Human bodies have remarkable self- healing energy forces which are used by Natural and all other holistic sciences of healing such as Nature cure, Acupressure, Acupuncture, etc.

Shiatsu of Japan, Acupuncture of China, and hand & foot reflexology of the East, etc. are various forms of acupressure.

The healing energy flow through the body in specific pathways called meridians. Each of these meridians has nerve centers and reflex points in various parts of the body. Acupressure is the process by which normal energy flow in the meridians is restored. Any obstruction or blockage in the flow of energy in the blood on the meridians results in ill health. Pressure applied to these reflex points sets them stimulated and the blockage to energy flow is released. Relief follows the normalization of the energy flow.

Acupressure applied to the selected points in the feet and legs to relieve ailments is called foot reflexology. Pressure therapy applied to the hands hand reflexology. Some healers use reflex points on the ears, face, head and scalp for treatment.

Reflex points on the feet and palm

The palms and feet are divided into four horizontal parts to represent four parts to represent four parts of the body:

1. Fingers, thumb and webs correspond to head area.

2. End of fingers and toes up to their middle correspond to chest area.

3. Middle curved part of the foot and palm correspond to abdomen and digestive organs and Heel area up to wrist or ankle corresponds to reproductive organs and lower limbs.

4. The outer side of thumb or big toe corresponds to the backbone and the outer sides of the little fingers correspond to the shoulder and knee areas.

Methods of applying pressure

There are several ways of applying pressure in acupressure including reflexology. The amount of pressure to be exerted will vary from person to person and in various parts of the body. It is important that the reflex areas are held in a correct manner while applying pressure. If not, the desired effect may not be achieved. The fingernails need to be trimmed before applying pressure in order to prevent them from pressing on the reflex points.

• Rotating the thumb either clockwise and anti-clockwise on each reflex point, one after another.

• Pumping, where the thumb pad is pressed on the reflex points and released alternately.

• Continuous movement of thumb (called “thumb walking” ) or continuous movement of the fingers
  ( “called finger walking” )

• Rubbing the reflex points or area without any pressure.

• Clutching or squeezing such as for the shoulder.

• Vibrating, where one palm is placed on another or one finger kept on another and then manual vibration given.

• Steady pressure with the thumb or fingers such as on the back, thighs and back of the legs.

• Twisting, where the limbs are held in two hands and the muscle mass is moved in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.

• Cupping, where the skin and underlying muscles are held in the cup of the hand and a light pressure given.

Steps in treatment with foot reflexology

The treatment process involves:

1. Relaxing the feet

2. Massage of the upper part of the foot.

3. Pushing, pulling, rotating and twisting the big toe.

4. Starting the pressure treatment from the left foot.

5. Stimulating reflex points of the thyroid and parathyroid glands followed by those for the neck.

6. Stimulating reflex points for the chest area, windpipe, lungs and thymus glands by applying pressure through a continuous and forward movement of the thumb.

7. Stimulating organs of the abdomen including pancreas, adrenal glands, kidney, bladder, spleen, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gall bladder and appendix.

8. Stimulating ovary and uterus in females and prostrate glands in males.

9. Applying pressure through a continuous movement of the thumb on the outer edges of the foot along the big toe and little toe on reflex points of the backbone, shoulder and knee.

10. Ending the treatment session by stimulating the reflex points of kidneys.

After completing the treatment session, one feels relaxed, and sometimes sleepy. One may feel the urge to pass the urine more frequently and the urine may smell pungent If some of the long-lasting health problems had not been cured earlier, their symptoms may aggravate after the accupressure treatment. However, all these reactions are temporary and disappear after a few sessions.

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