How to Relieve Back Pain Through Reflexology

Reflexology points on the foot

Reflexology is a natural healing art that is based on the notion that there are reflexes in both the hands and feet that transmit to every organ and gland in the body. When pressure is applied by a reflexologist to the hands or feet, it removes energy blocks, promotes increased circulation throughout the body and improved muscle and body functions. Reflexology is effective in reducing back pain. Here you will learn how to relieve back pain through reflexology.

Things You'll Need

• Chair or Table

Instructions

How to Relieve Back Pain through Reflexology

1. Help the patient become comfortable. Reflexology will only be successful if the patient is comfortable and fully relaxed. Reflexology is most often performed with the patient sitting in a chair, but he can be lying down as well.

2. Help the patient relax. Before starting reflexology, the patient needs to be open and relaxed. Have patient close his/her eyes and take long, deep breaths. Take a few moments to lightly massage their legs and arms. Tell them to think of happy, light thoughts and not to dwell on things that may bring on added stress and worry.

3. Study reflexology charts. Reflexology is often also referred to as zone therapy. Reflexologists will massage, squeeze or push on certain parts of the hands, feet and sometimes ears to benefit another part of the body while also improving general health. Studying reflexology will help you to know which areas of the feet and hands will promote better health for the back.

4. Locate specific foot and hand reflexes. The areas for treating back pain are found on the feet. Pain along the spine can be treated by focusing on the arch of each foot. Shoulder pain can be remedied by focusing on the sole of the foot directly underneath the pinky toe. There are also several areas that can treat the back where the kidneys, lungs and other internal organs lie.

5. Massage targeted areas. Once you’ve located the specific areas that are needed to treat back pain, use your fingers to massage, squeeze and push on these areas. By applying pressure to the feet, reflexology aims to promote overall health, reduce stress and increase health in the targeted areas. Reflexology massages should last for about 30 minutes depending on the number of body areas you are treating and should be repeated once or twice a month.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a serious medical condition, see a doctor.