What Are Foot Reflexology Pressure Points?
Foot Massage Mat, Reflexology Massage Plastic Stone Mat for Pain Relieve Relief, Acupoint Massage Pad for Ease Tiredness of The Muscle, Acupressure Relaxes Stress Relief Tool (13.77' x 13.77') $7.99 $ 7. 99 ($7.99/Count) $19.99 $19.99. The Nationally recognized definition is: 爀屮 爀屮Foot and hand reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there ar zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts.
In reflexology theory, the feet contain points or areas that “reflect” back to various organs and parts of the body. These points are on the bottom (plantar) surface, the top (dorsal) surface, and on the outside (lateral) and inside (medial) of the foot.
Foot reflexology chart – main foot pressure points
In general, the foot is divided up into regions that reflect back to various areas of the body. The general division is that the toes and the area just below them reflect back to the head and various organs in the head (eyes, ears, nose, sinuses).
Benefits Of Foot Reflexology Massage
The inside surface of both feet reflects back to the spine, while the outer surfaces reflect back to the shoulders, arms, hips, knees, and legs. The bottom of the foot is worked for effect on organs, with the upper third of the foot being organs in the chest (lungs, heart), the middle third being abdominal organs (stomach, spleen, liver, intestines) and the lower third being pelvic organs (reproductive organs, bladder, colon, etc).
How to Work on Foot Reflexology Pressure Points – Techniques
In traditional Western Reflexology, points and areas can be worked using thumb-walking, finger-walking, pivoting, and sliding. (1) Eastern Reflexology and some Integrative Reflexology practices may also include the use of light stroking, knuckles, circular friction, and tools.
- Thumb-walking – Can be used on the majority of the reflexes, with the exception of very small points. The outer edge of the tip of the thumb applies the pressure. With the first knuckle of the thumb bent, move the thumb all around reflex being worked by taking tiny “steps” with the thumb.
- Finger-walking – Is done using a finger or multiple fingers rather than the thumb, but with the same kind of process as thumb-walking. It is used primarily on the top and sides of the feet.
- Pivoting – Is used on small reflex points to pinpoint pressure. The tip of the thumb is rotated slowly on the reflex point.
- Sliding – Can be used to help break down deposits, and is performed by sliding the thumb over an area while maintaining gentle pressure.
- Light strokes – Are used on the tops of the feet and over the ankles.
- Circular friction -Can be used in a manner similar to thumb-walking on many reflex areas. Is often used in Eastern Reflexology on the lines on the inside and outside of the lower legs. The fingers or thumb is moved in a circular manner along a reflex line.
- Knuckles – Can be used to put deeper pressure on areas on the bottom of the foot, or used in a similar manner to pivoting with the thumb.
- Tools – Such as reflexology sticks are used to reduce the strain on the hands of the practitioner. They can be used like pivoting on specific reflexology points or can be used for light stroking or sliding. Care must be taken when using a tool to not exert excessive pressure.
How To Give Yourself A Foot Reflexology Massage – Tutorial
How to massage foot pressure points for pain relief
Reflexology aimed at specific ailments should be considered a complementary therapy rather than a primary treatment. Optimally, any treatment for a specific ailment would first begin with a full reflexology treatment, so that the feet are warmed up and all systems of the body have been addressed.
When working specific reflex areas, feel for areas that are tight or feel like they have small hard nodules in them. These are areas that have congestion that needs to be broken up. Work within your tolerance, and do not use excessive pressure.
Low Back Pain and Sciatica Reflexology Pressure Points (Tutorial)
Work on the lumbar spine and sacral areas. These are found along the inside of the foot from approximately mid-foot to the heel. Use thumb-walking, circular friction, and/or sliding. Work the sciatic nerve area on the bottom of the heel using thumb-walking, knuckles and/or a tool.
