Foot and neck Reflex Points for Relieving Back PainTreat lower back pain by applying pressure to the reflexes on the soles of your feet, the entire area around your heel and around your ankle, as well as the inner edge of each foot—the reflex points for your spine are located along the inside edges of your feet. Upper back pain is treated by applying reflexology to the reflex points for your shoulders and upper back, which are represented on the soles and tops of your feet just beneath the base of your toes.

1 .Direct your attention first to your cervical spine. The spine reflex points follow the line of the inside edge of your foot; these reflex points are not on the sole of your foot.

Support your right foot with your left hand and use your right thumb to work all of the spine reflexes that are located along the inside edge of your foot, from the tip of your big toe, all the way to your ankle.

Starting at your toe, press your thumb firmly into the skin and inch or creep along the length of your foot so you are sure to press every reflex spot.

2. Work your sciatic nerve. The reflexes for the sciatic nerve are found just behind your ankle bone and continue up in a straight line for about 4" or 10 cm. Sciatica causes searing pain down the leg because the nerves are compressed, which can be triggered by a number of factors. Working the sciatic nerve reflex points will improve the blood supply to this area. Working the sciatic nerve reflexes every day for a few minutes is a great way to prevent a painful case of sciatica.

3. 3Take care of upper back pain by apply reflexology to the points that correspond to your

upper back and shoulders.

Apply pressure with your thumb to the area just beneath the base of your toes, first on the sole of your foot and then on the top of your foot.

When you work the sole of your foot, you can also press your knuckles deeply into those reflexes.

The same reflex points for your shoulders and upper back that are located on the tops of your feet need a lighter touch because that area is more bony and sensitive

Hand Reflex Points for Relieving Back PainUse hand reflexology anytime it is more convenient than applying foot reflexology or if your feet are injured or infected in any way.

1. 1

Contact the reflex points for your spine by applying pressure with your thumb along the outside edge of your palm. Work on your right hand first and then switch to your left hand.

2. 2Work the reflexes that correspond with your shoulders by applying pressure to the area just beneath your pinky fingers on both the top and the palm of your hand.

o Always work the reflex points on both hands; your left shoulder reflexes are at the base of your left pinky and your right should reflexes are at the base of your right pinky.

EditTips Remember that not all reflexes for your back are located on the soles of your feet. Major

reflexes can also be found on the top part of your feet and even on the bottom part of each leg. Consider visiting a professional reflexologist if you experience a lot of back pain. You can still

do self-reflexology in between regular appointments. If you have a professional treatment, pay attention not only to the areas the reflexologist is working, but how much pressure is being applied. This will assist you in applying reflexology to yourself.

You can also work the reflex areas for your brain (toes and fingers) to encourage the release of endorphins, the natural “feel good” chemicals that help block pain.

Sleep on a firm mattress, preferably one that is less than 10 years old. Support your head with a pillow so that your head is aligned with your spine. Make sure your lower back is supported when you are seated in a chair. If necessary, use a

pillow or a rolled up towel to support your lower back. Even if you are not suffering from chronic back pain, try applying reflexology to yourself for

just a few minutes each day. The more often you do reflexology, the more beneficial it is. Think of it as a form of preventative maintenance.

If you prefer, you can also apply reflexology to your ears to relieve back pain.

EditWarnings Poor posture and lack of exercise can defeat all your efforts to relieve your back pain. Weak

abdominal muscles fail to give enough support to your back, so consider strengthening those muscles. Take a short walk every day and use the stairs instead of the elevator.

Everyone is different, so the time it takes for you to feel noticeable improvement depends of variable factors, such as your overall health, age, nutritional habits and even your stress levels. Just one reflexology session may relieve all of your back pain, or it may take as many as 10 sessions.

Consult your primary care physician if you have sustained a serious back injury.

