Getting results with reflexology work is a matter of combining pressure technique, reflex area(s), and amount of time. These elements work together like an exercise program. The pressure technique is a form of exercise just as jogging or lifting weights. The reflex area is the target for the exercise just as a biceps muscle is the focus of a particular type of weight lifting practice. The amount of time you will apply pressure technique to a reflex area or areas is also similar to exercise. You'll need to be consistent, applying technique every day.
The intricacies of this simple idea are such that different schools of thought have emerged. For example, more than 100 how-to reflexology books are now available at Amazon.com. Nonetheless, many reflexology careers have been launched when caring mothers were so successful with their family reflexology work that they moved on to become professionals. They got results and so can you.
Applying technique to another can be as simple as a press of the thumb or as complex as the professional standard, the thumb walking technique. Start simple. Remember: don't allow your fingernail to hit the surface of the foot or hand. Do not cause pain. This is counter-productive to the basic reflexology goal, relaxation. For further instruction, consult a reflexology book. If money is an issue, take a look at one in the book store or check one out of a library. If you are applying technique with the use of a cream, lotion or oil, look for instructions about hand or foot massage in a massage book.
Applying technique to yourself is more simple. You can judge amount of pressure for yourself. Consider also use of a tool. A golf ball rolling technique is described at Self-help for Allergies. (Use of tools while working on another is not suggested. You can't judge how much pressure you're exerting and can cause injury.) Popular in Asia and Germany, walking on an other-thanusual surface is an easy, gravity-aided method of applying pressure. It can easily be shared with others whose health is your concern. This technique has been tested and found to lower blood pressure and increase senior citizen's control over falls.
Pressure is applied to reflex areas of the foot or hand pertinent to the health interest. Refer to a reflexology chart to note reflex areas. If the chart doesn't seem to give you the information you want, consider this: reflexology is believed to influence the function of an organ. Refer to an anatomy book and determine what organ you seek to impact. For example, in reflexology, kidney or ear infection is addressed by applying technique to the ear and kidney reflex areas respectively but also to the adrenal gland reflex area. One function of the adrenal gland is combatting infection.
Think exercise. Just as success in exercise calls for a certain pattern of frequency, duration and intensity, so too does reflexology. Once a week reflexology, for example, can be relaxing but will probably not impact a health concern. Especially if your concern has existed for some time, is serious or if you're older, you'll want to work daily. If you're working for a self-help goal, consider technique application two or three times a day for 5 minutes.
ŠKunz and Kunz 2004
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