For thousands of years, reflexology has been used as a way to help people get relief from many types of physical conditions. Reflexology uses the notion that putting pressure on certain areas of the body, not only the feet, but also the hands and ears, can help decrease inflammation, increase blood flow and nerve flow to certain organs, and return the body to optimal health.
Foot reflexology is the application of pressure on different pressure points of both feet that come from Chinese Medicine. These pressure points are linked to specific parts of the body and when applying the right type of pressure a foot reflexology session can provide pain relief and help the body by facilitating energy flow, also known as chi, throughout the body. With stimulating certain points on the feet I have personally seen great results with foot reflexology helping people with digestion issues and females with PMS concerns.
In a 30 minute foot reflexology session for $50 pressure is applied to both feet where Maureen feels that certain points need to be released. The pressure is not too hard and most people find a session quite relaxing. Here are some common points that people need released during a session.
1. Tai Chong
The Tai Chong is also called the LV3. This point is found by placing your finger between your big toe and the second toe. It is just at the point where the tendons come together. Applying pressure on this area for just a few seconds can help reduce stress.
It can also relieve headaches and can reduce feelings of irritability, anxiety, and anger. Women who are suffering from menstrual pain may also benefit from applying pressure at this reflexology point. This point is also used for treating people who are feeling depressed.
2. Yong Quan
The Yong Quan is also called the KD 1. It is also often referred to as the kidney one. It is located in the depression that you feel located below the big toe joint. It is in between the second toe and the big toe. This pressure point is used to help to calm the spirit. In this way Yong Quan can help with blurry vision, headaches, sore throat, dizziness, and loss of voice. Applying pressure in this area can be calming and relaxing for most people. Massage this point for two or three minutes and then switch to the other foot.
3. Tai Bai
To find the Tai Bai acupoint on the foot you will want to apply pressure on the side of the foot until you reach the depression point. This will be located in the middle side area of the foot. It is near the ball. Once you have located this point on the foot you will want to apply pressure. You can apply as much pressure as you can stand.
The main function of this pressure point is to help with gastric issues. This includes ailments such as abdominal distention, dysentery, constipation, gastric pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and sluggishness. This point on the foot can also provide support for the spleen when you are feeling sluggish or heavy. This reflex point can also be great for arthritis and joint pain. It is useful for sugar cravings as well.
4. Shen Mai
Find the bony bump that is located on the outside of the ankle. This is where the Shen Mai pressure point can be found. When you apply pressure to this area of the foot it can help promote patience. It also can help reduce anxiety and fear. If you have a cold, pressure on this point of the foot can help alleviate some of the symptoms that you are experiencing.
If you have pain and stiffness in the neck or are suffering from a painful back or pain in the legs, using this point may help. It can also help alleviate symptoms from a headache.
I hope this helps explain how some foot reflexology points work. If you are wondering if a session can help you email Maureen for a 10 minute free demo @ maureen@healingartsnyc.com
