Does your body feel as if it’s storing tension? Reflexologist Michele Stevens shows you how to relieve stress and anxiety by massaging specific areas of the feet
Did you know that any tension in your feet, your hands and your face could affect what’s going on in other areas of your body? Your body is made up of bone, tissues, nerves, tendons, muscles and nerve endings are found all over the body.
Whether it be aches and pains, built up tension or even sleeping problems, reflexologist Michele Stevens will guide you through self massage techniques to tackle some of the most frequent issues we all struggle with.
What is foot reflexology?
The feet have 26 bones and over 7,000 nerve endings called reflexes. It is these reflexes that correspond to every organ and system within your body.
Reflexology is a non-intrusive complementary therapy and is based on the theory that by applying gentle pressure on these reflex points, stimulate the nervous system and opens the energy pathways that may be blocked or congested.
A reflexology treatment aims to restore the body’s natural balance. In this busy world, we spend a lot of time on our feet and our feet take a daily pounding. This impact is felt throughout the whole body.
We put our feet under a lot of pressure and never give them a thought until they start hurting.
Foot reflexology for stress anxiety
- Diaphragm Reflex- Using thumb work across the middle of the foot 3 times.
Working this point helps to release tension held in the whole body.
2. PituitaryReflex – Using the thumb press and circle the middle of the big toe for a few seconds.
The pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain and is often referred to as the “master gland” of the body. This gland produces many hormones and is responsible for releasing hormones that stimulate the adrenal glands, the thyroid glands, the ovaries and testes.
3. Spinal Reflexes – Using the thumb press and circle down the side of the foot starting from the big toe down towards the heel. Next, press and move across from the heel to the ankle and then pressing and circling from the ankle to the big toe along the side of the foot. Repeat at least three times.
Working any areas that are sensitive can help to reduce pain, tension or muscle spasms.
4. Adrenal Reflexes – Using the thumb on the inside edge of the foot just under the knuckle of the big toe, gently press this area and breathe deeply and slowly as you press.
These glands can be found at the top of each kidney. They are responsible for producing hormones that we cannot live without, such as sex hormones and cortisol. When stressed the body produces Cortisol and it is this that helps us respond to stress. When we are in a stressed state all the time the production of too much cortisol can damage the body and lead to adrenal fatigue, which affects the metabolism and other areas of the body.
Working this point it helps to calm the body.
For more about Michele and to book an appointment, visit Wellness by Michele Holistic Therapies here. You can also contact Michele Stevens at wellnessbymichele.com who provides this treatment in her own practice in Hayes, Middlesex.
Michele Stevens is fully qualified and a member of the Association of Reflexologists and Registered with Complimentary & Natural HealthCare Council (CNHC) fro Reflexology. I am a Colour Mirror Practitioner. When you have treatments with me, you will feel safe and nurtured and know that I put you and your interests at the heart of my treatments; and it’s wonderful to know that for that time, no one can disturb you for anything.
More reflexology content from Michele:
Sleep problems? Foot reflexology could be the solution
Got insomnia? This hand reflexology massage could help
How to relieve sinus pressure with facial reflexology
Got headaches? This hand reflexology sequence could help
Got back pain? This hand reflexology can help quickly
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