Hand Reflexology: Stress and Tension

this sequence is suitable for therapists learning hand reflexology but also for non therapists wanting to treat friends and family hand reflexology can be performed anywhere wherever there is a suitable place to rest the hands this can include your lap it is easier to carry out hand reflexology using a little cream although it can be done without start the treatment gently to get used to each other's touch work each part of the sequence approximately three times depending on the length of time available each move should be performed on both hands with palms down stroke firmly from the fingertips and up each arm to elbow turn hand over and bass arch the palm of the hand drawing your thumbs across the hand to release tension in the palm the whole forearm can again be massaged place your thumbs on the solar plexus reflex point which is good for calming this is situated in the center of the palm ask your client to take three deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth as they breathe in gently push into the reflex point work the head reflex area to help relax the thought processes the head reflex is the top half of the thumb you can use your thumb or fingers to either walk from the tip down to the joint crease as shown on the right hand or from the crease of the thumb up to the tip as on the left hand help release neck tension by working across the neckline which is the crease halfway down the thumb the adrenal reflex is particularly good to work for anxiety this reflex can be found easily by pinching at the base of the V at the base of your thumb and first finger place your thumb and finger on the top and bottom and squeeze gently together to help calm the nervous system it is good to work along the spine reflex your right hand takes their right hand as if you were shaking hands slightly rotate their hand so you have access to the side of their thumb walk from the tip of the thumb to the wrist following the prominent bone another calming move is called the diaphragm sweep this aims to increase depth of breathing place both of your thumbs on the solar plexus the center point of the palm and draw out to the edges of the palm to end the sequence carry out a few gentle massage moves start by massaging all the fingers one at a time then rotate each finger whilst gently pulling away from the hand finish with solar plexus breathing as you did at the start place your thumbs on the solar plexus reflex point this is situated in the center of the palm ask your client to take three deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth as they breathe in gently push into the reflex point then place your palms on their palms gently lift yours away about five centimeters you will be able to feel their energy as gentle warmth hold for a few seconds and then lift your hands away reflexology and hand reflexology should not be used as an alternative to medical advice