Benefits of Hand Reflexology

Hand reflexology is an holistic and natural form of massage therapy, that can target your key body zones from the palm of your hand. It may be considered a healing zone body therapy, and is a popular choice for self-massage and holistic medicine. Its actual definition is a source of ongoing debate amongst massage therapists, but it is offered as a service by many professionals and spas. Hand reflexology defines specific zones, pressure points, and energy centers located on the palm and backs of your hands; when these areas are massaged appropriately, different organs and functions of the body are affected.

The art and science of reflexology massage dates back centuries and generations in the Far East Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. Massage and holistic medicine are common practice on these continents, and ara often a core part of a culture's spiritual belief systems. From yoga, meditation, self-massage, and natural pathways to relaxation and enlightenment, these cultures have practiced hand reflexology techniques for hundreds of years.

Hand reflexology charts are available for reference today, and serve as diagrams to understand the corresponding zones and regions on the body. These blueprints will help you find the ailing area: labels of each zone indicate the stomach, heart, lungs, brain, and even kidneys. Each area of the body is believed to have 'access' through different regions found on the hands and feet. When specific ailments or pain are found, a practitioner may massage the appropriate zone to stimulate the gland, organ, or portion of the nervous system that needs help.

Understanding each zone takes time and practice, but learning the diagram from a hand reflexology is a great start. Many massage therapists can help guide you through the basic zones, and will show you how to perform a self-massage when needed. You can find a colorful hand reflexology chart here.

Reflexology is a gentle and valuable massage option to help release toxic energy and aid in relaxation. It manipulates the hand and feet, sometimes in a particular sequence, and can improve your well-being and state of mind after just one session. Although a practitioner can guide you through an in-depth session, here are some tips to get started on a self-massage:

• Reduce a headache: Your head and temple region are found on the tips of your thumb and fingers. Gently knead and massage the tips only, and slowly reduce headache pressure or an oncoming migraine.
• Reduce shoulder pain: Concentrate on the region just under the joints of each finger, on the top side of each hand. Massage gently in a clockwise motion from left to right.
• Reduce back pain: Gently massage the back area of your wrist joint and thumb area. The sides of your hands around the thumb area particularly relate to your back.
• Open up sinuses: Slowly massage the lengths of each finger, focusing on the tips. This can help to improve circulation to your head and ear region, slowly increasing oxygen flow.
• Reduce allergies: Apply pressure to the fleshy portion of the top sides of your palm. You'll notice an increase in circulation to your nasal passages and throat area.
• Reduce neck pressure: Gently massage the 'second segment' of each finger, the region under your fingertips (the top/first segment).