You might not think about your feet, but your feet are thinking about you. Not only do they get you where you need to go, they can actually help cure you of some everyday aches and pains.
Reflexology is an ancient healing practice based on the belief that the foot has multiple reflex points that correspond to different organs and glands in the body.
Pressure is applied to these specific points with specific thumb, finger, or hand techniques. While these movements do feel great on your feet, they also promote good health.
6 Common Ailments and Their Reflexology Points
1. Headache
There are certain nerve zones on the foot that deal with headaches. Gently massage your big toe in circular motions to relax your neck. With increasing pressure, focus on the top halves of your toes to pinpoint nerves connected to the head.
By targeting the pituitary gland, you can rid yourself of sleep disorders. Using your thumb, press in and around the planter pad of your big toe (the middle of it). Do this for 1 minute on each toe. You can massage the bottom of your feet with warm coconut oil to help relieve stress and promote better sleep.
3. Stress
One particular technique for relieving stress is call the wrist twist. Make a circle with your thumb and index finger around your thumb (they don’t have to touch). Twist the opposing hand about 20 times and repeat with the other wrist.
4. Cold and Flu
To help fight cold and flu, you’ll have to target the nerves that deal with the sinuses, nose, throat, and lungs. On your feet, apply pressure and rub the sides of your big toe, the middle of each toe, and an inch below each toe. You can also apply the same technique to your hands; massage the tips of your finger just above the knuckle.
5. Digestion
To help promote proper digestion you can use this simple technique. Using either a tennis or a golf ball, lock your fingers around it and massage the bottom of your palms for 60 seconds. You can also apply this technique to the lower third of your foot on the bottom side.
6. Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common ailments suffered by people of all ages. To relieve lower back pain, use your thumb to apply pressure in between the outer ankle bone and your Achilles tendon.
For upper back pain, use your thumbs to massage the arch of your foot, the sides of your feet, and the soles as well.
From helping you relax to relieving you of lower back pain, your feet have the keys to help common ailments people suffer every day. Take care of your feet and they’ll take care of you.
By Healthy Holistic Living | References: Curejoy; Top10HomeRemedies;
