Hand reflexology: how to do it

Reflexology is an alternative therapy that allows it to have a therapeutic effect on the entire body, acting in a single region, such as the hands, feet and ears, which are areas where the organs and different regions of the body are represented.

According to reflexology of the hands, the hands represent small versions of the body and in the presence of some disturbance in the body, several reactions appear at the corresponding points on the hands.

This treatment consists of stimulation of the points on the hands corresponding to the affected site, by inserting short, thin needles. However, stimuli can also be performed with other tools. Also learn how to do foot reflexology.

What is it for

Depending on the region of the hand that is stimulated, a different therapeutic effect can be achieved, which can be used in situations of stress, anxiety, migraine, constipation, poor circulation or sleep disorders, for example. Ideally, this technique should be performed by a specialized professional, however it can be performed by the person himself, following the procedures step by step:

Gently, but firmly, press the tips of each finger on the right hand and gently pinch the sides of each finger and repeat on the left; Firmly rub the sides of each finger on both hands: Gently pull each finger on the right hand, loosening grip as it moves from the base to the tip and then move to the left hand; hold the skin between the thumb and forefinger with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, gently moving away until the fingers come out of the skin and repeat in the other hand. Rest your free hand in the palm of your other hand, use your thumb gently and massage the back of the hand and then repeat in the left hand; Hold the wrist in the left hand and gently massage the wrist with the left thumb. Repeat with the other hand. Massage the palm with the left thumb and repeat in the other hand; Gently press the center of the palm with the opposite thumb and take two slow, deep breaths. Repeat on the other hand.

This procedure is very useful to help the person to relax and to relieve some health problems related to the region that is massaged, however, there are several ways to stimulate these regions, which can be done in a more targeted way, focusing on stimulation at specific points, represented on the map above.

Some examples of how to do this stimulation are:

Headache relief

To relieve the headache, just press for 5 times and release each fingertip, repeating 3 times on each finger, of both hands. This exercise should be done regularly in the morning and at night, to prevent pain, and in crises it can be repeated several times.

Improved digestion

To improve digestion, you can massage the hand region immediately below the index and middle fingers, represented in the image with the number 17. Then it can be repeated on the other hand.

Improved breathing and coughing

To improve breathing and help reduce coughing, massage the base of the thumb of both hands, rotating with the opposite hand around the thumb, for about 20 minutes

What are the benefits

As well as other complementary therapies, reflexology is believed to have benefits for the neurological, bone and muscular system, arms and shoulders, spine, pelvic region, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, digestive system, urinary system, reproductive system and endocrine system.

Who should not resort to this therapy

Reflexology should not be practiced on people with unstable blood pressure, liver problems, recent surgery, cuts or wounds on the hands, fractures, diabetes, epilepsy, infections, skin allergy problems or people who are taking drugs or alcohol or medication.