5 Amazingly Easy, Self-Soothing Reflexology Techniques
1. Prepare Properly
As with any bodywork, hydration before and after a massage is important. Reflexology works by activating pressure points, which cause a response in different parts of the body. When the body is working hard internally in this way, it quickly becomes dehydrated.
These pressure points can also activate other physical responses during or after a massage. Burps, an increase or decrease in energy, and flu-like symptoms can occur, but should dissipate within 24 hours of a massage when accommodated by drinking plenty of water.
To absorb excess oils or perspiration on the skin, use talcum or baby powder during your massage. Only use massage or essential oils at the end of the session to relax the body.
2. Work on Both Sides
Courtesy of Balance Massage Therapy
Even when you’re targeting specific areas of your body, it’s important to complete the entire massage to get the full relieving effects of reflexology. Work on your whole hand or foot before moving on to the next one and always finish both sides, the left and right. Only a comprehensive massage will yield the most relief.
3. Start With Your Ankles
When preparing for a foot massage, start by massaging all around your ankles to loosen your ligaments. By loosening the nerves that run through your ankle, you’re preparing your foot for direct pressure, which you’ll be using in your foot reflexology technique.
Feet are often ticklish or tender, so you should use a firm, but gentle touch when performing a foot massage. Warming up your foot by relaxing your ankle ligaments makes your foot less ticklish and more responsive to pressure when you start working your soles.
4. Using Household Items
When looking to activate the pressure points in your foot, you can use household items or a reflexology foot mat to reach every area of your feet. A pile of soft, rounded pebbles are great to walk on and work your whole body at once. Or, use a golf ball and roll your foot over it to activate different areas with more pressure.
If you are truly interested in foot reflexology techniques, you can get a foot mat, which is designed with varying sizes of bumps that align with the pressure points in your foot. You can massage your foot over the mat for a complete and easy reflexology massage and to help target specific areas.
5. Simple Hand Massage
If you are stressed out at work or need relief from working long hours at a computer, a hand massage using reflexology techniques is a great way to relax and calm your nerves.
Start by gently pinching the top and bottom, and then sides, of the tip of each finger. Then, vigorously rub each finger from knuckle to tip before slowly pulling outward on each finger in the same direction.
Firmly tug at the skin in between each finger and then leisurely massage the back of your hand with your thumb, working in between the knuckles first. Then turn your hand over and massage your inner wrist and the palm of your hand, using your thumb and knuckles for extra pressure. Finally, end by placing your thumb in the center of your palm and taking a few deep breaths.
Conclusion
Reflexology has a number of simple, self-soothing techniques that offer immense relief. Ideal for managing stress, mastering reflexology massages can help you stay calm and relaxed each day. Use these all-natural techniques to accompany other treatments and watch yourself feel better in no time!