EditThings You’ll Need Foot reflexology chart Hand reflexology chart Ear reflexology chart (optional)

EditSources and Citations [1] http://www.reflexology4backpain.com/reflexology4backpain.html http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm#techniques

7 Reflexology Tips

Manon Monsall, Yahoo! Contributor Network

Nov 15, 2011 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

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Reflexology is a form of massage therapy that many people believe can cure or

alleviate physical ailments. While reflexology is commonly associated with the feet, it is

also practiced on the hands. In reflexology, each body part or organ corresponds to an

pressure-sensitive area on the hands and feet. Applying pressure and massage to these

areas can promote relaxation and healing throughout the body. Here are seven

reflexology tips to provide relief for the most common ailments:

1. Relieve Sinus Congestion

During the winter, especially, many of us suffer from sinus congestion and upper

respiratory problems. It is possible to relieve sinus pain or congestion with a simple

reflexology technique. Simply put pressure on the tip of the big toe, regularly and

repeatedly. Then you should administer gentle massage on all the toes of each foot,

pressing at the tip.

2. Alleviate Neck Pain

Who hasn't awakened in the morning with a pain in the neck? This annoying

discomfort can be the result of tension, stress, injury or sleeping in the wrong position

during the night. Whatever the cause, you can lessen or eliminate neck pain with

reflexology by massaging the outer edge of your big thumb. To obtain the best results,

stimulate the entire thumb, including the part that connects to the palm of your hand.

Then you should work your way back up to the thumb's outer edge.

3. Improve Digestion

For digestive disorders such as intestinal cramps, bloating or heartburn, reflexology

massage on the arch of the foot may help. Gently extend your foot and rub the arch for

as long as necessary. Repeat as needed.

4. Lessen Eye Fatigue and Eye Strain

Eye problems are treated by a massage of the area located under the foot just beneath

the toes. Reflexology is effective for eyestrain and other vision problems because they

often result from tension. A direct way to treat the eye reflexes is at the bottom of the

toes, without including the big toe, where eye reflexes are harder to locate.

5. Reduce Shoulder Pain

If the shoulders are a source of discomfort, exert repeated pressure on the outside

edge of both feet in the region just beneath the little toe. This application of pressure

should be effective. If your shoulder pain is actually referred back pain, stimulation of

the inside edge of the foot may prove effective.

6. Ease Menstrual Pain

For women, the pain associated with the menstrual cycle can be alleviated by massage

on the heel of both feet, each of which corresponds to the reproductive organs. In the

case of kidney pain, the arch in the center of the foot can be stimulated to bring rapid

relief.

7. Optimize with Massage Oils

A little reflexology trick to optimize these massages is the use of botanical massage

oils. These oils are recommended to enhance relaxation and encourage the flow of

energy. Reflexologists recommend using massage oils containing cloves, cinnamon and

cedar.

Relieve Pain and DiscomfortWith Hand Reflexology

Soothe a Sore Back, Neck Pain, Eyestrain,Upset Stomach--Even Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Devotees of hand reflexology maintain that there’s a "map" of the human body on our hands. Every internal organ and every other part of the body - is matched by a corresponding "reflex point" on the fingers, palms, backs, as well as inner and outer edges of the hands.

Applying thumb and finger pressure to the reflex points stimulates nerve impulses that travel to the corresponding body area. These impulses produce a relaxation response. As muscles relax, blood vessels open, increasing circulation, which increase the amount of available oxygen and nutrients - key components of healing-that get to cells in that part of the body.

American physician William Fitzgerald, MD, introduced this therapy in his 1917 book Zone Therapy. The techniques soon expanded to include foot reflexology.

In the decades since, reflexology has been popularized by hundreds of books and used by thousands of "reflexologists."

Over a hundred research studies supporting the benefits of reflexology have been conducted primarily in Europe, the Middle East, China and the USA.

Reflexology is different from massage therapy and acupressure in that it works with the concept of small reflex maps, that suggest a shape of the human body - found on the feet, hands and outer ears - with touch techniques specific to the field of reflexology.

