What is known today as reflexology is a modernized version of an ancient therapy. But did you know that even as long ago as 2330 BC, reflexology wasn't just being practiced on the feet?
The approach to hand reflexology is the same as with the feet - it allows access to affect inner organs and systems, promoting relaxation and balance through the "mini-maps" of the larger body - except instead of on the feet, they are on the the hands.
Since the hands are easily to access in any position, this can make access to the reflexology points even easier! This form of therapy can be great additional knowledge to have alongside your foot reflexology practice, or can be practiced as a modality in its own right.
Give yourself a hand...reflexology experience!
Like foot reflexology, hand reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment. It is just as effective as reflexology on the feet, and often the hands are more readily available (and within reach!).
Like foot reflexology, this form of therapy has been around for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese writings even referenced a pressure therapy on the fingers and thumbs, described as a wringing and rubbing of the hands to bring the whole body to health.
In the 1930's Eunice Ingham, known as the "Mother of Reflexology," first mapped out the reflexes on the feet based on the idea of zones in the body. From her work, foot reflexology became a more widely popular method of treatment. But she commented on hand reflexology as well in her first book, Stories the Feet Can Tell, saying, "Reflexes exist in our hands in the same proportion, location, and so on, as in our feet."
Ingham added that it might actually be more difficult to locate the hand reflexes - that the tender spots might be less pronounced because of the amount of exercise we give our hands. But a lack of tender spots doesn't mean treatable areas aren't available.
Hand reflexology differs from foot reflexology in that the reflexes are generally smaller than on the feet, and very specific pressure may be required to receive the same amount of benefit. But there is an advantage to working the neck reflexes in the hand, located in the fingers, because they are much larger and easier to maneuver than their foot reflexology counterparts: the toes. Hand reflexology also helps with local hand conditions, such as arthritic stiffness and pain.
Hand reflexology can be a great addition to spa and esthetic services, nursing care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and more.
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