a few seconds while in the rotated position then relax.
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