Reflexology: Restoration of the Body's most Crucial Organs

In this very first sentence, this article lets you know that reflexology is not massage. This is a form of therapy that is used to restore balance to the body. This is done by systematically applying pressure to the reflex points which are mainly located on the feet, hands, and ears which connect directly to these organs(and other body parts).

If you ever have to doubt this medication-free treatment, delve into some research and you will find out that reflexology has been in use for over 3,000 years in China, Egypt and other parts of the world. Reflexologists understand the reflex points to work on so as to impact the target areas for a particular benefit. For instance, if you visit a reflexologist for headache or pressure build-up, they will know the specific reflex in your feet to work on.

Reflexology is a form of alternative therapy that has tremendous benefits. The benefits of reflexology can help with diabetes, headaches, back pain, digestion issues, insomnia and stress just to name a few.

Enough said. It’s time to discuss reflexology and its use in the restoration of the body’s most crucial reflexes: the pituitary gland, solar plexus and adrenals. Regular maintenance of these three reflexes will guarantee you a  relaxed life.
Read on to know the benefits of reflexology and how focusing on these 3 major reflexes can bring relaxation to the body..

THE PITUITARY GLAND

To start us off is the pituitary gland, which is also known as the “master gland.” This is because it is the most important gland in the human body owing to it being the control panel of all other endocrine glands. It is located in the brain.
Endocrine glands are the glands that secrete their hormones and/products directly into the bloodstream without using a duct. They include the hypothalamus, thyroid, testes, ovaries, pancreas, pineal gland and so on. If you know the importance of these glands, then you’re probably aware of the criticality of keeping your pituitary healthy, energetic and happy!

The benefits
A pituitary gland will have a direct effect on normal secretion of all body hormones and enzymes. The gland also influences growth. We also need to mention that it is a part of the triangle of life and, finally, the reproductive system. These are some of the large-scale benefits of pituitary gland.

Some momentary effects include alleviation of dizziness, improving muscle pain, increasing muscle strength, helping with congested breathing and improving mood. If you do it just before bed time, it will relax your body and induce calm sleep. If done immediately you wake up, it will boost your energy levels so you start your day full of energy.

Quite some benefits, right?

How to do it
You’re wrong if you think we have to massage the brain so as to activate the healing benefits of the pituitary reflex point ☺
The reflex to press is found in the feet, and specifically the big toe. It is always best to let an experienced reflexologist do this for you as they know exactly where to touch, how to touch and how much to touch. Doing it on your own will have some impact, but it will not be as much as when done by an expert.

Now, you need to find the point where the swirls of the big toe meet. You will see some neat lines on the big toe. Place your thumb where they seem to meet. This should be near the centre of the big toe. However, they vary between persons. With your thumb placed there, lock your other fingers on the opposite side of the toe (on the nail). The area may be very sensitive.
You then apply moderate pressure and rub it in circles, up-down movements or just hold it. This depends on the desired effect.

THE SOLAR PLEXUS
The solar plexus is also known as the celiac or celiac plexus. It is a dense network of radiating nerve fibers in the abdomen located above the navel near where celiac trunk and major arteries branch from the abdominal aorta. In short, it is found at the diaphragm, where the stomach meets the rib cage.

Just like the pituitary gland, the solar plexus is one of the most powerful points in reflexology. In fact, judging by its placement in the body plus its connection to the major arteries, we can readily tell its importance, right? The nerves in the solar plexus are spread out all over the abdominal area, leading to it being referred as the “abdominal brain.”

The benefits
One of the major issues known to be connected to this area is stress. Whenever you claim to have stress, the problem usually emanates from the solar plexus (and not the head as most of us think). Therefore, proper balance of this area means you will more than likely be stress-free. You will agree that this is probably the best gift that one can be offered at this instance in time!

Any complication related to breathing can be alleviated by reflexology in the solar plexus. We are talking about tension, obstructed breathing, tension, fright and so on. Surprisingly, during moments of tension, rather than holding your breath, try using reflexology on the solar plexus. It regulates breathing, bringing your heartbeat and stress levels to normal.

On more complex conditions, you can improve faulty blood pressure, tens of allergies and even asthma. For these complications, combine solar plexus reflex with adrenal gland reflex for maximum effect.

How to do it
The solar plexus reflex point is located just below the ball of the foot directly below the third toe. “Draw” an imaginary line at this point across the foot (right to left). Then you have the right point to massage.

To work this point, place the thumbs on the imaginary line, at the center of the foot. There should be a dent there. Now, push the thumbs inwardly towards the knees and then hold for about 30 seconds. After this, place the thumbs on either end of this reflex line. Then as you bring them towards each other, stretch the imaginary line downwards. It represents the diaphragm.

As you repeat this exercise, the diaphragm will be pulled downwards and the lungs will have more power and room to accommodate long, deeper breaths. This will restore the balance of energy in the solar plexus and all areas of the abdominal cavity.

This is so interesting! However, as you can tell, this is one of the reflexes that can be hard to do on your own.

The Adrenals
The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system that we discussed earlier on. They are located atop both kidneys. In short, each kidney has an adrenal gland above it. Their work is to release different hormones in the body, including the very popular adrenaline. Adrenaline is the chemical released by the body during times of stress and either tells you to fight or fly!
In addition to this, the adrenals execute over 50 more other body functions. Therefore, by working them, you will be providing the very necessary service and maintenance that your body needs so badly.

The benefits
Adrenal glands that work properly will do you the best favors in the world. They will help in fighting off infections, aid in toning muscles, create enough testosterone and estrogen, regulate the lymph glands, and restore the optimal body mineral balance. What’s more, they will alleviate arthritis and migraines, fight viruses, allergies, fatigue and also clear up the bronchioles.

How to do it
The adrenal reflex point is found at the indentation of the foot at the base of the ball of the foot, where it meets the stem of the big toe. This should be medial between the side and under the foot. You hold the foot such that your thumbs rest on this area. Then you rub it in circles or up-down movements while applying slight pressure.

The effects of these treatments are best narrated by you. After attending a session or two, you will have a lot of experiences to tell about them. As long as the expert knows how to do it right, these three vital points will have you feeling like a newborn in no time.

If you are looking to relieve stress the pituitary gland, solar plexus, and adrenal glands are key reflex points to use.
It is worth a try!

IMPORTANT: Reflexology is more of a treatment than pleasure activity. As such, observe these key points before you decide to attempt it:

• If you are pregnant make sure your Reflexologist is comfortable with treating you.
• Drink enough water after a reflexology session. This will clean up the toxins that build up during the restoration process.
• Wait for at least an hour after eating before going for reflexology.
• If you have foot problems such as varicose veins, clots, injuries or the likes, consult a doctor before attending a reflexology session.
• Finally, make sure your reflexologist is certified.