Reflexology and Digestion

HOW REFLEXOLOGY HELPS IMPROVE DIGESTION

Along with a healthy balanced diet, colon cleansing, and regular exercise, reflexology can be very beneficial in improving your digestive system. Reflexology works to increase blood flow, decrease stress, and encourage faster healing which in turn has a positive effect on your digestive tract leading to less pain and discomfort. 

SOLAR PLEXUS BREATHING: 

The solar plexus is one of the most powerful reflex points; a complex, dense, network of nerves or ganglia, therefore is known as the ‘abdominal brain’. It is part of the autonomic nervous system, which connects major organs to the brain. The solar plexus reflex point can be found straight down on the second toe, below the ball of your foot. 

To massage this point properly, place your thumb on the point on your right foot. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds and exhale for 5 seconds whilst pivoting the area with your thumb and loosening the pressure as you exhale.

STOMACH REFLEX:

Using both chemical and physical means the stomach digests food consumed. By secreting a mixture of acid, mucus, and digestive enzymes such as pepsin, it aids in the chemical breakdown of food. To carry out reflexology therapy for the stomach, hold the foot with one hand and thumb walk from below the thyroid reflex (see our diagram) upwards towards the solar plexus, using the thumb of your other hand. Repeat three times. This piece of reflexology therapy can help with those experiencing digestive problems such as ulcers, bloating or indigestion.

TEETH, JAW, AND THROAT REFLEX:

Another reflex that plays an important part in digestion is the teeth, jaw and throat reflex; the jaw and teeth begin the digestive process by initially breaking down the foods, whilst enzymes in the saliva help proper digestion begin. Behind the mouth, the throat is an important pathway linking the mouth, nose, oesophagus and trachea. To massage the teeth and jaw reflex, hold your foot with your left hand and using your index finger, thumb walk horizontally across the big toe underneath the nail. Repeat this three times. Additionally, the throat reflex can be found between your big toe and second toe on the dorsal aspect. Using your index finger, press and rotate on this point for a little reflexology therapy.

Still not sure how to properly administer some reflexology yourself? We have a couple of ways to help you out. First, click here to view a HowCast video of how best to alleviate digestive discomfort with reflexology. Second, Revs Reflexology Sandals take the stress off trying to perform reflexology on yourself and not knowing if you’re doing it right. Find out more about the benefits of Revs Reflexology Sandals here.