Do you feel out of sync with your body, needing a general overall refresh to get yourself feeling more like you? If you do, you’re in luck because we can help. We offer a range of massaging sessions including reflexology to help improve your well being. But what exactly is hand reflexology, what are the benefits and is it safe? Continue reading to discover more and see if this treatment is right for you…
What Is Hand Reflexology?
Hand reflexology is a massaging technique which works by applying pressure to reflex points within the hands. These reflex points are believed to be connected to other parts of the body, so as massaging occurs, it ensures that the whole body is treated during the reflexology session.
Similar to getting a reflexology foot massage, hand reflexology comes with a lot of great benefits. A safe and relaxing procedure that can even (with caution) be used during pregnancy, hand reflexology offers a holistic approach that gets your body’s natural processes working for you. For more details on what reflexology is and how it works, check out our reflexology guide. For now, let’s get down to the business at hand (pun intended!).
Benefits Of Hand Reflexology…
There are a whole host of benefits of reflexology, with one of the main ones being relaxation. This is because it strengthens the connection between mind and body, which relieves stress for promoting deep relaxation.
Reflexology also works to alleviate aches and pains throughout the body such as headaches, back and shoulder pain and more. It can have a significant positive effect on those with certain medical conditions.
Hand reflexology works much like foot reflexology by gently working to relieve lactic acid build up, it promotes healing which is great for those who enjoy working out to help speed up recovery time. There is a huge range of other benefits, including but not limited to:
- Corrects physical imbalances
- Eases anxiety
- Reduced tiredness
- Regulated blood flow
- Relieved sinuses
Is Hand Reflexology Safe?
Generally, hand reflexology is very safe and effective. However, there are a few cautions to beware of before having a session. For example, regular reflexology isn’t recommended during pregnancy as it can trigger early contractions. If you’re expecting it’s best to book a pregnancy reflexology appointment, which will be specifically tailored to the needs of your body during pregnancy. If you’re unsure if it’s safe for you or you have any concerns, you should discuss this with your reflexologist or with your doctor prior to treatment.
While reflexology is a pain-free procedure for the most part, it’s important to remember that you’re not getting a massage. Reflexology triggers a reflex response in one part of the body by stimulating another part of the body. For example, a particular point on your hand can trigger your stomach, while another can trigger your intestines. If you’re experiencing issues in either of these areas, hand reflexology can help bring things back into balance. The initial stimulation, however, causes a reflex which can be momentarily painful. Such sensations pass quickly, but it’s important to be aware they’re a possibility – and perfectly normal! – before your first reflexology appointment.
Mapping Hand Reflexology Points
The human body is a remarkably complex thing. It’s also a highly connected system that may comprise a myriad of different organs and systems, but remains a high-functioning whole. Everything is connected. Everything works in unison.
At least, that’s what’s supposed to happen. Sometimes, those connections become blocked or go a little awry. The hands and feet both contain points of connection to the major organs and areas of the body.
Hand reflexology uses these point to improve the connection between the various parts of your body, ensuring connections are clear and everything can effectively communicate and work in harmony. But which part connects to where?
While we do not recommend you attempt to use these reflexology points yourself, we know a lot of you are curious about which parts of the hand trigger a reflex in which parts of the body. To demystify the process somewhat, here is a chart showing all the reflexology points in the hands…
Hand Reflexology Or Foot Reflexology: Which Is Better?
Hand reflexology can be just as effective as foot reflexology, whilst often remaining more convenient too. The reflex points within your hands are a lot deeper than in the feet, so more pressure must be applied during hand reflexology to get the same results. If you have decided you want to visit a hand reflexologist for a session but unsure where to look, you’ve come to the right place.
Here at the Northwich Foot Clinic, we offer hand reflexology sessions which you can book online, or call us for more information on 01606 45077.