Other areas that may be affected and need work include the hip and knee points on the outside of the foot near where the heel meets the mid-foot, reproductive and pelvic muscle areas on the outside and inside of the heel area, large intestine areas on the bottom of the foot just above the heel, and lymphatic areas on the top of the foot. (1,2)
Foot reflexology pressure points for general headaches and migraines (Tutorial)
Work on the areas of the foot associated with the head. These are found on the big toe, from the tip of the toe to the base.
These areas can be worked with thumb-walking, pivoting or a tool. Work the entire spinal reflex from the base of the toe to the heel on the inner edge of the foot.
Work the sinus points, which are found on each toe about the center of the pad on the bottom of the toe. Sinus reflexes can bet worked with point pressure.
You can also work the digestive system in the middle of the bottom of the foot, and the lymphatic areas on the top of the foot. (1,2)
How to massage foot pressure points for migraines
Migraine headaches are headaches that are intense, generally confined to one side of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, an aversion to bright lights, and visual disturbances.
- Work the head points on the great toe;
- the solar plexus area at the center of the plantar surface of the foot, just below the ball;
- the entire spine reflex along the inside edge of the foot;
- the neck reflexes around the bottom of the great toe;
- reflex points for the sinuses on the pads of the toes;
- the area for the eyes on the ball of the foot, between the 2nd and 3rd toes;
- the pituitary gland point near the center of the pad of the big toe;
- the area for the thyroid gland, at the base of the big toe and between the first and second metatarsal on the ball of the foot;
- the areas for the ovaries (for women), which are on the outside of the heel around the ankle bone (malleolus)
- the areas for the digestive system and liver in the middle of the plantar surface of the foot. (1)
Allergies Foot Pressure Points Massage Instructions
For allergy symptoms, work the head (great toe), face (top of the great toe), and lymphatic system (top of the foot). If food allergies are involved, it is also good to work the digestive system (in the center of the plantar surface of the foot). For upper respiratory and sinus issues, work the sinus points on the pads of the toes and the lung and bronchial areas on the ball of the foot). (1,2)
Foot reflexology pressure points for tension or stress or anxiety
An overall reflexology session is important for people with chronic stress since it can result from many different causes and affect many different systems.
Focus on the solar plexus point at the center of the foot, just below the ball of the foot; the heart area on the ball of the left foot; the lungs areas on the balls of both feet; and the adrenal glands near the inside center of the feet. In addition, use some relaxing foot massage at the end of the reflexology session. (1)
Insomnia foot pressure points
For people who have difficulty sleeping, like those with stress or tension, focusing on the areas for overall relaxation is recommended. These areas include the head and reflex areas on the great toe; the solar plexus point at the center of the foot, just below the ball of the foot; and the adrenal glands near the inside center of the feet. In addition, use some relaxing foot massage at the end of the reflexology session. (1)
Massaging Foot Pressure Points For Menopausal Issues
Menopause may bring symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, palpitations, joint pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears, weight gain, short-term memory loss, incontinence, shortness of breath, headaches, dry eyes and fatigue, among others.
Reflexology treatments for these symptoms work on the uterus areas on the inside of the heel just below the ankle bone (malleolus), the area for the ovaries on the outside of the heel near the lateral malleolus.
Use circular pressure on these areas. Also work the endocrine system including the adrenal gland areas on the bottom of the foot near the inside center of the arch, the thyroid, and parathyroids area below the great toe and between the first and second metatarsal bones, as well as the pituitary point on the pad of the great toe. (4)
Conclusions
References:
- Wills, P. The Reflexology Manual: An Easy-to-Use Illustrated Guide to the Healing Zones of the Hands and Feet. 1995. Healing Arts Press. Rochester, Vermont.
- Miller, C.M. Bringing the Feet to Life: Integrative Reflexology, Volume 2: 4-Theory Integrative Approach. 2004. Claire Marie Miller Seminars, Inc.
- Galls, S.P. The Art of Thai Foot Massage: A Step-by-Step Guide. 2008. Findhorn Press. Findhorn, Forres, Scotland.
- Berger, J and Sachs, J. Reflexology: The A-Z Guide to Healing with Pressure Points. 1997. Del Publishing. New York.