Some practitioners do ear reflexology, based on a whole-body map similar to the one used in the French and Chinese healing system of ear acupuncture (auriculo-therapy).

For quick relief of everyday pain, muscle tension and other - physical discomfort, the hands remain a prime area to work on. You can unobtrusively do hand reflexology anytime, anywhere-sitting in a meeting...at the computer...in an airplane.

Generally if the problem is on the left side of the body, work on the left hand, right side, the right hand. Frequently it is wise to work on both hands.

Research scientists especially in France, but also in China and the USA suggest the mechanisms of how reflexology works is predominantly through the nervous system.

Caution: Don’t do hand reflexology when you have a hand injury. If you have any medical problem, see a medical doctor. Hand reflexology is not a substitute for medical care.

THE BASICS

Apply gentle pressure to the reflex points on your hand, using the thumb roll technique...

To reflex points on your left palm, place the fingers of your right hand on the back of you left hand.

Place the pad of your right thumb on your left palm.

Squeeze gently, pressing in with the thumb. Maintain that pressure.

As you press, bend the thumb so that the tip slowly rolls forward and downward.

Maintaining contact between the right thumb and left palm, straighten the thumb so that it inches forward perhaps one-eighth of an inch over the surface of the reflex area.

Repeat this thumb rolling movement, gradually working over the entire reflex area.

Use the same technique to work reflex points on the palm or fingers. To work reflex points on your right hand, of course, perform the thumb roll with your left hand.

Short fingernails are preferable. If your nails are long, use the sides and corners of your thumb rather than the tip.

Each of the following reflexology mini-sessions should be done for at least five minutes. Work a broad area around the specified reflex points, using the illustrated diagram as a general guideline.

Reflexology theory suggests that when something is not working right in the body, the corresponding reflex in the hand will feel irregular, such as harder, softer, "crunchier" than usual, or just plain tender, when thumb or finger pressure is applied to that part of the hand.

Beneficial results are frequently reported within a session or two. Generally, the longer there has been a problem, such as stress related neck discomforts, the more sessions needed to help the body produce desired relief.

Part of what determines how long results last is if the person re-aggravates the situation, such as repeated strain in the neck. Results can last a short time or permanently.

EYESTRAIN

The eye reflex points are at the base of the index, middle and ring fingers - what is sometimes called the "big knuckles" of the hands,

or the metatarsal phalangeal joints. Thumb-roll directly on the knuckle at the base of each-as well as immediately above and bellow the knuckle-on both sides of both hands.

SORE SHOULDERS

The shoulder reflex points are on the backs of the hands, mainly in the grooves between the long bones. To reflex them, use the tips of your fingers. If your left shoulder is the problem, reflex on your left hand. Put your right thumb flat on your left palm. On the back of your left hand, place the tips of your index, middle and ring fingers in the grooves. Gently apply and maintain even pressure in those grooves, slowly moving your finger tips in the direction of the wrist.

If your right shoulder is the problem, reflex points on you right hand.

STOMACH UPSET

The soft portion of the palm on both hands-below the big knuckles-contains many reflex points for the digestive system.

The stomach reflex points are mostly on the left palm. For stomach upset and heartburn, use the thumb roll to work the soft palm just underneath the large knuckles at the base of the index, middle and ring fingers. Work lightly, gradually as the tissue softens, working deeper, increasing the pressure a little at a time, using nurturing, pleasing pressure.

SORE NECK

Hand reflexology can relieve the neck pain associated with sitting in one place a long time.

The main reflex points for the neck are on the lower half of the thumbs. Thumb roll the area between the two knuckles of each thumb, rolling from the pad to the tip of your thumb, so that you apply sufficient pressure all the way around this area of the thumb.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

This painful, sometimes immobilizing hand and wrist condition often results from compression of nerves along the forearm. Working on

points for the forearm can reduce the pain. These reflex points are on the outer edge of the hands, midway between the base of the pinkie and wrist.

