Reflexology is an alternative therapy that allows to exert a therapeutic effect throughout the body, acting in a single region, such as the hands, feet and ears, which are areas where the organs and different regions of the body are represented.
According to the reflexology of the hands, the hands represent small versions of the body and in the presence of some disorder in the organism, several reactions appear in the corresponding points in the hands.
This treatment consists in the stimulation of the points in the hands corresponding to the affected place, through the insertion of short and fine needles. However, the stimuli can also be performed with other utensils. Also know how to do reflexology in the feet.
What is it for
Depending on the region of the hand being stimulated, a different therapeutic effect may be achieved, and may be used in situations of stress, anxiety, migraine, constipation, poor circulation or sleep disorders, for example. Ideally, this technique should be performed by a specialized professional, but can be performed by the person himself, following the procedures step by step:
- Gently, but firmly, press the tips of each finger on the right hand and gently pinch the sides of each finger and repeat on the left;
- Firmly rub the sides of each finger on both hands:
- Gently pull each finger of the right hand, loosening grip as it moves from the base to the tip and then move to the left hand;
- Hold the skin between thumb and forefinger with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, gently pulling away until the fingers leave the skin and repeat in the other hand.
- Rest the free hand on the palm of the other hand, use the thumb gently and massage the back of the hand and then repeat in the left hand;
- Hold the wrist in the left hand and gently massage the wrist with the left thumb. Repeat with the other hand.
- Massage the palm of the hand with the left thumb and repeat in the other hand;
- Gently press the center of the palm with the opposite thumb and take two slow, deep breaths. Repeat on the other hand.
This procedure is very helpful in helping the person to relax and to alleviate some health problems related to the region that is massaged, however there are several ways to stimulate these regions which can be done in a more targeted way by focusing the stimulation at specific points, represented in the map above.
Some examples of how to do this stimulation are:
Headache relief
To relieve the headache, simply tighten for 5 strokes and loosen each fingertip, repeating 3 times on each finger of both hands. This exercise should be done regularly in the morning and at night to prevent pain, and in crises can be repeated several times.
Improved digestion
To improve digestion, you can massage the hand region immediately below the index finger and the middle finger, represented in the image with the number 17. Then you can repeat on the other hand.
Improved breathing and cough
To improve breathing and help reduce coughing, the base of the thumb of both hands should be massaged by rotating with the hand opposite the back of the thumb for about 20 minutes
What are the benefits
As with other complementary therapies, it is believed that reflexology has benefits for the neurological system, bone and muscle, arms and shoulders, spine, pelvic region, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, digestive system, urinary system, reproductive system and endocrine system.
Who should not use this therapy
Reflexology should not be practiced in people with unstable blood pressure, liver problems, recent surgery, cuts or hand wounds, fractures, diabetes, epilepsy, infections, skin allergy problems or people taking drugs or alcohol or medicines .
