Use This Method to Make Your Pains Disappear
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.