DIY Free reflexology chart. Using this ancient hidden technique - Reflexology!
Foot reflexology and chart
Are you feeling stressed out? Do you have a winter cold or bug? This can help you get back on your feet! As were coming up to winter we will encounter all sorts of illness. Not only that life can be a big ball of stress. Treat yourself today to a reflexology massage!! I will show you how.
Are you missing out on the amazing art of reflexology?
Over 20 million people have used my reflexology chart and advice to improve their lives - so why not you? Ok, so in the evening the TV is on, you check or surf on your phone, emails falling in your inbox. Picture it!... all the demands on you in a day, it is not surprising that you find it hard to relax. Double that up with a stinking cold or winter illness. Stress can create a knock on effect on our hormones and prevent the relaxation needed to properly sleep. Well, this was a summary of how I felt last year before I uncovered the hidden secret of reflexology.
So what is it? How will it help me?
Foot Massage Reflexology Chart
In reflexology there are certain points or nerves that are contained in your feet, that are associated with organs and different parts of the body. These points need to be massaged in order to eliminate stress, built up tension, illness and pain. Reflexology is an alternative healing method that has been in practice for thousands of years. And, did you know that it's an ancient practice and was passed down through an oral tradition, and possibly first recorded as a pictograph on and Egyptian tomb? It is very difficult to track exactly how old this alternative method of medicine is. Basically it is accomplished by applying pressure to certain areas of the hands, feet, and ears, it is believed that the pain from nerve damage or stress will be lessened. The truth is, it doesn’t really matter how old it is… what matters is that it works! You will be glad you tried it!
Running this website can be stressful, especially when things go wrong technically - and in life I was looking for something to help me take care of myself. Yes, self-reflexology saved the day!! This ancient art has been jumbled into the category of being somewhat a mystery but it is worth a go.
Wait.. lets get down to business:
Firstly, you need to understand the mercian and focal points. We have drawn a handy foot chart which you can download and use to assist you in performing your own reflexology, each area of the foot is connected to a part of your body. Massaging these areas will make you feel relaxed and happy again. It helps with any insomnia, stress and more importantly it breaks the cycle of negative energies and forces one to clear their mind. So at the end of the day, employing the typical techniques I list here can help you improve your mental well-being. Go for it I say. As a trained reflexologist I will show you how to massage your own feet to ensure you can create not only calmness but also to maximize relaxation.
All that stress could ruin your inner self, but employing this technique you can start to feel better - boy, is that not worth it? Don’t worry it is relatively easy and you can use both your thumbs and fingers so lets do it now.
Instructions:
Soaking your feet in warm water or taking a long hot bubble bath before you carry out the reflexology will help you destress and relax - great news is that you can also perform reflexology in the bath using the ball massage outlined below. Also try to apply flour or talcum powder to help keep you from having sweaty feet if you decide not to take a bath. You can wear your socks so don’t worry. Oh yes, and if you cannot reach your foot a chair or anything with a round end will do. Even the end of a broom! If you don’t have time, fill a jar of marbles and stand on them.Ok, now we have identified some important areas to massage, let’s run through the approach of massage. There are three types that you can apply.
1. Thumb walking in reflexology
This is a key massage technique which uses the joint of the thumb. You should try to work the massage as if your thumb is a worm and using the joint of the thumb. Press your thumb forward over the other thumb and wiggle.
2. Ball massage - using a marble:For this you need a small ball around 1.5 inches round. Use your thumb to move in a round firm circle motion clockiwise. Alternatively, you can stand on the ball and apply the pressure for 15 seconds. Release and then start again.
Reflexology Foot Map Printable
3. Rotation method of massage: The rotation method is using your thumb in order to create a circular motion clockwise to begin with, then counter-clockwise. Press your thumb hard at the end and work on the areas in the diagram above.