Thumb roll this hand area completely on whichever arm has the problem.

 

Caution: Although reflexology can help ease pain for carpal tunnel syndrome, the condition is serious and could require medical attention. If you have symptoms, see a doctor without delay.

BACK PAIN

Reflex points for the spine are on the inner edge of the hand, from the bottom of the thumb to the wrist. Use the thumb roll to reflex this area on both hands. Reflex points for the lower back are on the inner edge of the hand toward the wrist.

After any reflexology session it is frequently suggested to drink extra water, to help flush out any toxins that might have been released from the tissues into the blood.

FINDING A REFLEXOLOGIST

Self-care with hand reflexology provides many benefits, but for long-term benefits, certified practitioners are best. There are now more than 10,000 in the USA.

Search the Internet, using the key words "reflexology" and the name of your state...or look in the yellow pages under "reflexology." You can also call the American Reflexology Certification Board 303 933-6921.

Caution: Some "certified" reflexologists have taken a weekend course. Others have had extensive formal training in keeping with more demanding standards nationwide, based on the efforts of the American Reflexology Certification Board, an independent testing and certification service in Littleton, Colorado.

_______________________

Bottom Line/Health interviewed Bill Flocco, (credentials tk), Founder and Director of the American Academy of Reflexology, with headquarters in Burbank California, that specializes in teaching the "Flocco Method - Integrating Foot Hand Ear Reflexology" since 1982.

He conducted the first research study published in medical literature to scientifically validate the effectiveness of reflexology Obstetrics & Gynecology, December 1993.

He is past president of the International Council of Reflexologists and author of Hand Reflexology: A Wealth of Health, and numerous other books and teaching manuals on reflexology.

Contact information: American Academy of Reflexology, 725 E. Santa Anita Avenue, Suite B, Burbank, California. Phone 818 841-7741. E-mail: ReflexologyEdu@aol.com.

Acupressure Points for Headaches, Stiff Neck & Pain Reliefby MICHAEL  · 54 COMMENTS

in ACUPRESSURE COMMUNITY ,ACUPRESSURE POINTS ,BACK PAIN & SCIATICA ,CHRONIC

FATIGUE/FIBROMYALGIA ,EARS ,NOSE & THROAT ,SPIRITUAL HEALING ,STRESS MANAGEMENT

Using the "Gates of Consciousness" acupressure points underneath the base of the skull for relief.

For pain relief and common complaints such as headaches, including migraines, vision zigzangs, ringing in the ear, insomnia, fibromyalgia, tiredness, stiff neck, neck pain, eyestrain, uptightness, irritability, judgmental attitudes, nervousness,

hypertension, and mental stress – or any combination of these symptoms – these two acupressure points underneath the base of the skull are a lifesaver.I’ll describe in detail how to press these acupressure points for yourself and its benefits.

These acupressure points (referred to as GB 20) regulate the circulation into the brain, they are called the Gates of the Mind, and are also known as the Gates of Consciousness. When these Acupressure points are blocked, you may feel uptight, have pressure in your head, short sightedness, and it may be difficult to cope and make wise decisions.These Acupressure points relieve pain by releasing the body’s natural pain relievers known as endorphins. By opening the healing energy through these Acupressure points you can relieve stiffness, especially stiff necks, arthritic pains, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. There are many acupressure points for these problems, but GB 20 is one of the most potent points for obtaining relief.

Do you know anyone with any of these common complaints? If so, pay special attention to the

following detailed directions for releasing blockages in these acupressure points. First, learn to apply the pressure on yourself. This will not only help you, but also support you in feeling the right amount of pressure needed and the most optimum angle for applying pressure. Please share this information and guidance so we can collectively uplift humanity, making this a better world to live in, enjoying nature’s bounty.

