Relieve Common Aches and Pains
If you suffer from certain aches and pains,
you may be able to get rid of them using reflexology and acupressure on
yourself. By doing so, you’ll do away with waiting for doctor’s
appointments or suffering in silence.
If you’re thinking of acupuncture, then
you’re right – the two do sound very similar and they actually work on
the same principles too. The only difference is that with acupressure,
there aren’t any needles to deal with – you apply pressure with your
fingers to certain points of your body instead.
On the other hand, reflexology is the use of therapeutic pressure
massage on certain areas of our hands and feet.
These massages are designed to improve energy flow, relieve pain and
optimize our health. Certain areas of our hands and feet correspond to
specific areas of our bodies and even specific organs. The theory is
that the root cause of pain in specific areas is usually due to a
blockage of energy, which is preventing us from being healthy and
vibrant.
Here is a list of aches and pains that can be treated using acupressure
and reflexology, at home or on the go:
For Headaches and Migraines
Our fingertips (excluding our thumbs), with particular reference to the
area at the base of the fingernails, can be massaged to relieve head
pain. Do so by focusing on your index fingers, as well as the webbing
between the thumbs and your index fingers. The latter is often referred
to as the Valley of Harmony.
For Sinus Pressure and Pain
Turn your palms towards you and apply pressure to the pad of your finger
(the part of your finger you use to type) using the thumb and index
finger on your opposite hand. Hold the tip of each finger in turn for
1-3 minutes, lightly massaging when done. This will relieve sinus pain,
headaches, dizziness, pressure, stuffy noses and congestion.
For Neck Pain and Tension
Massage the middle part of each of your
fingers in turn, and look at your fingers. While you’re doing so, think
of your fingertips as your head – working your way down your fingers,
therefore, is working your way down your neck and shoulders.
For an Upset Stomach
Massage the entire length of your thumb,
warming it up in the process. Once you’ve done so, apply direct pressure
to the center of your palm using your warmed up thumb, holding it in
place for a couple of minutes.
For a Cold or Sore Throat
Massage the entire length of your thumb,
warming it up in the process. Use the index finger and thumb of your
opposite hand to apply pressure to either side of your thumbnail.
For Fatigue
Start off by massaging your whole hand, then apply direct pressure to the point on your middle finger, as shown in the photo.
For Menstrual Cramps or Abdominal Pain
Lightly massage your whole hand first.
Apply direct pressure to the side of your nail on your index finger,
doing so on the side that’s closest to your thumb. Once you’ve done
that, move to the second location on your pinky finger, as shown in the
picture.
Additional tips
1. Rub your hands together for one minute prior to starting any of these
exercises to increase hand energy and sensitivity. Use the index finger
and thumb on your opposite hand to gently massage and warm up the area
to be worked on.
2. The ever-present tip - “make sure you drink lots of water and stay
hydrated” in beauty and health articles - is here too. Proper hydration
allows for optimal tissue health and helps your body get rid of toxins.
After all, our bodies are almost entirely made up of water.
3. Avoid deep pressure to the web of the hand if you are pregnant.