HAND REFLEXOLOGY

Worry beads, rosaries, buttons.... manipulating things with our hands has always been a method of relieving stress. Other alternatives are to use chrome stress balls to exercise the hands, wrists and forearms, or to try some on-the-spot reflexology for rapid relief.

Most people have heard about reflexology on the feet, but few know that hand reflexology is just as good, and even quicker for those who cannot sit still. You can do it anytime, anywhere. Once you know which part of the hand to work on, you can relieve specific health complaints, as well as bring your body's energy flow back into balance, which is the ultimate aim.

Reflexology works by stimulating certain points on the hands and feet; this, in turn, stimulates the flow of vital energy, or chi, that flows between our internal organs. The theory is that if this energy is blocked or stagnated, the body cannot heal itself and becomes unbalanced.

Reflexology can remove energy blockages in all areas of the body by increasing circulation, removing tension and detoxifying. Once energy is flowing freely again, the body can heal itself and stay strong and healthy.

Hand reflexology is a useful alternative when your feet are muffled in winter layers. It is also much easier than foot reflexology for a DIY treatment as you can easily reach all the reflex points. After all, it is not ideal to sit twiddling your toes at your desk, but you can help a headache by rubbing the tips of your fingers even while having a face-off with your boss. If you have a chronic condition or are pregnant, however, see a professional.

One drawback of hand reflexology is that the structure of the hand, with its small bones and very little flesh, makes it less satisfying than a foot rub.

Theoretically, the right hand mirrors the right side of the body with its organs, including the liver, while the left hand is home to the heart reflex point and a reflex point that stimulates the spleen. The spleen makes and stores red blood cells, and produces the infection-fighting parts of the immune system. Stimulates it by rotating the tip of the left index finger in a clockwise direction, pressing down on your hand.

Try these reflexology techniques for specific complaints:

Back pain: Use the thumb of the right hand to walk up and down one side of the thumb (A/B) on the left hand and then the other side (C). Repeat on the other hand. Repeat the movement every hour for three days, continuing until the problem clears.

Sinusitis: Use your thumb to walk up the fingers on the palm side of each hand. Do this every 40 minutes until you feel relief. After this, use the technique whenever sinusitis is present.



Nervous tension: Massage the web area between your thumb and index finger on each hand.

Insomnia: Gently massage the solar plexus reflex point, which is found on the side of each hand below the index finger and just above the web area.














THE REFLEXOLOGY HAND CHART