Acupressure Point Location of GB 20:Below the base of the skull, in the hollows on both sides of the neck, between the two vertical neck muscles. You will feel these large hollows underneath the skull bone, below the occipital ridge between the “traps” (trapezius) and other neck (sternocleidomastoid) muscles.Self-Acupressure Treatment Application:Take a few full, deep breaths, as you press underneath the base of your skull on both sides, about four finger widths – or three inches – apart. Use your thumbs, fingers, or knuckles to gradually apply pressure into the hollows of your skull. Close your eyes as you tilt

your head back slowly. Take long, slow deep breaths as you hold for two to three minutes. Direct the pressure slowly and firmly into the center of your head.These acupressure points relax the nervous system, the brain, and release stiff necks and headaches. Inhale deeply as you bring your head back slightly more, and exhale as you release the pressure, allowing your hands to glide into your lap. Let your head come downward to relax your neck. Continue to take slow, smooth, deep breaths as you discover the benefits. If you’re interested, I’ll write another article to describe skillful ways to apply Asian Bodywork Therapy techniques to these Gates of Consciousness acupressure points on someone else.Acupressure Point Benefits: As these Acupressure points release, you’ll find that instead of all the uptight symptoms I mentioned in the beginning of this article, you will be more peaceful and have more mental clarity. What a difference it would be to have most people alert, calm, clear, awake, and inspired to obtain great achievements. This natural happiness is overwhelmingly contagious. When you continue to use these precious points you’ll find that the benefits lead to more grace and wonder.Open the Gates of Consciousness, with slow, deep breaths, until you experience the vast oneness of creation. Peace of mind is available to all – for free. These acupressure points are sacred, precious keys for obtaining a balance between our mind and body, enabling us to heal each other, and ourselves. When world leaders, politicians, business leaders, as well as

mothers and fathers have energy flowing freely through these points – we’ll be living more harmoniously. Can you think of anything more important? Well, then – ‘keep on pressing on’ – on yourself and everyone you know; together we’ll make this a better world.GOING FURTHER WITH THESE ACUPRESSURE POINTS:

• SELF-TREATMENT – For self-healing guidance on how to relieve shoulder and neck tension, aches and pains, headaches, and open these Gates of Consciousness points, practice the Acupressure Stress Relief DVD daily.• ACUPRESSURE FOR OTHERS – Point formulas, illustrations and instructions for healing others is available in the Basic Acupressure booklet. To actually see how to use this point under the skull for relieving pain and emotional distress, see the Touching Emotions DVD (for trained, experienced and emotionally stable practitioners).

Reflexology is one of the more accommodating therapies when it comes to self-help techniques.

Osteopaths and masseuses, for example, are often unable to minister to their own needs very well 

and have to rely on other colleagues to treat them. In the case of reflexology, a person can easily

access their hands and feet and work them very effectively. Reflexologists can teach their clients,

family and friends basic self-help reflexology techniques with good results between treatments. One

does not have to be a qualified therapist to benefit from the simple self-help instructions that can be

found in many reflexology books. Hand reflexology has often, mistakenly, been considered a less

effective form of reflexology. This is not correct, although the sensation or responses from the hand

reflexes are slightly delayed and may take a few seconds longer to be experienced. Secondly, the

hands are not only far more accessible, no garments need removing and it is very much easier for a

person to work their own hands than their feet (which is impossible for those with mobility issues). 

Qualified Reflexologists often comment that, when they work their own feet, they obtain reasonable

results but cannot feel much sensitivity. Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT), where the weight-bearing

hands or feet are briefly worked for a few minutes, can give a quick added dimension to treating

personal ailments quickly and effectively as the reflexes become more sensitive and responsive. I

teach postgraduate VRT / Reflexology classes and always encourage the therapists to give their clients

homework in the form of 3 or 4 precise instructions regarding working on their own hands or feet:

twice a day for two or three minutes, especially if they are in a weight-bearing position. A few simple

reflexology techniques working on the pressure points of the hands is often easy to apply and the

results may be very positive in maintaining mobility in a limb, for example.

