Secrets of Ancient Reflexology

Reflexology is the ancient art of pressing the foot to relieve ailments that occur else where in the body. “Since each area of the foot corresponds with a specific gland, system and organ, you can relieve symptoms by pressing the right spots.

How to do it

Using your thumbs, massage the area in a circular motion or press and release, you will know you have the right spot if it feels slightly tender. You can work on either one foot-or both. It will work equally well.

To relieve a headache

Apply pressure to the entire surface of each toe, both front and back.

Why it works

Most headaches are caused by muscle tension, and research shows applying pressure to the toes-which contain reflex points for the head, neck and sinuses help relax you, ending pain instantly! In a study of 220 headache sufferers, 81% of people saw their headaches eased or cured entirely.

To get rid of belly bloat

Apply pressure to the very middle of the sole.

Why it works

It activates the body’s urinary system, improving its ability to flush fluid from the body. And science proves it. In a recent study of PMS sufferers California researchers gave half the women a reflexology massage concentrating on this area, while the other half were given an ordinary foot massage. The reflexology group’s tummies got flat fast, while the rest of the women remained puffy.

To alleviate stress

Apply pressure to the arch, directly under the ball of the foot under the big toe.

Why it works

When you are stressed, you produce too much adrenaline, which can lead to fatigue, irritability and burnout. But this technique soothes the adrenal glands, keeping adrenaline levels in check and causing you to relax.

To banish back pain

Apply pressure to the entire lower two thirds of bottom of your foot.

Why it works

Stimulating this area of the foot, which corresponds to the lumbar region, blocks the transmission of pain signals to the lower back so you will quickly feel relief, says Kevin Kunze, coauthor of Reflexology. When Chinese researchers followed a group of back pain sufferers, 25% had complete relief after just one reflexology session. 50% had no pain after three or four treatments

And the rest were completely cured after five sessions.

To ease PMS

Apply pressure all around the ankle.

Why it works

Pressing this area activates the lymphatic system, ovaries and uterus, which helps bring progesterone and estrogen back into balance. A study found that after eight weeks of reflexology, PMS sufferers had a 46% reduction in all their physical and emotional symptoms.

To boost fertility

Apply pressure to the middle of your big toe.

Why it works

This move stimulates the ovaries, triggering the release of the hormone prostaglandin. A Danish study of infertile women found that after reflexology treatments 15% found themselves pregnant after 6 months.

Pregnant

During labor have your husband rub the bottom of your big toe and the top of your foot where it connects to the leg. One study found reflexology preformed on women during childbirth reduced their time in labor and the women said they experienced pain relief. That is a good enough reason to try it.