On-Line Reflexology Training & Certification

Reflexology Educators, Mentors and Coaches since 1991

Knuckling in on Arthritis

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Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are indicated on the hands by the enlargement of the first knuckle on the fingers. The knuckle will begin to enlarge long before there are other physical symptoms of arthritis!

The part of the body affected is shown by a knuckle enlargement of the corresponding finger. Hand Reflexology is an excellent way to work with this condition!

Index Finger – hips and lower back
Middle Finger – knees
Ring Finger – legs and feet
Small Finger – neck and upper back

The knuckle will begin to enlarge once the person’s lifestyle makes them predisposed to developing the corresponding arthritic condiiton, but long before the ailment has become disabling. We have found that this is the best time for a Reflexology Treatment and gently working the hand reflexes vs foot reflexes is preferable!   Following a specific hand reflexology routine that allows for soft, supportive techniques and working methods is called for at this time.

This information excerpted from the Universal College of Reflexology’s Hand Reflexology Course.

Zone therapy

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Reflexology as we now know it in the West has its origins in the study of zone therapy. Zone therapy is based on there being longitudinal lines of energy running up through the body from the feet to the brain, and from the hands to the brain. The development of acupuncture was founded on an understanding of these energy zones, but instead of gentle pressure being applied to specific points, fine needles are inserted under the skin to stimulate the energy pathway and so restore homeostasis to the body.

Here in the West because of widespread acceptance of foot Reflexology, and following along with the holographic principle (see article “Understanding The Holographic Principle”) other areas of application of Reflexology to various body parts, most recently the ear, are now following the same path to popularity that foot and hand Reflexology have traveled.

So the question then is – can performing Reflexology on the surface of the foot, hand or ear really have a reflex action elsewhere in the body? In other words can pressing a specific area on the foot, hand or ear really help a headache? The answer is Yes! As mentioned previously, the answer can be found in holographic principle.

See also the article How Does Reflexology Work? for additional information.

How well do you Handle Money

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Did you know that the spacing between the fingers tells how you handle money? Specifically the space between the middle finger and the ring finger! The wider it is – the more generous the person is likely to be, and part with their money.

A narrow space shows a more thrifty person, who knows the value of a dollar. When the fingers touch – their attitude is almost scrooge-like!

The following information is excerpted from the Universal College of Reflexology’s Hand Reflexology Manual.

Our hands are usually different sizes. The more dominant hand is likely to be the larger hand. This hand is also known as the moving hand. In most cases the moving hand gestures or moves more frequently, whilst the other remains at rest.

First let’s look at the non-dominant or stationary hand – this will give the person’s base line or basic attitude towards money. Now look at the dominant or moving hand and compare the two. See which hand has the larger spread between the middle and ring fingers.

Since the moving hand reflects the current situation, a wider space here would show that the subject is presently feeling more generous, and is more willing to part with their money. When the space is narrower on the moving hand, they are not likely to spend on anything except necessities.

For more fascinating information on the hands and how they can help you decipher your own health issues – as well as those of clients – consider studying Hand Reflexology.  Available as an on-line coursethrough the Universal College of Reflexology.

Stroke of Luck

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He was a frail elderly gentleman out for a free breakfast of sausage and pancakes at one of the many locations offering this morning treat as a celebration of Edmonton’s Klondike Days festival held annually in July. He was probably quite unaware of the life threatening event that was about to occur.

Also attending that pancake breakfast was me, Lauren Slade, newly arrived from England and eagerly anticipating the great Canadian outdoor experience. The event was being held in a car park on top of a mall in South Edmonton. I joined a long line up to collect my coffee…pancakes and sausages and then tried to find somewhere to sit. It was at this point when I surveyed the car park that I realised I was joining approximately one thousand other diners. Seating was understandably hard to find. I eventually squeezed myself onto a bench at the farthest end of the car park.

I was eating my (by now cold) pancake when I was joined by a frail looking elderly gentleman. He sat down and made light conversation with me. As I was listening, he started slurring his speech, and I at first thought that he had been drinking. Then I realised with a start that only one side of his face was speaking and the other side was collapsing with great speed. It suddenly occurred to me that he was having a stroke right now. I immediately stood up and screamed for someone to get medical help, but with there being so many people around it was nearly impossible to get help as quickly as this gentleman needed it.

Being a Hand and Foot Reflexologist for many years, I instantly grabbed his hand and started working the reflexes for the part of his body that I could see was being effected by the stroke (Trying to get socks and shoes off to work foot reflexes simply was not an option). I worked both hands with the type of pressure that I did not think I had in me. I kept talking to him, telling him that everything would be OK, and that help was on it’s way. It seemed like hours, but it was probably only 3 or 4 minutes before medical aid arrived and he was immediately transported to hospital.

What happened? Well I telephoned the hospital and was told that he was alright, and that he was very lucky to have had only a mild stroke!

So was the reflexology that had been performed on his hands literally only moments after the episode started responsible for saving his life? Or was the stoke mild like the hospital said? I shall never know, but I am sure that it was not coincidence that we were seated together on that cold Saturday morning in July.

Premenstrual Symptoms

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Randomized Controlled Study of Premenstrual Symptoms Treated with Ear, Hand and Foot Reflexology

By Terry Oleson PhD and William Flocco, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 82, No. 6, December 1993

This study was designed to determine whether reflexology treatment can significantly reduce premenstrual symptoms compared to a placebo treatment. Thirty-five women who complained of previous distress with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were randomly assigned to be treated by ear, hand and foot reflexology or to receive placebo reflexology. All subjects completed a daily diary, which monitored 38 premenstrual symptoms on a four-point scale.

Somatic and psychological indicators of premenstrual distress were recorded each day for 2 months before treatment, for 2 months during reflexology treatment, and for 2 months afterward. The reflexology sessions for both groups were provided by trained reflexology therapist once a week for 8 weeks, and lasted 30 minutes each. Results: Analysis of Variance for repeated measures demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in premenstrual symptoms for the women given true reflexology than for the women in the placebo group.

The treatment group showed a 46% reduction in premenstrual symptoms, which was sustained at 41% during the post treatment period. It was concluded that ear, hand and foot reflexology is an appropriate therapy for the treatment of PMS.

Remote Reflexology – What will they think of next?

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This spiny little contraption has the unique ability to simultaneously control your TV and your chronic kidney, uterus or testicle-related ailments. This is truly a magical medical breakthrough product.

The Cool.con universal remote employs reflexology to stimulate pressure points on the hand that are said to correspond to various areas of the body to promote better overall health. So the next time your partner nags you for watching too much TV, just tell them that you are engaged in a very serious medical procedure.