Quick Self-Help Applications

Working Base of Thumb for Headaches

A Reflexologist might treat a client for a full hour using foot reflexology only, but can show the person

how to work their own hands, for only 1-2 minutes, to help a neck pain by pressing and pinching round

the base of their thumbs. 

Working First Thumb Joint for Headaches

If someone is suffering from a headache they can work the first thumb joint on both hands - below the

nail which may ease a throbbing sensation  

Reflexology Diaphragm Rocking technique

One of the most effective reflexology treatments for sleep is Diaphragm Rocking which is a technique I

devised for the passive feet or hands. Anyone, from small children to older people,  can be taught to

gently and rhythmically rock their hands, one by one, backwards and forwards with their thumb

pressing on their palm. The pressure is on the diaphragm, chest and lung reflexes and appears to relax

the person and helps to reset their body clock. Gentle pressure on the adrenal reflex, situated on the

thenar muscle on the palm, may help to boost energy or reduce the level of stress.

Working the Adrenal Reflex

Self-help and Reflexology in the WorkplaceIn 2002 I undertook a small survey to assess whether a 25 minute hand and foot reflexology treatment

could produce an positive outcome for employees who had suffered from a variety of conditions

ranging from pain and mobility issues to chronic eczema in the ear. Six persons from a large company

were invited to take part in this small survey comprising 4 weekly reflexology sessions. None had

received reflexology before, and in each case there was a positive response to the treatment within

the first 1-2 weeks; after 4 weeks some conditions had improved by well over 90% even though some

of the problems were long standing and had resulted in time off work. 

Each person's treatment session began with 3 -4 minutes of basic Vertical Reflex Therapy on the feet

and the hands, then their feet were treated with conventional foot reflexology. Their treatments

culminated in a period of concentrated hand reflexology plus tuition on which reflexes to work

themselves. One female member of staff, who had been in a bad car accident, received only hand

reflexology as she could not bear her feet to be touched and she was one of the employees who

improved the most. Each employee kept a record of their reaction/ improvement to each treatment

and was given a Hand Reflexology Chart marked with specific reflexes to treat with self-help hand

reflexology twice a day for a few minutes between the weekly treatments. After four treatments both

the client and myself made an evaluation as to the progress made since the survey commenced. My

own conclusion was that the good results were obtained partly due the daily self-help hand reflexology

which was a constant trigger on specific reflexes which helped the body to heal itself. 

Reflexology Techniques to Support the Musculo-skeletal SystemIn the short workplace survey, an administration manager in her late 40s, client CM, felt she was over-

treating herself at first by working her hands twice daily for a few minutes as she was aching more, not

less, in the first few days. She had suffered from intermittent back, hip and neck problems for years,

had a demanding job and, at times of stress, she could feel muscular tension throughout her body. She

was highly sensitive to all forms of therapy, conventional and complementary, but was so impressed

with the way she felt after her first reflexology session that she had no intention of stopping the

programme. She deduced that the self-help twice per day was too intense, so stopped and the pain

ceased. Her back and hips gradually felt better than they had done for a years and she re-introduced a

single short hand treatment every other day. 

CM's neck problems flared up one weekend but the reflexology treatment eliminated them almost

immediately. Her osteopath was so impressed with the improvement in her back that it was suggested

that she extended the time between her regular osteopathic treatments for the first time ever. It is

interesting that I chose not to treat any of her conditions specifically in the first two sessions, but

aimed to simply balance the body by helping the musculo-skeletal system to adjust. Once there was a

general positive response throughout her body, it was possible to precisely help her hips, neck and

shoulders to respond quickly and naturally.

