Do the same stretch pointing the fingers down toward the floor. This stretches the other side of the arm and wrist. Stretch each finger as well, using the same motions as you did with the wrist. This helps loosen up your joints and get your fingers ready for massage. Some fingers might be able to bend easier than others, and that’s okay! Don’t try to force the fingers into an uncomfortable position.
Press the towel into the hand gently to help absorb the warmth, then unwrap it and dry off the hand with the dry towel. Don’t leave the warm towel wrapped around the hand for more than a minute or so. You could also try a hot wax dip if you have a paraffin unit. [5] X Research source
It also helps to pull and massage each of the fingers individually, rubbing your thumb in a circular motion moving upward from the base to the tip of each finger. [7] X Research source You can use a little lotion, cream, or massage oil if you like, but keep it minimal. You don’t want your fingers to slip as you work. [8] X Research source
Focus on just the outer edge, the outline of the hand from the tip of the thumb to the center of the wrist.
Once you’ve finished the tips of the fingers, move down to the part of the finger under the second joint and repeat the same process to massage the reflex points associated with the neck.
Curl your thumb at the center of the palm to “hook” your thumb under the diaphragm line and press into the palm in pulses for 5-10 seconds. Massaging the diaphragm line, according to reflexologists, helps reduce tension in the diaphragm muscle. This muscle can become tense when someone is under a lot of stress and their breaths are quick and shallow. [12] X Research source
Search online for a hand reflexology chart, which will show you the specific zones for each hand. These charts often have minor differences, which is why it’s best to massage the entire hand rather than trying to focus on a specific zone. Each area or “zone” of the palm corresponds to a reflex point for a different part of the body. The reflex points on each palm correspond to organs and muscles on that side of the body. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
It’s a good idea to close your eyes as you work so you can completely focus on the feeling. Stay in the same spot until you feel a subtle shift in the sensation, then move to the next area. [16] X Research source
If you have a paraffin unit, you might also end the session with a hot wax dip. [18] X Research source Another option might be a brief soak in some warm water with a few drops of a relaxing essential oil.
To combine aromatherapy, you might include a few drops of a relaxing essential oil, such as lavender, in the foot soak water. Epsom salts are also beneficial for relaxation.
Grab the top of each foot with your fingers between the toes and move the foot slowly in a circle, 3 times in one direction and then 3 times in the other, to loosen up the ankle. Make a fist and glide it down the sole of each foot from the toes to the heel. This helps warm up the soles of the feet.
If you have long fingernails or if your thumbs become tired or sore, try using the first knuckle of your index finger instead.
The other 4 toes correspond to the sinuses. Massage them just as you did the big toe. The base of the second and third toes correspond to the eyes, while the third and fourth toes correspond to the ears.
Keep in mind that different reflexology charts might label the zones a little differently. That’s why it’s generally better to massage the whole foot rather than trying to focus on a specific area.
The reflex point that corresponds to the sciatic nerve runs across the top of the heel on both feet. The tailbone is the inside edge of the heel, while the heel itself corresponds to the lower back generally.
