Deborah Flanagan
Deborah Flanagan, certified hypnotist, certified reflexologist, Reiki practioner and founder of the Center for True Health in New York City.
Bottom Line: Press here to combat 6 common health problems
Did you know that the answer to your sinus congestion problem might be found in your fingers? Or the cure for constipation found in your feet? Reflexology is based on the concept that our hands and feet contain nerve endings that form a map of the entire body. You can learn to do this safe therapy at home for relief from common health concerns such as back pain, allergy symptoms and even insomnia.
How it works: When you apply pressure to key points on your hands and feet, you activate nerve endings and help your nervous and circulatory systems get your body into better balance. Our nerve endings are connected to spinal nerves as well as to corresponding organs. Each can be reached by a point on the feet or hands. (For instance, the side of your thumb matches up with your spine.)
Reflexology has solid scientific research behind it. Back in 1993, the first US reflexology study published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, Obstetrics & Gynecology, studied the effects of reflexology on premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study showed a 46% reduction in premenstrual symptoms.
More recently, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health awarded a second round of funding to Michigan State University researchers to continue studying the impact of reflexology on women undergoing chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. So far, patients have shown improvement in shortness of breath, as well as in 10 areas of physical activity. Meanwhile, preliminary research out of The Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center is looking at the effect of reflexology and aromatherapy in women undergoing breast cancer radiation treatment—it suggests that the combo reduces pain by 60% and anxiety by 20%.
As a clinical reflexologist trained in this noninvasive, holistic therapy, I see the benefits in my clients every day. While reflexology generally is very safe, there are a few caveats. If you have unchecked diabetes, a blood clot or foot injuries or sores, you should check with your doctor first. And of course, remember that reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a substitute for medical care.
These are some of my favorite techniques that you can do at home for common health complaints. Relax, take off your socks and get hands-on for better health.
This move regulates and supports your GI system to help with constipation, gas and indigestion. Equipment: Golf ball (or other similarly sized hard ball).
How to do it: Interlock your fingers.
Rx: Do this once or twice a week for two weeks. Then, as needed.
Rolling the soles of your feet is great for gastric distress and relieving bloating in particular. This is one of my personal favorite self-help techniques. Equipment: Wooden foot roller.
How to do it: Roll underneath your arches on the soles of your feet with a wooden foot roller.
Rx: Do this after a big meal when you’re feeling puffy. Do this for one to two minutes on each foot.
This technique is great if you’re having trouble sleeping. You press a point on your thumb that is the reflex for the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland oversees the entire endocrine system (especially the adrenals, which are involved with cortisol levels and stress), so this is a really important point to help the body balance itself. Equipment: None.
How to do it…
Rx: Press this spot on both thumbs two to three times a day to sleep more soundly on a regular basis. And next time you wake up in the middle of the night, you’ll know what to do.
The fingers contain the reflexes for the head and sinuses. This move alleviates any kind of congestion—and the best part is that it often works right away. Equipment: Just your hands!
How to do it…
Rx: Do this on each finger on both hands a few times, and repeat three or four times a day or as needed.
When you frequently have a sore back, it’s hard to find DIY solutions that help ease the pain, so this move is a great one to know. Since this reflex area covers your whole spine, this trick helps alleviate upper- and lower-back pain. Equipment: None.
How to do it…
2. Repeat on the right hand using the left thumb to press. Anywhere tender? That’s normal if you’re experiencing back pain. Spend more time on tender areas, but don’t apply a lot of pressure if it hurts. “No pain no gain” doesn’t apply with reflexology!
Rx: Do this on both hands, go down this area three or four times, and repeat three or four times a day.
This move, the Wrist Twist, helps women with symptoms such as cramping from PMS and hot flashes during perimenopause and menopause. The reflexes for the ovaries and uterus are on the sides of the wrist. Just don’t expect instant relief—addressing hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues takes time, usually three months of weekly sessions. I also use the Wrist Twist on men who have issues with their testes or prostate. Equipment: None.
How to do it…
Rx: Rotate each wrist 20 times or so, two or three times a day.