Never Limit the Power of Self-help for Older PeopleShowing clients how to use reflexology for self-help can be very empowering, especially when a person

has chronic pain issues. Many begin by helping to manage their condition by introducing some daily

self-help reflexology, and then start looking at other ways to improve their health. Mrs LK was in her

early 80s when she came to me for reflexology. She was overweight, with high blood pressure and

swollen ankles. She was also very sceptical as to how reflexology could help her chronic condition. She

is always willing try self-help reflexology on her hands and took her health seriously once she realized

that the older body is capable of a positive response. She reported, "Within three months of fortnightly

reflexology treatments my blood pressure was back to normal, my ankles less swollen and I felt mobile

and energetic. The reflexology sessions inspired me to take responsibility for my own health. I have

also started taking nutritional supplements, given up coffee and drink more water. I went to the gym

for gentle exercise and started driving and gardening again." Now at 96 Mrs LK is less mobile than she

was, but is still living in her own home, driving and doing her own shopping. An exceptional and

inspiring case.

Reflexology and Shoulder Issuesby Lynne Booth(more info)listed in reflexology, originally published in issue 187 - October 2011

Shoulder problems are some of the most common conditions that people present to complementary

practitioners and medical doctors. In my own practice, as a Reflexologist, I am constantly aware of how

many people complain of muscular tightness around their shoulders which can, in turn, lead to other

issues such as headaches, stiff or painful arms, nerve tingling in the fingers and referred neck and

back pain. Many clients seek a Reflexologist to address other health issues but, as the reflexology

treatment progresses, the sensitive shoulder reflexes (primarily located below the little toe) signify

possible stress and tension in the muscles and ligaments that surround the head, shoulders and neck.

Many clients take it for granted that they live with stress and respond well to the suggestion that

reflexology may help release tension in their shoulders and neck. As reflexology is an holistic therapy,

the whole body is always treated and stimulated in every session so the therapist is able to address a

wide range of issues to help create a general sense of homeostasis (balance). 

Reflexology is a gentle and effective therapy in which the Reflexologist's hands are used to apply

subtle pressure to reflex points on the feet. It is ancient science, dating back 5000 years, that states

that all the glands, organs and parts of the body have a corresponding reflex point on the feet (and

hands). In my work with older people, I find that many suffer with joint pain and possible arthritic

conditions. Many are on anti-inflammatory medication and often experience an increase in pain prior

to their next designated dose of pain-killers. I like to offer my clients "homework", to support them in

between appointments, and give them short, simple self-help techniques to try to help trigger the body

to help itself. (see instructions at end of article). Musculo-skeletal issues appear to respond well to

reflexology and an observational study conducted in Beijing, China looked at 39 cases of shoulder pain

in a sample group ranging in age from 49 to 58 years old. At the completion of the reflexology

treatments, 32 people reported that the pain appeared to have disappeared and their arms and

shoulders could move freely and the others reported a measurable positive effect ie pain reduction

plus an obvious improvement in the movement of the arm and shoulder. Ref 1

There are three main bones that make up the shoulder joint include the clavicle (collarbone), scapula

(shoulder blade), and humerus (long bone of the arm). The shoulder joint is a 'ball and socket joint'.

The 'ball' is the top, rounded part of the humerus, and the 'socket' is the bowl-shaped part of the

scapula, called the glenoid, into which the ball fits. This joint allows the arm to move in a circular

rotation as well as towards and away from the body. Ball and socket restriction can prevent a person

performing normally simple tasks. Many years ago I was asked to see a 76 year old woman who had

very bad hip pain and I worked the dorsum (top) of her feet using Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT) Ref 2

and 3 on her semi-weight bearing feet as she sat in her wheel chair. I simultaneously worked her hip

and shoulder reflexes as they are aligned in the same 'energetic zone' on reflexology charts and the

shoulder and hip are similarly aligned on the body. 

