5-Minute DIY Reflexology To Feel Better Head To Toe
Easy reflexology can help every person in your family feel better, head to toe. Here's exactly where and how to press on feet, face and ears.
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Facial reflexology can be an effective well-being skill you can use to help your family feel better, head to toe. Reflexologist Li Paolo explains why, “The chin represents the hormonal glands, laugh lines at the outer eyes represent the colon and digestive issues. And because the face is close to the brain, facial reflexology can be very powerful.”
Facial reflexology can be used to treat migraine, teeth grinding, also called bruxism, jaw clenching, and sinus conditions. It also has a rejuvenating effect on the skin because the stimulation improves blood flow to the complexion.
Reflexology is based on the theory that different areas on the feet, face, hands and ears correspond with other parts of the body. Different points on the two feet put together represent all the major organs of the body, so by stimulating those points you can treat other parts of the body.
Reflexologist Andrea Hurst explains. “Problems in the feet can feel ‘crunchy’ to the therapist, and they indicate a problem in a corresponding organ or body part. So pressing the parts of the feet can promote healing.
“Because reflex points are connected a stimulus is sent via the nerves and meridians in the body to the corresponding body parts. You start a resonance within the body.” Reflexology can also stimulate neurotransmitters in the body, to stimulate or balance the production of body chemicals like calming serotonin or exciting adrenalin.
DIY reflexology techniques can be done at home. Credit 123RF
While an expert reflexologist is often trained in other healing therapies as well, such as TCM, you can do quite a few reflexology techniques at home, to help different members of your family feel better. Andrea explains what to look for, “There will be discoloration of the skin or texture differences that are clues to the problems in a different part of the body.”
Some important reflexology points on the feet include the ridge beneath the toes on the top part of the ball of the foot, which corresponds to the shoulder or neckline. The ball of the foot reflects the chest. The arch of the foot mirrors the digestive organs, and the heel and ankles, which contain reflexes for the reproductive system.
Here are some simple but effective drug-free reflexology moves you can try at home, for better well-being for yourself and your family. They focus on the feet, ears and face;
To ease stress, target the adrenal glands. Deep under the arches of both feet, there is a reflex point that corresponds to the adrenal glands. These release stress hormones when you are under pressure. Press the reflex point on your feet firmly with your thumb and hold the pressure for three seconds.
For aches and pains, apply firm pressure to the firm skin between the thumb and index finger to alleviate tension, migraines, and pains in your shoulders and neck.
When you feel anxious, place your thumb on your solar plexus point - this is the center of the palm of your hand. Take three deep breaths through your mouth. As you breathe in, push gently on the reflex point. Repeat on the other hand.
To ease a tight neck, target the outside length of the feet. With the thumb, work up the edge of the foot in firm movements all the way to the base of the big toe. This is called "thumb walking." Finish by cradling the big toe.
DIY reflexology to balance hormones. Target the endocrine polar, which stimulates the adrenal and pituitary glands. Gently press and massage the flesh bottom-most part of the lobe of the inner ear.
To sleep better, look for a slight dent on the neck, behind the middle part of the ear. Rub the dent in a circular motion.
To reduce stress, press on what’s called the “tranquilizer point’ of the face. Find it at an area called the tragus, where the side of your ear meets your face.
DIY reflexology to reduce eye strain from staring at a screen. Start by sliding your index finger up the bridge of the nose, resting the side of the finger on the tear duct area at the inner corner of the eye. Rest in place for three seconds. Repeat three times.
DIY reflexology to treat hay fever. To decongest your sinus area, use your finger pad to rotate on either side of your nostril. Also, pinch the inner corner of your eyebrows with your fingers meeting on the outside of the eye socket. And another finger on the flat of the brow. Hold for three seconds. Repeat three times.
Bauer Syndication / ARE Media. Additional reporting by Tara Barker.