Finding relief through reflexology treatments is becoming more and more popular for people who suffer from chronic illnesses like sinusitis or migraines, or allergies or chronic pain. Reflexology is a very popular type of complementary medicine that people like because it is non-invasive.
Reflexology is similar to some ways to the proven practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture uses needles to remove energy blockages in the body and restore the flow of energy in the body which leads to balance and better health. Reflexology uses massage at specific points of the body to do the same thing.
Reflexologists can treat problems throughout the body by massaging and applying pressure to the corresponding points on the feet and on the hands. Reflexology is great for people who suffer from chronic pain and illness who don’t find other treatments to be effective or don’t want to take a lot of prescription drugs to manage their problems.
Reflexologists are highly trained in anatomy and physiology. The reflexology points on the front of the hands correspond to many different parts of the body like the heart, the Eustachian tubes in the ears, the spleen, the liver, the thyroid and many others. Reflexology points on the back of the hands correspond to the hips, the knees, the cervical spine, the lymphatic drainage system and many other part of the body. When you talk to a reflexologist and describe the problems that you are having the practitioner will develop a personalized treatment plan for you that will address any special concerns that you have.
To make sure that all of your organs are functioning properly a reflexologist will use pressure or sometimes light massage to remove any energy blockages. People report that their pain and other symptoms clear up very quickly after a reflexology treatment. This type of alternative treatment may not be covered by your insurance, but it is very helpful for people who have problems with circulation, tension, autoimmune disorders, chronic pain disorders, fatigue, muscle tension, sport injuries, hormone imbalances, digestive problems and chronic back problems.
When you go to a reflexology appointment you can expect it to take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on how much therapy you require. Your reflexologist will talk to you for the first part of the appointment and explain the treatment plan and make sure that you are comfortable. If the reflexologist is working on your hands only you won’t need to remove any clothing or even your shoes. However, your reflexologist may want to incorporate treatments on both your hands and feet to address your particular problems.
Reflexology and hand anatomy
Anatomy may be a term that you often hear without actually knowing the word is meant. In short, the anatomy can be described as a study of the existing part on your body. By studying the anatomy of the left hand, you can find out where the point of reflection is that can be used to heal when you are ill.
If you already know a lot about the anatomy of your hand, then you can use your understanding to know that there are reflex points on your hands. The reflection point on your hand is divided into four meridians and they are:
- The Lungs Meridian. It starts from a point outside the upper side of the right thumb under the thumbnail. The line is associated with the lungs and respiratory tract. If it hurts while massaged it means the patient may be feeling sick with the flu, or have a condition such as asthma.
- The Heart Meridian. At the start of the point which is located next to the little finger under the nail. The line is related to the heart and blood circulation. If you feel pain while massaging it, it could mean you are affected by kidney disease or kidney related diseases.
- The Pericardium Meridian. Starting from the point that lies under the nail of the middle finger and crosses the central part of the palm of the hand. This pathway affects the activity of the heart, blood circulation, and the small intestine. When it hurts while being massaged it may mean you have a spleen condition.
- The Intestine Meridian. Starting from a point located under the index finger nail across the backhand. If you feel any pain while massaging it you could be suffering from poor digestive system, front headache, sore waist, buttocks and thighs.
As you can see knowing and learning the anatomy of your left hand can be very beneficial in diagnosing some ailments, diseases or conditions your body may be affected by.
Should you try reflexology?
If you have never tried Reflexology you should find a practitioner in your area and make an appointment. Many people who are skeptical about complementary medicine are amazed by the difference that alternative therapies such as this one can make in their lives. Even though Reflexology was not developed until the 1930s it uses principles that have been used by many cultures throughout the centuries to alleviate pain and make people healthy.