Her hip issues only improved a little in terms of mobility and this aspect of the treatment was not

considered to be a success, but after the reflexology she reported much less stiffness in her shoulders

and she found she was able to lift her arm much higher. She proudly showed me how she could now

brush the back of her hair again for the first time in months. This small improvement went far beyond

the benefit of a decrease in pain; it also empowered her to take control of a small but important action,

namely being able to brush her hair herself and take a pride in her appearance once more. It is also

important to give clients self-help reflexology between appointments so this client would gently rub

the area below her little finger (shoulder reflex ) on her hands and on lateral edge of her wrists (hip

reflex). She was advised to find the designated tender or sensitive reflex that related to her

shoulder/hip issues and she would work this when she was in pain or knew that she had a while to wait

before her next pain killer. She reported that, following her self-help, the intense pain would often ease

or turn in to a more bearable dull ache. In some other cases clients, who work specific reflexes for

shoulder pain, have reported that they have not felt the need to take off-the-counter allopathic

medication so frequently.

Client: Male 56 years, politician

Condition: Inflammation of right shoulder. 

Duration: 4 weeks. 

The client has suffered pain for 4 weeks and presented with a very tender shoulder which he could

hardly move. It took a while before he could take off his jacket , with help, and was seated in a chair.

He was exhausted through lack of lack of sleep. His shoulder pain began at the end of a very stressful

period when he was working more than 12 hours a day. He left for a holiday but was in so much pain a

doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and , when the drugs did not seem to help him much,

he took to drinking several glasses of Spanish wine to gain extra sleep. He had his first reflexology

treatment on his return and his neck reflexes reflected tension and sensitivity as his entire shoulder

area was painful. 

Classical reclining reflexology was given and the weight-bearing VRT techniques were applied to the

adrenal and diaphragm reflexes to try and help him relax and relieve his pain. He reported that he felt

the reflexology was working and came twice a week - becoming more energetic again and was elated

to show the progress every time. From the second treatment VRT was applied to the following foot

reflexes :his whole spine (lower lumbar reflexes were tender to touch), cervical neck area, brachial

tunnel (nerve to shoulder joint), shoulder area, axillary nerve, diaphragm and adrenals. Within 6 visits

he could perform nearly every movement with his right arm without pain. He then continued to receive

reflexology once a month for maintenance and relaxation.. 

Hedwige Dirkx, Reflexologist, Tutor and VRT Practitioner , Belgium

VRT/ Reflexology Shoulder Exercise

Self-help:  takes 3 - 4 minutes

1. Place your foot on a firm upright chair and lean forward a fraction to ensure your leg is weight-

bearing;

2. Whole Body. Using both hands on one foot work swiftly round the ankle pinching and pressing

firmly (but not painfully) with your fingers and thumbs. These techniques may help to stimulate the

whole body to respond to VRT/reflexology. Repeat on other foot;

3. To specifically work the shoulder: Find a tender reflex on the foot 2 cms below the little toe.

When located rotate your finger on that point for a few seconds.

4.  To Stimulate the Hip Relexes. Press your fingers and thumbs three times up and down the

inside bony edge of your feet on the spinal reflexes . Work round the base of the big toe for the neck.

Work the lateral (outside) reflexes on the heel to stimulate the hip reflexes. 

6. Whole Body Including Tense Neck and Shoulders. With two hands on one foot, work your

fingers down from the ankle to the toes pressing in tiny little 'bites' to stimulate the whole body

including the tense neck and shoulders. Let your fingers glide off the toes. 

7. Repeat on the other foot..  

References1. Yu Baofu, Han Houngling, Yang Huaiqing, Li Caixia, Treatment of Shoulder-Joint Pain with Foot

Reflexology. Beijing International Reflexology Conference Report, China Reflexology Association,

Beijing, pp. 69-70. 1998

2  Booth, Lynne. Vertical Reflexology for Hands. Publ Piatkus Books, London.  ISBN: 0-7499-2319-9

2003.

3. Booth, Lynne. Vertical Reflexology. Publ Piatkus Books, London. ISBN: 0-7499-2132-3. 2008.