Check the foot chart above for the regions below:
- If your in the office try massaging your big toe, this represents the head and brain. Apply massage pressure here to relieve colds and headaches. The brain is known as the hub of your central nervous system, massaging the meridian point will help your overall body feel better.
- Lung and chest - If you have a cold then the portion of the soles of the feet are connected to your chest. The energy in the lung is released when this is massaged and can help with any respiratory problems.
- The gall bladder when pressed will rejuvenate the gall bladder. Managing this regularly will stimulate your bile acids and help with digestion of fats.
- Kidneys - This area is found in the middle of the sole of the foot. When massaged, this meridian point will help elminate acidic and help speed up your metabolism and weight loss. Massaging the kids is also great for helping blood pressure.
- The small intestines is where we digest all our food. This is massaged to help with healthy skin and also breaking down fatty acids that your body needs. Massaging this area can help ensure the correct nutrients are in your body.
- No doubt about it, when you have a cold make sure you massage the throat nose and neck area which are found in the bottom bridge of your big toe.
- The spinal region in reflexology goes all the way along the inside of your foot, massage this for back problems or just to ease stress and tension. Also known as the lumber or vertebrate.
- The pancreas meridian can be seen near the kidney. This controls your sugar levels and hyperglycaemia.
- The thyroid gland found in the middle of the soles of the foot will help with weight loss - as this is responsible for our hormones (T3) and also (T4) These hormones help us develop and grow. They are great areas to massage on children to help growth. Additionally, massaging this area can help your concentration great if you have an exam looming.
- Your stomach is found on the sole of the foot, and by pressing this meridian point can encourage good digestion. Focusing on the stomach, massaging this area is normally connected to feeling less anxiety. Working on this area will enable a more calming and soothing approach to life. This is due to our inner chakra system of the solar plexus. In essence, massaging the stomach area of the foot can remove those “nervous” or “butterfly” feelings when your feeling particularly stressed.
- The smallest part of your feet is normally associated with your waist, rectrum and groin. Apply the ball method of massage in order to release tension in this area.
To help you better analyse the diagram above to understand the certain areas such as the nose and eyes and how these appear. Using my chart, the logic and areas of the foot are clearly outlined. Please note, both feet are different and provide an area for each side of the body. For example we can see the heart is positioned on the left hand side foot. Using my chart you can easily find the key areas you wish to work on. Spiritually, working on say for example the eyes will allow you to see from the third eye and meditate to gain answers to the future!
So, How Exactly Can Reflexology Help You Out?
There are many things reflexology can help with. Most often, reflexology is used to alleviate pain from nerve damage and relieve headaches and other ailments. While not agreed upon as a legitimate medical practice, many agree that reflexology is helpful and useful as a medical treatment. That’s not all reflexology can do for you. Some other known benefits of reflexology are:
- Improved Circulation – Blood and oxygen are better cycled throughout the body, speeding up healing and replacement of damaged cells.
- High Energy Levels – Increase your metabolism and energy creation processes!
- Nervous System Stimulation – By opening neural pathways, reflexology can increase your motor skills, cognitive function, and even boost memory!
- “Speed Healing” -Due to increased nerve activity and blood circulation, paired with a faster metabolism, cells will begin to heal and repair themselves at a faster rate.
- Reduction/Elimination of Headaches – One of the most popular uses of reflexology, eliminating headaches and migraines by applying pressure to, and therefore relaxing, nerves and muscles linked to the cause of headaches and migraines.
Spread the love and share this with your friends on facebook to unlock the hidden secrets of self healing. Flo xx
Asian Foot Massage Map Reflexology Calf
Oh... finally...relaxation done right! The relaxation benefits alone are compelling reasons to give reflexology a try. More relaxation means more time spent enjoying the day instead of being in pain and hiding from the light. More time spent with your family enjoying time together instead of being curled up on the couch with Advil and a TV show. Reflexology has proven very effective in relaxation and pain relief. Surely seeing people with a little more flounce in their bounce makes for a good amount of proof. It’s not hard to see why people use this in the evening to relax. Give it a go now!